ABSTRACT
AIMS: Folic acid is one of water-soluble Vitamin B group and plays an important role in proliferating cells of the fetus. A multicentered, randomized control trial proved in 1991 that folic acid supplements of 4 mg per day periconceptionally administered to 1031 women who were recruited from 7 countries and had afflicted prior pregnancy successfully prevented 72% of recurrence of neural tube defects. As a primary prevention method, the Government has recommended to take 400 microgram of folate supplements per day from 4 weeks before and 12 weeks after conception. Because of huge amount of folate being demanded in the first trimester, this vitamin is called as "vitamin for women" or "vitamin for fetuses". We herewith report results of questionnaire study performed among urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire was sent July 2007 to 400 urologists randomly selected from the Membership Directory of the Japanese Urological Association 2006 whether they are aware of the role of folic acid and how they guide young women or pregnant women on their life style. One hundred sixty-one responses were obtained (40%). RESULTS: Thirty-six percent of urologists were aware of the important role of folic acid in the critical stage of fetal development, which was significantly elevated compared to 26% observed in 2002 (p = 0.037). Fifty-seven percent of urologists acquired this information through Japanese Urological Association or medical journals, 17% through mass media, and 7% through internet. Those who guided young women or pregnant women to refrain from smoking, to abstain from alcohol, to take well-balanced meals and to take folate supplements were 73%, 62%, 67% and 7%, respectively. Ninety-two percent of urologists agreed to provide this information to young women or pregnant women. CONCLUSION: Birth incidence of spina bifida has been increasing in Japan. In order to suppress incidence of this congenital anomaly, Urologists are requested to send young women a message that maternal periconceptional intake of folate will suppress the risk of congenital anomalies.