Assessment Of Nutritional Knowledge And Practices Among Expectant Mothers

The relationship between a pregnant mother and her developing baby is multifaceted, encompassing everything from the mother’s diet to the baby’s movements felt within the womb. The nutritional intake of the developing baby significantly impacts its health at birth. For a pregnant woman to eat healthily, she must possess adequate knowledge of the nutritional components of food. However, mere knowledge without practical application is insufficient.

The primary aim of this study was to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Oviri-Okpe, Delta State. Due to logistical constraints, only two hundred and fifty expectant mothers were included in the study, as many hospitals lacked maternity services. The study delineated eight specific objectives, each with corresponding research questions and six hypotheses.

Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising three sections: personal information of respondents, fourteen questions on nutritional knowledge, and fourteen on nutritional practices. Responses regarding knowledge were recorded on a binary scale (Yes/No), while practices were evaluated on a three-point scale (“Practice Always”, “Do Not Practice”, “Practice Rarely”). Statistical analysis involved correlation analysis, percentage calculations, ANOVA, and multiple t-tests for paired comparisons.

The study’s findings indicated that all hypotheses were rejected. The mean percentage of respondents demonstrating knowledge of good nutrition was higher than those reporting regular practice. There was some correlation between respondents’ knowledge of nutrition and their actual nutritional practices. Factors such as education, age, and parity were found to influence both knowledge and practices related to nutrition among pregnant women.

Based on these results, several recommendations were proposed: (a) Health educators and nutritionists should conduct regular health talks for pregnant women during antenatal clinics. (b) Educational sessions should take into account the age, educational background, and parity of expectant mothers to enhance effectiveness.

This study underscores the importance of bridging the gap between nutritional knowledge and practical application among pregnant women, thereby promoting better health outcomes for both mother and baby.