Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 12(6), pp. 1131 - 1139
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120610
Reprint (PDF) (773Kb)
Nutritional Profile of Pregnant Women in the Lake Area of Cotonou (Benin Republic)
Gb猫mahon Roger Houssou 1,*, Colette Sylvie Azandjeme 1, Nadia Fanou 2, Cl茅mence Germaine Metonnou 1, Charles J茅r么me Sossa 1, Ella Compaor茅 3, Roch Mongbo 2
1 Department of Health Promotion, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Benin
2 Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin
3 Research Center in Biological, Food and Nutritional Sciences (CRSBAN), University Ouaga 1 Professor Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso
ABSTRACT
Adequate nutritional intake during pregnancy and the preconception period is crucial for optimal fetal development and maternal health. The objective of this study was to describe the nutritional profile of pregnant women in the lake area of Cotonou. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 230 pregnant women attending four health centers (two public and two private) in the lake area of Cotonou. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, 24-hour dietary recalls, and Household Hunger Index (HHS). The simplified index of socio-economic position (IPSE) was used to determine the socio-economic level of the participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS 21 software. The chi-square test was used to compare and identify relationships between variables of interest. Analysis of the nutritional status of the participants reveals that 9.1% suffer from malnutrition. The consumption of alcohol, coffee, and tobacco was 32.2%, 34.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. Worryingly, 75% of women do not wash their hands before handling food. The evaluation of the food intake of pregnant women highlights an average energy intake lower than the recommendations. Even more worrying, more than half (57.4%) of women have lower energy intake than average. Finally, the study reveals that 11% of pregnant women are food insecure. Faced with these findings, it is imperative to implement specific interventions aimed at optimizing the diet of pregnant women and their future babies. These interventions must take into consideration the socio-economic and demographic realities of the populations concerned, as well as issues related to food security.
KEYWORDS
Pregnant Woman, Nutritional Profile, Cotonou, Food Safety, Nutritional Status
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Gb猫mahon Roger Houssou , Colette Sylvie Azandjeme , Nadia Fanou , Cl茅mence Germaine Metonnou , Charles J茅r么me Sossa , Ella Compaor茅 , Roch Mongbo , "Nutritional Profile of Pregnant Women in the Lake Area of Cotonou (Benin Republic)," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 12, No. 6, pp. 1131 - 1139, 2024. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120610.
(b). APA Format:
Gb猫mahon Roger Houssou , Colette Sylvie Azandjeme , Nadia Fanou , Cl茅mence Germaine Metonnou , Charles J茅r么me Sossa , Ella Compaor茅 , Roch Mongbo (2024). Nutritional Profile of Pregnant Women in the Lake Area of Cotonou (Benin Republic). Universal Journal of Public Health, 12(6), 1131 - 1139. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2024.120610.