Last Update: July, 7 2025

Study Objectives 

• Estimate the total energy intake and energy-adjusted macro- and micronutrient intakes of Sri Lankan pregnant women.

• Assess the dietary behavior and the food environment among Sri Lankan pregnant women.

• Investigate the impact of maternal nutrition, mental health, and their interactions on gestational weight gain and neonatal birth weight.

Study Process

We recruited a nationally representative sample of first-trimester pregnant women (n = 2000) from all nine provinces in Sri Lanka using a multistage cluster sampling method. The sampling process began with the inclusion of all 25 districts in the country. Based on population density, we randomly selected one to four Medical Officer of Health (MOH) areas within each district. Antenatal clinics within these MOH areas were used as the primary sampling units for the recruitment process. The women were followed up at three different time points: once during the second trimester, once during the third trimester, and once after the baby's birth. Follow-up interviews were conducted over the phone by trained research assistants who communicated with participants in their native language, either Sinhala or Tamil. 

Study Period

The data collection period: August 2022 to April 2024.