Legume Intake of Childbearing Aged Women in Rural Tajikistan∗

∗A contribution of the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division, supported in part by funds provided through Hatch Act, USDA.

Abstract

Legume intake among women of childbearing age living in “vilojati” (region) Khatlon of Tajikistan was investigated. Tajik women (n = 151) between 19 and 41 years old completed a survey on legumes. Anthropometric and skinfold measurements were collected with body mass index (kg/m²) of 22.6 ± 4.7, waist circumference (cm) of 74.8 ± 12.2, and sum of skinfold measurements (triceps, thigh, and suprailiac) (mm) of 60.1 ± 19.3. Overall, 19% of the participants were underweight, 20% overweight, and 9% obese. Consumption of legumes in the Tajik diet was at least two to three times per week or more (73.5%), suggesting a positive dietary approach for increasing folate and iron intake of Tajik women of childbearing age.

KEYWORDS:

• women of childbearing age
• legumes
• anthropometric measurements
• Tajikistan

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We express our appreciation for providing technical and organizational assistance and support by R. Mansurova and V. Vatanshoev of ACTED in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. We are also grateful to Rano Kiyomiddinova and ACTED investigators for helping with the completion of the study.

Notes

∗A contribution of the University of Nebraska Agricultural Research Division, supported in part by funds provided through Hatch Act, USDA.