Do dietary patterns and morbidities have a relationship with primary infertility among women? A study from NFHS-4 (2015–16), India

Abstract

This study assessed the rate of primary infertility and its associated factors among 402,807 currently married women aged 20–49 years in India using National Family Health Survey-4 data collected in 2015–2016. Dietary patterns and selected morbidities were included as independent variables, and socioeconomic variables were considered as covariates. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were done to estimate the prevalence of primary infertility and assess its association with the selected variables, respectively. The rate of primary infertility among currently married women in India in 2015–16 was 1.9% and this was significantly associated with younger age (<35 years), higher age at marriage (≥18 years), urban residence, higher secondary or above education and poverty. The consumption of dairy products (OR = 0.79, CI = 0.73–0.86), dark green leafy vegetables (OR = 0.57, CI = 0.39–0.81) and fruit (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.77–1.01) significantly reduced the odds of primary infertility. Daily consumption of fish and aerated drinks was related to 1.06–1.21 times higher odds of primary infertility. Overweight/obesity, high blood pressure and high blood glucose levels were associated with 1.08–1.21 times elevated odds of primary infertility. Thyroid disorder (OR = 1.38, CI = 1.21–1.60), heart disease (OR = 1.17, CI = 1.16–1.19) and severe anaemia (OR = 1.24, CI = 1.00–1.53) were associated with an increased likelihood of primary infertility among women (OR 1.17–1.39, CI 1.00–1.60). The findings provide compelling evidence that primary infertility among women is related to dietary patterns and morbidities. Interventions and programmes targeting the promotion of healthy diets and lifestyles could be beneficial in addressing the issue of primary infertility among women.

Glycemic index, glycemic load, dietary inflammatory index, and risk of infertility in women

“…Another study in India examined the degree of primary infertility and its contributing factors in 402,807 married women. According to the results of this study, infertility in women was related to diet and the positive effect of dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, and milk/curd was reported (Unisa et al, 2022 ). A case–control study in Tehran observed that the probability of abortion was higher in subjects who consumed a diet with a higher DII than those with a lower pro‐inflammatory potential (Vahid et al, 2017 ).…”

Association between dietary inflammatory index and infertility of women; Results from RaNCD Cohort Study

“…Unisa et al 2021; conducted a study on 402,807 currently married women aged 20-49 years in India to assess the degree of primary infertility and its associated factors. At the end of the study, the results showed infertility in women is related to their diet and morbidity, and a positive in uence of dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, and milk/curd was observed [27].…”