The food and nutritional insecurity experienced by pregnant women living in shelters following the 2023 earthquakes in Turkiye

Abstract

Natural hazards may limit household access to food and water. Shelters and food aid were provided as emergency measures following the 2023 earthquakes (EQ) in Turkiye. Pregnancy is a nutritionally vulnerable time. This study investigated weight changes, experienced level of food insecurity and changes to dietary patterns in pregnant women displaced following the EQ. A questionnaire was developed to collect demographic and anthropometric data. We used the USDA six-items questionnaire to determine level of household food security and food frequency questions validated to show changes to dietary patterns after disasters. Pregnant women living in shelters in eight affected districts were invited to take part 5-6 weeks post-EQ. Data was collected from 49 women of mixed parity with mean gestational age 24.9(SD 5.14) weeks and 79.6 % in their 2nd trimester. A mean weight loss of 1.5(SD 2.65) kg (p < 0.001) was observed with 63.3 % mothers losing weight and 14.3 % weight-stable post-EQ. 71.4 % experienced severe food insecurity. Intake of animal proteins, dairy products, wholegrains, fruits and vegetable decreased post-EQ (p < 0.001). Intake of prepared CHOs, salt, sugar and fruit juice increased (p < 0.0001). Use of nutritional supplements including vitamin D, calcium, magnesium and zinc decreased (p < 0.0001). Women experienced more mental health disorders and greater fatigue post-EQ. Our findings of combined food and nutritional insecurity, with increased risk of malnutrition, may have short and long-term adverse health outcomes for both the mother and infant. Better strategies are required following disasters to try and improve the nutritional intake of vulnerable population groups to reduce these risks.