Dietary diversity and its associated factors among pregnant women in Omi-adio community, Ibadan, Oyo State

Abstract

Dietary diversity before and during pregnancy is crucial to ensure optimal foetal health and development and the consumption of diversified food during pregnancy enables the adequate intake of important micronutrients. This study therefore assessed the Dietary Diversity (DD) and its associated factors among pregnant women attending traditional birth centres in Omi-adio community of Ido Local Government Area in Ibadan, Oyo State. The study design was cross-sectional, involving seventy participants. Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was assessed using the Individual Dietary Diversity Score (IDDS) of ten food groups and a modified semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information on the factors associated with DD. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage, regression for the factors and chi-square for the research hypotheses. The DDS was categorised as: inadequate 1-4 and adequate 5-10. The mean age of the women was 27.16±5years and most of them had secondary education as their highest qualification. Respondents' estimated monthly income was mostly #30,000-49,999. Results also revealed that 72.9% of the pregnant women had an adequate DDS, with a mean value of 5.30±1.11. The food groups mostly consumed were: starchy staples (100%), meat, poultry and fish (91.4%) and other vegetables (94.4%), while other vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were list consumed (1.4%). Household size, parity and number of children were the significant associated factors of DD among the pregnant women.