Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity Among Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children, and Adolescent Girls in Devbhumi Dwarka District, Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Food consumption patterns and dietary diversity are vital sources for the nutrition status of pregnant women (PW) and lactating women (LW), children, and adolescent girls. Undernutrition, food consumption pattern, and poor dietary diversity are interlinked; however, not much is known in the context of rural Gujarat. This study aims to assess the regional pattern of food consumption and dietary diversity among pregnant and lactating women, children, and adolescent girls from Devbhumi Dwarka District in the state of Gujarat. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in four blocks of Devbhumi Dwarka District of Gujarat. A cluster sampling method was used for a better representation. A total of 632 pregnant women, 562 lactating mothers, 855 children aged 7-24 months, and 1,252 adolescent girls were assessed for food consumption patterns. Results Consumption of cereals (98%) was found to be highest among pregnant women, whereas consumption of pulses and fruits, which are rich in proteins and vitamins, was inadequate. Overall, the consumption of fruits was inadequate among adolescent girls (56.5%). Moreover, inadequate consumption of green leafy vegetables (36.4%) was noted among children. The dietary diversity score (DDS) for the study population ranges between 4.5 and 4.8, indicating medium diversity in food. Conclusion Cereal consumption is higher, which indicates a major part of the energy consumed by vulnerable groups. In contrast, low consumption of pulses, fruits, milk, and green leafy vegetables suggests the possibility of one or more micronutrient deficiencies. There is a need for innovative intervention to change food habits and promote locally available nutrient-rich food and awareness of the importance of various food groups to improve food patterns and the health of vulnerable groups.