Recent University of Sharjah Study Uncovers Folic Acid Knowledge Gaps
A groundbreaking cross-sectional study conducted by researchers at the University of Sharjah has shed new light on folic acid awareness among women of childbearing age in the United Arab Emirates. Published in Cureus on February 19, 2026, the research reveals that while 87.9% of participants had heard of folic acid—a synthetic form of folate, also known as vitamin B9—only 56.5% understood its critical role in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs), severe birth abnormalities like spina bifida and anencephaly that affect the brain and spine. With a sample of 379 women aged 18-49 years, the findings highlight progress from earlier surveys but persistent educational needs in this diverse population.
The study's median participant age was 31 years, reflecting a mix of UAE nationals (37.2%) and expatriates (62.8%), married (55.6%) and unmarried women, and varying education levels from secondary school to postgraduate degrees. This demographic snapshot mirrors the UAE's multicultural society, where targeted health messaging must navigate linguistic and cultural differences.
Understanding Folic Acid: The Science Behind NTD Prevention
Folic acid is essential for DNA synthesis and cell division, particularly during rapid fetal growth in the first trimester when the neural tube forms—typically 21-28 days post-conception, often before many women realize they are pregnant. Deficiency leads to NTDs, with global incidence ranging from 1-10 per 1,000 births, though UAE rates hover around 0.5-1.1 per 1,000 total or live births based on early 2000s data from national registries and hospital records. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) recommends 400 micrograms daily preconception and through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, aligning with World Health Organization guidelines, yet no mandatory food fortification exists in the UAE unlike in some GCC neighbors considering wheat flour programs.
Process-wise, women obtain folate from leafy greens, legumes, and fortified foods, but supplements ensure adequate levels during periconception—a window where unplanned pregnancies (up to 50% regionally) amplify risks. This study's emphasis on preconception timing addresses a key gap, as only 38.7% recognized supplementation should start before conception.
Key Findings: High Awareness, Moderate Knowledge
Of the 379 respondents, 52% achieved a 'good knowledge' score (≥2 out of 3 on timing, target group, and NTD prevention). Healthcare providers topped information sources at 71.5%, followed by media (27.3%) and educational institutions (24.4%). Higher education strongly correlated with better knowledge (Spearman's r=0.219, p=0.001), underscoring academia's role—echoed by career paths in public health research.
- 87.9% aware of folic acid
- 56.5% know it prevents NTDs
- 38.7% advocate preconception start
- 49.2% think post-confirmation suffices
These stats signal improved general recognition but underscore the need for deeper understanding to translate awareness into action.
Comparing to Past UAE Research: Progress Over Two Decades
This Sharjah study marks significant advancement from a 2003 UAE survey where only 46.4% had heard of folic acid and 8.7% linked it to birth defects prevention. A 2010 Abu Dhabi pregnant women study showed 79.1% awareness but 46.6% accurate NTD knowledge, while Zayed University students in 2025 reported 63.2% awareness and 44.8% good knowledge. Trends indicate rising baseline awareness, likely from MOHAP campaigns and antenatal care, yet preconception gaps persist across studies.
Regional parallels in Saudi Arabia (91% awareness, 81% NTD knowledge) suggest UAE could leverage similar successes through fortification debates and education drives.Read the full Sharjah study.
Sociodemographic Influences on Folic Acid Knowledge
Postgraduates outperformed secondary-educated women in knowledge scores, with professionals (44.3%) and students (26.1%) dominating the sample. Pregnancy history showed no link (p=0.124), challenging assumptions that motherhood inherently boosts awareness. Nationality differences warrant exploration in future research, given expatriate majority.
Income-health insurance correlations (78.1% insured) hint at access barriers, though not statistically tied here. Culturally, UAE's premarital screening programs offer integration points for folic acid messaging, enhancing family planning alongside genetic counseling.
Role of Healthcare Providers and Educational Institutions
With 71.5% citing doctors as primary sources, UAE's robust primary care system—bolstered by 78% insurance coverage—is pivotal. Yet, the study urges standardized preconception counseling, akin to successful models in Europe where NTD rates dropped 50-70% post-fortification and awareness drives.
Universities like Sharjah exemplify research leadership; faculty and students drive evidence for policy. Explore faculty positions in health sciences to contribute.
UAE's NTD Landscape and Policy Context
UAE NTD rates (0.5-1.25/1000 births) remain moderate, per 2005-2010 data, but underreporting via terminations skews figures. MOHAP guidelines promote supplements, but absent mandatory fortification (unlike proposed GCC flour initiatives), reliance falls on voluntary intake. Public campaigns via EHS centers emphasize healthy pregnancies, yet gaps persist amid urbanization and dietary shifts.
Stakeholders: MOHAP, HAAD/DOH, universities—collaborate for impact. MOHAP nutrition resources.
Recommendations: Bridging Gaps Through Multi-Level Interventions
- Integrate folic acid into premarital/family planning screening
- Launch targeted media/social campaigns in Arabic/English
- School/university curricula on reproductive health
- Consider voluntary fortification trials for staples like bread
- Train HCPs for consistent preconception advice
Sharjah researchers advocate multipronged strategies, potentially halving preventable NTDs (30+ annually estimated pre-2000s).
UAE Universities Driving Maternal Health Research
Institutions like University of Sharjah and RAK Medical & Health Sciences University pioneer studies on folic acid dissolution, supplementation efficacy, advancing evidence-based policy. This positions UAE higher ed as regional leaders—explore UAE academic opportunities.
Future Outlook: Toward Optimal Maternal-Fetal Health
With UAE's fertility rate ~1.4 and expatriate diversity, sustained efforts could mirror global successes. Ongoing UAE Birth Cohort Study tracks first-trimester nutrition, promising longitudinal insights. Actionable: Women planning pregnancy, consult HCPs for 400mcg daily; check career advice for health educators.
Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash
Conclusion: Empowering UAE Women for Healthier Generations
The University of Sharjah's study underscores folic acid awareness progress but calls for deeper knowledge to safeguard futures. By leveraging research from UAE universities, policymakers and educators can drive change. Stay informed via Rate My Professor, pursue higher ed jobs in public health, or access career advice. For university roles, visit University Jobs and Post a Job.