Knowledge of Health Professionals on Folic Acid Use and Their Prescribing Practice in Bahir Dar City Administration, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND Taking folic acid supplement during periconception period is effective to prevent neural tube defects. Unfortunately, a minority of Ethiopian women took folic acid supplement during this period. Low consumption of folic acid might be correlated with knowledge and prescribing practice of health professionals. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge and prescribing practice of health professionals. METHODS Institution based cross-sectional quantitative study supplemented by qualitative approach using thematic content analysis of in-depth interview was conducted. A total of 424 health professionals were selected by simple random sampling technique. A convenience sampling technique was used to generate the qualitative data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with knowledge of health professionals. RESULT About 47.7% of health professionals had sufficient knowledge and 9.7% of them had prescribed folic acid to women during periconception period. Age, having work experience in ANC clinic, and being a general practitioner were independent predictors for knowledge of health professionals. Lack of guideline to use as a reference, refreshment training and clear direction from health bureau, time constraint, differing patient priorities, and competing topics were some of the reasons for insufficient knowledge and poor practice. CONCLUSION The majority of the health professionals had insufficient knowledge and poor prescribing practice on folic acid during periconception period. Lack of guideline to be used as a reference, refreshment training and clear direction from health bureau, time constraint, differing patient priorities, and competing topics were some of the reasons for low level of knowledge and poor prescribing practice. Thus, guideline to use as a reference, refreshment training, incorporate the topic in the curriculum of health professionals and supportive supervision should be given to increase the knowledge and prescribing practice of health professionals. Regional Health Bureau should give priority on prevention of birth defects.