Audrey Martinez is a passionate researcher and Registered Dietitian with a focus on maternal and child health (MCH). Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Health Promotion and Prevention Research at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she is exploring the dietary intakes of pregnant women with obesity. Audrey is committed to using evidence-based interventions to reduce health challenges and promote healthier pregnancies. She has been excited to be part of the UAMS Maternal and Child Health Public Health Catalyst Program. Professionally, Audrey currently serves as a Research Manager at the Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center (ACNC). In this role, she leads a team of 20 members, implementing a range of studies focused on improving nutritional outcomes for children and pregnant women. Previously, Audrey worked as a Clinical Dietitian at St. Vincent’s Hospital, where she provided medical nutrition therapy to patients with various medical conditions. Audrey’s edication to improving public health, is evident in both her professional work and research. As she continues her doctoral studies, she aims to further her work on nutrition interventions for pregnant women with obesity, with the long-term goal of designing and implementing clinical trials to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Evidence-based Interventions to Promote Healthier Pregnancies
As a PhD student, my research focuses on understanding the dietary intakes of pregnant women with obesity, a distinct group within the maternal and child health (MCH) population. My dissertation “Understanding Dietary Intakes of Pregnant Women with Obesity: A Critical Path Toward Health Equity in Maternal and Child Health Research” explores how the diets of pregnant women with obesity influence both maternal and child health outcomes. This work not only contributes to evidence-informed practices but also aligns with two key MCH competencies: critical thinking and honoring lived experiences. These competencies are central to improving health in MCH populations, and my research demonstrates how these concepts can be applied in a real-world context.
Critical Thinking in Research: A Mixed Methods Approach
One of the core competencies I apply in my dissertation is critical thinking. In MCH, addressing complex challenges, such as rising obesity rates during pregnancy, requires a nuanced understanding of the problem. Obesity is linked to adverse health outcomes for both mother and child, including gestational diabetes, hypertension, and long-term childhood obesity (1). However, there is a notable lack of research on what specific dietary patterns are most common in pregnant women with obesity and what factors influence their food choices (1).
To tackle this gap, my study uses a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative (numbers) and qualitative (words) data. Critical thinking is essential in this approach, as it allows for the integration of data from different perspectives. The quantitative strand of my research examines the dietary intake of 264 pregnant women with obesity using food records and analysis tools like the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). This provides a snapshot of their diet quality and helps identify trends in nutrient consumption.
However, quantitative data alone does not provide a complete picture. That’s where the qualitative strand of my research comes in. By conducting Social Cognitive Theory-based interviews with a subset of participants, I gather insights into the social and environmental factors that influence their dietary choices. These factors may include social support, access to healthy foods, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences, which are often difficult to quantify but are crucial for understanding why certain dietary patterns emerge.
The integration of these two data strands allows me to apply critical thinking in evaluating the influence of both measurable nutrients and lived experiences. By bringing these two perspectives together, I am better equipped to identify not just what pregnant women with obesity are eating, but why they are making those choices. This holistic understanding can then inform more effective interventions and policies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Honoring Lived Experience: Centering Voices in Research
The second MCH competency that guides my work is honoring lived experiences. This competency emphasizes the importance of incorporating the perspectives of individuals from a wide array of backgrounds into research and program development. In my dissertation, I gather qualitative data on lived experience through interviews with pregnant women with obesity. These interviews are not only a way to collect data, but a vital opportunity to center the voices of those directly affected by obesity during pregnancy.
After these interviews, I use member checking, a process where participants review and provide feedback on my analysis to ensure that their experiences are accurately represented. Member checking is a key practice for honoring lived experience because it ensures that the voices of participants are heard, respected, and reflected in the research findings. By validating the data with the women who participated in my study, I uphold their expertise in their own lives and experiences. This approach fosters a more collaborative and respectful research process, which is essential for developing solutions that are truly responsive to the needs of MCH populations.
Impact on Maternal and Child Health Populations
So, how does this research impact maternal and child health populations, particularly in Arkansas? In Arkansas, obesity rates among women of reproductive age are rising, and obesity during pregnancy has significant implications for both maternal and child health (2). Pregnancy is a critical period where maternal nutrition can influence fetal programming, affecting the long-term health of both mother and child (3). By improving our understanding of the dietary patterns and influences on pregnant women with obesity, we can identify dietary interventions that mitigate the adverse effects of obesity on maternal and child health outcomes.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. First, the findings can inform public health policies and programs, such as the USDA’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which provides nutrition education and food assistance to low-income pregnant women. By understanding the unique dietary needs and barriers faced by pregnant women with obesity, we can tailor these programs to better serve this population, improving maternal nutrition and reducing the risk of complications.
Moreover, by addressing the social and environmental determinants of dietary choices, this research contributes to overall health. Pregnant women with obesity face complex challenges in making healthy food choices, including limited access to nutritious food, social pressures, and lack of support (4). By incorporating these lived experiences into the research, I aim to develop solutions that respect and address the realities of these women’s lives.
Moving Forward: Building a Healthier Future
This dissertation is just the beginning of my commitment to improving maternal and child health in Arkansas and beyond. After graduation, I hope to secure funding to design and implement a clinical trial that will build on the findings from my dissertation. The goal is to optimize maternal nutrition during pregnancy, giving children born to women with obesity a better start in life by improving the intrauterine environment and fostering healthier family nutrition practices.
The work I am doing is a direct response to the urgent health challenges in MCH populations. By applying MCH competencies like critical thinking and honoring lived experiences, my research not only contributes to the field of maternal and child health but also supports the development of interventions that can make a real difference in the lives of women and children in Arkansas. With a focus on mixed methods collaboration, we can create a healthier, more just future for all mothers and children.
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin No 230: Obesity in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137(6):e128-e144. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000004395
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Selected 2016-2022 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Indicators, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2016-2012. https://www.cdc.gov/prams/php/data-research/mch-indicators-by-site.html
- Procter SB, Campbell CG. Position of the academy of nutrition and dietetics: Nutrition and lifestyle for a healthy pregnancy outcome. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2014;114(7):1099-1103. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2014.05.005
- Flannery C, Mtshede MN, McHugh S, et al. Dietary behaviours and weight management: A thematic analysis of pregnant women’s perceptions. Matern Child Nutr. 2020;16(4):e13011. doi:10.1111/mcn.13011
