Diet literacy and dieting self-efficacy in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study in Istanbul

Chronic diseases represent a growing global health burden, and considered among the most pressing global health threats. This study aims to examine the factors associated with diet literacy and dieting self-efficacy. The goal is to identify opportunities to promote preventive health practices and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among women. All actively pregnant women aged 18–49 years were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected between July and November 2024 using a structured questionnaire administered by a trained healthcare worker employed at the district health directorate. The questionnaire consisted of three section; sociodemographics and behavioral factors, Digital Healthy Diet Literacy (DLDL) Scale, Dieting Self-Efficacy (DIET-SE) Scale. Statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. Of the 693 participants, 37.4% were in their first pregnancy and 42.8% did not have children. The overall DLDL score were relatively low (16.6; min-max: 0.0–49.9). Higher scores were observed in women experiencing their first pregnancy, having higher education, having higher income, being full-time employers. DIET-SE scores were generally found high (40.0; min-max: 11.0–55.0). Lower scores were observed among individuals with lower income and those who were former smokers. Maternal dietary practices during pregnancy influence the health of both mother and child. Given that low scores were identified within this population, targeted strategies must be developed to enhance digital health and diet literacy among expectant mothers. Empowering women to engage in their health decisions is essential for long-term public health benefits.