Folate deficiency among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Pumwani maternity hospital, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Folate deficiency is one of the micronutrient deficiencies of greatest public health concern, especially among women of child bearing age due to the potential consequences to the unborn baby. To address micronutrient deficiencies including folate, the Government of Kenya amended the food, drug and chemical substances act to have mandatory fortification of maize and wheat flour with folic acid. This study sought to determine the prevalence of folate deficiency and assess awareness and utilization of folic acid. A cross-sectional study of 247 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) at Pumwani Maternity Hospital was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to interview study participants. Blood samples were collected from all study participants and serum folates analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Of the 247 study participants, 2 (0.8%) had folate deficiency. One hundred and seventy-nine (73.4%) had heard about folic acid supplements while 56 (22.7%) had heard of folic acid fortified flour. Overall, 198 (80.2%) study participants consumed fortified brands of maize flour and 205 (84.4%) consumed fortified brands of wheat flour. In conclusion, the prevalence of folate deficiency was low possibly due to the implementation of mandatory folate fortification of maize and wheat flour. Although there was limited knowledge of fortified flour, utilization was high. The Ministry of Health should reinforce implementation of the legislation on maize flour and wheat flour fortification by all milling industries