Prevalence Rate and Risk Factor of Spina Bifida at Maternity and Obstetrics Hospital in Karbala City

Abdulridha Merzah, Mohammed

	Prevalence Rate and Risk Factor of Spina Bifida at Maternity and Obstetrics Hospital in Karbala City
journal of kerbala university
Article 1, Volume 13, Issue 4, 2017, Pages 77-82 PDF (0 K)
Author
Mohammed Abdulridha Merzah
Abstract
Objective: Reduction of folic acid (a type of vitamin-B) during pregnancy may cause a neural tube defect (NTD) called spina bifida. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence rate of spina bifida and its relation to folic acid, intake during pregnancy, and other factors like parents’ relative degree and radiation. Methodology: Cases of spina bifida (n=18) and control subjects (n=16) from Maternity and obstetrics hospital at Karbala city were included. Mothers of newborns with spina bifida were interviewed by the researcher to collect some information on consuming folic acid and some demographic variables. Results: Relative degree of parents was a significant factor to spina bifida (X2 (34,2) = 6.013, P= 0.04). No significant correlation was found between spina bifida and exposing to radiation during pregnancy. A significant correlation was found between having neonate with spina bifida and consuming folic acid during pregnancy (X2 (34,2) = 11.900, P= 0.003). Conclusions: Women who had not taken folic acid during the first trimester of their pregnancy were more likely to have a neonate with spina bifida. Recommendations: Health centers efforts should be focused on educating pregnant women on hazardous of some factors (such as radiation and misuse of drugs) on their babies’ health.

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