Document Type
Thesis
Date of Degree Completion
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Nutrition
Committee Chair
Tafere Belay
Second Committee Member
Kelly Pritchett
Third Committee Member
Nicole Stendell-Hollis
Abstract
Folate and Vitamin B12 deficiencies (VB12) are the forefront of concern for the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs). Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are of significant concern due to the wide range of contributing factors involved. This study investigated the status of serum VB12 and red blood cell (RBC) folate concentrations, as well as associated factors for risk of NTDs in the Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 400 pregnant women in their first trimester among five different hospitals in the region. Questionnaires regarding sociodemographic, obstetric history, health-related behaviors, and dietary diversity were administered. Laboratory data collected included RBC folate (ng/mL) and serum VB12 (pg/mL). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, and chi-square tests were conducted to examine associations between categorical variables stratified by serum VB12 and RBC folate levels. Out of 400 pregnant women surveyed, 98.8% had deficient RBC folate levels (< 400 ng/mL) and 71.3% had deficient serum VB12 levels (< 300 pg/mL). Additionally, 85.5% had no knowledge of the importance of folic acid during pregnancy or were unaware of NTDs. Utilization of healthcare services, knowledge of NTDs, and dietary diversity score (DDS) were positively associated with serum VB12 and RBC folate status (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, sociodemographic characteristics including residence, occupation, education, and family/friend support were significantly associated with serum VB12 and RBC folate status (p ≤ 0.01). These findings emphasize the need for promoting dietary diversity alongside improving awareness and availability of VB12 and folic acid for preventing deficiencies and lowering risk of NTDs among mothers in Northern Ethiopia.
Recommended Citation
Ross, Aubrey, "Vitamin B12 and Folate Deficiency Among Pregnant Women with Poor Dietary Diversity and Limited Knowledge of Folic Acid in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia" (2026). All Master's Theses. 2365.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/etd/2365