Evaluating implementation of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist for preconception and pregnancy within the Bukhali trial in Soweto, South Africa

Objective: To evaluate implementation of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in a low/middle-income South African setting.

Methods: This is a mixed-methods study. Following administration of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist by a dietitian between July 2021 and May 2022, quantitative responses from pregnant (n = 96) and nonpregnant (n = 291) participants with overweight or obesity were analyzed, using logistic regression. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews with the dietitian and a subgroup of participants (n = 15) were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results: Of 387 participants, 97.4% (n = 377) answered 'no' to at least one diet quality question on the FIGO Nutrition Checklist, indicative of an at-risk dietary practice. Food insecurity was positively associated with having more than three at-risk practices (OR 1.87; 95% CI, 1.10-3.18; P = 0.021). Themes from the dietitian interview included ease of use of the checklist; required adaptations to it, including explanation and translation; and benefits of the tool. Despite challenges to healthy nutrition, participant interviews identified that the checklist is acceptable and supported improved awareness of dietary intakes.

Conclusion: Considering the high incidence of at-risk dietary practices identified by the FIGO Nutrition Checklist in this population, further research into use of the tool across South African healthcare settings is warranted.