In 1992, the USPHS issued a recommendation that all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms folic acid daily to reduce their risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect (NTD). In 1998, the Institute of Medicine recommended that women capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 micrograms daily of folic acid from supplements or fortified foods in addition to food folate. National survey data indicate widespread lack of knowledge of these recommendations. Health-care providers were cited by only 20% of women as the source of this information. In recognition of the important role of health care providers as reliable sources of health information, funding for this program was received from the CDC, Florida Department of Health, Healthy Start, and March of Dimes. The program includes educational materials to train nurses and dietitians as well as their patients and clients about reducing risk for NTD-affected pregnancies by consuming folic acid. The educational curriculum focuses on promoting daily consumption of a folic acid containing supplement and addresses ways to dispel barriers associated with vitamin use. Sources of food folate are identified along with behavioral strategies to help practitioners promote increased consumption of folate-rich foods. The program includes an educator’s guide, training videotapes, CD-ROM containing presentation files and patient handouts, a slide set, and an interactive teaching tool that includes color food flash cards. The program was pilot tested in five public health facilities and will be distributed statewide to public health departments, March of Dimes chapters, and extension offices.
Learning Objectives: Following this presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe the current folic acid recommendations for reducing risk for neural tube defects (NTD). 2. Recognize the important role that public health practitioners play in disseminating the folic acid/NTD message, and the challenges they face in doing so. 3. Describe how components of the “Folic Acid Every Day” program can facilitate practitioners in educating patients about folic acid/NTD recommendations.
Keywords: Birth Defects, Nutrition
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
March of Dimes
Healthy Start
Florida Department of Health
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment with University of Florida
Grant received from CDC, Florida Department of Health, March of Dimes, and Healthy Start