Suchergebnisse

Introduction: Child obesity is the major pediatric public health crisis of the current century and its trend is increasing in the developing countries due to nutrition and epidemiologic transition. Considering the burden of childhood obesity and its associated outcomes need for obesity prevention in children has become priority both for government and researchers.Objective: The objective of this review is to provide the updated knowledge and evidence from various research studies, designed to provide interventions either in school or at home.Methodology: Electronic databases like Google scholar, PubMed and Sciencedirect were used as search engines. Key terms used during the review were obesity, overweight, childhood obesity, interventions for childhood obesity and Body Mass Index. Those intervention studies were selected which have been delivered to the 6-12 years old children either at home or at school or both.Findings: Schools are essentialsocial environmentfor children andmany endeavors have been made to utilize this environment to uphold healthy behaviors among youth, including healthful eating habit. Furthermore, greater involvement of family members has been suggested as a way of increasing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at weight control, weight maintenance, and weight loss.Conclusion: School curriculum including healthy eating, physical activity, development of movement skills, improvements in nutritional quality of the food supply in schools, environments, and cultural practices can play a vital role in preventing the obesity. Moreover, weight-loss interventions targeting food intake and/or physical activity might be most operative if they involve family members appropriately. Involving parents in the home setting to encourage children to be more active, eat more nutritious foods and spend less time in screen-based activities can prevent the childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND: Iron supplementation is considered an imperative strategy for anemia prevention and control during pregnancy in Pakistan. Although there is some evidence on the predictors of iron deficiency anemia among Pakistani women, there is a very limited understanding of factors associated with iron consumption among Pakistani pregnant women. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the predictors of iron consumption for at least ≥90 days during pregnancy in Pakistan. METHODS: We analyzed dataset from the nationally representative Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2017–2018. The primary outcome of the current study was the consumption of iron supplementation for ≥90 days during the pregnancy of the last birth. Women who had last childbirth 5 years before the survey and who responded to the question of iron intake were included in the final analysis (n = 6370). We analyzed the data that accounted for complex sampling design by including clusters, strata, and sampling weights. RESULTS: Around 30% of the women reported consumed iron tablets for ≥90 days during their last pregnancy. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that factors such as women's age (≥ 25 years) (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.42–1.62)], wealth index (rich/richest) (aPR = 1.25; [95% CI: 1.18–1.33]), primary education (aPR = 1.33; [95% CI: 1.24–1.43), secondary education (aPR = 1.34; [95% CI: 1.26–1.43), higher education (aPR = 2.13; [95% CI: 1.97–2.30), women's say in choosing husband (aPR = 1.68; [95% CI: 1.57–1.80]), ≥ five antenatal care visits (aPR =2.65; [95% CI (2.43–2.89]), history of the last Caesarian-section (aPR = 1.29; [95% CI: 1.23–1.36]) were significantly associated with iron consumption for ≥90 days. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate complex predictors of iron consumption during pregnancy in Pakistan. There is a need to increase the number of ANC visits and the government should take necessary steps to improve access to iron supplements by targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable women ...

Background: Iron supplementation is considered an imperative strategy for anemia prevention and control during pregnancy in Pakistan. Although there is some evidence on the predictors of iron deficiency anemia among Pakistani women, there is a very limited understanding of factors associated with iron consumption among Pakistani pregnant women. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the predictors of iron consumption for at least ≥90 days during pregnancy in Pakistan.Methods: We analyzed dataset from the nationally representative Pakistan Demographic Health Survey 2017-2018. The primary outcome of the current study was the consumption of iron supplementation for ≥90 days during the pregnancy of the last birth. Women who had last childbirth 5 years before the survey and who responded to the question of iron intake were included in the final analysis (n = 6370). We analyzed the data that accounted for complex sampling design by including clusters, strata, and sampling weights.Results: Around 30% of the women reported consumed iron tablets for ≥90 days during their last pregnancy. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that factors such as women's age (≥ 25 years) (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.42-1.62)], wealth index (rich/richest) (aPR = 1.25; [95% CI: 1.18-1.33]), primary education (aPR = 1.33; [95% CI: 1.24-1.43), secondary education (aPR = 1.34; [95% CI: 1.26-1.43), higher education (aPR = 2.13; [95% CI: 1.97-2.30), women's say in choosing husband (aPR = 1.68; [95% CI: 1.57-1.80]), ≥ five antenatal care visits (aPR =2.65; [95% CI (2.43-2.89]), history of the last Caesarian-section (aPR = 1.29; [95% CI: 1.23-1.36]) were significantly associated with iron consumption for ≥90 days.Conclusion: These findings demonstrate complex predictors of iron consumption during pregnancy in Pakistan. There is a need to increase the number of ANC visits and the government should take necessary steps to improve access to iron supplements by targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable women who are younger, less educated, poor, and living in rural areas.

Background: Unintended pregnancies are an important public health issue in both developed and developing countries. An unintended pregnancy may affect maternal health seeking behavior during the antenatal and postpartum periods, which can adversely affect perinatal outcomes. Aim: The specific aim of our study was to measure antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum pregnancy outcomes among women with unintended pregnancies in a rural Pakistani population.Methods: Using a prospective maternal and newborn health registry in Thatta Pakistan, we evaluated temporal associations between unintended pregnancy and several dimensions of health seeking behavior including: antenatal care, preference for private versus government facility for antenatal care, and use of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine during the current pregnancy. We performed logistic regressions to analyze the data.Results: In a multivariable model, we found that women who claimed their pregnancies as unintended were 1.27 times more likely to not utilize any facility for antenatal care as compared to women with intended pregnancies [OR = 1.27; 95% CI (1.11 - 1.46)]. Likewise, women with unintended pregnancies were 1.23 times more likely to not receive tetanus toxoid vaccine during the antenatal period [OR = 1.23; 95% CI (1.06 - 1.41)] and were 1.20 times more likely to utilize a government facility compared to private facilities for the antenatal care as compared to their counterparts with intended pregnancies [OR = 1.20; 95% CI (1.04 - 1.38)].Conclusions: Women with unintended pregnancies were less likely to seek antenatal care and preferred government facilities when they did enroll; these facilities are known for providing subsidized but suboptimal care. Our results show that women who decide to carry unintended pregnancies should be considered a high-risk group that requires focused counseling on adherence to antenatal care and delivery planning. Prevention of unintended and unplanned pregnancies in rural areas through provision of family planning services should be encouraged.

Introduction: Pakistan is facing a challenging situation in terms of high newborn mortality rate. Securing pregnancy and delivery care may not bring a substantial reduction in neonatal mortality, unless coupled with the provision of quality inpatient care for small and sick newborns and young infants (NYIs). We undertook this study to assess the availability and quality of newborn care services provided and the readiness of inpatient care for NYIs in Pakistan. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study across Pakistan from February to June 2019, using a purposive sample of 61% (23) of the 38 sick newborn care units at public sector health care facilities providing inpatient care for small and sick NYIs. We interviewed facility managers and health care providers by using structured questionnaires. We observed facility infrastructure and relevant metrics related to the quality of inpatient care such as types of infant care units and essential equipment, drugs, staffing cadre and facility management practices, quality assurance activities, essential services for small and sick NYI care, discharge planning, and support, quality of NYIs care record, and health information system. Results: Of the 23 facilities assessed, 83% had newborn intensive care units (NICUs), 74% reported Special Care Units (SCUs), and only 44% had Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Units. All facilities had at least one paediatrician, 13% had neonatologists and neonatal surgeons each. Around 61 and 13% of the facilities had staff trained in neonatal resuscitation and parental counseling, respectively. About 35% of the facilities monitored nosocomial infection rates, with management and interdisciplinary team meetings reported from 17 and 30% of the facilities respectively preceding the survey. Basic interventions for NYIs were available in 43% of the facilities, only 35% of facilities had system in place to monitor nosocomial infections for NYI care. Most (73%) of reviewed records of NYIs at 1-2 days had information on the birth weight, temperature recording (52%), while only a quarter (25%) of the observed records documented danger signs. Mechanism to support discharge care by having linkages with community workers was present in 13% of the facilities, while only 35% of the facilities have strategies to promote adherence after discharge. Majority (78%) of facilities reported monitoring any newborn/ neonatal care indicators, while none of the sub-units within facilities had consolidated information on stillbirths and neonatal deaths. Conclusion: The study has demonstrated important gaps in the quality of small and sick NYI inpatient care in the country. To avert neonatal mortality in the country, provincial and district governments have to take actions in improving the quality of inpatient care.

OBJECTIVES: Newborn size, including length, has been associated with later growth. Preconception nutrition supplementation in Women First (WF) trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01883193) was associated with higher newborn length and lower rates of stunting. The objective was to examine postnatal growth outcomes through 6 mo in the WF offspring. METHODS: Subjects were 2450 infants from the WF sites in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Guatemala, India, and Pakistan with the 3 WF arms maintained: Arm 1 started a lipid-based nutrition supplement ≥ 3 mo prior to conception; Arm 2 started same supplement at ∼11 wk gestation; and Arm 3 received no trial supplements. Maternal supplementation was discontinued at delivery. Anthropometric measurements were obtained at birth, 0.5, 1, 3, and 6 mo; Z-scores were calculated from WHO Child Growth Standards. Primary and secondary outcomes were analyzed using longitudinal generalized estimating equations accounting for the correlation of repeated measures over time and study cluster. Intervention effects were evaluated within each site as well as overall, adjusting for site and baseline maternal covariates that differed by arm. Statistical interaction between arm and infant sex was evaluated and included if significant. RESULTS: Longitudinal growth (length and weight) curves from 0–6 mo demonstrated differences by intervention arm, with Arms 1 and 2 more favorable compared to Arm 3 (Table + LAZ in Figure). Relative risks (RR) for stunting were significantly lower for Arms 1 and 2 (vs. Arm 3) (Table). Site-specific analyses revealed some site differences warranting further exploration. CONCLUSIONS: Without any postnatal intervention, differences in fetal growth evident at birth persisted at 6 months. FUNDING SOURCES: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; NIH, NICHD & ODS. SUPPORTING TABLES, IMAGES AND/OR GRAPHS:

Background: Maternal stature and body mass indices (BMI) of non-pregnant women (NPW) of child bearing age are relevant to maternal and offspring health. The objective was to compare anthropometric indices of NPW in four rural communities in low- to low-middle income countries (LMIC).Methods: Anthropometry and maternal characteristics/household wealth questionnaires were obtained for NPW enrolled in the Women First Preconception Maternal Nutrition Trial. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Z-scores were determined using WHO reference data.Results: A total of 7268 NPW participated in Equateur, DRC (n = 1741); Chimaltenango, Guatemala (n = 1695); North Karnataka, India (n = 1823); and Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan (n = 2009). Mean age was 23 y and mean parity 1.5. Median (P25-P75) height (cm) ranged from 145.5 (142.2-148.9) in Guatemala to 156.0 (152.0-160.0) in DRC. Median weight (kg) ranged from 44.7 (39.9-50.3) in India to 52.7 (46.9-59.8) in Guatemala. Median BMI ranged from 19.4 (17.6-21.9) in India to 24.9 (22.3-28.0) in Guatemala. Percent stunted (<-2SD height for age z-score) ranged from 13.9% in DRC to 80.5% in Guatemala; % underweight (BMI <18.5) ranged from 1.2% in Guatemala to 37.1% in India; % overweight/obese (OW, BMI ≥25.0) ranged from 5.7% in DRC to 49.3% in Guatemala. For all sites, indicators for higher SES and higher age were associated with BMI. Lower SES women were underweight more frequently and higher SES women were OW more frequently at all sites. Younger women tended to be underweight, while older women tended to be OW.Conclusions: Anthropometric data for NPW varied widely among low-income rural populations in four countries located on three different continents. Global comparisons of anthropometric measurements across sites using standard reference data serve to highlight major differences among populations of low-income rural NPW and assist in evaluating the rationale for and the design of optimal intervention trials.

OBJECTIVES: Nutrition during fetal and early postnatal life impacts brain development, however evidence from randomized trials from low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC) is limited. We evaluated effects of maternal nutrition supplementation before and during pregnancy on neurodevelopment and vision in children from 4 LMIC with high rates of stunting, using a simplified assessment tool. METHODS: Women First was an individually randomized trial comparing the impact of maternal nutrition supplementation initiated preconception vs at ∼12 wk gestation vs no supplement; interventions were discontinued at delivery in trial sites in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India, and Pakistan. Neurodevelopment and visual acuity and visual contrast sensitivity were assessed at 24 mo using the INTER-NDA and the Cardiff tests, respectively, in a random sub-set, representing ∼1/3 of infants with valid birth measurements from the WF trial. Anthropometry and Family Care Indicators (FCI) were also obtained at 24 mo. RESULTS: 667 and 634 children (91% and 86% of sub-set) were included in INTER-NDA and vision analyses. Arm-proportionate contribution was 32.2–32.8%. Overall, we observed the following percentage of children with delays: 66.6% cognitive; 87.4% fine motor; 91.3% gross motor; and 11.7% language; 25.9% had positive behavior problems; and 26.0% and 21.0% had low acuity and contrast sensitivity scores, respectively. WF intervention arm was not significant for INTER-NDA scores, rates of mild-to-moderate or severe delay (F = 0.004–1.518, p = 0.28–0.99; X(2 )= 3.81–5.92, p = 0.18–0.42; X(2 )= 3.81–6.33, p = 0.18–0.43); or for low acuity and contrast sensitivity (X(2 )= 0.91, p = 0.63 and X(2 )= 1.64, p = 0.44). LAZ(24mo) was significantly associated with cognitive, motor, language, and behavior scores; maternal education predicted cognitive, language, and vision; and FCI was significantly associated with fine motor, language, and behavior after adjusting for other covariates (R(2) 0.33 cognitive; 0.40 language; 0.12 ...

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate infant young child feeding (IYCF) trends from 12 to 24 mo in four low middle-income countries: Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); Guatemala; India; and Pakistan. METHODS: 2413 children (570 DRC, 614 Guatemala, 589 India, and 640 Pakistan) born to women from the Women First Trial enrolled. Trained research health workers visited households and assessed children's feeding practices from 12 to 24 mo. Child feeding indicators including the prevalence and longitudinal trends of meeting minimum diet diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were analyzed using the 2018 IYCF definitions from 12 to 24 mo for all four sites individually and combined. RESULTS: MDD significantly increased from 16% at 12 mo to 29% at 24 mo for all sites combined (p < 0.001); by site: 3 to 10 for DRC (p < 0.001), 33 to 42 for Guatemala (p = 0.001), 28 to 63 for India (p < 0.001), and 1 to 2 for Pakistan (not significant). MMF significantly increased from 49% at 12 mo to 68% at 24 mo for all sites (p < 0.001); by site: 22 to 49 for DRC (p < 0.001), 89 to 92 for Guatemala (not significant), 66 to 73 for India (0.012), and 18 to 58 for Pakistan (p < 0.001). MAD significantly increased (p < 0.001) for all sites, and by site for DRC and India only. Food groups least consumed at 24 mo for all sites were nuts/pulses (prevalence 20%), meats/fish/insects (21%), and vitamin A rich fruits & vegetables (38%); compared to grains/roots/tubers which were consumed by 98% of participants. For all sites, milk & dairy and eggs consumption significantly increased from 50 to 60% (p < 0.001) and 26 to 50% (p < 0.001), respectively. Breastfeeding decreased from 94% at 12 mo to 49% at 24 mo for all sites with the lowest prevalence of breastfeeding in Pakistan (23%), whereas the other sites were ∼50%. CONCLUSIONS: For all sites, the prevalence of participants meeting IYCF recommendations for feeding indicators increased from 12 to 24 mo, but prevalence at 24 mo remained ...

Background: In Pakistan, there is a dearth of literature on the perceptions of anemia among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study was undertaken to explore the perceptions of women, their husbands, and healthcare providers about anemia, its possible causes, and how anemia impacts maternal and child health in Thatta, Pakistan.Methods: A qualitative study was conducted in Thatta, Pakistan from September to December 2018. Using a pre-tested semi-structured interview (SSI), we collected data to understand their definitions of anemia through ten focus group discussions (FGDs) with women and their partners and ten primary informant interviews (KIIs) with healthcare providers. We identified six major themes: (I) Knowledge and awareness of anemia, (II) Causes and consequences of Anemia, (III) Dietary practices, (IV) Knowledge and practices regarding the use of iron-folic acid supplements, (V) Factors influencing prevention and control of anemia and (VI) Women's health behavior. We analyzed the data through thematic analysis using NVivo 10 software.Results: Most community members were not aware of the term anemia but described anemia as a condition characterized by 'blood deficiency' in the body. All study participants perceived anemia as an important health problem tending to cause adverse outcomes among WRA and their children. Study participants perceived gutka (chewable tobacco) consumption as an important cause of anemia. Healthcare providers identified short inter-pregnancy intervals, lack of family planning, poor health-seeking behavior, and consumption of unhealthy food as causes of anemia in the district. Consumption of unhealthy food might not be related to related to a poorer knowledge of iron-deficient foods, but economic constraints. This was further endorsed by the healthcare providers who mentioned that most women were too poor to afford iron-rich foods. All men and women were generally well versed with the sources of good nutrition to be consumed by WRA to prevent anemia.Conclusion: The findings suggest that the government should plan to develop strategies for poverty-stricken and vulnerable rural women and plan health awareness programs to improve dietary practices, compliance with supplements, and health-seeking behavior among women of reproductive age. There is a need to develop effective counseling strategies and context-specific health education sessions to improve the health-seeking behavior of women and men in the Thatta district of Pakistan. Besides, there is need to address social determinants of health such as poverty that pushes women of poorer socioeconomic strata to eat less nutritious foods and have more anaemia. Therefore, a comprehensive and robust strategic plan need to be adopted by government that focuses not only on the awareness programs, but also aim to reduce inequities that lead to pregnant women eat iron-poor foods, which, in turn, forces them to become anemic.

Background: Up-to-date dietary data are required to understand the diverse nutritional challenges of pregnant women living in low-middle income countries (LMIC). To that end, dietary data were collected from 1st trimester pregnant women in rural areas of Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) participating in a maternal lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) Randomized Controlled Trial to examine dietary diversity (DD), usual group energy and nutrient intakes, and prevalence of inadequate dietary intakes.Methods: Two 24-h dietary recalls were conducted in ~240 pregnant women/site (total n = 966) prior to 12-week gestation. Adequate DD was assessed, i.e., ≥5 major food groups consumed within the past 24 h. Median, Q1, Q3 intakes (without LNS) of energy, macronutrients, 12 micronutrients, and phytate were examined. The "at risk" prevalence of inadequate intakes were based on international guidelines for pregnant women.Results: Dietary patterns varied widely among sites, with adequate DD reported: 20% (Pakistan), 25% (DRC), 50% (Guatemala), and 70% (India). Significantly higher intakes of most key nutrients were observed in participants with adequate DD. More than 80% of women in all sites had inadequate intakes of folate, vitamin B12, and choline, and >80% of women in India and DRC also had inadequate intakes of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6.Conclusions: Our data highlight the likely need for micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy, specifically multi-micronutrient interventions, and support the value of increasing DD as part of sustainable long-term nutrition programs for women of reproductive age in these poor rural settings in LMIC.

AbstractRapid changes in the global climate are deepening existing health disparities from resource scarcity and malnutrition. Rising ambient temperatures represent an imminent risk to pregnant women and infants. Both maternal malnutrition and heat stress during pregnancy contribute to poor fetal growth, the leading cause of diminished child development in low-resource settings. However, studies explicitly examining interactions between these two important environmental factors are lacking. We leveraged maternal and neonatal anthropometry data from a randomized controlled trial focused on improving preconception maternal nutrition (Women First Preconception Nutrition trial) conducted in Thatta, Pakistan, where both nutritional deficits and heat stress are prevalent. Multiple linear regression of ambient temperature and neonatal anthropometry at birth (n = 459) showed a negative association between daily maximal temperatures in the first trimester and Z-scores of birth length and head circumference. Placental mRNA-sequencing and protein analysis showed transcriptomic changes in protein translation, ribosomal proteins, and mTORC1 signaling components in term placenta exposed to excessive heat in the first trimester. Targeted metabolomic analysis indicated ambient temperature associated alterations in maternal circulation with decreases in choline concentrations. Notably, negative impacts of heat on birth length were in part mitigated in women randomized to comprehensive maternal nutritional supplementation before pregnancy suggesting potential interactions between heat stress and nutritional status of the mother. Collectively, the findings bridge critical gaps in our current understanding of how maternal nutrition may provide resilience against adverse effects of heat stress in pregnancy.

Background: Up-to-date dietary data are required to understand the diverse nutritional challenges of pregnant women living in low-middle income countries (LMIC). To that end, dietary data were collected from 1st trimester pregnant women in rural areas of Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) participating in a maternal lipid-based nutrient supplement (LNS) Randomized Controlled Trial to examine dietary diversity (DD), usual group energy and nutrient intakes, and prevalence of inadequate dietary intakes. Methods: Two 24-h dietary recalls were conducted in ~240 pregnant women/site (total n = 966) prior to 12-week gestation. Adequate DD was assessed, i.e., ≥5 major food groups consumed within the past 24 h. Median, Q1, Q3 intakes (without LNS) of energy, macronutrients, 12 micronutrients, and phytate were examined. The "at risk" prevalence of inadequate intakes were based on international guidelines for pregnant women. Results: Dietary patterns varied widely among sites, with adequate DD reported: 20% (Pakistan), 25% (DRC), 50% (Guatemala), and 70% (India). Significantly higher intakes of most key nutrients were observed in participants with adequate DD. More than 80% of women in all sites had inadequate intakes of folate, vitamin B12, and choline, and >80% of women in India and DRC also had inadequate intakes of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin B6. Conclusions: Our data highlight the likely need for micronutrient supplementation in pregnancy, specifically multi-micronutrient interventions, and support the value of increasing DD as part of sustainable long-term nutrition programs for women of reproductive age in these poor rural settings in LMIC.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the fetal linear growth effects of maternal nutrition supplementation would be maintained through 6 months postnatal age. STUDY DESIGN: The Women First trial was a multicountry, individually randomized clinical trial that compared the impact of maternal nutrition supplementation-initiated preconception (Arm 1) vs at ~11 weeks of gestation (Arm 2), vs no supplement (Arm 3); the intervention was discontinued at delivery. Trial sites were Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, India, and Pakistan. Analysis includes 2421 infants born to 2408 randomized women. Primary outcome was the trajectory of length-for-age z scores (LAZ) by arm, based on assessments at birth and 1, 3, and 6 months. We fitted longitudinal models on growth from birth to 6 months using generalized estimating equations; maternal intervention effects were evaluated, adjusting for site and baseline maternal covariates. RESULTS: Linear growth for Arms 1 and 2 was statistically greater than for Arm 3 in 3 of the 4 countries, with average pairwise mean differences in LAZ of 0.25 (95% CI 0.15–0.35; P < .001) and 0.19 (95% CI 0.09–0.28; P < .001), respectively. Compared with Arm 3, average overall adjusted relative risks (95% CI) for stunting (LAZ <–2) were lower for Arms 1 and 2: 0.76 (0.66–0.87; P < .001) and 0.77 (0.67–0.88; P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Improved linear growth in early infancy observed for the 2 intervention arms supports the critical importance of maternal nutrition before conception and in the early phase of gestation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01883193.

Background: Our aim was to utilize a feasible quantitative methodology to estimate the dietary adequacy of >900 first-trimester pregnant women in poor rural areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India and Pakistan. This paper outlines the dietary methods used. Methods: Local nutritionists were trained at the sites by the lead study nutritionist and received ongoing mentoring throughout the study. Training topics focused on the standardized conduct of repeat multiple-pass 24-hr dietary recalls, including interview techniques, estimation of portion sizes, and construction of a unique site-specific food composition database (FCDB). Each FCDB was based on 13 food groups and included values for moisture, energy, 20 nutrients (i.e. macro- and micronutrients), and phytate (an anti-nutrient). Nutrient values for individual foods or beverages were taken from recently developed FAO-supported regional food composition tables or the USDA national nutrient database. Appropriate adjustments for differences in moisture and application of nutrient retention and yield factors after cooking were applied, as needed. Generic recipes for mixed dishes consumed by the study population were compiled at each site, followed by calculation of a median recipe per 100 g. Each recipe's nutrient values were included in the FCDB. Final site FCDB checks were planned according to FAO/INFOODS guidelines. Discussion: This dietary strategy provides the opportunity to assess estimated mean group usual energy and nutrient intakes and estimated prevalence of the population 'at risk' of inadequate intakes in first-trimester pregnant women living in four low- and middle-income countries. While challenges and limitations exist, this methodology demonstrates the practical application of a quantitative dietary strategy for a large international multi-site nutrition trial, providing within- and between-site comparisons. Moreover, it provides an excellent opportunity for local capacity building and each site FCDB can be easily modified for additional research activities conducted in other populations living in the same area.