Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality among working women of reproductive age in Malaysia

Background

Having a good diet quality not only increases the chance of getting all essential nutrients but also reduces the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the socio-demographic determinants of diet quality among working women of reproductive age in the Klang Valley of Malaysia.

Methods

Socio-demographics (age, marital status, ethnicity, educational attainment, and monthly earned income) were self-reported by the respondents. The Diet Quality Questionnaire for Malaysia was used to assess all foods and drinks consumed by working women in the previous 24 ​h of a weekday and weekend day.

Results

More than half of the 244 working women did not consume nuts and seeds (weekday ​= ​71.7% versus weekend ​= ​72.1%) or pulses (weekday ​= ​63.1% versus weekend ​= ​67.2%). Moreover, slightly less than half of working women (weekday ​= ​43.9% versus weekend ​= ​42.6%) reported not consuming milk or milk products. In contrast, grains, white roots and tubers, and plantains (weekday ​= ​98.0% versus weekend ​= ​98.0%) and meat, poultry, and fish (weekday ​= ​97.1% versus weekend ​= ​94.7%) emerged as the most consumed healthy food groups in the previous 24 ​h. This study also demonstrated that 13.1% (n ​= ​32) of working women did not consume at least five healthy food groups daily. Age, marital status, ethnicity, educational attainment, and monthly earned income were the key socio-demographic determinants of diet quality in working women.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals, especially nutritionists and dietitians, should work closely with the federal government of Malaysia to reiterate the importance of having a balanced and diversified diet in the nation.