Sociodemographic Indicators, Household Food Security and Associations with Choline Intake in Pregnant Women: The NuEMI Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Higher sociodemographic status is associated with adequate nutrient intake and food security. Adequate choline intake is vital during pregnancy to support fetal development. In this cross-sectional study, information was obtained from 682 pregnant women attending an ante-natal clinic in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Sociodemographic indicators that were bivariately significantly associated with a choline intake below the adequate intake level (AI) included a higher household density ratio, no access to own flush toilets at home, household not owning a refrigerator or microwave, as well as a lower level of education. Approximately one-third of participants were severely food-insecure. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for energy intake, showed that household overcrowding increased the odds of a choline intake below the AI (OR 1.71).