Preconception Folic Acid Information Seeking and Associated Factor among Reproductive Age Women in Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia, 2023.

Abstract

17 IX Abstract Background Health information seeking is a proxy for preconception folic acid health seeking behavior. The health information seeking field is about how people look for information and how to create interventions to aid in their searches for information acquisition. Therefore, information seeking can positively impact on maternal and child morbidity and mortality . Preconception is a crucial time when maternal health can have a significant impact on both the person's health and that of future generations. Preconception health is important, but there is little knowledge regarding women's attitudes, behaviors, and information preferences. To inform targeted health communication, details are essential . During the preconception and pregnancy planning stages, women frequently increase their information seeking, decision-making behaviors, and lifestyle modifications in order to maximize intergenerational health . Folic acid is a crucial vitamin for neurotransmitters and DNA synthesis during organogenesis. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend taking folic acid supplements, maintaining healthy behaviors, and seeking medical attention for preconception care. However, women's perception of folic acid's value is often limited. World wide women of reproductive age recommend to take folic acid in the preconception period. Scince, the impact of not taking folic acid induce congenital anomaly like,NTDS are the most frequent congenital central nervous system abnormalities, with a frequency of 0-10 per 1000 live births. NTD is to blame for newborn death and severe impairment. Anencephaly and spina bifida are the most frequent types of NTD. Although the rate of fatality from spina bifida is lower than that of anecephaly (i.e., 7% in the case of Spina bifida compared to a 100% fatality rate in anecephaly), it can result in significant lifelong morbidity. Objective: the main objective of the study is to assess Information Seeking Behavior on preconception folic acid And Factors among reproductive-age women In Gondar town, North West Ethiopia, 2023 community-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among reproductive-age women in Gondar Town from March 20 to April 20, 2023. A total of 636 women of reproductive age were selected by multi-stage systematic random sampling techniques. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect the data which was adapted from (Health information national trend system). The data entry form was prepared using epi-data version 4.6 the analysis was conducted. Descriptive statistics, Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied using stata version 14 to assess factors related to preconception folic acid information seeking. Result: the proportion of Preconception folic acid information-seeking behavior was seen in 42.3% of participants throughout the past 12 month with 100% response rate. The study found that non-pregnant women were 67.2% times less likely to seek preconception folic acid information than pregnant women (AOR = 0.328, 95% CI = 0.177, 0.61). High digital literacy led to a 1.77 times higher likelihood of obtaining folic acid information than poor digital literacy (AOR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.88). Internet access was also a significant factor, with respondents with 6.2 times higher odds of obtaining preconception information than those with restricted access. Individuals with higher incomes, age groups, and marital status also sought preconception folic acid information. Conclusion: The finding of this study confirmed that women's information-seeking behavior for preconception folic acid in the community is below half of the participant. Respondents preferred the internet as their primary information source following health care providers. More research is needed to improve preconception folic acid information and control programs for folic acid deficiency-induced congenital abnormalities.