Knowledge of pregnant women on gestational weight gain and associated factors

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate knowledge of pregnant women on pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) status, gestational weight gain (GWG) and associated factors. Materials and Methods: A total of 230 singleton, healthy pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic before 20 weeks of gestation were included. Knowledge and self-evaluation of BMI status and GWG were evaluated by self-administered questionnaire. Various characteristics were compared between those with correct and incorrect self-evaluation of BMI and GWG to identify possible associated factors. Results: Mean age was 29.2 years and 67.8% were nulliparous. Mean BMI was 22.3 kg/m2, 17% were overweight and 5.2% were obese. Of 230 women, 20.9% and 62.2% did not know their BMI status and appropriate GWG, respectively. BMI status were correctly identified in 55.7% while 3.9% and 19.6% under- and overestimated their status. Appropriate GWG were correctly identified in only 12.2% while 15.7% and 10% under- and overestimated their GWG. Underweight women were significantly more likely to overestimate their BMI status and GWG while overweight/obese women were more likely to overestimate their GWG. Women who graduated Bachelor degree or higher were significantly more likely to correctly identify their BMI status (p = 0.007) and GWG (p = 0.019). Women with normal weight were significantly more likely to correctly identify their BMI status (p < 0.001), but not GWG. Conclusions: Only 55.7% and 12.2% of pregnant women can correctly identify their BMI status and appropriate GWG. Pre-pregnancy BMI status and higher education significantly associated with correct knowledge on both issues.