Effect of dietary intakes on pregnancy outcomes: A comparative study among HIV-infected and uninfected women at Nyanza Provincial General Hospital, Kenya

Abstract

The effect of maternal dietary intakes on pregnancy outcomes was assessed in a descriptive , cross -sectional survey among women attending the Prevention of Mother - to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV program at Nyanza Provincial General Hospital (NPGH) , Kenya. A Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select pregnant women (n=107) who had been tested for HIV into the study. Data on socio - demographic characteristics , health factors, dietary intakes and pregnancy outcomes were collected through an interview schedule from HIV -infected (n=48) and uninfected (n=59) pregnant women. Maternal dietary intakes were investigated using 24- Hour Diet Recalls and Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQs) . Pregnancy outcomes were assessed in terms of infants’ birth weights, gestational age, birth complications and stillbirths. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS ) was used to analyze data for descriptive and inferential statistics while NutriSurvey computer program analyzed dietary data for nutrient intake levels . The results showed that protein ( p = 0.025) and vitamin B 12 (p = 0.021) intakes had significant correlation with infant ’s gestational age among the HIV -infected women while calorie (p = 0.042) , vitamin B 6 ( p = 0.048 ) and vitamin B 12 ( p = 0.015) intakes significantly influenced infant ’s gestational age among uninfected women . Magnesium, iron and folate had a significant influence (p < 0.05) on infant ’s gestational age in both HIV - infected and uninfected mothers. The results further revealed that HIV -infected women gave birth to infants of low birth weight (2.70 ± 0.3799 kg) compared with those uninfected (3.16 ± 0.5307 kg), while the gestational age of infants born to HIV - infected mothers was shorter ( 34.6 ± 3.24 weeks) compared with that of infants born to uninfected mothers ( 39.4 ± 2.21 weeks ). The study concluded that both HIV and dietary intake have significant effects on pregnancy outcomes . It is imperative , therefore, that appropriate nutrition intervention be put in place to improve mater nal health during HIV infection to ensure favourable pregnancy outcomes.

Nutritional intake and food sources in an adult urban Kenyan population

“…There are few studies carried out in Nairobi evaluating the dietary intake of the urban adult population, including both women and men with which to compare these findings. It is more common to analyse the nutritional intake of low-income or rural areas (Beatrice, 2009;Dominguez-Salas et al, 2016;Hansen et al, 2011;Jayne, 2011;Long et al, 2011;Van't Riet et al, 2002;Wanjihia et al, 2009) and in population groups such as children and women (Gegios et al, 2010;Gewa et al, 2007Gewa et al, , 2009Gewa et al, , 2012Kamau-Mbuthia & Elmadfa, 2007;Long et al, 2011;Mala et al, 2012;Mwaniki & Makokha, 2013;Stephenson et al, 2010;Steyn et al, 2011Steyn et al, , 2012Steyn & Nel, 2006;Walingo & Musamali, 2008;Walton et al, 2012;Waudo et al, 2005), normally targeted because they might be disadvantaged in household food distribution.…”

Association between Maternal Selenium Levels and Pregnancy Outcome among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Negative Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Health-Care Center in Owerri, Nigeria

“…It is well established that the nutritional well-being of a healthy mother is critical for an uncomplicated pregnancy and positive outcome. [ 8 9 ] Nutritional status has even greater implications for the HIV-infected woman who is at a higher risk of delivering a premature or LBW infant and of being malnourished than the uninfected woman. [ 8 ]…”

“…[ 8 9 ] Nutritional status has even greater implications for the HIV-infected woman who is at a higher risk of delivering a premature or LBW infant and of being malnourished than the uninfected woman. [ 8 ]…”