[Associated factors to the calcium intake in mexican pregnant adolescents]

To explore food habits, demographic and socioeconomic factors associated to calcium intake of pregnant adolescents.

In a cross sectional study 321 participants of 13 to 19 years old attending to the division of gynecology- obstetrics of the Civil Hospital of Guadalajara were included. All participants were healthy, in any moment of pregnancy and belonging to the low and middle-low socioeconomic status. The calcium intake was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire and a 24-hour dietary recall. Demographic and socioeconomic data were also included. A chi square test, an odds ratio (95% CI) and a regression logistic model for the identification of the epidemiologic meaning of the associated variables to the calcium intake were obtained.

Sixty one percent of adolescents consumed less that 80% of the diary recommended intake of calcium. The domestic labor occupation of adolescents [OR 2.66 (1.28-5.53)], low milk [OR 2.54 (1.37-4.0)] and dairy intake [OR 2.75 (1.09-7.0)], excess of carbonated beverages consumption [OR 1.84 (1.04-3.28)] and low literacy of mothers [OR 1.83 (1.15-2.90)] were the most epidemiological meaning factors associated to deficient calcium intake.

The results suggest that the calcium intake was deficient in the majority of pregnant adolescents and that there are some risk factors that must be identified and attended. Likewise, it is necessary to evaluate the nutritional status of calcium in this especial group with more precise and specific methods.