Analysis of Behavioural Factors Contributing To Chronic Energy Deficiency (CHD) Among Pregnant Women In Developing Countries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The nutritional condition of pregnant women is still a problem that needs serious attention in developing countries. In Indonesia, many pregnant women still experience nutritional problems, especially Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED). This achievement shows that efforts to reduce the number of CEDs have not reached the expected target, indicating the importance of increasing nutritional interventions for pregnant women. This systematic literature review aims to identify and analyze various behavioral risk factors of malnourished pregnant women through an article review. 

Methods: Inclusion criteria in this study were community-based studies in developing countries with analytical observational research designs such as cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort. Exclusion criteria were literature review studies and studies that did not report relevant results.

Results: Behavioural risk factors contributing to undernutrition or CED in pregnant women consist of knowledge, attitudes, and actions such as ANC utilization, diet, and food aversion. Pregnant women's knowledge can influence their attitudes toward efforts to prevent or overcome malnutrition or chronic energy deficiency. Pregnant women who have positive behavioral risk factors are less likely to experience malnutrition or chronic energy deficiency than pregnant women who have negative behavioral risk factors. 

Conclusion : Behavioral risk factors such as knowledge, attitudes, and actions related to ANC, diet, and food aversion contribute to malnutrition in pregnant women with CED, so community empowerment through health workers is needed to overcome this.