RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS AND DIETARY HABITES OF PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ATENATAL CARE IN YARIMAN BAKURA SPECIALIST HOSPITAL ZAMFARA STATE

Adequate diet does not involve the quantity of food consumed alone; quality and variety also play a role. This study investigated the interplay between dietary habits and sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 239 pregnant women were enrolled, and a questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic information, medical and obstetric history, anti-malaria drug use, and insecticide-treated net (ITN) use. A combination of a food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall was used to assess dietary habits. (53.6%) pregnant women were aged 20 to 25 years (89.6%) belonging to the Hausa ethnic group, (99.6%) of whom were married. (59.1%) had completed secondary education, (68.6%) reported “not working”, (53.8%) had between 1 and 3 living children, (59.1%), and were primiparous, indicating that they had given birth once., and (50.0%) reported never using supplements. The majority (60.4%) relied on other sources, such as sachet water, for their water supply. (49.4%) of the respondents, a drainage system was installed and (47.2%) used ITNs more than three times a week. (64.8%) Of the women, the women did not meet the minimum dietary diversity (MDD) requirements. Dietary diversity was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p= 0.05). This study revealed that low socioeconomic status in pregnant women with malaria may be the cause of inappropriate dietary practices. The findings highlight the need for targeted nutritional and socioeconomic interventions in this vulnerable population