Nutritional status and the impact of socioeconomic factors on pregnant women in Kamrup district of Assam
Mahanta, L.B.; Roy, T.Deb.; Dutta, R.Gogoi.; Devi, A.
Ecology of Food and Nutrition 51(6): 463-480
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 0367-0244 PMID: 23082918 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2012.705701Document Number: 572196
Pregnancy is a critical time in the course of life, having both health and social impacts for individuals, family, and society. The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in a rural area of Assam, India, was examined using anthropometric and biochemical assessments. Key socioeconomic factors that affect nutritional status were examined. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 285 women from all three trimesters was done. The results found that 48% of the women were below normal for Body Mass Index (BMI), indicating a high level of undernutrition. The age of the mother and husband's occupation showed a strong positive correlation with BMI, while family size and income level showed a negative correlation. The results of the biochemical analysis showed that 62% of the women were anemic, and copper and zinc levels were 29% and 12% below normal levels, respectively. The study findings indicate that undernutrition is far higher than national and global standards.