Survey Finds Michigan Lags Nation In Folic Acid Awareness
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According to a 2001 study conducted for the March of Dimes by the Gallup Organization, 59% of people in Michigan are aware of folic acid, compared to 63% nationally. The level of folic acid awareness among Michigan women of child-bearing age (18-44) is 58%, significantly lower than the 74% reported nationally.
Folic acid has been shown to prevent certain birth defects if taken by women before pregnancy. Research also suggests that folic acid may help prevent heart disease and some cancers in both women and men.
When the survey asked about taking a folic acid supplement or a vitamin containing folic acid on a daily basis, in Michigan and nationally, 26% of participants responded positively.
The survey found that both awareness and consumption of folic acid were correlated to the respondents’ income and education. Nationally, those most likely to know about and take folic acid were white, female, college graduates.
Michigan residents most commonly receive folic acid information through print & broadcast media. Physicians are the leading source of information about folic acid for 19% of the respondents.
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| When asked about the role of folic acid and pregnancy, Michigan respondents generally had lower awareness levels than national respondents. Awareness that folic acid helps prevent birth defects was 16%, compared to 19% nationally. When asked about when a woman should take folic acid, 14% said it should be taken before pregnancy and 17% said there was a greater need for folic acid during pregnancy. National response was 16% and 15%, respectively. |
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