Sociodemographic characteristics determine dietary pattern adherence during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Nutrition Science
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Dietary patterns during pregnancy significantly impact maternal and fetal health.
• Understanding sociodemographic influences on diet is crucial for targeted public health interventions.
• Previous research suggests socioeconomic status and age may affect food choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify distinct dietary patterns among pregnant women in Mesquita, Brazil.
• To investigate the association between sociodemographic factors and adherence to these dietary patterns during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 327 postpartum women in Mesquita, Brazil.
• Dietary intake assessed using a semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ).
• Principal Component Analysis (PCA) used for dietary pattern identification; multiple linear regression for association analysis.

Main Results:

• Three dietary patterns emerged: 'healthy' (fruits, vegetables, legumes), 'mixed' (sweets, snacks), and 'traditional' (beans, rice).
• Higher monthly per capita family income and older maternal age correlated positively with the 'healthy' dietary pattern.
• Higher parity was associated with lower adherence to the 'healthy' pattern and higher adherence to the 'traditional' pattern.

Conclusions:

• Maternal age, parity, and monthly per capita family income are significant sociodemographic factors influencing adherence to healthy dietary patterns during pregnancy.
• Findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive nutritional guidance considering socioeconomic and demographic contexts.
• Interventions should aim to support healthy eating habits among pregnant women from diverse backgrounds.