A composite measure of diet quality is lacking for pregnancy. A Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P) was developed that reflects current nutritional recommendations for pregnancy and follows the Food Guide Pyramid. Data came from the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition (PIN) cohort in Central North Carolina. Dietary intake was assessed during the second trimester using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The DQI-P includes 10 components: % recommended servings of grains, vegetables, and fruits, % DRI for folate, iron, and calcium, % of energy from fat, dietary variety, meal pattern, and supplement use. The score ranges from 0 to 100 with each component contributing 10 points. The DQI-P differentiates diets both quantitatively and qualitatively. The mean score for the population was 67. Women who were nulliparous, >30 years, >350% of poverty, and had some college education had significantly higher overall scores. Several significant differences existed in the components by SES factors. Vegetables were consumed more by non-Hispanic blacks, women over 30, and women with some college education, while fruits were consumed more often by nulliparous and non-Hispanic blacks. Women who were <185% poverty, nulliparous, younger than 20, non-Hispanic black, and with some college education had greater intakes of iron. A diet with lower percent of calories from fat was consumed by higher income, older, and better educated women. Supplement users were more often non-Hispanic white, high income, nulliparous, >30 years, or had some college education. The DQI-P may be a useful public health tool for evaluating overall diet quality of pregnant women.
Learning Objectives: 1. To compare how diets of pregnant women meet recommendations. 2. To describe how overall diet quality for pregnant women differs by socioeconomic status
Keywords: Pregnancy, Dietary Assessment
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.