Dietary patterns of expecting mothers and the resulting birth outcomes in Abuth Shika, Zaria

Abstract

Low birth weight (LBW) is a crucial underlying determinant and contributor to neonatal and infant mortality. The relationship between dietary patterns, of pregnant women and the birth outcomes in ABUTH Shika, Zaria was evaluated in this study. Maternal dietary pattern, anthropometric indices (weight, height, Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and Body Mass Index (BMI)), packed cell volume were assessed. On the average, maternal dietary pattern was; cereals (27.18%), roots/tubers (26.21%), dairy products (42.50%), meat/fish/ poultry (28.16%), soups/sauces (26.21%), then fruits/vegetables (31.06%) consumed at the rate of 2-4 times a week, while legumes (32%) were consumed once a week. This was achieved with the used of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Majority (57.3%) of the pregnant women had PCV level within the normal range, while 42.7% fell below the normal range when compared with the reference range. Correlating maternal dietary pattern and birth weight showed a significant association with birth weight. The food groups that showed significant relationship with birth weight includes cereals, roots and tubers, legumes, meat, fish and poultry. A large percentage of the biochemical parameters of the babies such as TC, TG, HDL and LDL, Glucose, Total protein and Albumin were normal, using the reference standard respectively. This study has established that dietary pattern of pregnant women is a major contributor to their birth outcome. Also, maternal weight, height and nutritional status (MUAC) had significant relationship with the birth weight of neonates of pregnant women attending ABUTH Shika, Zaria. Therefore, this study recommends urgent public health interventions that could check the incidence of low birth weight through awareness and other programs that will improve both maternal and child health.