Examining the Effect of Education on Dietary Calcium Intake in Reducing Blood Pressure Variability Among Pregnant Mothers in Tigray Region, Northern Ethiopia, Two Arm, Randomized Control Trail Parallel Design
Background: Investigating effects of calcium diets on blood pressure can contribute to development of diet based recommendations for health. Epidemiologic data suggest contradicting evidence relationship between dietary calcium intake and pregnancy-induced hypertension. So, this study aimed to determine the effect of calcium nutrition education on blood pressure variability among pregnant mother.Method: Single center, two-arm, main individual randomized trial parallel design; single blinded was conducted among 415 pregnant mothers. Bi-variable tabulations were computed to identify the distributions of the outcome variables by selected background characteristics. We estimated a multilevel model that assessed the relation of individual and community level factors (fixed effects) as well as community level random effects. All analysis was conducted using STATA 14 software.Result: Blood pressure variability during pregnancy after 28 gestational age was significantly associated with weekly calcium nutrition education [AOR=0.38; 95% CI: 0.19, 0.5], pregnant mothers who attained secondary school [AOR=0.21, 95%CI: 0.20, 0.70], employed pregnant women [AOR=9.05; 95% CI: 1.95, 14.02] , Antenatal Care [AOR=1.82; 95% CI: 1.01, 2.22], supplemented iron/folic acid [AOR=6.32; 95% CI: 1.09, 36.59], food craving [AOR=0.78; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.98], reading newspaper [AOR=9.05; 95% CI: 1.95, 14.02], place of residence [AOR=2.11; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.26]. Conclusion: Individual level factors (Calcium nutrition education, maternal educational status, maternal occupation, Antenatal care during last pregnancy and current pregnancy, iron/folic acid supplementation, food craving, dietary calcium level and reading newspaper) and community level factors (place of residence) were significant predictors of blood pressure variability. During antenatal visits, pregnant women should be made aware of some dietary practices which are harmful during pregnancy, and increase education regarding the benefit of adequate nutrition. Trail Registration: PACTR, PACTR202009693949631 and Registered 02 September 2020- Retrospectively registered