What Do Pregnant Adolescents Believe About Nutrition During Pregnancy?

Abstract

The study surveyed 115 pregnant adolescents to determine their beliefs about nutrition during pregnancy. They were recruited from schools, clinics, residential homes, and public health facilities in 35 counties in middle and eastern Tennessee. Personal interviews and a 26-card game format were used to collect data. Participants read each belief from a card and attached it to a tack board indicating a response ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Responses were factor analyzed, and those factors with loadings of ≥ .50 and with eigenvalues of unity were retained and named for the major concepts present in the belief statements. Subsequently, dietary patterns of the participants were compared to belief statements that mentioned specific foods and current recommendations for pregnancy. Adolescents agreed with recommendations associated with milk consumption and weight gain during pregnancy. These responses were consistent with a calcium intake of 1317 mg ± 669 and a mean weight gain of 36.3 ± 16.1 pounds. Erroneous beliefs, such as the baby getting what it needs over maternal needs, also received “agree” responses. Results overall indicate that pregnant adolescents in this group needed counseling about salt restriction, maternal versus fetal needs, and use of vitamin supplements during pregnancy.