DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2024.v12i10.007

Pages: 373-381

Sub-optimal diet and inadequate weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of adverse health outcomes for both mother and child. The aim of this study was to determine the maternal characteristics associated with gestational weight gain (GWG). This was a retrospective study conducted in the delivery departments of three maternity hospitals (maternity hospitals of Yopougon Attié General Hospital, Abobo-Té and Anono Riviera-2 community-based urban health centers) in the Abidjan district from October1 to November 30, 2018. A total of 146 pregnant women were included in this study. Sociodemographic and dietary characteristics, obstetric history and delivery characteristics were recorded in the pregnancy follow-up booklet and maternity registers. Maternal anthropometry was used to calculate mothers' body mass index (BMI) and total gestational weight gain. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25 software. The majority of participants had adequate GWG (51.4%), 30.1% insufficient GWG and 18.5% excessive GWG. GWG was also significantly associated with ethnicity (p < 0.05). Women from the Gur and Akan ethnic groups had more insufficient GWG (57.1% and 42.6, respectively), while Krou (72.4%) and Mandé (57.1%) women had more adequate GWG. In addition, 42.9% of Mandé pregnant women had more excessive GWG. Women in partnerships (64.5%) showed more adequate GWG, whereas insufficient GWG was more prevalent in 51.3% of single women. A proportion of 38.8% of active women had insufficient GWG versus 31.9% of excessive GWG in non-active pregnant women (p < 0.05). Women with high dietary diversity had an adequate GWG than their counterparts (56.9% v 38.6%). This study revealed the presence of both inadequate and excessive weight gain despite a more common adequate GWG. In addition, it revealed an association between GWG, ethnicity, marital status, female occupation and dietary diversity.