Inadequate food diversity and food taboo associated with maternal iron deficiency among pregnant women living in slum settlements in Makassar City, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem, especially in developing countries. The most common cause is nutritional deficiencies, especially iron deficiency. Adequate nutritional intake from food is essential during pregnancy. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between food access and intake patterns with the incidence of iron deficiency among pregnant women living in the slum settlement in Makassar City. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This research is a sub-study of the Indonesian Birth Cohort Study based in Makassar City. This sub-study used a cross-sectional design and recruited 173 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters using total sampling. All data were collected using a structured questionnaire and recorded using KoboToolbox software. Serum ferritin levels were examined for iron status using the ELISA method at the Microbiology Laboratory Unit at Hasanuddin University Teaching Hospital. The statistical data were analyzed using STATA version 14 with Chi-square analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of iron deficiency in pregnant women living in slum settlements in Makassar City was 78%. Logistic regression analysis showed that inadequate food diversity (AOR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.17-5.69; P = 0.019) and food taboos (AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.26-6.26; P = 0.011) were significantly associated with the incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Most pregnant women living in slum settlements in Makassar City experienced iron deficiency. Pregnant women who experience iron shortages have been connected to food taboos and dietary diversity.

Awareness and practices in preventing maternal iron deficiency among pregnant women living in urban slum areas in Makassar City, Indonesia.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the body requires more complex nutritional intake. Therefore, problems with fulfilling nutrition during pregnancy occur often. One of the most common nutritional problems in pregnancy is iron deficiency anemia, the most widespread micronutrient problem and the most difficult to overcome worldwide. This study aimed to determine awareness and prevention behavior associated with the incidence of iron deficiency in pregnant women living in urban slum areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The data collection used KoboToolbox, an Android-based tool. Iron status was examined by serum ferritin level assay using ELISA at the Microbiology Laboratory Unit of Hasanuddin University Hospital. RESULTS: The prevalence of pregnant women who experienced iron deficiency was 78%. The logistic regression analysis showed that poor awareness (AOR = 3.03, CI 95% 1.26-7.29, P = 0.013) and practices in taking iron enhancers (AOR = 2.85, CI 95% 1.18-6.92, P = 0.020) became the main factors associated with iron deficiency among pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Poor awareness and practices regarding consuming iron enhancers increased the risk of iron deficiency among pregnant women living in urban slum areas. Iron deficiency is a major health concern for pregnant women, especially those living in slum settlements, which must be addressed. A more optimal healthcare system for pregnant women may reduce the incidence of iron anemia in pregnancy by improving health promotion and optimizing healthcare services.