Magnitude and effects of food cravings on nutritional status of pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross sectional study

Abstract

Background Food cravings is a strong and intense urge to consume a specific food and reported as being associated with overweight and overall caloric intake in pregnant women. However, the nutritional and anthropometric consequences are not well recognized. Therefore, this study aimed to assess magnitude and effects of food cravings on nutritional status of pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among 586 randomly selected pregnant mothers at Sidama Regional State from June 1–20, 2019. Pre-tested and semistructured face-to-face interview questionnaires used to collect the data. The data were cleaned, coded, and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and analysed using SPSS IBM version 20. The bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression used to identify the possible factors of food cravings. Principal component analysis used to determine the wealth status of the study participants. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) together with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) used to declare statistical significance. Results The study found that nearly three in five, 309 (58.3%) [95%, CI: 54.2%-62.8%] of the study participants reported food cravings. Meat (71.5%) and Fruits (41.7%) were the most frequently craved. About one-third, 194 (36.6%) of the study participants were undernourished (MUAC < 23 cm). Age of women (20–34 years), government employed, Antenatal Care (ANC), Pica practice, lowest wealth quintile, and skipping meals were statistically associated with food cravings. Whereas, wealth quintile and ability to consume craved food were factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women. Moreover, our study result found that maternal undernutrition and food cravings were statistically associated (p<0.001). Conclusion The prevalence of food cravings in this study is comparable to the global level. However, the magnitude of undernutrition found to be higher. Thus, health care providers need to take every opportunity to encourage women to adopt healthful dietary practices during pregnancy.

Exploring associations between pregnancy cravings and sociodemographic, lifestyle and health factors: insights from a cross-sectional population study in Jordan

“… 18–21 Subsequent research has demonstrated that the worldwide occurrence of food cravings ranges between 38% and 79%, exhibiting lower frequencies among European populations while displaying greater prevalence within the African continent. 22 23 In our study on Jordanian women, the prevalence of food cravings during pregnancy was approximately 75%, which falls within the range reported in previous studies.…”

“…In Western cultures, pregnant women often experience cravings for various food items, including chocolate, fruits and fruit juices, sweet treats like ice cream and desserts, and to a lesser extent a range of meat and dairy products. 22 In the current study, the analysis revealed that the most commonly craved food items were sweets and salts. In fact, the exact cause of food cravings during pregnancy is not fully understood; however, researchers propose that several factors contribute to their development, including cultural and societal influences, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, food availability, and increased nutritional needs and energy requirements.…”

“…In Western cultures, pregnant women often experience cravings for various food items, including chocolate, fruits and fruit juices, sweet treats like ice cream and desserts, and to a lesser extent a range of meat and dairy products 22. In the current study, the analysis revealed that the most commonly craved food items were sweets and salts.…”

“…In the current study, the analysis revealed that the most commonly craved food items were sweets and salts. In fact, the exact cause of food cravings during pregnancy is not fully understood; however, researchers propose that several factors contribute to their development, including cultural and societal influences, hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, food availability, and increased nutritional needs and energy requirements 22 24…”