Factors Affecting Fat and Fibre Consumption of Ghanaian Pregnant Women: Findings from a Hospital-based Study

Article Number: SIS072613AI101222

10th December, 2022

Author(s):

Richmond Nketia, Emmanuella P. Obeng, Benjamin K. Asamoah

Abstract:

Dietary behaviours are key modifiable factors that can significantly affect pregnancy outcomes. An understanding of these behaviours, including their variability according to socio-economic status and cultural diversities, could guide the development of effective nutritional policies and programmes for pregnant women in Ghana amidst the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This hospital-based study assessed pregnant women’s fat and fibre consumption and factors affecting this behaviour. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and quantitative approach. Two hundred (200) pregnant women were recruited from the antenatal care (ANC) unit of the Presbyterian Hospital in Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana, using a convenience sampling technique. The Fat and Fibre Behaviour Questionnaire (FFBQ) was used to collect data for the study. The instrument was interviewer-administered. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze the data. Overall, fat, fibre, and total index were 2.65 (± 0.49), 2.82 (± 0.78), and 2.71 (± 0.38), respectively. Factors significantly affecting fibre index were age (H(4) = 28.21, p < .001), educational status (H(4) = 28.30, p = .001), marital status (H(2) = 13.49, p = .001), ethnicity (H(3) = 23.92, p < .01), and community of residence (U(Nurban = 61, Nrural = 139) = 5097.00, p = .022). Only educational status (H(4) = 10.17, p = .038) and ethnicity (H(3) = 24.77, p = .001) significantly affected fat index. The findings highlight the need to scale up public health programmes and research in Dormaa Central Municipality, particularly on maternal nutrition and related issues.

Keywords:

Fat Fibre Consumption Ghanaian Pregnant Woman