Folate use in women with epilepsy: Predictors of adherence in a specialized tertiary outclinic

Abstract Purpose of the study The aims of this study were to determine the percentage of women with epilepsy (WWE) taking folic acid (FA) in an outpatient epilepsy tertiary hospital at Sao Paulo, Brazil, and to identify the possible predictors of adherence. Method Five hundred seventy-six medical records of patients followed in our service were reviewed. Sixty-six WWE using antiepileptic drugs with age between 16 and 52, sexually active but not in menopausal period, not pregnant, and not sterilized or with vasectomized partners underwent direct interviews with a prestructured questionnaire. Logistic regression with clinical and demographic variables using a stepwise method was performed to identify predictable variables of folate use. Results We found 42.40% of FA intake. Hormonal contraceptive method use was an independent variable negatively associated with adherence to folate. Additionally, educational level was an independent variable positively associated with adherence to folate in WWE above 35 years of age. Conclusion We found low folate adherence. Improved planning pre-conception for WWE should improve rates of effective folate supplementation.