The effect of healthy lifestyle behaviors on orthorexia nervosa in pregnant women

Abstract

Abstract Purpose In order to protect maternal and fetal health during pregnancy, nutrient intake must be adequate and balanced. Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition during pregnancy negatively affects maternal and fetal health and causes maternal and infant mortality as well as low birthweight and prematurity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the sociodemographic characteristics and healthy lifestyle behaviors of pregnant women have an effect on the level of Orthorexia Nervosa. Method The study was planned in a descriptive-relational design. The study sample consisted of 234 pregnant women aged 18 years and over who applied to a state hospital in a provincial center located in Eastern Turkey. The data were collected using the socio-demographic information form, the Orthorexia Nervosa Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale. Results The majority of the pregnant women participating in the study were in the 3rd trimester and non-smokers, 56.6% had a BMI within the normal ranges and the prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa was found to be 45%. It was determined that there was a significant positive correlation between BMI and orthorexia nervosa and a significant negative correlation between healthy lifestyle behaviors and orthorexia nervosa. Conclusion Healthy lifestyle behaviors were found to affect the occurrence of orthorexia nervosa at a rate of 22.4%. In addition, it was determined that BMI, age, smoking, education level, and working status were effective in exhibiting orthorexic behaviors of pregnant women. Level of Evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study