Table 1.
Characteristics of mothers during their first study pregnancy by supplement group. Values are numbers (percentages) unless stated otherwise
| Characteristic | Placebo | Vitamin A | β carotene |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | |||
| No of women | 5249 | 5685 | 5266 |
| <20 | 1176 (22.4) | 1268 (22.3) | 1227 (23.3) |
| 20-29 | 3249 (61.9) | 3456 (60.8) | 3081 (58.5) |
| ⩾30 | 824 (15.7) | 961 (16.9) | 958 (18.2) |
| Arm circumference | |||
| No of women | 4639 | 5053 | 4663 |
| <21.5 cm | 2538 (54.7) | 2759 (54.6) | 2513 (53.9) |
| Diet | |||
| No of women | 4702 | 5094 | 4704 |
| More than once in previous 7 days†: | |||
| Meat/fish/egg | 1278 (27.2) | 1365 (26.8) | 1246 (26.5) |
| Dairy products | 2383 (50.7) | 2536 (49.8) | 2439 (51.9) |
| Yellow fruits/vegetables | 738 (15.7) | 810 (15.9) | 790 (16.8) |
| Dark green leaves | 1752 (37.3) | 1858 (36.5) | 1803 (38.4)‡ |
| Substance use | |||
| No of women | 4702 | 5094 | 4704 |
| In previous 7 days: | |||
| Smoked cigarettes | 1307 (27.8) | 1370 (26.9) | 1397 (29.7)* |
| Drank alcohol | 385 (8.2) | 366 (7.2) | 498 (10.6)** |
| Socioeconomic status¶ | |||
| No of women | 5017 | 5448 | 5036 |
| Literate | 797 (15.9) | 714 (13.1) | 821 (16.3)** |
| Owned radios | 1415 (28.2) | 1471 (27.0) | 1455 (28.9) |
| Caste: | |||
| No of women | 4773 | 5179 | 4754 |
| Low caste or not Hindu | 826 (17.3) | 1274 (24.6) | 979 (20.6)** |
| Delivery: | |||
| No of women | 4784 | 5196 | 4813 |
| Delivered at health facility | 139 (2.9) | 151 (2.9) | 140 (2.9) |
*
P<0.01, **P<0.001 by χ2 test (df=2).
†
At first home interview during mid-trimester.
‡
Data were missing on consumption of dark green leaves for eight women in β carotene group.
¶
At home interview during late third trimester.