Browsing by Author "Iyabode Olufunmike ADEKANMBI"

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    Effectiveness of Nutritional Education on Knowledge, Attitude and Food Choices among Pregnant Women in Ibadan Semi-Urban Areas, Oyo State
    (Lead City University, Ibadan, 2025-12) Iyabode Olufunmike ADEKANMBI
    Inadequate knowledge of pregnant women on nutrition in semi-urban Nigeria contributes significantly to adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study assessed the effectiveness of a nutritional education intervention (NEI) on knowledge, attitude, and food choices among pregnant women in Ibadan Semi-urban Areas, Oyo state. A quasi- experimental pretest-posttest design was employed with 118 pregnant women (59 per group) from Primary healthcare centers in Ibadan. The experimental group received a structured Nutritional Education Intervention (NEI), while the control group received family planning education. A Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 was used to analyze the data using descriptive statistics and inferential tests, including Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), to determine the effectiveness of the intervention at a significance level of p<0.05. At baseline, groups were comparable with no significant differences in Knowledge (Experimental: 16.4±2.3 vs Control: 16.2±2.3, p=0.668), Attitude (39.7±7.8 vs 39.4±6.8, p=0.803), or Food choices (41.1±7.5 vs 40.9±8.3, p=0.926). Post-intervention, the experimental group showed significant improvements. Knowledge scores increased to 18.8±1.8 versus 16.3±2.2 in controls (p<0.001). The proportion with excellent knowledge rose to 71.2% (n=42) from 20.3% (n=12). Attitude scores improved to 44.7±6.1 (p<0.001), with 91.5% (n=54) exhibiting a favourable attitude. Food choice scores increased to 48.4±5.1 (p<0.001), and 42.4% (n=25) demonstrated high adherence to healthy choices. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) confirmed significant main effects of the intervention on knowledge (F=55.436, p<0.001), attitude (F=34.2, p<0.001), and food choices (F=40.872, p<0.001). The nutritional education intervention significantly enhanced knowledge, improved attitudes, and positively influenced healthier food choices among pregnant women. It is recommended that Nutritional Education should be integrated into routine antenatal care to improve maternal and child nutrition by the Government. Community Health Nurses should involve family members particularly husbands, mother - in - laws in nutritional education programmes to build a supportive home environment. Keywords: Nutritional Education, Pregnant Women, Knowledge, Attitude and Food Choices. Word Count: 290.