BackgroundHaving a good diet quality not only increases the chance of getting all essential nutrients but also reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases. ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic determinants of diet quality among working women of reproductive age in the Klang Valley of Malaysia. MethodsSocio-demographics (age, marital status, ethnicity, educational attainment, and monthly earned income) were self-reported by the respondents. The Diet Quality Questionnaire for Malaysia was used to assess all foods and drinks consumed by working women in the previous 24 h of a weekday and weekend day. ResultsMore than half of the 244 working women did not consume nuts and seeds (weekday = 71.7% versus weekend = 72.1%) or pulses (weekday = 63.1% versus weekend = 67.2%). Moreover, slightly less than half of working women (weekday = 43.9% versus weekend = 42.6%) reported not consuming milk or milk products. In contrast, grains, white roots and tubers, and plantains (weekday = 98.0% versus weekend = 98.0%) and meat, poultry, and fish (weekday = 97.1% versus weekend = 94.7%) emerged as the most consumed healthy food groups in the previous 24 h. This study also demonstrated that 13.1% (n = 32) of working women did not consume at least five healthy food groups daily. Age, marital status, ethnicity, educational attainment, and monthly earned income were the key socio-demographic determinants of diet quality in working women. ConclusionHealthcare professionals, especially nutritionists and dietitians, should work closely with the federal government of Malaysia to reiterate the importance of having a balanced and diversified diet in the nation.
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