Nutritional Status, Diet Diversity and Risk of Low Birth Weight Among Young Rural Indian Pregnant Women

Abstract

\n \n \n To assess the nutritional status, diet diversity in relation to the risk of low birth weight (LBW) among young rural mothers.\n \n \n \n Full term mothers (n\xa0=\xa0174) registering\xa0≤\xa014 weeks of gestation at the ANC of primary health center in Pune, were enrolled. Information on socio-demographic profile and anthropometric measurements viz. weight, height, sitting height, head circumference, body fat and muscle mass at registration were recorded. Diet diversity was assessed through a 24-hr diet record using FAO questionnaire. Weight and length of the baby at birth were also recorded.\n \n \n \n Majority of mothers were undernourished (body mass index <\xa018.5kg/m2).\xa0Mean\xa0birth\xa0weight was 2649\xa0±\xa0516g\xa0with\xa0a high prevalence (28.7%) of LBW. Significant risk for LBW was observed for mothers with poor nutritional status (weight − OR\xa0=\xa03.3; CI: 1.6−8.5, BMI -OR\xa0=\xa03.7; CI:1.5–8.9\xa0and\xa0body fat - OR\xa0=\xa05.8; CI: 2.42–14.03) at registration.\xa0This risk was also associated with chronic maternal undernourishment (sitting height - OR\xa0=\xa03.90; CI: 1.6–9.1; small head circumference -OR\xa0=\xa03.5; CI: 1.6- 7.5).\xa0Low (≤3) diet diversity score was associated with high prevalence and risk (OR\xa0=\xa05.72; CI: 2.5–13) for LBW along with an increased risk for absence of foods like milk (OR\xa0=\xa06.9; CI:2–23.6), green leafy vegetables (OR\xa0=\xa05.18; CI:2.3–11.2), fruits (OR\xa0=\xa02.8; CI:1.3- 6.2) and eggs (OR\xa0=\xa015.6; CI: 2–118). These factors were significant even after adjusting for BMI (or body fat) indicating independent influence of maternal diet.\n \n \n \n Our findings highlight the importance of dietary diversification among undernourished mothers for better pregnancy outcome.\n \n \n \n No funding.\n