The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) Score: Its Association With the Prevalence and Severity of Anemia in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND

Anemia during pregnancy is a very common medical disorder and is usually related to poor dietary nutrients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to study the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) score during pregnancy and its correlation with the prevalence and severity of anemia in a tertiary referral hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A total of 430 women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy were included and details of sociodemographic, obstetric, and nutritional factors were asked from all participants. MDD-W score was calculated and was correlated with the prevalence and severity of anemia.

RESULTS

The mean age, median parity, and mean body mass index were 26.2 years, 2, and 22.4 kg/m,respectively. Of the patients, 30% were in lower socioeconomic classes. Anemia was seen in 250 (48.84%) women, being mild in 25.81%, moderate in 15-8%, and severe in 7.04%. A total of 49.3% of patients were vegetarian. The mean dietary calories and protein and iron intake were less in anemic patients. MDD-W score was 6.2±1.2 in the normal hemoglobin group, which was significantly higher than the anemia group (3.8±0.75). The mean MDD-W score was 4.4±0.9 in mild anemia, 3.5±0.7 in moderate anemia, and only 2.2±0.45 in severe anemia.

CONCLUSION

The MDD-W score was significantly less in anemic pregnant patients, being least in patients with severe anemia.