The Role of Dietary Diversity in Mitigating Pregnancy Distress: A Randomized Clinical Trial Publisher Pubmed



Moshtagh M ; Daneshvar M ; Banayee G ; Mirlashari J
Source: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Published:2026

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a dietary diversity intervention in reducing pregnancy distress. Design: A single-blind randomized clinical trial with 2 parallel groups. Setting: Health centers in Birjand city. Participants: Pregnant women between 12 and 16 weeks of gestation were recruited for this study and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 42) or the control group (n = 42). Intervention: The intervention contained dietary diversity education for 8 weeks. The control group received standard antenatal care (monthly check-ups) and general nutritional guidance for pregnancy. Main Outcome Measure: Data were collected at baseline and end line using the Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS) and Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women. Analysis: Comparing the 2 groups at baseline (independent t test and chi-square test of independence), and at the end line (paired sample t test and analysis of covariance were conducted). P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: We found significant differences between the 2 groups regarding adjusted mean values of dietary diversity score (DDS) and TPDS, controlled for baseline values (P < 0.001). Changes in DDS were significantly correlated with changes in TPDS (r = −0.41; P < 0.01). Conclusions and Implications: The results of this study demonstrated a significant reduction in pregnancy distress and an enhanced DDS within the intervention group. These findings indicate that such educational programs could be essential to comprehensive health initiatives for pregnant women in underdeveloped contexts. © 2026 Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior