Dietary patterns and nutrient intake of pregnant women in Afijio and Oyo East Local Government areas of Oyo State, Nigeria

Funmilola Oladipo (1) , Anuoluwapo Funmilayo Taiwo (2) , Oluwaseun Ariyo (3)
(1) Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan , Nigeria
(2) Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan , Nigeria
(3) Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Ibadan, Ibadan , Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both the mother and fetus. However, sociocultural factors can significantly influence dietary choices and nutrient intake among pregnant women. Despite the importance of this issue, particularly in regions like South-west Nigeria, research exploring the underlying factors remains limited.


Aims: This study aimed to investigate the sociocultural factors influencing food choices and nutrient intake among pregnant women in South-west Nigeria.


Methods: A mixed-methods approach was employed combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A total of 200 pregnant women were randomly selected and administered a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics. A 24-hour dietary recall and food choice questionnaire were also administered. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with a random sample of 30 pregnant women to gain deeper insights.


Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.2 ± 5.7 years, with most women (53.5%) in their second trimester. The average daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrates was 30.71 ± 14.20 g, 70.38 ± 31.61 g, and 314.21 ± 102.02 g respectively. These values deviate from recommended macronutrient distribution ranges, and micronutrient intakes were below recommended levels. Sociocultural factors, including socioeconomic status, cultural beliefs, and food availability, significantly influenced food choices. Factors such as husband’s decision-making, cultural acceptability, sensory appeal, perceived naturalness, food restrictions, and food taboos, were identified as key determinants of dietary patterns. Additionally, the high cost of nutritious foods limited access to a balanced diet.


Conclusion: Inadequate nutrient intake among pregnant women resulted from suboptimal food choices influenced by various factors. To address this issue, intervention programs should be implemented to enhance nutrient intake and promote healthy food choices among pregnant women. Additionally, these programs should aim to reduce social and cultural barriers to healthy eating, thus improving maternal nutrition during pregnancy. 


Keywords: Food choice; socio-cultural drivers; pregnant women; nutrient intake.

Full text article

Generated from XML file

References

Abere, M., & Azene, A. G. (2023). Food Taboo and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Bahir Dar City, North West Ethiopia, 2021: Cross-sectional study. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 7790. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34964-5
[Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Adeoye, A. S. (2020). Assessment of Gender Roles in Fish Farming Activities Among Rural Farmers in Afijio Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria. Nigeria Agricultural Journal, 51(2). https://www.ajol.info/index.php/naj/article/view/199887 [Google Scholar] [Publisher]
Adeoye, I. A., & Okekunle, A. P. (2022). Dietary patterns and associated factors among pregnant women in Ibadan, Nigeria: Evidence from Ibadan pregnancy cohort study. PLOS ONE, 17(9), e0273796. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273796 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Afijio. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Afijio&oldid=1254588842
Ahmed, T., Hossain, M., & Sanin, K. I. (2013). Global Burden of Maternal and Child Undernutrition and Micronutrient Deficiencies. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 61(Suppl. 1), 8–17. https://doi.org/10.1159/000345165 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Arkkola, T., Uusitalo, U., Pietikäinen, M., Metsälä, J., Kronberg-Kippilä, C., Erkkola, M., Veijola, R., Knip, M., Virtanen, S. M., & Ovaskainen, M.-L. (2006). Dietary intake and use of dietary supplements in relation to demographic variables among pregnant Finnish women. British Journal of Nutrition, 96(5), 913–920. https://doi.org/10.1017/BJN20061929 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Asma, A., Nawalyah, A., Rokiah, M., & MT, M. N. (2010). Comparison of food choice motives between Malay husbands and wives in an urban community. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 16(1), 69–81. http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/13691/1/Comparison%20of%20food%20choice%20motives%20between%20malay%20husbands%20and%20wives%20in%20an%20urban%20community.pdf
Beydoun, M. A., & Wang, Y. (2008). Do nutrition knowledge and beliefs modify the association of socio-economic factors and diet quality among US adults? Preventive Medicine, 46(2), 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06.016 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Black, R. E., Victora, C. G., Walker, S. P., Bhutta, Z. A., Christian, P., Onis, M. de, Ezzati, M., Grantham-McGregor, S., Katz, J., Martorell, R., & Uauy, R. (2013). Maternal and child undernutrition and overweight in low-income and middle-income countries. The Lancet, 382(9890), 427–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60937-X [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Blake, C. E., Monterrosa, E. C., Rampalli, K. K., Khan, A. N. S., Reyes, L. I., Drew, S. D., Dominguez-Salas, P., Bukachi, S. A., Ngutu, M., Frongillo, E. A., Iruhiriye, E., & Girard, A. W. (2023). Basic human values drive food choice decision-making in different food environments of Kenya and Tanzania. Appetite, 188, 106620. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2023.106620 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Blumfield, M. L., Hure, A. J., Macdonald-Wicks, L., Smith, R., & Collins, C. E. (2013). A systematic review and meta-analysis of micronutrient intakes during pregnancy in developed countries. Nutrition Reviews, 71(2), 118–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/nure.12003 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Chakona, G., & Shackleton, C. (2017). Minimum Dietary Diversity Scores for Women Indicate Micronutrient Adequacy and Food Insecurity Status in South African Towns. Nutrients, 9(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080812 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Chakona, G., & Shackleton, C. (2019). Food Taboos and Cultural Beliefs Influence Food Choice and Dietary Preferences among Pregnant Women in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Nutrients, 11(11). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11112668 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Cochran, W. G. (1977). Sampling techniques (3rd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demilew, Y. M., Alene, G. D., & Belachew, T. (2020). Dietary practices and associated factors among pregnant women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 20(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-019-2702-z [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Ea, U. (2016). Nutritional Practices and Taboos Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at General Hospital in Kano, Northwest Nigeria. Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research. https://www.amhsr.org/abstract/nutritional-practices-and-taboos-among-pregnant-women-attending-antenatal-care-at-general-hospital-in-kano-northwest-nig-2898.html
Ekwochi, U., Osuorah, C. D. I., Ndu, I. K., Ifediora, C., Asinobi, I. N., & Eke, C. B. (2016). Food taboos and myths in South Eastern Nigeria: The belief and practice of mothers in the region. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 12(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-016-0079-x [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Gao, H., Stiller, C. K., Scherbaum, V., Biesalski, H. K., Wang, Q., Hormann, E., & Bellows, A. C. (2013). Dietary Intake and Food Habits of Pregnant Women Residing in Urban and Rural Areas of Deyang City, Sichuan Province, China. Nutrients, 5(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu5082933 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Institute of Medicine. (2006). Dietary Reference Intakes: The Essential Guide to Nutrient Requirements. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/11537 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Publisher]
Jembi, R. O., Emmanuel, A. A., & Ibraheem, A. T. (2023). Nutritional knowledge and cultural food beliefs on dietary practices of pregnant women. International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research, 2(2), 162–172. https://doi.org/10.57012/ijhhr.v2n2.012 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Publisher]
Jouanne, M., Oddoux, S., Noël, A., & Voisin-Chiret, A. S. (2021). Nutrient Requirements during Pregnancy and Lactation. Nutrients, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020692 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Kavle, J. A., & Landry, M. (2018). Addressing barriers to maternal nutrition in low- and middle-income countries: A review of the evidence and programme implications. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 14(1), e12508. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.12508 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Lewallen, L. P. (2004). Healthy Behaviors and Sources of Health Information Among Low-Income Pregnant Women. Public Health Nursing, 21(3), 200–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.0737-1209.2004.021302.x [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Lindeman, M., & Väänänen, M. (2000). Measurement of ethical food choice motives. Appetite, 34(1), 55–59. https://doi.org/10.1006/appe.1999.0293 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
List of Coded Health Facilities in Oyo State. (2016). http://library.procurementmonitor.org/backend/files/List%20of%20Coded%20Health%20Facilities%20in%20Oyo%20State.pdf
Liu, F.-L., Zhang, Y.-M., Parés, G. V., Reidy, K. C., Zhao, W.-Z., Zhao, A., Chen, C., Ning, C. Y., Zheng, Y.-D., & Wang, P.-Y. (2015). Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women and their Associated Factors in Eight Cities of China: A Cross-sectional Study. Chinese Medical Journal, 128(13), 1778. https://doi.org/10.4103/0366-6999.159354 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Malek, L., Umberger, W., Makrides, M., & Zhou, S. J. (2016). Adherence to the Australian dietary guidelines during pregnancy: Evidence from a national study. Public Health Nutrition, 19(7), 1155–1163. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980015002232 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Maykondo, B. K., Horwood, C., Haskins, L., Mapumulo, S., Mapatano, M. A., Kilola, B. M., Mokanisa, M. B., Hatloy, A., John, V. M., & Bitadi, P. M. B. W. (2022). A qualitative study to explore dietary knowledge, beliefs, and practices among pregnant women in a rural health zone in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 41(1), 51. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-022-00333-7 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Meyer-Rochow, V. B. (2009). Food taboos: Their origins and purposes. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-5-18 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Oguntona, C. R. B., & Akinyele, I. O. (2002). Food and nutrient intakes by pregnant Nigerian adolescents during the third trimester. Nutrition, 18(7), 673–679. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0899-9007(02)00747-5 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Oluleke, M. O., Ogunwale, A. O., Arulogun, O. S., & Adelekan, A. L. (2016). Dietary intake knowledge and reasons for food restriction during pregnancy among pregnant women attending primary health care centers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. International Journal of Population Studies, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.18063/IJPS.2016.01.006 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Publisher]
Opara, J. A., Ebuoluwa, A. H., Oguzor, N. S., & Sodienye, A. A. (2011). Malnutrition During Pregnancy Among Child Bearing Mothers in Mbaitolu of Imo State, Nigeria. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2(6). https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/mjss/article/view/10917
Oyo State. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oyo_State&oldid=1252290787
Perez-Cueto, F. J. A. (2019). An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews on Food Choice and Nutrition Published between 2017 and-2019. Nutrients, 11(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102398 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Riang’a, R. M., Broerse, J., & Nangulu, A. K. (2017). Food beliefs and practices among the Kalenjin pregnant women in rural Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 13(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13002-017-0157-8 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Sholeye, O. O., Badejo, C. A., & Jeminusi, O. A. (2014). Dietary habits of pregnant women in Ogun-East Senatorial Zone, Ogun State, Nigeria: A comparative study. International Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 6(4), 42–49. https://doi.org/10.5897/IJNAM2014.0170 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [Publisher]
Sinclair, S. E., Cooper, M., & Mansfield, E. D. (2014). The Influence of Menu Labeling on Calories Selected or Consumed: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 114(9), 1375-1388.e15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.05.014 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Verbeke, W., & De Bourdeaudhuij, I. (2007). Dietary behaviour of pregnant versus non-pregnant women. Appetite, 48(1), 78–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2006.07.078 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Wright, J. M., Hoffman, C. S., & Savitz, D. A. (2010). The relationship between water intake and foetal growth and preterm delivery in a prospective cohort study. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 10(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2393-10-48 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]
Zinga, J., McKay, F. H., Lindberg, R., & van der Pligt, P. (2022). Experiences of Food-Insecure Pregnant Women and Factors Influencing Their Food Choices. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 26(7), 1434–1441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-022-03440-3 [Crossref] [Google Scholar] [PubMed] [Publisher]

Authors

Funmilola Oladipo
oladipofunmi97@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Anuoluwapo Funmilayo Taiwo
Oluwaseun Ariyo
Oladipo, F., Taiwo, A. F., & Ariyo, O. (2024). Dietary patterns and nutrient intake of pregnant women in Afijio and Oyo East Local Government areas of Oyo State, Nigeria. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 8(18), 165–175. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.8.18.165-175

Article Details

Received 2024-02-23
Accepted 2024-10-25
Published 2024-11-09