College Women's Reported Behaviors and Beliefs Regarding Fish and Folic Acid and Their Roles in Birth Defects

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine college women's beliefs and behaviors regarding birth defect prevention via folic acid intake and avoidance of fish with high mercury levels. We surveyed 313 college women and found that the majority of them reported eating fish despite their awareness that certain types of fish contained levels of mercury that are dangerous for women of childbearing age. We also found that the majority of the women did not comply with dietary guidelines for vegetable and legume consumption, and more than half of them did not take vitamin supplements that provide folic acid.

This research was supported by a summer grant from the Bridgewater State College Center for Advancement of Research and Teaching. We are grateful to Melissa Barie, Alexandra Ataya, and Mark Costello for their assistance with data collection and entry.