Knowledge level and use of folic acid and compliance with the mediterranean diet among women of childbearing age

This thesis examines the correlation between folic acid awareness and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among women aged 18–45 at BBM (BÜŞRA BEYZA MERT) Polyclinic in Istanbul. The study seeks to assess participants' understanding of folic acid, their eating patterns, and their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. A descriptive and correlational study including 144 female participants was done. The data collection encompassed a literature-based questionnaire, a food consumption frequency assessment, a 3-day food consumption record, and the MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale) scale. SPSS 26 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) was used to analyze the study's data. In the study data analysis, quantitative variables were shown with mean, standard deviation, median, minimum, and maximum values, while qualitative variables were shown with frequency and percentage. Results revealed that 97.9% of participants recognized folic acid, whereas 48.6% were uninformed about the required daily dosage. Merely 41.7% recognized dark green leafy vegetables as a significant source of folic acid. The average compliance score for the Mediterranean Diet was 4.70±1.79, with 63.2% of participants demonstrating low adherence. A significant positive association exists between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and awareness of folic acid (r=0.454, p<0.01). Individuals utilizing folic acid exhibited markedly greater adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (p<0.01). The study emphasizes the necessity for educational activities that advocate early folic acid supplementation, preconception counseling, and compliance with folate-rich diets via nutrition regulations and public health programs. Keywords: Folic Acid, Food Consumption Diary, Food Consumption Frequency, MEDAS Scale, Women of Reproductive Age