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AWARENESS OF THE EFFECTS OF GOOD NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN KWALE GENERAL HOSPITAL, DELTA STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the awareness of the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy among women attending antenatal care at Kwale General Hospital, Delta State. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted to explore the level of awareness and its impact on the dietary practices of pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of 133 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27, with the one-sample t-test employed to test the hypotheses formulated for the study. The findings indicated that a significant proportion of the participants were aware of the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy, acknowledging its role in ensuring maternal and fetal health. The results also highlighted that antenatal nutritional education was effective in influencing the dietary practices of pregnant women. The t-test results confirmed a positive relationship between awareness and improved dietary habits, showing that informed women were more likely to adopt healthy eating behaviors. Furthermore, the study found that socioeconomic factors and cultural beliefs significantly influenced the nutritional practices of the respondents. Despite these influences, antenatal education emerged as a key factor in improving maternal health outcomes. In conclusion, the study emphasized the critical role of antenatal care services in educating pregnant women about the importance of good nutrition and its impact on pregnancy outcomes. It recommended enhanced efforts to further educate women, addressing both socioeconomic and cultural factors that may affect their nutritional choices. The findings underscored the importance of continued health education initiatives to improve the nutritional practices of pregnant women.

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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Nutrition during pregnancy is a pivotal factor in ensuring optimal health outcomes for both the mother and the developing fetus. A balanced and nutritious diet is fundamental for fetal development, reducing the risk of complications, and promoting maternal well-being. Poor maternal nutrition has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, preterm delivery, and maternal anemia (Marshall et al., 2022).

In many developing countries, including Nigeria, malnutrition remains a significant public health issue, affecting millions of women of reproductive age. This challenge encompasses both undernutrition and overnutrition, leading to various health complications. Research has indicated that maternal nutrition directly influences pregnancy outcomes, with inadequate nutrition increasing the likelihood of adverse effects on both the mother and the child (Mazloomy et al., 2022).

Delta State, Nigeria, represents a microcosm of the nutritional challenges faced by pregnant women in developing nations. The prevalence of inadequate dietary practices, coupled with limited access to nutrition education, exacerbates maternal and neonatal health issues. According to recent findings, pregnant women in Delta State often consume diets lacking essential nutrients, which can result in significant health concerns during pregnancy (Belay et al., 2022).

Antenatal care (ANC) provides a crucial platform for addressing nutritional issues among pregnant women. Studies have demonstrated that ANC services can serve as an effective mechanism for educating women about proper nutrition, encouraging healthy dietary practices, and ensuring the provision of necessary supplements (Ehwarieme et al., 2019). However, the impact of ANC services in promoting nutrition education varies across different regions due to resource constraints and low awareness levels.

Kwale General Hospital, a prominent healthcare facility in Delta State, plays a significant role in delivering maternal healthcare services. Despite its critical role, many pregnant women attending ANC at this facility exhibit low levels of awareness regarding the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. These gaps in awareness can be attributed to socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and inadequate healthcare resources (Gezimu et al., 2022).

Research underscores the importance of addressing maternal nutrition through targeted interventions, including educational programs and community engagement initiatives. Such efforts aim to improve dietary practices, enhance maternal knowledge, and ultimately reduce pregnancy-related complications (Fasola et al., 2018). Effective nutrition education during ANC visits can empower women to make informed dietary choices and adopt healthier lifestyles.

The role of cultural factors in influencing maternal nutrition cannot be overlooked. Cultural beliefs and practices often dictate dietary restrictions or preferences during pregnancy, impacting the nutritional status of pregnant women. Studies have highlighted the need for culturally sensitive nutrition education programs that consider the unique dietary habits and traditions of diverse communities (Esienumoh et al., 2018).

Moreover, socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to healthcare services significantly contribute to poor nutritional practices among pregnant women. Addressing these underlying determinants is essential for promoting maternal and child health. Policies and programs aimed at reducing socio-economic disparities can enhance access to quality nutrition and healthcare services for pregnant women (Sangwan et al., 2022).

The consequences of inadequate nutrition during pregnancy extend beyond immediate health outcomes, affecting the long-term well-being of the child. Malnutrition during fetal development has been linked to developmental delays, chronic illnesses, and reduced cognitive abilities in later life. Thus, investing in maternal nutrition has far-reaching implications for societal health and economic development (Lagadec et al., 2018).

Effective communication strategies and educational interventions are vital for improving awareness of the significance of maternal nutrition. Healthcare providers play a crucial role in delivering nutrition education and counseling during ANC visits. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained in nutrition counseling can enhance the quality of care provided to pregnant women (Nwagbo et al., 2023).

Nutritional education programs should be evidence-based and tailored to address the specific needs of pregnant women. Such programs should include practical guidance on dietary choices, the importance of micronutrients, and the benefits of supplements such as iron and folic acid. This approach can help bridge the knowledge gap and promote healthier dietary behaviors (Sindhu et al., 2017).

Global and national efforts to address maternal nutrition have highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives involving governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community stakeholders. These collaborations can enhance the reach and impact of nutrition programs, ensuring that vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women in rural areas, receive the necessary support (Kanikwu et al., 2021).

In Nigeria, policy frameworks aimed at improving maternal and child health have emphasized the importance of nutrition during pregnancy. However, the implementation of these policies often faces challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and limited human resources. Strengthening policy implementation and monitoring mechanisms is critical for achieving desired health outcomes (Adinma et al., 2017).

Technological advancements offer new opportunities for enhancing maternal nutrition education. Mobile health (mHealth) platforms, for instance, can provide pregnant women with access to information, reminders, and counseling services. Leveraging technology can complement traditional approaches to nutrition education and expand its reach (McNamara et al., 2022).

Kwale General Hospital has the potential to serve as a model for integrating nutrition education into maternal healthcare services. By implementing comprehensive nutrition programs and fostering collaborations with community organizations, the hospital can address the nutritional challenges faced by pregnant women in Delta State. These initiatives can pave the way for improved maternal and fetal health outcomes (Dereje et al., 2020).

The relationship between maternal education and nutritional practices is well-documented, with higher levels of education associated with better dietary habits during pregnancy. Efforts to improve maternal nutrition must therefore include strategies to enhance educational attainment among women of reproductive age. This approach can empower women to make informed decisions about their health and nutrition (Nnam, 2015).

Addressing the nutritional needs of pregnant women requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy reforms, community engagement, and capacity building for healthcare providers. Such comprehensive strategies can help overcome the barriers to optimal maternal nutrition and promote healthier pregnancy outcomes (Tenaw et al., 2018).

1.2 Statement of Problem

Nutrition during pregnancy is a critical determinant of maternal and child health, yet many pregnant women in Nigeria, particularly in Delta State, exhibit poor awareness and practices related to adequate nutrition (Marshall et al., 2022). Despite efforts by global and local health organizations to promote maternal nutrition, gaps remain in the effective dissemination of information and implementation of interventions in antenatal care (ANC) settings. Kwale General Hospital, a key healthcare facility in Delta State, represents a microcosm of these challenges, with limited evidence-based strategies addressing maternal nutrition awareness and practices (Oluwafemi & Adeola, 2022).

Existing research highlights the significance of antenatal nutrition education in improving maternal and fetal health outcomes, yet many studies focus on urban populations or lack localized data specific to Delta State (Ehwarieme et al., 2019). This geographic limitation leaves a gap in understanding the unique socio-cultural and economic factors influencing nutritional practices among pregnant women in rural and semi-urban areas. Furthermore, there is insufficient emphasis on the role of ANC services in bridging the gap between knowledge and practice, particularly in facilities with constrained resources (Gezimu et al., 2022).

Another identified gap is the limited exploration of culturally sensitive approaches to nutrition education. Cultural beliefs and practices often shape dietary habits during pregnancy, yet few studies have examined how tailored educational interventions can address these cultural determinants to improve outcomes (Esienumoh et al., 2018). Without addressing these nuances, interventions may fail to resonate with the target population, diminishing their effectiveness.

Socio-economic factors, including poverty and low educational attainment, further exacerbate poor maternal nutrition, but many studies have not adequately addressed these determinants within the context of Delta State. Additionally, while studies recognize the role of healthcare providers in delivering nutrition education, there is limited research on their capacity and training to provide effective counseling on dietary practices (Nwagbo et al., 2023).

Given these gaps, this study seeks to address the limited awareness of maternal nutrition among pregnant women attending Kwale General Hospital, focusing on the interplay of socio-cultural, economic, and healthcare delivery factors. By exploring these aspects, the study aims to provide actionable insights for developing localized, evidence-based interventions that can enhance maternal and fetal health outcomes, particularly in resource-constrained settings.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to assess the awareness of the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy among women attending antenatal care in Kwale General Hospital. The specific objectives are:

1. To determine the level of awareness of the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy among women attending ANC in Kwale General Hospital.
2. To identify the factors influencing nutritional practices during pregnancy among these women.
3. To examine the impact of antenatal nutritional education on maternal dietary practices.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will address the following research questions:

1. What is the level of awareness of the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy among women attending ANC in Kwale General Hospital?
2. What factors influence nutritional practices during pregnancy among women in this population?
3. How does antenatal nutritional education affect maternal dietary practices?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The study will test the following null hypotheses:

1. There is no significant relationship between awareness of good nutrition and maternal dietary practices during pregnancy.
2. Antenatal nutritional education has no significant impact on the dietary practices of pregnant women.
3. Socioeconomic factors have no significant influence on the nutritional practices of pregnant women attending ANC in Kwale General Hospital.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study has critical implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in Kwale General Hospital and similar healthcare settings in Delta State and beyond. By evaluating the level of awareness among pregnant women regarding the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy, it will provide valuable insights into the existing knowledge gaps and misconceptions surrounding maternal nutrition. These findings are vital for health policymakers and practitioners, offering a robust evidence base to design and implement targeted nutritional education programs within antenatal care (ANC) services.

The study will play a pivotal role in influencing the development of health policies that prioritize maternal nutrition as a cornerstone of antenatal care. By addressing gaps in nutritional knowledge, it aims to empower healthcare systems to integrate comprehensive nutritional counseling into routine ANC visits. This integration will not only enhance the effectiveness of health education programs but also improve maternal engagement and adherence to recommended dietary practices.

Pregnant women, as the primary beneficiaries of this study, will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of good nutrition for their health and the well-being of their unborn children. The study underscores the necessity of adequate nutrient intake in reducing the risks of pregnancy-related complications such as anemia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. Empowering women with this knowledge will enable them to make informed dietary choices, contributing to healthier pregnancy outcomes.

Moreover, the findings will serve as a valuable resource for health educators and ANC providers. It will enable these professionals to design tailored interventions that address the unique socio-cultural and economic challenges faced by pregnant women in Delta State. By developing culturally sensitive educational materials and counseling strategies, healthcare providers can foster a supportive environment that encourages positive behavioral change.

On a broader scale, this study aspires to contribute to the global effort to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates linked to poor nutrition. The insights gained will provide a foundation for scaling similar interventions in other resource-constrained settings, ultimately supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

By bridging the knowledge gap and proposing actionable solutions, this study aims to create a lasting impact on maternal and child health, both within Kwale General Hospital and in the wider community.

1.7 Scope of the Study

This study was confined to assessing the awareness of the effects of good nutrition during pregnancy among women attending antenatal care in Kwale General Hospital, Delta State. The study focused on pregnant women who received antenatal services between January and June 2024. It explored their level of nutritional awareness, factors influencing their dietary practices, and the impact of antenatal nutritional education. The study did not extend to other healthcare facilities or non-pregnant women in the region.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

1. Awareness: The knowledge and understanding that pregnant women have about the effects of good nutrition on their health and the health of their fetus.
2. Good Nutrition: The consumption of a balanced diet that includes adequate macronutrients and micronutrients essential for maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
3. Pregnancy: The period during which a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus, typically lasting about 40 weeks from the last menstrual period.
4. Antenatal Care (ANC): Healthcare services provided to pregnant women to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery, including nutritional counseling.
5. Nutritional Practices: The dietary behaviors and habits of pregnant women, including food choices, meal frequency, and nutrient intake.
6. Maternal Health: The health status of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
7. Neonatal Outcomes: The health status of a newborn child immediately after birth, influenced by maternal health and nutrition.
8. Socioeconomic Factors: Social and economic conditions such as income, education, and employment status that influence an individual’s dietary choices and access to healthcare services.