1. Folate/folic acid knowledge, intake, and self-efficacy of college-aged women: impact of text messaging and availability of a folic acid-containing supplement.
- Author
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Rampersaud GC, Sokolow A, Gruspe A, Colee JC, and Kauwell GP
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Female, Humans, Nutrition Surveys, Patient Education as Topic methods, Self Efficacy, Students, Surveys and Questionnaires, Universities, Young Adult, Diet, Dietary Supplements, Folic Acid administration & dosage, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Text Messaging
- Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the impact of educational text messages (TMs) on folate/folic acid knowledge and consumption among college-aged women, and to evaluate the impact of providing folic acid supplements on folate/folic acid intake among college-aged women., Participants: A total of 162 women (18-24 years) recruited from a university., Methods: The protocol included 3 study visits and a 6-week intervention for 4 groups: control; TM only; supplement only; and TM+supplement. Supplement groups received folic acid-containing supplements. TM groups received 18 folate-related TMs. Participants completed knowledge quizzes, supplement intake questions, a self-efficacy scale, and dietary recalls., Results: Despite receiving the same folic acid education, intake of folic acid and total folate was greater in the supplement groups compared with the non-supplement groups at mid- and post-study. TMs had no impact on any study measure., Conclusion: Provision of a folic acid-containing supplement enhanced short-term folic acid intake, supporting the provision of supplements to this population group.
- Published
- 2016
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