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Author Spotlight: Studying the Impact of Maternal Dietary Deficiencies on Long-Term Offspring Health Outcomes
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Effects of Nutritional and Social Factors on Favorable Fetal Growth Conditions Using Structural Equation Modeling
Gugulethu Moyo1,2, Zachary Stickley3, Todd Little3
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA.
Nutrients
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Higher income and gestational body mass index are linked to better fetal growth in South Africa. Low income and food insecurity correlate with increased stress, impacting maternal and infant health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Maternal and Child Health
- Nutritional Epidemiology
Background:
- Poor birth outcomes are a significant public health concern in South Africa.
- Favorable fetal growth conditions are influenced by a complex interplay of socioeconomic and nutritional factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the contribution of nutritional and social factors to favorable fetal growth conditions (FFGC).
- To investigate these factors in pregnant women with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in South Africa's Free State Province.
Main Methods:
- Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed using data from 305 women in a cohort study (2018-2020).
- Data included sociodemographic characteristics, stress, health, nutrition, and birth outcomes.
- Statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.1.2 and SEM in Lavaan version 0.6-5.
Main Results:
- Higher gestational body mass index (GBMI) and income levels were positively associated with FFGC (p < 0.05).
- Household income positively correlated with dietary micronutrient quality, GBMI, and food security.
- Low income and food insecurity were linked to higher stress levels; social support positively correlated with food security.
Conclusions:
- Social and nutritional factors exhibit complex interconnections influencing fetal growth conditions.
- Multisectoral, community-based programs are suggested to address challenges related to poor birth outcomes.
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