Nutrition profile of pregnant women in the Bassar prefecture (Northwest of Togo)

Résumé

A hospital-based survey was conducted on 251 urban and suburban pregnant women in the Bassar prefecture (Northwest of Togo) in order to describe their nutrition profile. Therefore, an interactive 24-hour dietary recall was used to collect dietary intake data. Food access of subjects was evaluated using the daily meal number. Besides, daily diet diversity was determined using the number of food groups consumed. In addition, food intake data were converted to energy and nutrient intakes. Nutritional adequacy was assessed using nutrient adequacy ratio and mean adequacy ratio. The results of this research show that food access of pregnant women was affected by the seasons. In addition, diet diversity of respondents was poor and nutrient-dense food groups were less consumed. Overall, meat, fruits, milk and eggs were eaten by less than 15% of the respondents. As a result, vitamins (B₁, B₂,B₃,B₉), proteins and minerals (zinc, iron and calcium) intakes of subjects were below nutritional requirements in pregnancy. However, the distribution of daily energy intake from macronutrients in pregnant women is compliant with dietary recommendations. In conclusion, this study shows that the nutritional requirements of pregnant women in the Bassar prefecture are not sufficiently met. Therefore, specific interventions at both individual and community levels are necessary to improve the food intake of pregnant women in this district of Togo.