Relationships of Substance Abuse to Dietary Intakes and Anthropometric Measurements in Urban African American Pregnant Women.

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: Through the use of anthropometric measurements, examine the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on the nutritional status of pregnant women.Relationships of illicit and licit drugs to dietary intakes and anthropometric measurements were examined in 163 urban African American pregnant women. Socio-demographic and dietary data were collected via questionnaires. Maternal anthropometric measurements were determined from the participants’ medical records. Fasting blood samples were screened for marijuana, heroin, opiate and phencyclidine (PCP). The participants were designated as drug users, trace drug users and non-drug users based on screening threshold concentrations. Drug use was determined by self reports and biochemical analysis. Prevalence of self reported drug use was lower than the prevalence based on biochemical analysis. Chi-square analysis showed significant relationships between smoking and use of alcoholic beverages (P<0.05). No significant differences were noted when the soda-demographic characteristics were compared. Kilocalories, protein, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12 and phosphorus were consumed consistently in amounts equal to or exceeding 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Vitamin B6, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium and zinc were consumed in amounts below the RDA. No significant differences in food energy and nutrient intakes were found among the groups (P>0.05). The maternal anthropometric measurements though similar among the three groups, were mainly highest among the drug using group.