Calorie Intake of Pregnant Women and Related Factors in Health Centers of Urban Areas Qom, 2007

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pregnancy is a critical period during which good maternal nutrition plays a key role influencing the health of both mother and child. The present study aimed at determining the intakes of energy and related factors in pregnant women.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study 1036 pregnant women were selected from health centers of urban areas in Qom. Personal interviews using the questionnaire of 24 -hour dietary recall were carried out to elicit information. Calorie intake efficacy was calculated based on nutrient substance intake. The data analysis was performed by SPSS software program. X2 test was used to determine the significance of differences (p<0/05).

Results: Calorie intake of 50% of subjects was adequate. The majority of pregnant women who had reported higher intake of energy were illiterate (%56.4) and house holders (%51/1)، and in the third trimester (%58.8) There was a significant difference between calorie intake, occupation, level of education and stage of pregnancy. The mean of energy from oil and fat was higher than that of other food groups.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that the nutritional education is a component of programs targeted at working women and low income families.