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Abstract
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Article Information:
Detary Practices and Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women in Accra, Ghana
Alice Koryo-Dabrah, Christina A. Nti and Richard Adanu
Corresponding Author: Alice Koryo-Dabrah
Submitted: October 07, 2011
Accepted: December 09, 2011
Published: July 10, 2012 |
Abstract:
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The aim of the study was to assess potential changes in dietary habits during pregnancy, nutrient
intakes of pregnant women and the effect of socio-demographic factors on nutrient intakes of pregnant women.
The research design was cross-sectional. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 279
pregnant women from the antenatal clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Osu Maternity Home in
Accra. In-depth interviews were performed to assess perceptions and attitudes regarding food consumption and
dietary habits during pregnancy. In addition, an interactive 24-h recall repeated for three days was used to
obtain data on food and nutrient intakes of the women. Information on foods consumed was converted into
quantitative data of nutrients using Ghana Food Composition Tables and FOOD PROCESSOR PLUS Software.
Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS, 17). The mean energy, vitamin
B12, folate, iron and zinc intakes were found to be inadequate compared with the Recommended Intakes. There
was also a significant difference (p<0.001) in the mean intake of protein across the different trimesters. On the
average protein, fat and carbohydrate contributed 13.2, 34.7 and 52.1%, respectively to total calories.
Significant differences were observed between educational level and mean intake of protein (p<0.001), as well
as income levels and mean intake of protein (p<0.001) and zinc (p<0.02). Surprisingly women with larger
household size had high intake of energy and nutrients. Most of the women (67.7%) reported food craving,
57.3% practiced pica and 48.8% reported dietary restrictions during pregnancy. However no significant
difference was found in nutrient intakes between women who reported food craving, food avoidance and pica
and women who did not. In conclusion, pregnant women in the study had lower intake of energy and nutrients
compared with the RNI. Food craving and aversion as well as pica practice are common dietary practices
among pregnant women in the study. Protein and zinc are associated with income and educational levels of the
pregnant women in the study. It is recommended that more attention should be focused on nutrition education
and intervention programs during pregnancy as well as dietary approaches such as fortification of foods to
increase both macronutrient and micronutrient intakes.
Key words: Dietary practice, maternal health, nutrition, nutrient needs, pregnancy, socio-demographics,
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Cite this Reference:
Alice Koryo-Dabrah, Christina A. Nti and Richard Adanu, . Detary Practices and Nutrient Intakes of Pregnant Women in Accra, Ghana. Current Research Journal of Biological Sciences, (4): 358-365.
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ISSN (Online): 2041-0778
ISSN (Print): 2041-076X |
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