The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3391.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - 9:30 PM

Abstract #59182

Pregravid obesity is associated with poor diet quality during pregnancy

Barbara A. Laraia, PhD, MPH, RD, Department of Nutrition, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Carolina Population Center, CB #8120, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-8120, (919)966-5969, blaraia@email.unc.edu, Lisa M. Bodnar, PhD, MPH, RD, Department of Nutrition, The University of Pittsburgh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, 204 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3054, and Anna Maria Siega-Riz, PhD, RD, Dept. of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7445, Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7445.

Objective: To examine the association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI=kg/m2) and diet quality during pregnancy. Methods: From 1995 to 2000, 3,163 women were enrolled in the Pregnancy, Infection and Nutrition study in central North Carolina. 2,036 completed a food frequency questionnaire used to compile a Diet Quality Index for Pregnancy (DQI-P), and had data on weight, height, and socio-demographics. DQI-P is based on national recommendations for pregnancy and includes: servings of grains, vegetables, fruits, folate, iron and calcium intake, percent calories from fat, and meal patterning for a maximum score of 80. BMI was categorized as underweight (<18.5), normal (18.6-24.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (>30). Multinomial logistic regression was used with DQI-P categorized into tertiles as the outcome, controlling for maternal age, parity, education, marital status, poverty and race. Results: Prevalence of underweight, normal, overweight, and obesity was 6%, 53%, 20%, and 6%, respectively. The average DQI-P score was 54.2 points; by BMI category it was: 56 underweight, 54.8 normal, 53.9 overweight, and 52.9 obese. After controlling for confounding, obese women had a 35% increased risk of falling into the lowest compared to highest DQI-P tertile, [adjusted OR= 1.35 (95% CI 1.01, 1.80)] using normal weight women as the referent group. Risk of poor diet quality was similar among underweight [adjusted OR=0.85 (95% CI 0.54, 1.35)] and overweight women [adjusted OR=1.16 (95% CI 0.86, 1.56)] compared to normal weight women. Conclusion: Dietary intake of obese pregnant women should be targeted for improvement if they are to meet national recommendations.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Women's Issues in Nutrition and Physical Activity: A Cross-cultural Point of View

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA