Diets of low-income pregnant women: effects of nutrition education

The poor face many problems, one of which is limited income. The far-reaching results of poverty include difficulty in obtaining adequate health care, limited availability of money with which to purchase food, and a resulting low intake of essential nutrients. Fresno County has areas of poverty and, in 1968, had approximately 86,000 disadvantaged persons (I). This included pregnant women, who present a unique problem. Because pregnant women and children are the most likely to suffer the ill effects of poor nutrition, they are logical target groups for nutrition programs. The reasons for the increased vulnerability of these groups include culturally determined eating patterns (2), increased nutritional demands imposed by growth, and lack of nutrition knowledge in terms of what constitutes a proper diet. This ignorance, coupled with inadequate funds for food, leads to malnutrition. All of the above factors help to perpetuate the vicious circle of poor food intake, impaired nutritional status, decreased mental and physical capacity, and low motivation and limited ability to earn a better living.