FolicAcid.Net- Module 1 Introduction

Allied Health

Why should I counsel?

It is widely accepted that health behavior counseling has a great impact in the lives of patients. Interaction with individuals has a positive effect on their health.

For instance, dental hygienists have also proven to be effective behavioral counselors. Every day they counsel patients about dental health. The ability of dental hygienists to successfully counsel patients about daily care of teeth and gums was described by Uitenbrok, et al [81]. Study results revealed that patients who were counseled by a dental hygienist in self care had more knowledge about maintaining dental health and were more motivated to practice self care.

While these are only a few examples of the effectiveness of an allied health professional’s success at counseling, the message is clear:

You can make a difference in the health behavior of your patients.

A recent Gallup poll, conducted for the March of Dimes, indicated that 53% of women, 18-45, who do not currently take a multivitamins on a daily basis, say they would be likely to take a daily multivitamin if advised to do so by their health care provider. Another 37% say they would be somewhat likely to follow their health care provider’s advice. However, only that same survey revealed that only 25% of women surveyed had actually been given folic acid information by their health care provider.[43]

It is evident from behavioral research that reinforcing a message will lead a person to action. If there is reinforcement among the different health professions, there is a higher chance that individual will consume folic acid daily.

It is essential for every health care professional to use any available opportunities to counsel about folic acid intake. This also prevents individuals from not receiving counseling or knowing about the benefits of folic acid.