Effects Of Pregnancy Intensions On Physical And Nutritional Status Of Babies In Owerri Municipality

Abstract

The study investigates the effects of pregnancy intentions on the physical, nutritional and health status of babies aged 0-4 months. Anthropometric measurements (obtained according to standard procedures of WHO and calculated into z-scores by the use of National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference population) and energy and protein intakes and health characteristics of 100 babies from wanted (50) and unwanted (50) pregnancies were obtained. Student t-test distribution and chi-squared test were used to determine the significant of difference. Findings indicated that babies from wanted pregnancy had significantly higher anthropometric indices; for weight for age and height for age, (P<0.5 and P<0.001) as well as better intakes of energy and protein. The differences were significant in both energy and protein intakes (P<0.05). Prevalence of poor health parameters were also higher in unwanted than wanted babies. Pregnancy intentions affect the physical and nutritional status of unborn babies. There is need to educate the woman especially adolescents by the various health authorities on the right of a child to live and survive through adequate nutrition and proper medical care.

Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Vol. 3 (2) 2005 pp. 119-125