Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Haryana, India: Estimating Population-Based Prevalence for Neural Tube Defects.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in pregnant women are associated with increased risk for adverse maternal and infant health outcomes, including neural tube defects (NTDs).

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two rural areas in Ambala District, Haryana, India in 2017 to assess baseline folate and vitamin B12 status among women of reproductive age (WRA) and predict the prevalence of NTDs. We calculated the prevalence of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency by demographic characteristics among 775 non-pregnant, non-lactating WRA (18-49 years). Using red blood cell (RBC) folate distributions and an established Bayesian model, we predicted NTD prevalence. All analyses were conducted using SAS-callable SUDAAN Version 11.

SUBMITTER: Das R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11373839 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature