Nutrient intake among pregnant teenage girls attending Ante-Natal Clinics in two health facilities in Bungoma South District, Western Kenya

Abstract

Objective: To assess the adequacy of nutrient intake including proteins, energy, calcium, iron, folate and vitamin C and identify the factors associated with nutrient intake. Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Healthy facility based. Bungoma District Hospital and Bumula Health centre. Subjects: Teenage pregnant girls attending Antenatal Clinic participated after providing written consent, with girls under 18 years being considered as emancipated minors. A standardised interviewer administered Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to asses the dietary intake. Nutrient calculator was used to determine the nutrient intake of the study participant. Results: The intakes of all selected nutrients were significantly lower than the RDA. Protein intake was significantly associated with Education (OR: 0.537; 95% CI: 0.318 – 0.907), income (OR: 0.049; 95% CI: 0.919 – 0.128) and perceived food shortage (OR: 0.617; 95% CI: 0.389 – 0.890). Energy intake was significantly associated with income (p=0.007, OR: 2.103; 95%CI: 1.225 – 3.608). Iron intake was significantly associated with perceived food shortage (OR: 2.548; 95% CI: 1.632 – 3.980). Hookworm affected calcium intake (OR: 3.074; 95% CI: 1.089 – 8.698) and malaria parasites affected folate intake (OR: 0.355; 95% CI: 0.226 – 0.557). Those with hookworm were 3 times more likely to have inadequate calcium intake as compared to those without. Conclusion: All the nutrients selected were lower than the Required Dietary Allowance. Level of education, income, Hookworm and malaria affected intake of various nutrients.