Dietary Practices Oflactating and Pregnant Women in Bomo Clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated dietary practices in Bomo clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. To set the tone for the study, cross-sectional design was adopted. Also,both probability (simple random) and non-probability (purposive) sampling techniques were used to select four (4) communities in Bomoclane. With an estimated proportion of 0.1, Cochran statistics revealed a sample size of one hundred and thirty-eight (138). However, data were retrieved from 113 (81.9) of pregnant and lactating women. Furthermore, the study adopted triangulation method for data collection. For instrument reliability, Cronbach Alpha was set at 0.7. Data collected using structured questionnaire were analyzed with simple percentage and Chi-Square. The analysis was done with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. The study revealed that aroma, aroused the appetite for food intake among pregnant and lactating women, pregnant women had preference for food prepared by some one else, income level of respondents influenced dietary behaviour among others. Therefore, the study recommended thatthe Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development should provide an economic buffer that will assist pregnant and lactating women in meeting their dietary needs and etc.