Adherence of pregnant women to folic acid intake and role of physician on adherence in al ahsa district of saudi arabia

Background: Studies on the level of adherence to folic acid (FA) and factors associated were limited in number and showed discrepancy within the same area and among different populations. By detecting these factors, there will be a possibility to improve the compliance and then decrease in the prevalence of undesirable outcomes as NTD. The health care providers have an important role in this adherence.
Method: A cross-sectional study that uses a multistage sampling technique was used. It was conducted among multiple primary health care centers in Al-Ahsa city. The sample size was 176 pregnant women based on the prevalence of awareness regarding FA intake during pregnancy. It was 160 initially, however 10% patients were added in order to manage the dropouts.
Result: The prevalence of use of FA among pregnant in their first trimester was satisfactory (87%). Only 2% of pregnant have previous child with NTD. By assessing the FA adherence level, we found that only15% are highly adherent. A common reason (71%) of low adherence was forgetfulness secondary to taking care of others followed by being a working mother and unawareness of FA importance. A 13% of pregnant did not take FA at all. The main reasons behind non-use of FA as participant mentioned that FA was not prescribed for them, followed by unawareness of its importance during pregnancy.
There was a positive correlation between level of adherence and patient-doctor relationship. A 74% patient had totally appropriate rapport with their primary health care physicians (PHCP).
Conclusion: For high adherence, the patient should know and understand the importance of the FA taking, and why she takes it and when she can stop it safely. Improvement of adherence is required, and this need qualified physician with good communication skill, enough time for each pregnant.