What stops us from eating: a qualitative investigation of dietary barriers during pregnancy in Punjab, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Adequate dietary intake during pregnancy is vital for the health and nutritional status of both mother and fetus. The nutritional status of reproductive age women in Pakistan is poor, with 14 % being underweight (BMI < 18·5) and 42 % experiencing Fe deficiency anaemia. This may stem from beliefs, practices and other barriers influencing dietary intake. This qualitative study seeks to determine which factors impact dietary intake during pregnancy in rural Punjab.

Design

In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted and then analysed using thematic analysis.

Setting

Three purposively selected rural districts (Sahiwal, Okara and Pakpatan) with the highest prevalence of maternal and child malnutrition in the province of Punjab, Pakistan.

Part

SUBMITTER: Asim M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8523588 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature