Impact of multi mode pre-conception nutrition education intervention on improving dietary and nutrient intake in women undergoing fertility treatment at a tertiary care centre

Background: Preconception nutrition plays an essential role in optimizing maternal and neonatal outcomes. Women seeking fertility treatment are often found to have nutritional inadequacies, which can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a preconception nutrition education intervention on food group and nutrient intake in women undergoing treatment at tertiary care fertility centre. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 women receiving fertility treatments at KIMS Fertility Centre, Hyderabad. Participants were randomly divided into control (n=50) and experimental (n=50) groups. The experimental group received a comprehensive five-month intervention comprising prenatal and preconception nutrition booklets, nutrition education sessions, diet displays, individualized dietary counselling, and customized diet plans. The control group received routine hospital care. Dietary intake was assessed pre- and post-intervention using 24-hour recall and 3-day food record methods. Results: Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements in dietary intake compared to the control group. Based on the 24-hour recall, intake of all 9 food groups and 23 nutrients increased in the experimental group, while the control group had increased intake of only 6 food groups and 10 nutrients. The 3-day food record revealed increased intake of 8 food groups except fats and oils and 23 nutrients in the experimental group. In contrast, the control group showed improvement in 5 food groups and 7 nutrients only. Conclusion: Preconception nutrition education significantly enhanced dietary intake. Implementing such interventions can address nutritional deficiencies and improve reproductive health outcomes in women undergoing fertility treatment.