Folic Acid Use in Pregnant Emergency Department Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Steenblik Jacob, Schroeder Erika, Hatch Burke, Groke Steven, Broadwater-Hollifield Camille, Mallin Michael, Ahern Matthew, Madsen Troy
Primary Institution: University of Utah
Hypothesis
What are the rates of folic acid supplementation among pregnant patients presenting to the emergency department?
Conclusion
A significant percentage of pregnant ED patients did not report current folic acid use, with notable differences between Caucasian and non-Caucasian women.
Supporting Evidence
- 62.2% of patients reported current folic acid supplementation.
- 71.2% of Caucasian women reported daily folic acid use compared to 53.6% of non-Caucasian women.
- The study highlights the potential role of the ED in screening for folic acid supplementation.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women who go to the emergency room are not taking folic acid, which is important for preventing birth defects.
Methodology
A survey study of pregnant patients presenting to the ED over a 16-month period.
Potential Biases
The convenience sample may introduce bias based on patient willingness to participate.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate pregnancy outcomes and used a convenience sample, which may not represent all pregnant ED patients.
Participant Demographics
Average age 25.1 years; 51.1% non-Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.035
Confidence Interval
1.05-4.36
Statistical Significance
p = 0.035
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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