Knowledge and attitudes about preconception consumption of folic acid in medical students of the University of Cuenca, 2020

Abstract

Introduction: the consumption of preconception folic acid contributes to the prevention of neural tube defects in pregnancy, its use is essential during and before pregnancy.

Objective: to establish the level of knowledge and attitudes about the preconception consumption of folic acid, in first-year medical students at the University of Cuenca, 2020.

Methodology: it is a cross-sectional descriptive study with a sample of 141 students, obtained with the formula for finite universes, with a 95% confidence interval and a 5% error rate. Students were randomized in the EPIDAT 3.1 program. The confidentiality of the lists provided were respected, and the information was coded in the database created in the SPSS 22.0 program. The analysis was carried out using a descriptive technique with tables of frequencies and percentages. The approval of the COBIAS of the University of Cuenca, the authorization of the direction of the medical school and the informed consent of the students were requested.

Results:  the 100% of the participants know the benefits of folic acid consumption before and during pregnancy, more than 90% would recommend its use; 65% do not know when to stop its use and 51% do not know the dose. In terms of attitudes, they obtain a regular score of 78%.

Conclusions: the level of knowledge about the benefits of folic acid before and during pregnancy is high, more than half of the participants do not know the doses and when to stop its use; an important percentage showed a regular attitude regarding the subject.