Short Communication: Nutrition Knowledge and Beliefs of Pregnant Women in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State

Abstract

Objective: The main purpose of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge and beliefs of pregnant women in Aboh, Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Nigeria. Subject and Methods: Questionnaire was constructed and validated and administered to 100 expectant mothers, attending clinic in five Maternity Homes. The questionnaire included statements the women responded to on the relationship between the consumption of adequate diets before and during pregnancy and the outcome of pregnancy. Data collected through the questionnaire were analyzed based on 5-point Likert scale. A mean score of 3.0 was used as the cut-off. Results: The pregnant women had fairly good nutrition knowledge based on their acceptance (based on the mean scores) of the various statements they responded to. The women also accepted that poverty (3.8) and cultural beliefs (3.4) were the major problems affecting their food intake. On ways of improving the condition/nutrition knowledge of pregnant mothers, the respondents accepted the building of more health centres with qualified medical personnel in the rural areas (4.0), encouraging regular attendance to antenatal clinic (3.5) and workshops (3.6). Conclusion: On the basis of these findings, there is need for health service sector, corporate, government and non-governmental organizations/agencies to target poorer women in the rural communities in order to address the problem of poverty and educate the masses on the detrimental effects of some cultural beliefs and practices. Key words: nutrition knowledge, belief, pregnant women, maternity homes, Nigeria.