Effectiveness of a Pediatric Primary Care Intervention to Increase Maternal Folate Use: Results from a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

Nymisha Chilukuri, Tina L. Cheng, Kevin J. Psoter, Kamila B. Mistry, Katherine A. Connor, Daniel J. Levy, Krishna K. Upadhya

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective To assess the impact of provision of folate vitamins and a preconception health intervention on folate use among mothers bringing infants to pediatric primary care. Study design We conducted a cluster randomized trial in mothers presenting with their infants (<12 months) at 4 urban pediatric practices in the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area. There were 45 clinicians randomized into an intervention group (15-item preconception health screening and counseling and 90-day multivitamin supply) and control group (preconception health and community resource handouts and 90-day multivitamin supply). Participating mothers were enrolled in the study group assigned to their child's clinician. Baseline and 6-month follow-up interviews were performed. The outcome was daily use of folate, multivitamin, and a prenatal vitamin containing folate. Primary independent variables were time of assessment and mother's study group (intervention or control groups). Covariates investigated were mother's and child's age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, income, insurance status, previous live births, and intention to have a pregnancy in the next 6 months. Results We enrolled 415 mothers at baseline who were majority African American and low income. Of the 415 enrolled participants, 352 (85%) completed follow-up interviews. Among all participants, daily vitamin intake increased from baseline to 6-month follow-up (33.8% vs 42.6%; P =.016). After adjustment for covariates and clustered design, there was an augmented effect in the intervention vs control group (aOR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.04-3.98). Conclusions Offering vitamins and recommending folate intake to mothers within pediatric practice can increase use. Pediatric practice is an important contact point and context for improving maternal folate use. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02049554.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-252.e1
JournalJournal of Pediatrics
Volume192
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • folic acid
  • nutrition
  • preconception care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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