Exploring factors associated with healthy and unhealthy dietary choices among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centres in Delta State, Nigeria

Dietary choices during pregnancy are critical for ensuring optimal nutritional practices among pregnant women. Poor nutritional practices have been associated with complications leading to significant maternal mortality rates annually. This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with dietary choices among pregnant women attending primary healthcare centres in Warri South LGA. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used for this study, and a multi-stage sampling technique was employed to draw a sample of 322 pregnant women. Relevant information was collected using a semi-structured, validated questionnaire on dietary choice of pregnant women (DCQ). Results from the logistic regression analysis revealed that marital status and place of residence were significantly associated with food consumption pattern (FCP) (P < 0.05). Pregnant women who were divorced (OR:0.18; 95% CI: 0.03–1.02; p = 0.05) or separated (OR:0.20; 95% CI: 0.04–1.03; p = 0.05) were significantly less likely to engage in unhealthy food consumption patterns. Furthermore, pregnant women in rural (OR:0.35; 95% CI: 0.15–0.82; p = 0.02) and semi-urban areas (OR:0.42; 95% CI: 0.19–0.91; p = 0.03) were significantly less likely to engage in unhealthy food consumption. Lack of knowledge of food significantly increased the likelihood for unhealthy food consumption patterns (OR:1.75; 95% CI: 0.99–3.11; p = 0.05). The Chi-square result showed that psychological (p < 0.01) and religious factors (p < 0.00) were significantly associated with food consumption patterns of the pregnant women. It is recommended that preconception education should be compulsory for all couples, and nutrition-education and counselling given during each antenatal visit should be intensified. Programs that involve husband support should also be organized, and men should be mandated to attend such programs with their wives.