Investigating antenatal nutrition education preferences in South-East Queensland, including Maori and Pasifika women

Publication date: August 2018

Source: Women and Birth, Volume 31, Issue 4

Author(s): Andrea Cruickshank, Helen E. Porteous, Michelle A. Palmer

Abstract

Background

Little is reported about the nutrition-related needs and preferences of women seeking maternity services, particularly Maori and Pasifika (M&P) women who have higher chronic disease rates in Queensland.

Aim

Nutrition-related knowledge, needs, behaviours and education preferences were compared between women of M&P ancestry and non-Maori and Pasifika women (NMP).

Method

Women (≥18 years) admitted to the postnatal ward were surveyed. Anthropometry, dietary quality, nutrition education preferences, country of birth and ancestry were collected. Analysis included chi-squared and t-tests.

Findings

The survey was completed by 399 eligible women. Country of birth data suggested 4% of respondents were Pasifika and failed to separately identify New Zealand Maori, whereas 18% of respondents (n = 73) reported M&P ancestry. Descriptors were similar between groups (28 ± 5 years; 91% any breastfeeding; 18% gestational diabetes mellitus; p > 0.05). However M&P women were less often university educated (M&P:6(9%); NMP:71(22%), p < 0.01) and more likely had >2 children (M&P: 30(54%); NMP:70(30%), p < 0.01). M&P women reported heavier weight at conception (M&P:79.0 ± 20.2 kg, 29.2 ± 7.5 kg/m²; NMP:71.3 ± 18.9 kg, 26.3 ± 6.5 kg/m², p < 0.01), and were more likely to report excess gestational weight gain (M&P:30(56%), NMP:96(36%), p < 0.05). Most (>75%) women did not know their recommended weight gain. Many respondents reported inadequate intake of vegetables (95%), fruit (29%) and dairy (69%) during pregnancy. Two-fifths (38–41%) reported interest in perinatal nutrition education, with topics including healthy eating postpartum.

Discussion

Findings enable targeted service delivery according to women's preferences.

Conclusion

Collecting ancestral and maternal data to facilitate the provision of appropriate nutrition education may be critical for achieving optimal maternal outcomes in Maori and Pasifika women.

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