Computer-assisted self-interview and nutrition education in pregnant teens

The purpose of this study was to conduct computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) nutrition assessment in a pregnant, adolescent African American population to compare the effect of a nutrition education intervention with the standard dietitian consult on gestational weight gain patterns and postpartum weight retention. Control group (n = 24) and experimental group (n = 22) data obtained from the nutritional assessment and measurement of gestational weight gain/postpartum weight retention patterns were compared during the second trimester, third trimester, and 6 weeks postpartum to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The experimental group gained signficantly less weight during the first and second trimesters than the control group. During the third trimester gestational weight gain was significantly higher for the experimental group. Postpartum weight retention was signifcantly higher for the control group. There were no significant differences between maternal characteristics of the two groups. Fat content and daily caloric content of participants in the control group were significantly higher than the experimental group.