Pregnant women's knowledge of, and adherence to, New Zealand Food Safety in Pregnancy guidelines.

AIM: Pregnant women are at increased risk for contracting foodborne illness. Simple food safety precautions can prevent illness. The aim of this study was to examine pregnant women's knowledge of, and adherence to, the New Zealand Food Safety in Pregnancy guidelines. METHOD: Participants were recruited when attending antenatal clinics, and via online pregnancy support groups. Knowledge and behaviours were assessed by way of a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 205 women participated in this study; 100 from antenatal clinics, 105 via Facebook. The median knowledge score was 95% (interquartile range (IQR) 83-100%, minimum = 17.4%). Only 25% of participants answered all questions correctly. The median adherence score was 77% (IQR = 62-92%, minimum = 8%); 13% of participants reported complete adherence to the food safety guidelines. Mean knowledge scores in participants of Maori ethnicity (76.6%) were lower than in participants of European/other ethnicity (91.7%, p=0.004). Maori participants had the lowest mean adherence scores (63.2%) and this requires further investigation. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of participants reported continuing to consume foods considered unsafe in pregnancy. This study highlights the need for improved food safety education during pregnancy. The results also suggest a need for food safety guidance to be made more accessible and relevant to the needs of Maori women.