Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Nutrition Status Among Pregnant Mothers Attending Maternal Child Health Clinic in Kakuma Sub-County Hospital

Abstract

Maternal undernutrition is a public health problem that requires more attention. Being aware of a diversified and nutritious diet is paramount to the overall health of a pregnant woman. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and practices on nutrition status among pregnant women attending maternal and child health clinics at Kakuma SubCounty Hospital, Turkana West. A facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 186 participants who were selected using a systematic random sampling which consisted of questions on socio-demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, and practices on nutrition. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to identify the associated factors. The findings were reported as crude odds ratio (COR). Statistical significance was considered using a p- value < 0.05 at a 95% confidence interval. The results from binary regression analysis indicated that the factors that were positively associated with maternal nutrition were minimum meal frequency (COR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23 - 0.97, p = 0.042), gestation (COR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.38 - 6.62, p = 0.006), occupation (COR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.30 - 5.28, p = 0.007), use of fruits and vegetables (COR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.72, p = 0.005) and nutritional education (COR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.286 - 0.93, p = 0.028). In addition to the maternal knowledge of nutrition, the study revealed that demographic traits such as occupation and gestation period were important predictors of the nutrition status of a mother during pregnancy. Therefore, targeted health education intervention should be considered for better nutritional outcomes among pregnant mothers.