The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53984

Adriane K. Griffen, MPH, CHES, Spina Bifida Association of America, 4590 Mac Arthur Blvd., NW, Suite 250, Washington, DC 20007, 202-944-3285x13, agriffen@sbaa.org

Purpose of the Program: The Recurrence Prevention Campaign is a three-year national effort, which began in September 2002, that educates women at increased risk for neural tube defect (NTD)-affected pregnancies (specifically women who have a child with spina bifida, have spina bifida themselves, or have had an NTD-affected pregnancy) and their health care providers about the importance of increasing folic acid consumption by prescription prior to future pregnancies. Setting: Campaign year-one works on a national level with a focus in three states with traditionally higher rates of spina bifida: AL, NC and TX. The Campaign works with SBAA chapters and clinics along with partners on the National Council on Folic Acid and from the private sector. Interventions: Health education, media advocacy, and social marketing are used in a number of campaign interventions within communities in campaign target states: outreach to local libraries, health departments, medical societies and grocery stores; media outreach by SBAA chapters in target states; and development of a folic acid counseling tutorial. Outcomes: Currently 33% of women are taking folic acid and 57% have received folic acid counseling from their health care provider. Process evaluation data will be available at the time of presentation. Media advocacy efforts to date have resulted in TV, radio and print placements reaching more than 2 million. Conclusions: Sustainable awareness efforts are needed as most women at increased risk for NTDs are not aware of their need for prescription folic acid and are often not counseled by a health care professional.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.) Become familiar with the folic acid recommendations by the US Public Health Service for women in the general population and at risk for spina bifida recurrence.
• 2.) Learn how formative audience research is used in programming for specialized maternal groups like women at risk for recurrence and health care providers.
• 3.) Learn the four steps in sensitive folic acid counseling.
• 4.) Identify opportunities to provide concise and appropriate folic acid counseling to women of childbearing age.

Keywords: Women's Health, Primary Care

Related Web page: www.sbaa.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Spina Bifida Association of America
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment