Economic factors influencing the utilization of folic acid by pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital, Apac district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70572/agp.v3i5.38Keywords:
Folic acid utilization, pregnant mothers, antenatal care, economic factors, supplement accessibility, Apac General HospitalAbstract
Background:
Utilization of folic acid among pregnant mothers is essential in preventing maternal anemia, neural tube defects, and other pregnancy complications. This study assessed economic factors influencing the utilization of folic acid among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital, Apac District.
Methodology:
A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study employing quantitative methods was conducted among 32 pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital. Participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, pre-tested for validity and reliability. Analysis was done using SPSS version 27, and findings were presented using tables, graphs, and percentages.
Results:
Most respondents were aged 26–35 years (56%), married (69%), and had primary-level education (46.8%). The majority were self-employed (62.5%) and had 3–4 children (43.7%). Regarding economic factors, 66% reported that folic acid supplements were not accessible in their area of residence. More than half (56.3%) indicated they were only sometimes financially able to purchase supplements, while 18.7% were never able to afford them. Poverty was reported by 65.6% as always influencing utilization, and 59.4% indicated unemployment as a major barrier to consistent use.
Conclusion:
Economic factors such as poverty, unemployment, and limited financial capacity significantly influence the utilization of folic acid among pregnant mothers attending antenatal care at Apac General Hospital.
Recommendation:
The Ministry of Health and health facility managers should ensure a consistent free supply of folic acid supplements at antenatal clinics.
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