Abstract:

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and determinants of paternal preconception folic acid (FA) supplement use. Methods: This study was based on cross-sectional data from sixteen maternity and child hospitals (centers) or general hospitals located in nine districts of Shanghai. Participants were enrolled from pre-pregnant physical examination clinics, aged 20-50 years. They conducted the questionnaire during the waiting time at waiting-room and restored it before they leaved. The questionnaire data entry was conducted with double times and logical test. Participants were categorized according to the use of FA or multivitamin (MV), the group had used FA or MV supplement was named users, in contrast, the group had not used FA or MV supplement was named nonusers. The correlation between the prevalence of FA supplement use and the selected socio demographic characteristics (age, education, occupation, household annual income, area of research site), lifestyle (smoking situation, drinking situation) Were analyzed. Variables were analyzed as determinants of FA intake using chi-square statistical test and multivariate Logistical regression, respectively. Results: Overall, 4 224 pregnancy planners were enrolled, 4 122 participants were analyzed including 2 343 women and 1 881 men and 1 762 families. Average age was 30.5±4.3, 94.5% were highly educated families. The prevalence of preconception FA supplement use was 15.8% (292/185) in man and 42.6% in women. The prevalence of FA supplement use was higher among men with higher education and income, at traditional district, and with healthy lifestyle factors such as being a nonsmoker. Within 1762 families, 223 were FA supplement user families, 551 were nonuser families. The prevalence of parental FA supplement use was higher among families with higher education and income, living in traditional district, and in families with nonsmoker. Multivariate Logistical regression indicated paternal preconception FA supplement use was more likely among the population in traditional district (OR=8.60, 95%CI: 6.12, 12.07) and with their spouse using FA supplement (OR=1.44, 95%CI: 1.08, 1.93). Conclusion: Prevalence of paternal and parental preconception FA supplement use are approximately one third of maternal FA supplement use. Maternal FA supplement use is far below the National Health and Family Planning Commission requirements, which indicates that education of folic acid supplement knowledge is deeply needed.