A Comparative Analysis of Maternal Nutrition Decision-Making Autonomy During Pregnancy-An Application of the Food
Raphia M Ngoutane1, Laura E Murray-Kolb2, Ramakwende Zoma1
1The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
Background:
Adequate nutrition has been cited as one of the most critical components for optimal health outcomes during pregnancy. Women in Burkina Faso and Madagascar experience high rates of undernutrition due to lack of knowledge, finances, cultural norms, and autonomy. Therefore, this study aimed (1) to describe typical maternal diets during pregnancy in Burkina Faso and Madagascar, (2) to understand the multilevel factors that influence women's nutrition decision-making, and (3) to explore the extent to which women have nutrition decision-making autonomy during pregnancy.
Methods:
This study was conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 in Burkina Faso and Madagascar. Semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews, and free lists were conducted among women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women. Textual data from interviews were recorded and translated verbatim from local languages into French. The Food Choice Process Model guided textual content analysis using Dedoose software. Free list data were analyzed using cultural domain analysis approaches.
Results:
In Burkina Faso and Madagascar, women primarily consumed staple foods such as rice and tô during pregnancy. Participants cited eating fruits and vegetables when available, while the animal source foods were rarely consumed. Across both contexts, nutrition during pregnancy was influenced by factors that impact food choices, such as social factors, resources, ideals, and personal factors. While women and men in Madagascar had more shared decision-making on critical domains such as finances, men were the primary decision-makers in most areas of inquiry (eg, finances) in Burkina Faso.
Conclusions:
The lack of adequate diverse diet consumed during pregnancy is primarily due to important factors including social factors and resources. Understanding the ability for women to consume optimal diets during pregnancy is needed to target behavioral change in maternal nutrition programming.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Decision Making: Traditional Method
First, a specific claim about the population parameter is decided based on the research question and is stated in a simple form. Further, an opposing statement to this claim is also stated. These statements can act as null and alternative hypotheses, out of which a null hypothesis would be a...
01:27Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...