ABSTRACT

Micronutrient deficiencies are common among women ofreproductive age (15 to 49 years of age), especially those residing in low and middle income countries where diets often lack diversity and fortified foods are less available. This study was carried out to evaluate pre-conceptual micronutrient supplementation behaviour among adolescent in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. A Cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Multi-stage sampling techniques was used to select 189 respondents that participated in the study. A wellstructured and validated questionnaire was used to secure information from the respondents. Data obtained was analysed with the statistical package for service software (SPSS) version 23. The result obtained was presented in frequency table, mean, standard deviation, charts and correlation was used to test level of relationship between some variables. Findings of the study showed that majority (87.8%) ofthe respondents were within the ages of 15-17years and 12.2% of the respondents remaining were 18-19years. More than half(54.5%) ofthe respondents had secondary education, 97.4% ofthe respondents were students and 97.8% ofthe respondents earn less than N30, 000 as monthly income. The result revealed that majority (89.4%) of the respondents are aware of micronutrient supplementation while few (10.6%) of the respondents were not aware. The low awareness of micronutrient supplement (MNS) may affect its intake and utilization. The result revealed that more than half (66.1%) ofthe respondents had a poor knowledge of micronutrient supplementation, 16.4% ofthe respondents had good knowledge of MNS. Furthermore, findings of the study revealed that majority (83.1%) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards micronutrient supplementation while few (16.9%) of the respondents had negative attitude towards MNS which may modify their practice and behaviour of MNS consumption. Majority (93.1%) consume micronutrient supplements and 28.6% of them consume syrup/tonic as their, MNS. Less than half (37.1%) of the respondents obtained their MNS from hospital and pharmacy. Hypothetically, there is a significant weak negative relationship knowledge score and low education status with the value of(r = -0.343; p-value = 0.000). finally, the study is recommend to government and policy makers to ensure that there is adequate availability of MNS readily available, accessible and affordable to all adolescent girls and women that are still menstruating.