The Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) Score: Its Association With the Prevalence and Severity of Anemia in Pregnancy

TL;DR

This study shows that lower dietary diversity in pregnant women is linked to higher rates and severity of anemia.

Contribution

The study demonstrates a strong correlation between the MDD-W score and anemia severity in pregnancy.

Findings

Anemia was present in nearly half of the pregnant women studied.

Lower MDD-W scores were significantly associated with more severe anemia.

Vegetarian diets and poor nutrient intake were linked to anemia in pregnancy.

Abstract

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is a very common medical disorder and is usually related to poor dietary nutrients.

Objective: The objective of this study was to study the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) score during pregnancy and its correlation with the prevalence and severity of anemia in a tertiary referral hospital.

Material and method: A total of 430 women in their second and third trimesters of pregnancy were included and details of sociodemographic, obstetric, and nutritional factors were asked from all participants. MDD-W score was calculated and was correlated with the prevalence and severity of anemia.

Results: The mean age, median parity, and mean body mass index were 26.2 years, 2, and 22.4 kg/m2,respectively. Of the patients, 30% were in lower socioeconomic classes. Anemia was seen in 250 (48.84%) women, being mild in 25.81%, moderate in 15-8%, and severe in 7.04%. A total of 49.3% of patients were vegetarian. The mean dietary calories and protein and iron intake were less in anemic patients. MDD-W score was 6.2±1.2 in the normal hemoglobin group, which was significantly higher than the anemia group (3.8±0.75). The mean MDD-W score was 4.4±0.9 in mild anemia, 3.5±0.7 in moderate anemia, and only 2.2±0.45 in severe anemia.

Conclusion: The MDD-W score was significantly less in anemic pregnant patients, being least in patients with severe anemia.