Nutritional status of teenage mothers in shivraj municipality of Kapilvastu district

Abstract

Adequate nourishment plays a critical role in promoting optimal health outcomes for both mothers and children during the lactation period. Despite the prevalence of food insecurity and dietary monotony—factors contributing to undernutrition—in rural Nepal, there remains a dearth of comprehensive examination and assessment regarding their impact on lactating mothers, a demographic with heightened nutritional requirements. This study seeks to investigate the socio-economic characteristics, food insecurity levels, dietary diversity, and agricultural practices among teenage mothers with children under the age of five, aiming to shed light on the risk factors associated with inadequate nutrition during this crucial life stage. In the Shivaraj municipality of Kapilvastu district, a community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken. Utilizing a randomized sampling approach, a total of 160 lactating mothers were selected as participants. Food insecurity was assessed using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS), while dietary diversity was measured using the "Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women" tool developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, data regarding socio-demographic factors and potential risk elements were also gathered during the study. The study uncovered a significant trend in household food security, with 76.3% of respondents experiencing food insecurity, while only 23.1% reported household food security. This disparity highlights the prevalent challenges encountered by a considerable portion of the surveyed population in maintaining consistent and reliable access to food resources. The study found that 3.1% of respondents smoked occasionally, and 1.9% consumed alcohol, contrasting with 96.9% and 98.1% abstaining, respectively. Rice and chapati were favored by 89.4% of respondents, with 8.8% being vegetarian. Vegetable consumption ranged from 10.6% eating them 1-3 days a week to 47.5% daily. Fruit consumption varied, with 87.5% consuming them 1-3 days a week, and junk food consumption was prevalent at 98.1%. These findings illuminate the diverse dietary habits among the surveyed population.The observed food insecurity and poor dietary diversity among lactating mothers, the correlates associated with these outcomes, may help local stakeholders to identify local health needs and subgroups for targeted interventions. Socioeconomically disadvantaged mothers should be specifically targeted for relevant programs and policies.