Determinants of dietary practices during pregnancy

A longitudinal qualitative study in N iger

Bibliographic Data

ID15535802
AuthorsJoseph G Rosen (0000-0003-4991-4033, Johns Hopkins University), Adrienne Clermont (0000-0002-5608-7593, Johns Hopkins University), Stephen R Kodish (0000-0003-0929-3252, Harvard University), Amadou Seck (0000-0001-9521-7349, United Nations Children's Fund Niger), Amadou Matar Seck (Epicentre Niger Maradi Niger), Aichatou Salifou (United Nations Children's Fund Niger), Rebecca F Grais (0000-0002-5037-8218, Epicentre (South Africa)), Sheila Isanaka (0000-0002-4503-2861, Harvard University, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume14
Issue4
Pagese12629-e12629
Publication date2018-06-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.12629
PMID29956458
OpenAlexW2810142878
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited40

Undernutrition is associated with maternal morbidity and poor pregnancy outcomes. This qualitative study seeks to understand the multilevel factors influencing maternal dietary practices in Niger, including the impact of pregnancy illnesses on diet. Criterion-based, purposive sampling was used to select pregnant women and household members from 24 villages in a rural district of the Maradi Region in south-central Niger. Semistructured interviews (n = 153) and focus group discussions (n = 38) explored 4 primary themes: (a) perceptions of ideal diet during pregnancy, (b) barriers to consuming the ideal diet, (c) coping strategies including dietary responses related to pregnancy illnesses, and (d) changes in perceptions from early to late pregnancy. Longitudinal data collection allowed for repeated interviews of pregnant women to document changes in dietary practices throughout pregnancy. Transcripts were coded using an inductive approach informed by grounded theory methodology. Participants categorized foods into 4 primary dietary taxonomies when discussing ideal maternal diets but cited constraints related to accessibility and availability impeding routine consumption of these foods. Perceptions of "modern," urban foods as healthy, coupled with key structural barriers such as food costs, were identified. Maternal morbidity influenced food consumption, as women reported reducing food intake early in pregnancy in response to illness episodes. Although awareness of optimal foods for supporting healthy pregnancies was moderately high, some misconceptions were observed and multilevel barriers to food security restricted opportunities for consuming these foods. Nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions could improve access and availability of acceptable foods for supporting increased dietary intake during pregnancy

Pregnancy · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Genetics

Tools

Open DOISci-HubOpen Access