Knowledge and use of folic acid among college women: a pilot health promotion program led by pharmacy students and faculty

Pharmacy Practice (Internet)

  • Bethany L. Murphy1ONU HealthWise, Ada, OH, United States., 2Raabe College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, United States.
  • Natalie A. DiPietro2Raabe College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, United States.
  • Karen L. Kier2Raabe College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University, Ada, OH, United States.

Volume 8 Issue 4 Pages 220-225

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a pilot health promotion program on college women's knowledge regarding folic acid and prevention of neural tube defects (NTD) and frequency of multivitamin use. Methods: A health promotion program was developed by a pharmacy student and two pharmacy faculty members that included an oral presentation and reminder messages. A multiple-choice test assessing knowledge of folic acid and NTD and frequency of multivitamin use was given to participants before and immediately after the presentation. Participants then received a reminder message regarding folic acid once a week for three weeks. Knowledge and multivitamin use were re-assessed four weeks post-intervention. Results: Thirty-two college women voluntarily attended the oral presentation. Twenty-five women (78.2%) completed the four-week post-test. Compared to the pre-test, there were statistically significant increases in average test score (p<0.0001) and correct responses to questions regarding folic acid and NTD (p<0.05 for each question). Participants reported a statistically significant increase in regular (≥4 times/week) multivitamin use (p=0.023). Conclusion: Participants in the pilot health promotion program demonstrated a statistically significant increase in knowledge about folic acid and frequency of multivitamin use. A similarly-modeled health promotion program may be an effective way of increasing folic acid and NTD knowledge and changing behaviors of multivitamin use in college women.

Keywords

  • Health Knowledge
  • Attitudes
  • Practice
  • Folic Acid
  • Health Promotion
  • United States
Pharmacy Practice

Loading…