Vartika Saxena
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, India
Title: Epidemiological determinants of folate defi ciency among pregnant women of district Dehradun
Biography
Biography: Vartika Saxena
Abstract
Folate deficiency has been found to be associated with congenital birth defects like spina bifida, anencephaly, etc. Pregnant women have an increased need for folic acid (600 mg/day) to support the growth of the placenta and foetus and prevent birth defects. Present study was conducted to assess deficiency of serum folate among pregnant women and its epidemiological determinants. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Doiwala block of Uttarakhand state, a hilly state of the country, and a total of 95 pregnant women participated. Pregnant women were randomly selected from antenatal clinics organized at sub-centers and primary health centers. Blood samples were analyzed for serum folate by competitive immunoassay using direct chemiluminescent technology. Fully automated ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay system was used for analysis.
Analysis of data showed that mean serum folate level among pregnant women was 10.1 _ 5.9 ng/ml (95% confidence interval 8.9–11.2). As per World Health Organization cut-off levels, a total of 28 (29.4%), 95% CI (20.2–38.5), women were having folate deficiency (≤5.9 ng/ ml), and out of them 3 were having folate levels below 3 ng/ml (severe folate deficiency). 9 (9.4%) women had elevated levels (>20 ng/ml). 57 (60%) women were in the normal range (6–20 ng/ml). Out of various biosocial determinants considered, education and economic status have shown significant association with folate deficiency. A significant difference was observed in the mean serum folate level among pregnant women living in joint and nuclear type of family. Mean serum folate levels showed a slight negative correlation with body mass index (Spearman's rho = _0.22, p = 0.03900) and gestational age (correlation coefficient: r = _0.26, p = 0.009).
Study findings reveal that high level of folate deficiency (29.4%) is prevalent among pregnant women. Education, type of family, economic status and BMI came out to be important determinants of folate deficiency. These identi- fied determinants could be considered while planning comprehensive strategy for reduction of folate deficiency.