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

Abstract #59491

Kathleen M O'Rourke, PhD, MPH¹, Mary Roddy, PhD, MPH¹, and Darryl Williams, MD². (1) Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon St., Suite 302K, POBox 250835, Charleston, SC 29425, 843-876-1118, orourkek@musc.edu, (2) Office of Border Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso, 4800 Alberta Ave, El Paso, TX 79905

Low folate levels at the time of conception are associated with neural tube defects (NTD’s), and potentially with other birth defects. Taking 0.4 mg o folic acid can prevent neural tube defects if used during the periconceptual period. This project is an evaluation of an intervention to increase vitamin use and folate levels among Mexican-American postpartum WIC clients attending clinics on the US/Mexico border. A total of 325 women will be enrolled during their first 6 weeks postpartum and followed for 12 months. Comparisons will be between women who received WIC services at the intervention clinic and those who receive traditional care as well as between women who are and are not randomly selected to receive free vitamins. This presentation will include a demonstration of educational materials developed for postpartum Mexican-American women, discuss the methodology of incorporating the program into the WIC setting, and provide baseline data on participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavior about taking peri-conceptional vitamins. Of the 61 women enrolled to date, 19 (31%) had heard of folic acid, 34 (56%) knew it prevented birth defects, and 16 (26%) reported taking vitamins during the preconception period. However, although 97% of women said it was important to take vitamins during the postpartum period, one third of respondents had already stopped taking vitamins within the first 6 weeks following pregnancy. Results from this study can be used to determine if a WIC based educational program can be effective in promoting vitamin use among postpartum women.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, attendees will be able to:
• Determine the importance of increasing multivitamin use among postpartum women
• Identify factors associated with postpartum use of vitamins among postpartum Mexican-American women
• Understand the steps involved in developing a WIC-based and culturally appropriate educational program

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Vitamins

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.