Food intake and attitude data were collected as a part of an in-depth study of psychosocial, health care access, nutritional and environmental factors in pregnancy outcomes of AA and MA low income women. Food intakes, nutrition practices, and attitudes from the larger study are described here. Methods: AA (n=89) and MA (n=67) women participating in a pregnancy case management program were interviewed. A food frequency questionnaire was used to estimate dietary variety and quality; pregnancy-related nutrition practices and attitudes were assessed. Results: MA women reported taking prenatal vitamins (94% vs. 82%), using tonics and herbal teas (42% vs. 3%), having adequate family food (84% vs. 76%), and breastfeeding intention (36% vs.12%) more than did AAs. Daily milk, bread/cereal, fruit and vegetable intakes were similar, but AA consumed more meat, eggs, luncheon meat, candy, snacks and soft drinks daily. MA women were more likely to believe that eating nutritious foods greatly affected both their and the baby's health than did the AA. Both groups (60%) believed pregnant women should limit food intake, and their anticipated weight gain averaged 27 pounds. Discussion: While these low income women have some positive attitudes and behaviors, there is clearly room for ethnically targeted education during pregnancy for these vulnerable women; ethnically targeted intervention would improve pregnancy outcomes for these vulnerable women.
Learning Objectives: 1. Participants will increase their awareness of ethnic differences in pregnancy food intake, attitudes and behaviors. 2. Participants will increase their knowledge of ways to tailor assessments and interventions to improve prenatal nutrition
Keywords: Ethnicity, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.