Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Nutrition Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic In Two Government Hospitals - In Abia State.

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the Nutrition knowledge, Attitude and practice of nutrition among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia and Abia State Teaching Hospital, Aba. Validated pilot tested questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. Personal and socio-economic data of the women were collected. Hemoglobin levels of the women were also collected. Measurement of their body weight and height was also carried which was used in the calculation of their body mass index. The study was analyzed using frequencies, simple percentages, and regression analysis. The hemoglobin levels and body mass index were classified using standards. The findings of the study in FMC and ABSUTH showed that 23% had good knowledge of nutrition, 39% had moderate knowledge and 38% had a poor knowledge of nutrition. However, findings on the attitude of the pregnant women towards nutrition in the study areas showed that 62% had good attitude, 18% had moderate attitude and 20% had a poor attitude towards nutrition. Based on the findings there was a positive relationship between the nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice scores and the hemoglobin levels of the pregnant women.