Experiences accessing nutritious foods and perceptions of nutritional support needs among pregnant and post-partum mothers with low income in the United States.

ABSTRACT

Access to nutritious foods, a social determinant of health, contributes to disparities in maternal and infant health outcomes such as mental health, breastfeeding intensity and cardiometabolic risk. This study explored perceived nutrition access and intake among pregnant or post-partum women eligible for Medicaid. Qualitative, semistructured interviews were conducted with 18 women who were either currently pregnant (n = 4) or up to 12 months post-partum (n = 14) in 2021-2022. Mothers spoke English (n = 11) or Spanish (n = 7) and lived in the Texas Panhandle. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated (Spanish to English) and verified. Two or more researchers coded each interview until consensus was reached using thematic analysis with ATLAS.ti software. The study revealed five drivers for nutrition access. (1) Social factors influenced nutrition; those with less support expressed limited ability to eat healthfully. (2) The Women, Infants and Children program was perceived as a helpful resource for some, while others faced challenges obtaining it. (3) Stress was bidirectionally related to unhealthy food choices, with food sometimes used as a coping mechanism. (4) Mothers prioritized their babies and others and had limited ability and time to prepare healthy meals. (5) Most participants felt they received inadequate nutrition guidance from their healthcare providers. Participants provided positive responses to a proposed nutritious home-delivered meal intervention. Low-income women may experience nutritional challenges specific to this life stage. Interventions that reduce stress and burden of household tasks (e.g. cooking) and improve education and access to nutritious foods may improve mothers' ability to consume nutritious foods.