Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 57-05.

Advisers: Rafael Perez-Escamilla; Danya Keene.

Objective | Nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy are associated with differential effects on fetal development, increased risk of infant death, and other irreversible lifelong health implications. In Nicaragua, adequate prenatal nutrition is hindered by socioeconomic barriers that prevent nutritious eating as well as lack of quality prenatal care services. This study assessed sources of influence on food intake and nutrition during pregnancy in a Periurban community of Managua, Nicaragua from a sample of pregnant women.

Participants and Methods | As part of a qualitative study, 26 structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with pregnant women recruited in a low-income community of Managua, Nicaragua, between June and August 2017, in order to identify the sources of influence on food intake and nutrition during pregnancy. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed by the first author using an iterative thematic approach.

Results | Findings highlight multiple, interconnected sources of influence focused around the intrapersonal (biological, psychological) and interpersonal (familial, physician) domains. Sources of influence on food intake and nutrition include health concerns, such as the double burden of malnutrition and obesity, listening to body cues, maternal advice and family support, and physician advice.

Discussion | Results suggested inadequate prenatal nutrition advice from interpersonal sources of influence, calling for more integrated approaches to address prenatal nutrition which simultaneously take into account intrapersonal and societal influences. Results supported integration of prenatal nutrition education into existing community health interventions, such as exclusive breastfeeding programs, already seeking to address maternal and child nutrition.