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An Investigation into the Influence of Socioeconomic Variables on Gestational Body Mass Index in Pregnant Women Living in a Peri-Urban Settlement, South Africa

Abstract  

Maternal and child mortality rates are still unacceptably high in South Africa. The health status of women in peri-urban areas
has been influenced by political and socio-economic factors. Examining socio-economic variables (SEV) in a population aids
in the explanation of the impact of social structures on an individual. Risk factors can then be established and pregnant
women in these higher risk groups can be identified and given additional support during pregnancy. The aim of this study was
to investigate the association between SEV and gestational Body Mass Index (GBMI) in a peri-urban settlement, South Africa.
This was a sub-study of the Philani Mentor Mothers’ Study (2009–2010). Maternal anthropometry and SEV were obtained from 1,145
participants. Multinomial regression was used to analyse the data. Household income was the only SEV that was significantly
associated with GBMI. The odds of being underweight rather than normal weight during pregnancy increase by a factor of 2.145
(P < 0.05) for those who had a household income lower than R2000 per month. All other SEV were not significant. Logistic regression
was therefore not carried out. Women who had a lower income were at risk of having a lower GBMI during pregnancy. This can
lead to adverse birth outcomes such as premature birth, low birth weight, height and head circumference. Public health policy
needs to be developed to include optimal nutrition health promotion strategies targeting women with a low income ante and
post-natally. Once implemented, they need to be evaluated to assess the impact on maternal and child mortality.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Pages 1-10
  • DOI 10.1007/s10995-011-0869-7
  • Authors
    • H. R. Davies, Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
    • J. Visser, Division of Human Nutrition, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
    • M. Tomlinson, Division of Human Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
    • M. J. Rotherham-Borus, Semel Institute and the Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
    • I. LeRoux, Philani Nutrition Centre, Khayelitsha, South Africa
    • C. Gissane, School of Human Science, St Mary’s University College, Twickenham, UK
    • Journal Maternal and Child Health Journal
    • Online ISSN 1573-6628
    • Print ISSN 1092-7875
Posted in: Journal Article Abstracts on 09/07/2011 | Link to this post on IFP |
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