Grant: Doctoral: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Background: Pre-eclampsia is the second leading direct cause of maternal deaths with associated with over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 perinatal deaths annually. Nutrition has essential roles in placenta development during pregnancy and certain micronutrients have clinical anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be important in the prevention of pre-eclampsia. However, current research into micronutrients to prevent pre-eclampsia remains inconclusive, suggesting a need to look broader at maternal dietary patterns, particularly in resource-constrained settings where many maternal deaths occur. Research objective: The purpose of the research is to map the pathways of risk between maternal dietary patterns and pregnancy hypertension for women in sub-Saharan Africa and investigate contextual risk factors. Methodology: This mixed-methods doctoral research is a part of the PRECISE network, which will recruit a cohort of 10,000 women across East, West and Southern Africa. First, a systematic review will be undertaken to evaluate current evidence on association between maternal dietary patterns and pregnancy hypertension for pregnant and postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries, followed by qualitative community-based research in Kenya, Mozambique and the Gambia. Third, PRECISE survey outcomes will undergo statistical modelling to ascertain the relationship between dietary diversity and pregnancy hypertension and map direct and indirect pathways of risk. Lastly, research findings will be summarized in context of relevant theories and current approaches. Potential contributions to knowledge: Little is currently known about dietary patterns in sub-Saharan Africa that may contribute to pre-eclampsia risk and this research will help build evidence towards understanding the associations between maternal diet and maternal outcomes, a step towards effective advocacy in international development and global health agendas.