Abstract:
Maternal nutrition requires considerable attention; however, pregnant women’s
nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and practices are less understood. The objective of this
study was to assess nutritional knowledge, attitude, and practices among pregnant
women who attend antenatal care at Ambo and Awaro Health centers of Ambo Town
Oromia Region, Ethiopia.
The study was conducted from January to May of the year 2022, using cross-sectional
data on a sample of 284 pregnant women who attended antenatal care service in Awaro
and Ambo health centers. Systematic sampling techniques were used to select pregnant
mothers by using Health center registration lists. Socio-demographic and socio-economic
data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Mid
upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by standard non stretchable MUAC
tape. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted using stata version 14.0 for
further analysis. The finding of associated factors that affect nutritional knowledge,
attitude and practice of mothers were the income level of the family have strong
statistical association with nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers
(OR=0.151,CI=0.353 to 0.742,p<0.001),occupational status of the respondent have
significant association with nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice
OR=0.721,CI=0.557 to 0.934,p<0.05) and also knowledge about the importance of food
for growth and development of fetus of mother have significant association
(OR=1.964,CI=1.003 to 3.844,p<0.05). Hence, the government in collaboration with
concerned bodies should focus on nutritional education and information of pregnant
mothers on maternal nutrition during pregnancy in the study area.
