THE KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON NUTRITION AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINIC. (GENERAL HOSPITAL, UROMI, EDO STATE)

ABSTRACT

This study examined the level of knowledge, nutritional practices, and sources of nutrition-related information among pregnant women attending antenatal care at General Hospital, Uromi, Edo State. A quantitative survey design was employed, and data were collected from 60 pregnant women using a structured questionnaire. The information obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including frequency distributions, percentages, mean scores, standard deviation, and t-test analysis. Findings showed that most respondents possessed a relatively good understanding of the nutritional needs associated with pregnancy, with a large proportion indicating awareness of essential nutrients required for maternal and fetal well-being. However, some deficiencies were observed in their understanding of the specific functions of important vitamins and minerals. The study further revealed that although many respondents reported consuming balanced diets containing various nutrients, a considerable number remained uncertain about the adequacy of their dietary intake. Results also indicated moderate compliance with nutritional recommendations provided by healthcare professionals. While many respondents claimed to follow dietary guidelines received during antenatal visits, a significant percentage either expressed uncertainty or admitted non-compliance. Healthcare workers emerged as the major source of nutritional information, highlighting the confidence pregnant women place in professional advice. Nevertheless, some respondents questioned whether the information received was sufficient to guide their dietary decisions effectively. The hypothesis testing demonstrated that the respondents’ nutritional knowledge, dietary behaviours, and access to nutrition information were significantly above average expectations. Despite these positive findings, gaps still existed in the translation of knowledge into practice and in adherence to dietary recommendations. The study therefore concluded that pregnant women attending General Hospital, Uromi generally possess satisfactory nutritional knowledge and rely largely on healthcare providers for guidance. It recommended that healthcare professionals strengthen nutrition education through individualized counselling, clearer communication strategies, and interventions that address barriers to compliance in order to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for the health of both the expectant mother and the developing fetus. Proper nutrient intake supports fetal growth and development while helping mothers cope with the physiological demands associated with pregnancy. During this period, women require increased quantities of nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates to ensure healthy pregnancy outcomes. Antenatal clinics serve as important platforms through which healthcare professionals educate pregnant women on appropriate nutritional practices and healthy lifestyle behaviours (Johnson et al., 2019).

In Nigeria, poor maternal nutrition remains a major public health challenge. Many pregnant women lack adequate knowledge of their nutritional requirements, resulting in poor dietary habits and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, premature delivery, and maternal health complications. Assessing the nutritional knowledge of pregnant women is therefore necessary because such knowledge directly influences food choices and dietary behaviour during pregnancy (Adebayo & Salawu, 2021). For example, awareness of the role of folic acid in preventing neural tube defects may encourage pregnant women to consume folate-rich foods and supplements (Williams, 2018).

General Hospital, Uromi, Edo State, provides antenatal services to a large population of women within the community. Evaluating the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of pregnant women attending the facility is important for identifying knowledge gaps and designing effective educational interventions. Understanding their awareness of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and protein will help healthcare providers develop targeted nutritional counselling programmes (Ekpenyong & Udoh, 2020).

Iron is particularly important during pregnancy because of increased maternal blood volume and fetal requirements. Inadequate iron intake may result in anaemia, which increases the likelihood of complications such as low birth weight and preterm labour (Nwankwo & Maduka, 2017). Calcium is equally essential for fetal bone development and maintaining maternal bone health, while protein contributes significantly to fetal growth and maternal tissue formation (Oluwatosin & Adebayo, 2019).

The antenatal clinic at General Hospital, Uromi, serves as an avenue for providing nutritional education and counselling. However, the effectiveness of such programmes depends largely on the methods employed and the accessibility of information. It is important that nutritional messages are culturally acceptable, easy to understand, and relevant to the needs of pregnant women (Chukwuma & Akinola, 2022). Given Nigeria’s cultural diversity, beliefs and traditions often influence food choices and nutritional practices.

A major challenge to improving maternal nutrition is the reliance on informal sources of information, including family members, friends, and traditional beliefs. Such sources may sometimes provide inaccurate information that contradicts scientific recommendations (Smith & Adeoye, 2020). Consequently, misconceptions about nutrition during pregnancy may persist, preventing women from adopting healthy dietary practices. Certain cultural norms may even discourage the consumption of foods that are beneficial during pregnancy (Johnson & Oladipo, 2019).

To overcome these challenges, healthcare providers should adopt effective communication strategies and engage community members in nutrition education programmes. The use of local languages, visual learning materials, and interactive teaching methods can improve understanding. Additionally, involving spouses and family members in antenatal nutrition education can provide the support necessary for pregnant women to make healthier dietary choices (Okojie & Omoruyi, 2021).

Therefore, knowledge of nutritional requirements remains a key determinant of healthy pregnancy outcomes. Assessing the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women attending General Hospital, Uromi will help identify existing gaps and guide the development of appropriate interventions. Improving maternal nutrition not only benefits mothers and their babies but also contributes to reducing maternal and neonatal illness and death in Nigeria (Agboola & Nwosu, 2020).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is fundamental to achieving positive maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, many pregnant women do not possess sufficient knowledge of the nutritional requirements necessary for maintaining a healthy pregnancy. This deficiency has been associated with various health problems, including maternal complications, low birth weight, and premature births (Okeke et al., 2020).

Although several studies have investigated maternal health issues, limited attention has been given to understanding the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women in semi-urban communities such as Uromi, Edo State (Adedokun & Morhason-Bello, 2017). In addition, inconsistencies in nutrition education delivered during antenatal care may contribute to varying levels of understanding among pregnant women (Ezeh & Emecheta, 2019).

Cultural beliefs and traditional practices also influence dietary behaviour during pregnancy, yet there is inadequate information regarding their impact on adherence to recommended nutritional guidelines (Ogu et al., 2021). Furthermore, many nutrition education programmes are not adapted to the educational and cultural backgrounds of pregnant women, limiting their effectiveness (Odeyemi, 2018).

Against this backdrop, this study seeks to assess the knowledge and nutritional practices of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at General Hospital, Uromi. It also aims to identify misconceptions, barriers, and information gaps that may hinder healthy nutritional practices during pregnancy. The findings will provide evidence for developing more effective and culturally appropriate nutrition education programmes (Nwankwo & Chukwu, 2022).

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The broad objective of this study is to assess the knowledge and practice of nutrition among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at General Hospital, Uromi, Edo State.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Determine the level of knowledge of pregnant women regarding essential nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

2. Examine the nutritional practices of pregnant women in relation to their knowledge of dietary needs.

3. Identify the major sources of nutritional information available to pregnant women and evaluate the adequacy of such information.

1.4 Research Questions

The study seeks answers to the following questions:

1. What level of knowledge do pregnant women have regarding essential nutrients required during pregnancy?

2. What nutritional practices do pregnant women adopt based on their understanding of dietary requirements?

3. What are the major sources of nutritional information available to pregnant women, and how adequate is the information provided?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses will be tested:

1. Pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at General Hospital, Uromi do not have a low level of knowledge regarding nutritional requirements during pregnancy.

2. There is no significant relationship between nutritional knowledge and dietary practices among pregnant women.

3. The major sources of nutritional information available to pregnant women are not inadequate in providing comprehensive nutritional guidance.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is important because it provides valuable information on the nutritional knowledge and dietary practices of pregnant women attending antenatal care at General Hospital, Uromi. The findings will help healthcare professionals identify areas where nutrition education requires improvement and develop interventions aimed at enhancing maternal health.

The study will also contribute to public health planning by providing evidence for policies and programmes designed to improve maternal nutrition. By identifying barriers to accessing accurate nutritional information, stakeholders can develop culturally appropriate strategies to promote healthy eating behaviours during pregnancy.

For nurses and midwives, the findings will reinforce the importance of nutritional counselling as an integral component of antenatal care. Improved understanding of maternal nutritional needs will enable healthcare providers to deliver more effective health education and support services.

Furthermore, the study will benefit society by promoting healthier pregnancies, reducing maternal and neonatal complications, and improving child development outcomes. It will also contribute to existing literature and serve as a reference for future researchers interested in maternal nutrition and antenatal care.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study is limited to pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic at General Hospital, Uromi, Edo State. It focuses specifically on their knowledge of nutritional requirements during pregnancy, their nutritional practices, and the sources of nutritional information available to them. The findings are intended to provide insights that will support the improvement of nutrition education and maternal healthcare services.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Nutritional Requirements: Essential nutrients needed by pregnant women to maintain good health and support fetal growth and development.

Antenatal Clinic: A healthcare setting where pregnant women receive routine medical care, counselling, and health education throughout pregnancy.

Pregnant Women: Women carrying a developing fetus from conception until childbirth.

Knowledge: The level of awareness and understanding of nutritional needs and healthy dietary practices during pregnancy.

Nutritional Practices: The food choices, eating habits, and dietary behaviours adopted by pregnant women.

Sources of Nutritional Information: Channels through which pregnant women obtain nutrition-related information, including healthcare professionals, media outlets, educational materials, family members, and social networks.

General Hospital, Uromi: A government-owned healthcare facility located in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, where the study is conducted.