Characterization of folate supplementation in pregnancy, based on a combination of health information systems

Objectives: To explore the utility of combining health information systems from the Valencia Health Agency to characterize folate supplementation in pregnant women in the autonomous region of Valencia (Spain). Methods: The cohort comprised women who gave birth during 2009 in hospitals within the Val...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Sanfelix-Gimeno, Gabriel, Ferreros, Inmaculada, Librero, Julian, Peiro, Salvador
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2012
País:España
Institución:Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO)
Repositorio:r-FISABIO. Repositorio Institucional de Producción Científica
OAI Identifier:oai:fisabio.fundanetsuite.com:p5034
Acceso en línea:https://fisabio.portalinvestigacion.com/publicaciones/5034
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Folic acid
Neural tube defects/prevention and control
Preconception care
Retrospective studies
Descripción
Sumario:Objectives: To explore the utility of combining health information systems from the Valencia Health Agency to characterize folate supplementation in pregnant women in the autonomous region of Valencia (Spain). Methods: The cohort comprised women who gave birth during 2009 in hospitals within the Valencian Health Agency. These women were retrospectively followed-up using ABUCASIS electronic medical records and the GAIA electronic prescription system to identify folate consumption in the 3 months before and after conception. Results: In 2009, there were 38,069 births in hospitals of the Valencian Health Agency, of which 37,040 (97.3%) were included for analysis. In 34% of women, at least one folate dispensation was registered with an official prescription form within the periconceptional period (6.6% in the 3 months prior to conception). Dispensation with an official prescription form was associated with older women, free pharmaceutical prescriptions, birth in Spain, antiepileptic medications, and a diagnosis of diabetes. Eight percent of women (23.6% of the folate-treated women) received folates at high doses. Conclusions: Folate consumption during pregnancy is systematically under-registered by healthcare information systems because health professionals do not use the official prescription form for prescription and dispensation. Database linkage is an inadequate approach to assess folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. (C) 2011 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.