AWARENESS OF FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION FOR PREVENTING NEURAL TUBE DEFECTS AMONG GYNECOLOGISTS AND PEDIATRIC SURGEONS
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Keywords
Neural Tube Defects, folic acid, awareness.
Abstract
Objectives: To assess the level of Awareness of Folic Acid Supplementation for Preventing Neural Tube Defects among Gynecologists and Pediatric Surgeons.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar, after approval by the hospital’s ethical committee. A total of 50 participants meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding folic acid supplementation, including demographic details, understanding of its preventive role in neural tube defects, and counseling practices. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.
Results: The mean participant age was 47.40±6.97 years, with 46% males and 54% females. Most were aged 41–50 years (48%) and specialized in pediatric surgery (58%), while 82% had over 10 years of experience. Regarding qualification, 70% held FCPS, 20% MCPS, and 10% MBBS/diploma. Overall, 78% demonstrated adequate awareness of folic acid supplementation, and 22% showed inadequate awareness. No significant associations were observed between awareness level and demographic factors such as gender, age, specialty, experience, or qualification (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: It was concluded that while most gynecologists and pediatric surgeons were aware of folic acid’s preventive role in neural tube defects, notable gaps persisted in their detailed knowledge and counseling practices. Continuous medical education, updated guidelines, and emphasis on preconception counseling are crucial to ensure timely supplementation and reduce neural tube defects in Pakistan.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
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Dr Ayesha Anwar
Gynaecologist, Atta Husain Hospital Upper Dir, PAK.
Arroosa Usman
Senior Registrar, Muhammad Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan:
Dr Sadia Akhtar
Assistant Principal Medical Officer, Eye Department, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Saeeduddin
MPhil Biochemistry, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr Tausif Ahmad
Senior Registrar Timargera Teaching Hospital, Lower Dir, Pakistan
