Volume 17, Issue 3 (Autumn 2025)
2025, 17(3): 62-74 |
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Ethics code: IR.MODARES.REC.1401.143
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Bagheri M, Lamyian M, Sadighi J, Ahmadi F, Mohammadi Nasrabadi F. Strategies for Enhancing Food Security During Pregnancy Based on the Perceived Experiences of Pregnant Women and Experts: A Qualitative Study. North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences 2025; 17 (3) :62-74
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3266-en.html
URL: http://journal.nkums.ac.ir/article-1-3266-en.html
Maryam Bagheri *1 
, Minoor Lamyian2 , Jila Sadighi3 , Fazlollah Ahmadi4 , Fatemeh Mohammadi Nasrabadi5
, Minoor Lamyian2 , Jila Sadighi3 , Fazlollah Ahmadi4 , Fatemeh Mohammadi Nasrabadi5
1- Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran , m.bagheri@nkums.ac.ir
2- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
5- Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research Department, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (NNFTRI), Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Reproductive Health and Midwifery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3- Health Metrics Research Center, ACECR, Iranian Institute for Health Sciences Research, Tehran, Iran
4- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
5- Food and Nutrition Policy and Planning Research Department, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (NNFTRI), Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (257 Views)
Introduction: Food security during pregnancy is crucial for maintaining the health of expectant mothers and improving prenatal outcomes for both mother and child. This study aimed to explore solutions for enhancing food security during pregnancy by drawing on the insights of pregnant women and experts in North Khorasan Province, Iran.
Methods: This qualitative study collected data through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews conducted in North Khorasan Province, Iran, in 2023. Data analysis was performed concurrently with data collection using a conventional content analysis approach. The validity, confirmability, reliability, transferability, and originality of the findings were rigorously assessed to ensure accuracy and precision.
Results: A total of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 pregnant women of reproductive age and 6 food security experts, achieving data saturation. Analysis yielded 862 primary codes and 215 condensed codes, which were organized into 33 subcategories based on similarities. These subcategories were further grouped into 9 categories and 4 main themes: Dietary Quantity, Diet Quality, Managing Food Insecurity, and Improving Food Security.
Conclusion: Based on participants’ experiences, education and counseling on nutritional requirements, supported by targeted educational content and effective programs, can significantly improve the delivery of practical nutrition education for pregnant women. Additionally, monitoring the food security status of pregnant women, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, ensuring equitable access to food within communities, promoting household economic empowerment, encouraging social support and private sector involvement, and establishing as well as continuously evaluating nutritional support programs are essential steps to enhance food security among pregnant women.
Methods: This qualitative study collected data through purposive sampling and semi-structured interviews conducted in North Khorasan Province, Iran, in 2023. Data analysis was performed concurrently with data collection using a conventional content analysis approach. The validity, confirmability, reliability, transferability, and originality of the findings were rigorously assessed to ensure accuracy and precision.
Results: A total of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 pregnant women of reproductive age and 6 food security experts, achieving data saturation. Analysis yielded 862 primary codes and 215 condensed codes, which were organized into 33 subcategories based on similarities. These subcategories were further grouped into 9 categories and 4 main themes: Dietary Quantity, Diet Quality, Managing Food Insecurity, and Improving Food Security.
Conclusion: Based on participants’ experiences, education and counseling on nutritional requirements, supported by targeted educational content and effective programs, can significantly improve the delivery of practical nutrition education for pregnant women. Additionally, monitoring the food security status of pregnant women, strengthening intersectoral collaboration, ensuring equitable access to food within communities, promoting household economic empowerment, encouraging social support and private sector involvement, and establishing as well as continuously evaluating nutritional support programs are essential steps to enhance food security among pregnant women.
Type of Study: Orginal Research |
Subject:
Basic Sciences
Received: 2025/01/10 | Accepted: 2025/03/7 | Published: 2025/09/29
Received: 2025/01/10 | Accepted: 2025/03/7 | Published: 2025/09/29
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