Assessing rates of dietary counseling in obstetric patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and related conditions.

OBJECTIVES

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. While a healthy diet may reduce the risk of HDP, dietary counseling at obstetric visits is rare. The goal of this study was to evaluate provider perspectives and rates of dietary counseling among obstetric patients with HDP and related conditions such as obesity.

STUDY

DESIGN

A survey study involving the distribution of surveys to obstetric care providers at an academic medical center and affiliated hospitals. Surveys evaluated rates of dietary counseling among obstetric patients with HDP and obesity, and used Five-point Likert scales to assess the likelihood and perceived importance of dietary counseling by disease state, as well as the weight of barriers and enabling factors to dietary counseling.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measures were rates of dietary counseling among obstetric patients with HDP and obesity, and the likelihood and perceived importance of dietary counseling. Additional measures of interest included the weight of barriers/enabling factors to dietary counseling, provider confidence in providing dietary counseling, and rates of patient referral to dieticians/nutritionists.

RESULTS

Only 31 % of providers reported counseling patients with HDP on diet. Providers were significantly more likely to counsel patients with obesity compared to patients with HDP (p < 0.001). Lack of time and competing demands were the most frequently reported barriers to counseling.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers are unlikely to offer dietary counseling to patients with HDP compared to those with obesity. These data highlight an important gap in preventative care for patients with HDP.