Consumption of Dietary Folate Estimates and Its Implication for Reproductive Outcome among Women of Reproductive Age in Kersa: Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that causes neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: : A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participants weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors that associated with dietary folate consumption Result: The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 ug/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related with dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food source. Conclusions: : We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.