Diet and nutritional status of pregnant women in rural Dharwad

Pregnant women belonging to a rural community in Dharwad, India, were surveyed. The economic status of the family was assessed by alloting Income Level Scores (ILS). Overall adequacy of the diet was assessed using the Food Score Method (FS). A diet survey was done among 38 of the 68 women. Scientific nutrition knowledge (NKN) was tested with a questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements including height (HT), weight (WT), arm circumference (AC) and fat fold at triceps (FFT) were noted. The data were analysed for significant relationships among selected variables.

Agriculture was the main occupation; most of the pregnant women were from low economic status. Positive correlations existed between age and FS, HT and ILS, HT and WT, WT and AC; ILS was significantly related to HT, and FS to FFT and NKN (level of significance <0.01). There was also correlation between WT and FFT and FS and AC (p <0.05).

Since the diet was deficient in all the nutrients when compared with the RDA for Indians, further studies should be done using clinical examination and biochemical tests.

Key words:

• Diet
• nutrient intake
• anthropometry
• economic status
• agricultural community
• pregnant women
• food score
• survey
• rural
• cross sectional study