Folate supplementation to prevent birth abnormalities: evaluating a community-based participatory action plan for refugees and migrant workers on the Thailand-Myanmar border

Preconception folic acid (PFA) taken at least 3 months before conception can decrease the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs) by approximately 46%. NTDs contribute significantly to neonatal morbidity and mortality in migrant and refugee populations on the Thailand-Myanmar border (incidence 1.57/1000 live births). This audit aimed to assess uptake of PFA among migrant and refugee women, evaluate knowledge about PFA among local healthcare workers and implement a participatory community intervention to increase PFA uptake and decrease NTD incidence in this population.

Source: Public Health - June 20, 2018 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: A. Stevens, M.E. Gilder, P. Moo, A. Hashmi, S.E.T. Toe, B.B. Doh, S. Nosten, K. Chotivanich, Shawn Somerset, Rose McGready Tags: Original Research Source Type: research