Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Committee Chair

M. Zafar A. Nomani.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of prenatal care utilization and maternal dietary intake on pregnancy outcome among West Virginia WIC participants. The sample size (102--155) used in this study varied, due to the number of subjects that provided complete information for specific variables. Data were obtained from survey questionnaires, participants' medical records and food frequency questionnaires. Data were analyzed by Statistica using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation.;Results of this study showed that women who experienced transportation problems or had problems with the father of the baby delayed initiation of prenatal care. In turn, these problems negatively affected gestation age and newborn weight of the infant. Alternatively, women who had family support and a good relationship with the father of their baby sought prenatal care earlier in their pregnancy. In addition, it was found that maternal nutrient intake was positively associated with newborn weight and length. Therefore, barriers and facilitators that impact on prenatal care utilization and ultimately on pregnancy outcome merit further research.

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