Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Central South Africa: The NuEMI Study

Abstract

Poor dietary diversity (DD) in pregnancy can lead to nutritional deficiencies, resulting in poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. This cross-sectional study assessed the DD of 681 pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in South Africa. DD, household food insecurity and sociodemographic status were assessed using the MDD-W indicator, HFIAS and a questionnaire. 99.4% of participants consumed starchy staples, while only 7.9%, 10.6% and 13.5% consumed pulses; nuts and seeds; and dark green leafy vegetables, respectively. Only 32.9% achieved the MDD-W. Unemployment, having only primary education, severe food insecurity, as well as monthly income of 100–1000 ZAR and 1001–3000 ZAR were associated with 69% (p