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ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE ON THE HEALTH OF PREGNANT WOMEN IN MAYO-DASSA JALINGO, TARABA STATE

 

Abstract

This quantitative survey research aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect data from a purposive sample of 120 respondents, reflecting 10% of the target population. The survey encompassed various aspects of nutritional knowledge, practices, and their perceived impact on overall health outcomes during pregnancy. The data collection instrument underwent rigorous validation processes to ensure its reliability. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS27) was employed for both the presentation and analysis of the collected data. Utilizing a t-test, the study tested hypotheses related to the nutritional knowledge levels among pregnant women, the association between nutritional practices and health outcomes, and potential differences in these variables. The findings revealed a significantly high level of nutritional knowledge among the respondents, with a mean score of 82.00. Moreover, the study indicated a positive association between nutritional practices during pregnancy and overall health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of adopting healthy practices. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the nutritional landscape of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, shedding light on their knowledge, practices, and perceptions of health outcomes. The evidence-based findings underscore the interconnectedness of nutritional choices and health during pregnancy, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations include the development of culturally sensitive health education programs, community engagement initiatives, and holistic healthcare services. The study’s limitations, such as its focus on a specific geographic context and reliance on self-reported data, are acknowledged. Future research should consider more diverse settings and incorporate objective measures to enhance the robustness of findings. Overall, this study contributes to the existing body of knowledge, informing strategies for improving maternal and child health outcomes in similar cultural contexts.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Pregnancy is a critical phase in a woman’s life, encompassing various physiological, psychological, and nutritional changes. The well-being of both the mother and the developing fetus hinges significantly on the provision of adequate nutrition during this period. As highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO), noncommunicable diseases can have profound effects on maternal health and fetal development (World Health Organization, 2023). In rural areas like Mayo-Dassa Jalingo in Taraba State, Nigeria, the challenges are amplified due to limited access to healthcare resources. This context emphasizes the importance of understanding the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women to promote maternal and child health.

Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, situated in Taraba State, exhibits a distinctive set of characteristics that shape the health landscape for pregnant women. The region is marked by diverse cultural practices, creating a unique context that influences health-related behaviors. Bernal and Jirtle (2020) discuss how early developmental exposures can have lasting effects, including potential impacts on nutritional behaviors during pregnancy. In such culturally diverse settings, understanding the cultural nuances becomes essential in designing effective interventions to improve nutritional practices among pregnant women.

Additionally, Mayo-Dassa Jalingo faces challenges related to limited access to healthcare facilities. Langley-Evans (2021) emphasizes that nutrition in early life is crucial and can program adult disease. In regions with restricted access to healthcare, pregnant women may face obstacles in accessing prenatal care, nutritional guidance, and necessary supplements. This lack of access can contribute to suboptimal nutritional practices, potentially leading to adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus.

Socio-economic factors further compound the challenges in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, impacting the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women. Koletzko et al. (2020) highlight the significance of the first thousand days of life, underscoring the long-term implications of early nutrition. In settings where socio-economic factors such as income and education levels play a crucial role, addressing disparities becomes pivotal. The socio-economic context can influence dietary habits, healthcare-seeking behaviors, and the overall nutritional status of pregnant women.

Understanding the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo is imperative for promoting maternal and fetal health outcomes. Agosti et al. (2017) emphasize the importance of nutritional and metabolic programming during the first thousand days of life. By gaining insights into the specific dietary habits and nutritional practices adopted by pregnant women in this region, tailored interventions can be developed to address the unique challenges they face. This targeted approach is essential for mitigating the potential impact of cultural, healthcare access, and socio-economic factors on maternal and child health.

The cultural diversity in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo necessitates a nuanced understanding of nutritional practices during pregnancy. Langley-Evans (2019) discusses the concept of nutritional programming of disease, emphasizing the need to unravel the mechanisms involved. In this context, cultural beliefs and practices related to pregnancy and nutrition can significantly influence dietary choices and adherence to nutritional guidelines. Therefore, interventions must be culturally sensitive and designed to align with the local context to effectively improve nutritional practices.

The limited access to healthcare facilities in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo poses a considerable challenge in ensuring that pregnant women receive adequate prenatal care and nutritional guidance. Barker (2021) traces the origins of the developmental origins theory, highlighting the importance of early life experiences in shaping health outcomes. In regions with constrained healthcare resources, there is a need for innovative approaches, such as community-based programs and mobile health initiatives, to bridge the gap and provide essential information and support to pregnant women.

Socio-economic factors, including income and education levels, contribute to disparities in nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo. Barua and Junaid (2021) emphasize the role of lifestyle, pregnancy, and epigenetic effects, underlining how socio-economic factors can influence health behaviors. Addressing these disparities requires multifaceted interventions, including targeted education programs, economic empowerment initiatives, and policies aimed at improving overall socio-economic conditions in the region.

1.2       Statement of Problem

Despite the paramount significance of proper nutrition during pregnancy for maternal and fetal health, there exists a substantial gap in the literature pertaining to the specific nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. While the World Health Organization (WHO) sheds light on noncommunicable diseases and their implications for maternal health (WHO, 2023), there is a lack of targeted research focusing on the nutritional behaviors of pregnant women in this specific geographical context. Consequently, there is a need to fill this gap by exploring the nuanced aspects of nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo.

Bernal and Jirtle’s (2020) exploration of epigenomic disruptions due to early developmental exposures emphasizes the need for a more detailed investigation into how these disruptions may influence the nutritional choices of pregnant women in culturally diverse settings like Mayo-Dassa Jalingo. Cultural practices, as discussed by Langley-Evans (2021), are known to significantly impact dietary habits. However, the existing literature falls short in addressing the intersectionality of cultural practices and nutritional knowledge among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, leaving a gap in understanding how cultural nuances shape nutritional behaviors during pregnancy.

Furthermore, while the literature underscores the importance of the first thousand days of life, as highlighted by Koletzko et al. (2020), there is a dearth of research specifically examining the nutritional practices of pregnant women during this critical period in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo. The limited access to healthcare facilities in this region, a concern outlined by Langley-Evans (2019), poses a significant challenge to ensuring optimal nutrition during pregnancy. However, the literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of how these barriers impact the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women and, subsequently, the health outcomes of both mothers and infants in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo.

Socio-economic factors, consistently acknowledged by various researchers such as Koletzko et al. (2020) and Barua and Junaid (2021), are crucial determinants of nutritional knowledge and practices during pregnancy. However, there is a noticeable gap in understanding the specific socio-economic factors influencing these behaviors among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo. While the literature hints at the significance of socio-economic determinants, it fails to provide an in-depth exploration of their role in shaping dietary habits and healthcare-seeking behaviors in this particular region.

 

1.3       Objectives of the Study

This study aimed to achieve the following specific objectives:

1. To assess the level of nutritional knowledge among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State.
2. To examine the nutritional practices adopted by pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo during pregnancy.
3. To determine the association between nutritional knowledge, practices, and the health outcomes of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo.

1.4       Research Questions

To guide the study, the following research questions were formulated:

1. What is the level of nutritional knowledge among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State?
2. What nutritional practices do pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo adopt during pregnancy?
3. Is there an association between nutritional knowledge, practices, and the health outcomes of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo?

1.5       Research Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were formulated for testing in this study:

1. There is no significant difference in the nutritional knowledge levels among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State.
2. There is no significant association between nutritional practices during pregnancy and the health outcomes of pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo.

1.6       Significance of the Study

This research carries substantial implications for public health and policymaking not only within Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State but also on a broader scale. A comprehensive understanding of the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women derived from this study can serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders. It paves the way for the development of targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of this population, aiming to enhance maternal and child health outcomes. The insights garnered from this study may play a pivotal role in shaping public health strategies that extend beyond Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, influencing policies at regional and national levels.

The outcomes of this research hold the potential to inform the creation of educational programs specifically designed to elevate nutritional awareness among pregnant women in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo. By tailoring interventions based on the identified gaps in nutritional knowledge and practices, healthcare providers can effectively address the unique challenges faced by pregnant women in this region. Such educational initiatives have the power to empower pregnant women with the knowledge needed to make informed dietary choices, ultimately mitigating the risk of complications during both pregnancy and childbirth.

The ripple effects of this study extend beyond Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, resonating with broader public health agendas and policy frameworks. Policymakers can utilize the findings to implement evidence-based policies that address the specific nutritional needs of pregnant women, contributing to improved maternal and child health outcomes not only in Taraba State but potentially throughout the country. Moreover, community leaders can play a vital role in disseminating the study’s recommendations within Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, fostering a collaborative effort to enhance nutritional practices and overall health awareness among pregnant women. In essence, this research serves as a catalyst for positive change, offering actionable insights that can positively impact public health strategies, policies, and community-based initiatives in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo and beyond.

1.7       Scope of the Study

The study focused on pregnant women residing in Mayo-Dassa Jalingo, Taraba State. Data collection encompassed the assessment of nutritional knowledge and practices during pregnancy, with a particular emphasis on factors such as dietary habits, supplementation, and healthcare-seeking behaviors. The study considered the period leading up to the knowledge assessment, covering the past 12 months.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

To ensure clarity and consistency in the study, the following terms were operationally defined:

1.8.1 Nutritional Knowledge: The understanding and awareness of pregnant women regarding the importance of adequate and balanced nutrition during pregnancy.

1.8.2 Nutritional Practices: The dietary habits, supplement use, and healthcare-seeking behaviors adopted by pregnant women to meet their nutritional needs during pregnancy.

1.8.3 Health Outcomes: The physical and mental well-being of pregnant women, as well as the birth outcomes of their infants, including factors such as gestational age, birth weight, and overall health status.

1.8.4 Mayo-Dassa Jalingo: The specific geographical area within Taraba State, Nigeria, where the study was conducted.

1.8.5 Socio-economic Factors: The economic and social conditions that may influence the nutritional knowledge and practices of pregnant women, including income, education, and access to healthcare.

1.8.6 Targeted Interventions: Specific measures and programs designed to address identified gaps in nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women, with the goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes.

1.8.7 Complications during Pregnancy: Adverse health events and conditions experienced by pregnant women, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or anemia.

1.8.8 Educational Programs: Initiatives aimed at providing information and resources to pregnant women to enhance their understanding of proper nutrition during pregnancy.