Denhard J de Smit1, Stephanie S Weinreich2, Martina C Cornel2. 1. 1MediClara Projects,PO Box 44,1390 AA Abcoude,The Netherlands. 2. 2Clinical Genetics/EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research,VU University Medical Center,Amsterdam,The Netherlands.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a concise intervention to promote the preconception use of folic acid (FA) supplements among mothers who visit a well-baby clinic (WBC) for the 6-month check-up of their youngest child is effective. Effectiveness was measured as intention to use or actual use of FA supplements before a next pregnancy among women who expected to be pregnant within 0-12 months. DESIGN: Controlled intervention study with independent samples of intervention and control mothers. The intervention took place at the 6-month visit. A post-intervention measurement was done in the intervention group and a comparable measurement in the control group at the 11-month check-up visit. SETTING: The intervention, verbal and in writing, was implemented in four Dutch WBC and given by the WBC physician to the mothers who visited the WBC. SUBJECTS: All mothers visiting the WBC were eligible for inclusion, unless they were unable to complete a questionnaire. The intervention group consisted of 198 (68 %) mothers recruited from 291 6-month intervention visits and the control group of 215 (84%) mothers recruited from 255 11-month normal visits. RESULTS: In mothers who expected to be pregnant within 0-12 months, the proportion using or intending to use FA was 65% in the intervention group (n 49) v. 42% in the control group (n 43; difference 23%, 95% CI 4, 43%, P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Health education intervention at the 6-month WBC visit is an effective means to promote the use of FA supplements or the intention to do so.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a concise intervention to promote the preconception use of folic acid (FA) supplements among mothers who visit a well-baby clinic (WBC) for the 6-month check-up of their youngest child is effective. Effectiveness was measured as intention to use or actual use of FA supplements before a next pregnancy among women who expected to be pregnant within 0-12 months. DESIGN: Controlled intervention study with independent samples of intervention and control mothers. The intervention took place at the 6-month visit. A post-intervention measurement was done in the intervention group and a comparable measurement in the control group at the 11-month check-up visit. SETTING: The intervention, verbal and in writing, was implemented in four Dutch WBC and given by the WBC physician to the mothers who visited the WBC. SUBJECTS: All mothers visiting the WBC were eligible for inclusion, unless they were unable to complete a questionnaire. The intervention group consisted of 198 (68 %) mothers recruited from 291 6-month intervention visits and the control group of 215 (84%) mothers recruited from 255 11-month normal visits. RESULTS: In mothers who expected to be pregnant within 0-12 months, the proportion using or intending to use FA was 65% in the intervention group (n 49) v. 42% in the control group (n 43; difference 23%, 95% CI 4, 43%, P<0·05). CONCLUSIONS: Health education intervention at the 6-month WBC visit is an effective means to promote the use of FA supplements or the intention to do so.
Authors: Mirjam P Fransen; Miriam E Hopman; Laxsini Murugesu; Ageeth N Rosman; Sian K Smith Journal: Reprod Health Date: 2018-11-23 Impact factor: 3.223
Authors: Meertien K Sijpkens; Jacqueline Lagendijk; Minke R C van Minde; Marlou L A de Kroon; Loes C M Bertens; Ageeth N Rosman; Eric A P Steegers Journal: PLoS One Date: 2019-11-06 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Adja J M Waelput; Meertien K Sijpkens; Jacqueline Lagendijk; Minke R C van Minde; Hein Raat; Hiske E Ernst-Smelt; Marlou L A de Kroon; Ageeth N Rosman; Jasper V Been; Loes C M Bertens; Eric A P Steegers Journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth Date: 2017-08-01 Impact factor: 3.007