Dietary Pattern, Diversity and Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women in Urban and Rural Areas of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Jelili Akorede Quadri *
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Arowosaye Mariam Damilola
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Yetunde Jumoke Osinowo
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Bilikisu Tunrayo Edun
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Adequate maternal nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus. However, poor dietary diversity and malnutrition remain important nutritional challenges among pregnant women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed dietary habits, dietary diversity, and nutritional status among pregnant women in urban and rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending selected health facilities in Ogbomoso North and Orire Local Government Areas of Oyo State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recall, and food frequency assessment. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) indicator, while nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
Dietary diversity among the respondents was moderate, with a substantial proportion failing to meet the minimum dietary diversity for women. Cereals and starchy staples were the most frequently consumed food groups, while consumption of animal-source foods, fruits, and green leafy vegetables was relatively low. Dietary diversity was significantly associated with educational level, household income, and occupation (p < 0.05). A significant association was also observed between dietary diversity and pre-pregnancy BMI among urban (p = 0.003) and rural (p = 0.024) respondents. Significant associations were further observed between dietary diversity and respondents’ description of their weight before pregnancy in both urban and rural areas (p < 0.001).
The study revealed inadequate dietary diversity among a considerable proportion of pregnant women, alongside the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight/obesity. The significant associations between dietary diversity, socio-demographic factors, and pre-pregnancy nutritional status highlight the need for strengthened maternal nutrition education, improved access to affordable nutrient-rich foods, and promotion of diverse diets during pregnancy.
Keywords: Dietary habits, anthropometry, maternal, dietary diversity