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Effect of counseling on nutritional status during pregnancy
Objective: To assess the nutritional status and dietary practices among underprivileged pregnant women, identify the lacune, outline implement and assess the effect of nutritional counselling on their dietary intake, anthropometric status and anemia status.
Methods: Hundred pregnant women in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India with low socio-economic status were interviewed. Based on lacune, nutrition education (NE) was given in the form of simple messages to 50 subjects (NE-group) over 10-16 weeks period, while the remaining 50 formed the comparison group (Non-NE group). Tools used were individual counselling, weekly home visits and group meetings. Anthropometric measurements taken were height and weight. Dietary data was collected using 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaire. Haemoglobin estimation was done. Effect of intervention was assessed by monitoring changes in dietary practices, weight gain, and nutritional status of the subjects.
Results: Baseline findings- low mean maternal body weight (51.05±7.26 kg), 96.3% anaemia prevalence and severely sub-optimal dietary intakes. Post-NE results revealed a significant increase in quality and quantity of the diets consumed. Mean haemoglobin levels significantly increased (Post-NE vs Non-NE=9.65±0.97 vs 7.85±1.58, p<0.001) and anemia prevalence reduced (Post-NE vs Non-NE=78.7% vs 96%) in post-NE group.
Conclusion: Individual counselling with weekly reinforcement can bring about improvement in nutritional status during pregnancy.