| Learning Objective #1: Identify health behaviors that are associated with adequate dietary intake in low-income, pregnant women | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Identify factors related to inadequate dietary intake in low-income, pregnant women |
Objective: The purpose of this project was apply Pender's Health Promotion Model (1986), to describe the relationship of low-income pregnant women's prior health behavior, perceived benefits and self-efficacy to nutritional adequacy in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Design: Descriptive, correlational
Sample/Setting: Participants included low-income, pregnant women ( N = 69) in their first trimester of pregnancy, who receive food supplementation coupons through a WIC clinic. Average age of the women was 24 years, most were Caucasian, unmarried, in their first or second pregnancy, with an income of <$20 K/yr.
Methods: This study utilized a demographic questionnaire, the Prenatal Health Questionnaire to assess prior health-related behaviors; the Perceived Health Competency Scale to assess perceived self-efficacy; the Maternal Nutritional Knowledge to measure knowledge of nutrition (perceived benefits); and the Fetal Health Locus of Control Scale to assess feelings of self-efficacy over fetal health. Nutritional adequacy was assessed using the Dietary Score, which was based on a 24-hour dietary recall.
Findings: Many women did not eat the recommended number servings of meat (45%), milk (55%), vegetables (62%), fruits (65%), or bread (52%) nor did their dietary intake meet the nutritional requirements of pregnancy. Healthy prior behaviors toward nutrition were positively related nutritional adequacy. African-American and Asian women ate significantly more fruit. Smokers had an increased milk intake and overall dietary score but lower health-related behaviors. No relationship was noted between dietary adequacy and other health promotion-specific variables. Perceived health competency scores were positively related to internal locus of control toward fetal health and negatively related to locus of control attributed to chance or powerful others.
Conclusions/Implications: This study suggests that further research is needed to identify factors that influence healthy eating behaviors in pregnancy, to examine their influence on birth outcomes and to develop effective interventions that enhance nutrition in low-income pregnant women.
Back to Health During Pregnancy and Delivery
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Scientific Session
Sigma Theta Tau International