Inadequate Lifestyle and Diet Quality in Pregnant Women at the Mother and Child Hospital in Cotonou, Benin

Abstract

Background: Diet of pregnant women is a major challenge because fetal development and resulting obstetric depend on the nutritional status of pregnant women. This study aims to describe the diet quality and lifestyle of pregnant women. Method: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study involved 305 pregnant from the 2nd quarter, identified by the convenience of 29 September to 26 October 2015 at CHU-MEL in Cotonou. Nutritional status was assessed by measuring arm circumference. Eating habits and diet quality of pregnant were assessed using the food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Lifestyle, including physical activity, consumption of alcohol and tobacco was appreciated using a questionnaire. Results: The diet of pregnant women is characterized by a lack of daily consumption of fruits (35.4%), vegetables (7.2%), leafy green vegetables (10.2%), meat (4.3%), poultry (5.6%) and legumes (1.6%). However, high consumption of cereals (87.2%), fats (96.4%) and fish (75.1%) were observed. Frequent consumption of non-food substances such as clay and cola were observed respectively in 10.5% and 6.6% pregnant. Energy protein intakes are lower than the nutritional recommendations for pregnant women 15.4% while intakes of carbohydrates and fats are higher respectively for 54.1% and 8.9% pregnant. Energy intake for all three macronutrients is inadequate for 80.3% of pregnant. The prevalence of physical inactivity is 72.8%. No pregnant women use tobacco, while 9.8% of pregnant consume alcohol and 17.7% of coffee. Conclusion: It appears from this study that diet quality is not adequate for most pregnant., providing inadequate micronutrient and micronutrients intake. Actions aiming to nutritional education of pregnant women need to be set in this hospital. Before that, it’s needed to explore the knowledge level, motivation and implication of health care staff in such activities.