Dietary Habits of Pregnant Women in Rural Areas: A Study in Bareilly District
Dr. Meenakshi Tripathi
Associate Professor, Department of Home Science, Bareilly College, Bareilly
Abstract
Maternal nutrition is a critical determinant of both maternal and child health, directly influencing pregnancy outcomes, fetal growth, and the long-term health trajectory of the offspring. Malnutrition during pregnancy contributes to complications such as anemia, intrauterine growth retardation, low birth weight, and increased risk of maternal mortality. This study aimed to analyze the dietary patterns, nutrient intake, and associated socio-cultural and economic factors among pregnant women residing in the rural areas of Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh.
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 pregnant women aged 18–40 years in the blocks of Fatehganj West, Bhojipura, Bithri Chainpur, and Faridpur. Data were collected using structured schedules, 24-hour dietary recall, Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ), and Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) following the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines. Nutrient intake was calculated based on ICMR-NIN (2020) Food Composition Tables, and results were compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA).
Findings revealed cereal-based monotonous diets with low consumption of fruits, milk, green leafy vegetables, and animal proteins. The mean intake of energy, protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid fulfilled only 47–83% of ICMR recommendations. Cultural beliefs, low income, limited access to diversified food, and poor nutrition counseling during antenatal visits were major determinants of dietary inadequacy. The study underscores the urgent need for multi-level interventions that integrate community nutrition education, gender-sensitive behavior change communication, and health system strengthening to improve maternal nutrition and break the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
Keywords: Maternal nutrition, dietary diversity, pregnancy, rural women, Bareilly, nutrient intake, anemia.
DOI link – https://doi.org/10.69758/GIMRJ/2511S01V13P006
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