Comparison of Physical Activity and Nutritional Intake in First Nations Pregnant Women in Remote Communities and Urban-Living Pregnant Women

Abstract

Increased prevalence of gestational diabetes has been detected in First Nations (FN) pregnant women living in rural communities compared to FN or non-FN pregnant women living in urban areas in Manitoba. Physical activity and nutritional intake during pregnancy may affect maternal metabolism and pregnancy outcomes. We examined physical activity and food intake in 63 pregnant women in 3 groups: FN in rural/remote communities (FNR, n=24); FN in an urban environment (FNU, n=17); and Caucasians in an urban environment (CU, n=22). The physical activity levels in the FNR and FNU groups (physical activity index 1.29 ± 0.75 and 1.00 ± 0.71) were significantly lower than that in the CU group (physical activity index 1.94 ± 0.24, p<0.01). Daily intakes of total calories, carbohydrate, protein, fat and saturated fat were not significantly different among the 3 groups. Daily cholesterol intake in the FNR group (325 ± 186 mg/day) was significantly higher than that in the CU group (205 ± 137 mg/day, p<0.05). Vegetable consumption in the FNR group (0.64 ± 0.98 servings/day) was significantly lower than that in the CU group (2.94 ± 3.14 servings/day, p<0.01). The consumption of skim milk in the FNR and FNU groups (0.12 ± 0.43 and 0.25 ± 0.64 servings/day) were lower than that of the CU group (1.49 ± 1.37 servings/day, p<0.01). These findings suggest that physical activity levels and nutritional intake need to be improved in FN pregnant women, particularly those living in rural/remote communities.