ArticleCureus2026
Knowledge of the Importance of Folic Acid Among Women of Childbearing Age in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Article in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundAdequate folic acid intake before and during early pregnancy is essential for the prevention of neural tube defects (NTDs). Despite established recommendations, gaps in knowledge and appropriate use of folic acid persist among women of reproductive age.
objectiveThis study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding folic acid and its role in pregnancy among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and to identify factors associated with better awareness.
methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among women aged 18-49 years residing in the UAE using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed via social media platforms. Non-probability sampling methods, including snowball and voluntary sampling, were employed. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, V. 28.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and associations between knowledge levels and sociodemographic variables were examined using chi-squared tests and Spearman's correlation.
resultsA total of 379 women participated (median age: 31 years). Overall awareness of folic acid was high (333/379, 87.9%); however, only 214/379 (56.5%) correctly identified its role in preventing NTDs, and 147/379 (38.7%) recognized that supplementation should begin before conception. Higher educational attainment was significantly associated with better knowledge of folic acid (Spearman's r = 0.219; p = 0.001), while no significant association was found between knowledge level and previous pregnancy history (p = 0.124). Healthcare providers were the most commonly reported source of information (271/379, 71.5%).
conclusionAlthough awareness of folic acid among women of childbearing age in the UAE is relatively high, important gaps remain regarding its preventive role and the optimal timing of supplementation. Strengthening preconception education through healthcare services and public health initiatives is essential to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
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