Nutrition knowledge, eating patterns, and dietary intake among HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected Ghanaian pregnant and lactating women

Abstract

Maternal nutrient deficiencies increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes and, among women with HIV, hasten the progression of disease. In Ghana, 3.1% of all pregnant women are infected with HIV, 65% are anemic, and 8% report night blindness. Anemia also affects 59% of lactating women. We examined dietary intakes of 94 pregnant and lactating Ghanaian women (23 HIV-infected, 34 HIV-uninfected, and 37 of unknown status) who were participants in an on-going infant health study. Additional data were collected on maternal health status, nutrition knowledge, and dietary intakes. Most women (70.2%) reported that they received nutrition recommendations from the Ministry of Health personnel; however, only 31.8% reported following at least four of the five recommendations. Eating patterns and nutrition knowledge were similar in all groups with 45.7% of women eating 2 meals/d. Energy intake did not differ by HIV status (2768.4 ± 798.0, 2924.0 ± 1131.4, and 2887.8 ± 1019.1 Kcal for infected, uninfected, and unknown, respectively) or by pregnancy and lactation (2641.9 ± 613.0 and 2930.6 ± 1077.9 Kcal, respectively). Energy intake tended to be significantly higher on market days compared to non-market weekdays (2982.4 ± 1409.0 vs. 2751.9 ± 1085.6 Kcal, p=0.07). Total vitamin A and iron intakes were also similar among groups. Some pregnant and lactating HIV-infected women may require additional counseling to help them meet their increased requirements to assure their and their infant's health. Funded by NIH/NICHD # HD 42360.