Determinants of Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women at Njoro Sub County Hospital, Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, maternal nutrition is an essential aspect of every pregnant woman’s life. Proper maternal nutrition during prenatal and post-natal periods has been shown to reduce the risks of maternal and infant complications. Pregnant women who have not achieved optimal nutrition are at higher risk of experiencing poor pregnancy outcomes. In many countries around the world, Kenya not an exception, the nutritional status of women is unacceptably poor, far too many women cannot access the nutrition services they need for optimal health. Therefore, the current study aimed at establishing the determinants of nutritional status of pregnant women at Njoro Sub County Hospital, Nakuru County, Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design. A total sample of 80 pregnant women attending prenatal clinic at Njoro Sub County Hospital, Nakuru County was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through questionnaires to establish determinants of nutritional Status of pregnant women at Njoro Sub County Hospital. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. The result of the study reveals that the determinants of nutritional status of the respondents were maternal education, level of income, land ownership and crop farming. The findings show that the overall nutritional knowledge of the respondents was 33% high, 53.3% moderate and 13.3% low. Secondly, results indicate that a majority (90%) of pregnant women attending ANC at Njoro Sub County Hospital had good nutrient adequacy (>5 food groups) with only 10% having nutrient inadequacy. Thirdly, findings show that the nutritional status of the pregnant women was very good, standing at 96.7 % (MUAC above 23cm). The study recommends that health care workers should create awareness by providing nutrition education on the importance of optimal maternal nutrition, both to the baby and the mother. Secondly, Pregnant women who have financial difficulties need to be identified and support provided for them in terms of nutritious food. Finally, community health volunteers need to have a record and keep track of all pregnant women in the community to ensure that they seek early antenatal services.