Assessment Of Nutritional Knowledge, Attitude And Practice With Its Associated Factors In Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care At Ambo Health Centers, Oromia Region- Ethiopia

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.