FC 1.01 Use of Periconceptional Folic Acid for Prevention of Neural Tube Defects – Where are We Asha Rawal, Girisha KM Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India Introduction: Congenital anomaly “burden” is underestimated. Two thirds of all congenital anomalies are preventable. After cardiac anomalies, neural tube defects are the second most common group of serious birth defects which are preventable. Neural tube defects incidence is 01 in 1000 live births, whereas in Karnataka, India, it’s as high as 11.4 per 1000 live births. Methods: It was decided to do a cross sectional study of awareness of the benefits of peri conception Folic Acid supplementation amongst women attending OBG outpatient at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka India. A questionnaire was designed along with information fact sheet, enquiring about knowledge of neural tube defects, timing and use of folic acid. Results: Collected data revealed that even though, 89.8% women were taking folic acid, 76.5% started taking it only after conception was confirmed. Only 48.4% of those, pregnant for the second time, were aware about the benefits of folic acid. But, even then, 82.4% started taking folic acid only after the conception was confirmed. 21.3% was aware about neural tube defects. After reading about the facts provided, 98.1% wanted to take folic acid, but 35% still felt that there was no need for folic acid supplementation until the pregnancy was confirmed. Conclusion: Most of the non syndromic neural tube defects are of multi factorial origin. Folic acid deficiency is one such proven cause. The possible relationship between folic acid deficiency and neural tube defects was first reported by Hibbard in 1964. In South East Asia out of 17 000-neo natal deaths, 5000 – occur due to neural tube defects. Even before the realization of being pregnant, neural tube closure is complete between days 18 to day 24 after conception. Most of the women report to a Doctor/Clinic in second or third month of the pregnancy. Besides, prevention of reoccurrence of neural tube defects, our aim should be ‘The Prevention’ of such first occurrence through timely supplementation with Folic Acid. Educational programs emphasizing the importance of peri conceptiuonal supplement of folic acid need to be launched. Barriers to intake of folic acid need to be addressed, peri conception counseling about folic acid intake, should be encouraged.