Beliefs, misconceptions and patterns towards maternal nutrition among pregnant women attending Primary Health Centers in Osogbo, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the beliefs and misconceptions towards maternal nutrition among pregnant women attending Osogbo primary health centres with a view to improving nutrition by strengthening the nutrition counseling component of antenatal care  (ANC) and increasing literacy status to reduce taboos/misconceptions.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was  employed. Data were collected using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 and  presented in table and charts. The hypotheses were tested using chi square at 5% significance level

Results: The findings showed that  the overall feeding pattern of pregnant women was average (56%). A major misconception was that eating less food will make delivery  easier. Among different factors affecting good dietary practices among pregnant women, majority 150 (79.4%) said okra and snail are taboos in their culture.

Conclusion: Poor dietary practice can affect the quality of life of both the foetus and the mother during and after  pregnancy. Wrong belief/misconception can results in a condition affecting the health of the mother and the foetus.