Evaluation of Dietary Diversity and Adherence to Iron and Folic Supplements by Pregnant Women in Hurungwe District, Mashonaland West

Abstract

Iron deficiency is one common micronutrient deficiencies in the world to this day. Maternal anemia is still a reason of substantial prenatal morbidity and mortality. Anemic women statistics in the world is however, estimated to be at 56 million, the majority (75- 80%) have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. In Zimbabwe iron deficiency for the women of reproductive age is at 28.2% while anemia in pregnancy, is at 55%. One of the most imperative factors accountable for maternal iron deficiency is basically poor dietary practices. Dietary diversification is vital for nutrient adequacy as there is surely not one single food that can contain all the important nutrients essential to maintain the good health and good nutritional status. This study’s purpose was to evaluate dietary diversity, iron supplements adherence and iron status among pregnant women in Hurungwe district. A cross- sectional analytical design method was then used and the selected sample size, was 172 pregnant women. Systematic sampling technique was used to sample the study participants. Structured researcher administered questionnaire was then used to gather data on dietary diversity, iron supplements adherence and demographic as well as socio- economic characteristics of the pregnant women. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was used to evaluate nutritional status; iron status was however, assessed by recording serum hemoglobin (HB) levels measurements at the ANC. Study data was entered and analyzed using Epi info and SPSS software. Data collected from 24-hour recall was then analyzed using Nutrisurvey. Pearson correlation and chi–square was then used to regulate the relationship and association between the study variables. The statistical significance was set at a value of p< 0.05. Data was then presented as frequencies, percentages and means. Mean age of the study participants was at 27±5.3 years, 88.4% were said to be married, and 68.3% had received secondary education. 28% of the respondents did not meeting the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W). About 45.7%, were not reaching the recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for dietary iron and approximately 20.1% were anemic. MUAC mean was 26.9 ±3.7, with 86.6% having a MUAC of 23 or more. A significant relationship was found between the level of education and dietary diversity score (DDS) (r=0.39; p=0.047),DDS and HB (r=0.48; p=0.041),iron intake and DDS (r=0.57; p=0.038 ) and between iron intake and HB (r=0.54; p=0.031).A significant relationship was also found between the MUAC and DDS (r=0.26; p=0.03).A significant association, was however noted HB and morbidity (χ2) = 7.98; p= 0.034).It is however, recommended that dietary diversity and intake of adequate dietary iron could be promoted through regular health talks and demonstrations to the pregnant women attending the Anti Natal Clinic (ANC) at all the health facilities. The information attained from this current study may be very useful to the ministry of health in Hurungwe district in designing much more appropriate interventions to promote adequate dietary iron intake and alleviate iron deficiency anemia among pregnant mothers in Hurungwe district