Outcomes include preterm birth, small for gestational age, pregnancy induced hypertension, and gestational diabetes. The population studies is predominantly low income and about half are Black. The new cohort which begins in the Fall of 2000 will concentrate on the role of psycho-social and physical stressors on delivering preterm birth. Anna Maria Siega-Riz heads the nutrition component of this large multidisciplinary project. This randomized trial focuses on understanding the effectiveness of low dose iron in preventing anemia in the third trimester of pregnancy and determinants of postpartum anemia as well as factors related to the complex issue of compliance with taking prenatal supplements.
Issues related to compliance and determinants of postpartum anemia are under investigation.
Anna Maria Siega-Riz heads this effort. This ongoing research has explored a wide range of topics such as snacking trends and US adolescent trends in food and nutrient intake and also examined the effects of socio-economic factors, food programs and other factors on diets of Americans of various ages. The ultimate goal is to increase the ability of rural female factory workers to adopt and maintain health practices to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases. It provides women with individualized tailored bulletins about healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, and stress, and trains lay health advisors in the worksites to provide education and social support for healthy behaviors. Together, the two interventions represent a comprehensive, multilevel, participatory approach to disease prevention efforts focused on an underserved population.