Dietary behavior and influencing factors among rural pregnant women in poverty-stricken West China，Sichuan Province：A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To understand the dietary behavior and influencing factors among rural pregnant women in poverty-stricken areas of West China. Methods: Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), literature review, preliminary investigation, and expert evaluation, we designed and finalized a self-administered questionnaire. The Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used to identify the influencing factors of dietary behavior comprehensively. Results: Pregnant women in rural areas took rice, vegetables and fruits as the principal food. Compared with the national recommendation, they took milk, bean products, fishes and nuts less frequently. For pregnant women in rural areas, their dietary behavior differed in some aspects between pre-pregnancy and pregnancy. Compared with pre-pregnancy, women paid more attention to breakfast during pregnancy (P<0.05). The behaviors of smoking, drinking, and fried foods eating were less frequent (P<0.05); but drinking, smoking, and passive smoking were still observed in pregnant women. Dietary behavior of pregnant women was decided by behavioral intention (standardized regression coefficient was 0.435); and behavioral attitude and subjective norm affected dietary behavior by influencing behavioral intention eventually (standardized regression coefficients were 0.268 and 0.524). Conclusions: The dietary structure of rural pregnant women in poverty-stricken areas of West China was irrational, and their diet behaviors were affected by their own attitude and subjective norms. Measures should be taken to improve the dietary behaviors of pregnant women in rural areas of West China.