AUTHOR=Wondemagegn Amsalu Taye , Tsehay Binalfew , Mebiratie Akiloge Lake , Negesse Ayenew 

TITLE=Effects of dietary diversification during pregnancy on birth outcomes in east Gojjam, northwest Ethiopia: A prospective cohort study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2022

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1037714

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2022.1037714

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Introduction: Adequate nutrient intake during pregnancy is an important key factor affecting fetal growth and birth outcomes, as well as maternal health, as demonstrated by experimental animal studies. However, the few human studies available, especially those conducted in least developed countries (LDCs), are much less consistent. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between dietary diversification during pregnancy and birth outcomes in Gojjam, Ethiopia.
Methodology: A facility-based prospective cohort study was conducted on 416 pregnant mothers (exposed and non-exposed), from December 2019 to January 2020. Information about Women’s Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) was collected using the Food and Agricultural Organization’s guide line. Data were collected through interviewer administered questionnaire and measurements. Log-binomial regression analysis was performed to estimate the relative risk of adverse birth outcomes. Energy, macronutrients, and micronutrients amounts were calculated using the nutrition survey software version 2007. Between groups, differences were noticed using analysis of variance. Eta squared was estimated in the current study.
Results: The overall magnitude of low birth weight, preterm birth and still birth in the study area respectively was 41%, 38% and 4%. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, this study revealed pregnant women in the inadequate WDDS group were at increased risk of LBW (ARR= 6.4; 95% CI: 3.4, 12), and PTD (ARR=6.3; 95% CI: 3.3, 11.95) as compared with their counterparts but no difference in the occurrence of stillbirth (ARR=1.083; 95% CI: 0.203, 5.792).
Conclusions: In overall, this study found a large magnitude of low birth weight and preterm birth. Inadequate intake of dietary diversity during pregnancy significantly increased the rate of low birth weight and preterm birth. Thus, we recommend the concerned body to work on improving the feeding practices of pregnant mothers in the study area.