Exploration of Resources Women Use to Seek Food and Nutrition Information During Pregnancy
Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Advisor
Renata Blumberg
Access Type
Event
Start Date
26-4-2024 12:45 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 1:44 PM
Description
Background: Nutrition is a common concern during pregnancy, yet women often do not meet the recommended nutrient intakes for a healthy pregnancy. Obtaining reliable food and nutrition information is a challenge during pregnancy, and women do not know where to find credible information. Aims: The aims of this study are to (1) investigate the food and nutrition information-seeking behaviors among low-income pregnant women experiencing their first pregnancy and compare these behaviors with pregnant women who classify as middle-to-high income status, and (2) explore the current literature of food and nutrition information resources and seeking behaviors during pregnancy. Methods: A survey was developed to identify the type of information women seek, satisfaction with information, application of information to their diet choices, and barriers for seeking information. A total of 234 pregnant women were recruited using flyers administered at a WIC clinic, a medical office, a university campus, and Facebook groups. A total of 20 peer-reviewed articles published within the past 10 years in the United States and Canada were analyzed from multiple databases. Results: Healthcare providers are the first source used to obtain information. However, many women feel the education they receive falls short of their needs. They will then seek information through the internet leading to increased confusion and uncertainty from unreliable internet sources. Conclusion: Women rely on themselves for food and nutrition information. There is an expressed need for better nutrition education in early pregnancy, and provided resources for credible information when a healthcare provider is not accessible.
Exploration of Resources Women Use to Seek Food and Nutrition Information During Pregnancy
Background: Nutrition is a common concern during pregnancy, yet women often do not meet the recommended nutrient intakes for a healthy pregnancy. Obtaining reliable food and nutrition information is a challenge during pregnancy, and women do not know where to find credible information. Aims: The aims of this study are to (1) investigate the food and nutrition information-seeking behaviors among low-income pregnant women experiencing their first pregnancy and compare these behaviors with pregnant women who classify as middle-to-high income status, and (2) explore the current literature of food and nutrition information resources and seeking behaviors during pregnancy. Methods: A survey was developed to identify the type of information women seek, satisfaction with information, application of information to their diet choices, and barriers for seeking information. A total of 234 pregnant women were recruited using flyers administered at a WIC clinic, a medical office, a university campus, and Facebook groups. A total of 20 peer-reviewed articles published within the past 10 years in the United States and Canada were analyzed from multiple databases. Results: Healthcare providers are the first source used to obtain information. However, many women feel the education they receive falls short of their needs. They will then seek information through the internet leading to increased confusion and uncertainty from unreliable internet sources. Conclusion: Women rely on themselves for food and nutrition information. There is an expressed need for better nutrition education in early pregnancy, and provided resources for credible information when a healthcare provider is not accessible.