Investigating the nutritional status of Afghan immigrant pregnant women referring to Mashhad health centers: A cross-sectional study

The nutritional status of pregnant women significantly affects their health. Immigrants, as a vulnerable group, often experience food insecurity and an increased risk of malnutrition. However, there has been a lack of research on the nutritional status of Afghan pregnant women in Mashhad. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the nutritional status of Afghan pregnant women attending health centers in Mashhad.

116 Afghan pregnant women who visited health centers in Mashhad during summer and autumn 2022 were included in this cross-sectional study. Four centers with high concentrations of Afghan migrants were selected, and participants were randomly enrolled after meeting inclusion criteria. Written consent was obtained, and 24-hour dietary intake data were recorded. Data were coded using N4 software and analyzed using SPSS21.

The mean energy intake was found to be 503 ± 1395 kcal, while the average intake of macronutrients, such as fat, protein, and carbohydrates, were 53 ± 89 g, 20 ± 50 g, and 84 ± 211 g, respectively. Additionally, the mean intake of iron was 4 ± 10 mg, calcium was 268 ± 497 mg, folic acid was 122 ± 191 μg, vitamin D was 42.1 ± 23.2 IU, and zinc was 2.93 ± 34.5 mg.

Afghan migrant women have lower energy intake, protein intake, and insufficient levels of important micronutrients such as iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamin D, and zinc. It is crucial for policymakers and planners to prioritize the nutrition of this vulnerable group when designing health programs.