Assessment of Nutritional Status of Pregnant Adolescents in Baghdad City

Abstract

Objectives: The study aims to assess the nutritional status, identify nutrition-related health problems and
find out the relationships between nutritional status and demographic characteristics of the pregnant
adolescents in Baghdad City.
Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out from April/20/2009 to June/30/2009 through a "Nonprobability"
purposive sample of (196) pregnant adolescents their age between (13–19) years who attend (14)
primary health care centers in Baghdad City seeking for antenatal care. The data were collected by the
investigator who interviewed the pregnant adolescents and filled out the constructed questionnaire formats
which designed for the purpose of the study. Internal consistency of reliability determined through the
computation of alpha-Chronbach correlation coefficient for quality of life items. Test-retest of reliability was
determined through the computation of Spearman's correlation coefficient for the same items. The content
validity of the constructed questionnaire was determined through a panel of experts. Data were analyzed
through the application of descriptive statistical approach (frequencies and percentages) and inferential
statistical approach (Chi-Square).
Results: The findings revealed that imparity in weight per (kg) according to the pregnancy trimester recorded
the following mean values (after excluding the extreme values). 1st trimester (0.00 – 0.66kg), 2nd trimester
(2.83 – 3.51kg) and 3rd trimester (4.90 – 6.96kg). Regarding nutritional related problems; anemia,
hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, protein urea (trace), teeth decay and urinary tract infection, nausea, vomiting,
and heartburn. Common dietary patterns: skipping meals, snacks eating, food dislike, and not drinking enough
amounts of water or beverages daily(6–8) glasses, The dietary intake through the (24) hours diet recall and
food frequency questionnaire which in comparison with food pyramid do not meet daily requirements of their
servings.
Recommendations: The study recommends health promotion and nutrition-oriented education programs
can be designed, structured and presented to female adolescents to prepare them for a healthy marriage and
pregnancy.