Demographic and Socioeconomic Variations in Diet Quality Among Pregnant Women in Mbeya, Tanzania

Abstract BackgroundSub-optimal diets are the primary risk factor for mortality among pregnant women. In Tanzania, many pregnant women have micronutrient deficiencies in iron, iodine, and vitamin A. Promoting healthy diets, with a focus on food quality and the consumption of fortified foods, may help to reduce mortality amongst pregnant women. However, more evidence is needed to inform the development of effective food based approaches. The aim of the study was to evaluate associations between demographic and socioeconomic factors with diet quality among pregnant women in Mbeya, Tanzania. MethodsData from a cross-sectional study conducted, in 2020, in Mbeya which included a population-based sample of 420 pregnant women was analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) with data from 24-HR diet recalls. Socioeconomic variables were also collected. Chi square-tests and one way ANOVAs were used to assess differences across demographic and socio-economic predictors of PDQS. Multivariate analyses were conducted to adjust for confounders and effect modifiers. All tests were two-tailed and significance level was set at 5%. ResultsStudy participants had a mean age of 25.49 ± 6.37 years. The mean PDQS was 16.2±2.7. For the PDQS, the consumption of at least 4 servings per week of food groups was as follows: dark green leafy green vegetables (29.2%), other vegetables (14.7%) and vegetable liquid oil (57.2%). Consumption of refined grains was high (48.0%). Pregnant women who visited antenatal clinics (ANC) had a reduced diet quality. Occupational status and household wealth index were significantly associated with PDQS in high quintile groups. Marital status was negatively associated with the PDQS and, pregnant women who reported to visit ANC were positively associated with PDQS. ConclusionsPregnant women aged 15-49 years in Mbeya region have low PDQS scores due to high intakes of refined grains, limited consumption of red meats, and low intakes of healthy cruciferous vegetables, whole citrus fruits and poultry. These findings suggest that public health action is needed to improve diet quality amongst pregnant women to improve health outcomes of this population.