CHAPTER FOUR

DATA ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the findings of the study based on all the data collected in the
field. The data is analyzed using frequency distribution tables, percentage and
charts.

Table 4.1 Socio-Demographic Data of Respondents (n=200)

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)

Age:
Under 19 26 13
20-24 35 17.5
25-29 40 20
30-34 54 27
>35 45 22.5
Total 200 100%
Marital Status:
Married 120 60
Single 12 6
Divorced 10 5
Separated 40 20
Widowed 18 9
Total 200 100%
Occupation:
House wife 80 40
Trading 40 20
Farmer 20 10
Others 60 30
Total 200 100%
Educational status:
No formal education 90 45
Primary 25 12.5
Secondary 35 17.5
Higher Institution 50 25
Total 200 100%

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Ethnicity:
Igala 100 50
Igbo 34 17
Yoruba 26 13
Others 40 20
Total 200 100%
Religion:
Christianity 114 57
Islam 66 33
Traditional 20 10
Total 200 100%
Monthly income:
<N30,000 80 40
>N70,000 120 60
Total 200 100%
Head of household
Husband 140 70
Others 60 30
Total 200 100%
Husband Occupation
Employed 70 35
Merchant 90 45
Daily laborer 20 10
Others 10 5
Total 200 100%
Monetary decision maker
Husband 120 60
Wife 8 4
Husband and wife together 70 35
Others 2 1
Total 200 100%
Family Size
Two 90 45
Three 70 35
Others 40 20
Total 200 100%
Pervious Pregnancy
0-2 60 30
3-5 140 70
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 Total 200 100%
Parity
<2 20 10
2-5 40 20
>5 140 70
Total 200 100%
Previous Delivery
Abnormal 40 20
Normal 160 80
Total 200 100%
Pregnancy interval
<2 years 80 40
3-5 years 75 37.5
>5 years 35 17.5
Total 200 100%

Source: Field survey, 2022.

Table 4.1 above shows that majority of the respondents are within the age of 30-34
with 54(27%). 35 above with 45(22.5%), 25-29 with 40(20%), 20-24 with
35(17.5%). The lowest age range is under 19 years with 26(13%). Showing their
marital status; majority of the respondents 120(60%) are married, 40(20%) are
separated, 18(9%) are widowed, 12(6%) are single while 10(5%) are divorced. On
occupational status; majority of the respondents 80(40%) are housewives, 60(30%
do other occupations, 40(20%) are traders while 20(10%) are farmers.

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Figure 4.1, Showing educational status of respondents

High institu-
tion
No formal ed-
Higher institution
ucation 45% Secondary
Secondary primary
No formal education
Primary

On educational status; majority of the respondents 90(45%) did not attend any
school, 50(25%) attended higher institution, 35 (17.5%) attended only secondary
school, while 25 (12.5%) attended only primary school. Also, Majority of the
respondents 100(50%) are Igala, other ethnics are 40(20%), 34(17%) are Igbo,
while 26(13%) are Yoruba. On religious status; majority of the respondents
114(57%) are Christian, 66(33%) are Islam while 20(10%) are traditional
worshippers as shown in the table.
Also for the monthly income; majority of the respondents 12(60%) have more than
70,000 while 80(40%) have less than 30,000.

Figure 4.2, Showing monetary decision maker in the family

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 120 120

100

70
80

60 Series 1
Series 2
Series 3
40
8
20 2

0
Husband Wife Husband and Others
wife togeher

Majority of the respondents 140(70%) of husbands are heads of the house while
60(30%) of other respondents the heads of the house. On husbands occupation;
majority of the respondents 90(45%) are merchant, 70(35%) are employed,
20(10%) are laborer while 10(5%) have other occupations. On monetary decision
maker; majority of the respondents 120(70%) are husbands, 70 (35%) are both
husband/wife together, 8(4%) are wives while others 2(1%) are monetary decision
maker.

On family size; majority of the respondents 90(45%) have two family size,
70(35%) have three family size. On pervious pregnancy; majority of the
respondents 140(70%) had pervious pregnancy of 3-5 while 60(30%) had pervious
pregnancy of 0-2. Finally, on parity; majority of the respondents 140(70%) had
above five, 40(20%) had 2-5 while 20(10%) had less than two. On pervious
delivery; majority of the respondents 160(80%) had a normal delivery while
40(20%) had abnormal delivery; On pregnancy interval; majority of the
respondents 80(40%) had an interval less than two years, 75(37.5%) had an
interval of 3-5 while 35(17.5%) had an interval above five.

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SECTION B: DIETARY PRACTICES OF THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN
UDABA COMMUNITY

Table 4.2: Do you avoid any food or diet in the current pregnancy?
VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 130 65
No 70 35
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022.

Fr5om the table above, result shows that majority 130(65%) of respondents avoid
some food or diet in their current pregnancy while 75(35%) of respondents do not
avoid some food or diet in their current pregnancy.

Table 4.3: What is your reason of avoiding a diet?

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Religion 75 37.5
Culture 80 40
To avoid big baby 10 5
Labor difficulty 15 7.5
Others (Dislike, discomfort) 20 10
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result shows that majority 80(40%) of respondents above
some diet due to their culture, 75(37.5%) of respondents avoid some diet due to
their religion, 20(10%) of respondents avoid some diet due to dislike/discomfort,
15(7.5%) of respondents avoid some diet due to difficulty in labor while 10(5%) of
respondents avoid some diet due to possibility of delivering a big baby.

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Figure 4.3, Showing reasons of avoiding a diet

10%

8%
37%
5 Religion
% culture
To avoid big baby
labor difficulty
Others(dislike, discomfort

40%

Table 4.4: Do you skip meal during current pregnancy? (n=200)

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 140 70
No 60 30
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table, result shows that majority 140(70%) of respondents skip meal
during current pregnancy while 60(30%) of respondents skip meal during current
pregnancy.

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Table 4.5. If yes, What type meal did you normally skip? (n=200)
VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Breakfast 35 17.5
Lunch 90 45
Snack 15 7.5
Dinner 60 30
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result shows that majority 90(45%) of respondents skipped
lunch during current pregnancy, 60(30%) of respondents skip dinner during current
pregnancy, 35(17.5%) of respondents skipped breakfast during current pregnancy,
15(7.5%) of respondents skipped snack during current pregnancy.

Table 4.6: Do you take additional meal? (n=200)

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 120 60
No 80 40
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result shows that majority 120(60%) of respondents do take
additional meal while 80(40%) of respondents do not take additional meal.

Table 4.7: Number of additional meals

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
One 70 35
Two 35 17.5
Three and more 95 47.5

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 Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above result shows that majority 95(47%) of respondents takes
three/more additional meal 70(35%) of respondents takes one more additional
meal, 35(17.5%) of respondents take two additional meal.

Table 4.8: Habits of eating snacks between meals

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 170 85
No 30 15
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the above, result shows the majority 170(85%) of respondents had habit of
eating snacks between meals while 30(15%) of respondents avoid the habit of
eating snacks between meals.

Table 4.9: Consumption/eating carbohydrate (CHO) rich foods daily

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 110 55
No 90 45
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result shows that majority 110(55%) of respondents eat
carbohydrate rich food daily while 90(45%) of respondents do not consume
carbohydrate rich foods daily.

Table 4.10: Consumption/eating protein rich foods daily

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 VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 120 60
No 80 40
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result shows that majority 102(60%) of respondents eat
protein rich foods daily while 80(40%) of respondents do not consume protein
foods daily.

Table 4.11: Consumption/eating fresh vegetables daily

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 150 75
No 50 25
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the table above, result show that majority 150(75%) of respondents eat fresh
vegetables daily while 50(25%) of respondents do not consume fresh vegetables
daily.

Table 4.12: Consumption/eating of fruits daily

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 105 52.5
No 95 47.5
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

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From the table above, result shows that majority 105(52.5%) of respondents eat
rich fruits daily while 95 (47.5%) of respondents to not consume rich fruits daily.

Table 4.13: Following weigh during pregnancy

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Yes 140 70
No 60 30
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

From the above, result shows that majority 140(70%) of respondents do always
check their weight during pregnancy while 90(45%) of respondents do always
check their weight during pregnancy.

SECTION C: FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DIETARY PRACTICES OF

THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN UDABA COMMUNITY
VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)
Dietary practices 30 15
Husband income 35 17.5
History of illness 15 7.5
Dietary knowledge 20 10
Family size 45 22.5
Education 40 20
Occupation 12 6
Obstetric score (parity) 8 4
Previous delivery 10 5
Total 200 100%
Source: Field survey, 2022

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From the table above, result shows that majority 45(22.5%) of respondents said
that family size is a factor associated with dietary practices in the community,
40(20%) o respondents said that education is a factor associated with dietary
practices in the community, 35(17.5%) of respondents said that that the husband’s
income is a factor associated with dietary practices in the community, 30(15%) of
respondents said dietary practices is a factor associated with dietary practices in the
community, 20(10%) of respondents said that dietary knowledge is a factor
associated with dietary practices in the community, 15(7.5%) of respondents said
that history of illness is a factor associated with dietary practices in the community,
12(6%) of respondents said that occupation is a factor associated with dietary
practices in the community, 10(5%) of respondents said that pervious delivery is a
factor associated with dietary practices in the community, 8(4%) of respondents
said that obstetric score (parity) is a factor associated with dietary practices in the
community.

Figure 4.14, showing factors associated with dietary practices of the pegnant
women.
50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
s s )
tice om
e
n es dge
S ize tion ti on rity ver
y
c c ll le ca a a li
pr
a In ofi ow ily du cu
p
e (P de
d n am E c r s
ar
y an ry K F O sc
o io
u
iet u sb isto ary c r v
D H iet ri Pe
H
D s tet
b
O

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 SECTION D: ATTITUDE OF MOTHERS TOWARD NUTRITION
DURING PREGNANCY IN UDABA COMMUNITY

VARIABLES FREQUENCY (F) PERCENTAGE (%)

YES (%) NO (%)
Using salt to cook the main meal 20(10) 12(6) 200(100%)
Habit of eating fresh citrus fruits/juice 7(3.5) 5(2.5) 200(100%)
Habit of taking coffee or tea 5(2.5) 2(1) 200(100%)
Iron supply 3(1.5) 2(1) 200(100%)
Folic Acid supply 5(2.5) 2(1) 200(100%)
Frequency of meal per day 18(9) 4(2) 200(100%)
Habit of taking snacks between meals 15(7.5) 1(0.5) 200(100%)
Habit of eating carbohydrate between meal 4(2) 5(2.5) 200(100%)
Eating protein daily 6(3) 1(0.5) 200(100%)
Habit of eating fresh vegetables 14(7) 5(2.5) 200(100%)
Drinking milk 10(5) 3(1.5) 200(100%)
Eating milk product 9(4.5) 8(4) 200(100%)
Eating meat 15(7.5) 1(0.5) 200(100%)
Following weight 12(6) 6(3) 200(100%)
Total 143(71.5) 57(28.5) 200(100%)
Source: Field survey, 2022

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 From the table above, result shows that majority 143(71.5) of respondents attitude
towards nutrition during pregnancy in Udaba is positive while 57(28.5) of
respondents attitude towards nutrition during pregnancy in Udaba is negative.

SECTION E: DIETARY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN

UDABA.

Variables Adequate(% Inadequate(%) Poor(%) Unrated(%)

)

Food is important for 50(25%) 20(10%) 70(35%) 60(30%)

growth and development
of fetus
Food is important for 70(35%0 30(15%) 60(30%) 40(20%)
fighting infection or
disease
Inadequate diet can cause 10(5%) 20(10%) 90(45%) 80(40%)
miscarriage and still birth

Knowledge about 110(55%) 20(10%) 40(20%) 30(15%)

carbohydrate source
foods
Knowledge about protein 30(15%) 75(37.5%) 55(27%) 40(20%)
source foods

Knowledge about iron 30(15%) 75(37.5) 50(25%) 45(22.5%)

source foods

Knowledge about vitamin 20(10%) 85(42.5) 40(20%) 55(27.5%)

A source foods

Knowledge about Iodine 25(12.5%) 80(40%) 40()20% 60(30%)

source food

Source: Field survey, 2022

14 | P a g e
Section E survey state dietary knowledge of the pregnant women in Udaba
community. Each inquiry reaction was scored on Likert scale ranging from (1)
Adequate (2) Inadequate (3) Poor (4) Unrated respectably consent to. The result is
presented in table below

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 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION O FINDINGS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS

This chapter deals with the discussion on the research findings, limitations of the
study, nursing implications, summary and conclusion, recommendations and
suggestion for further studies. These findings were discussed in relation to the
research questions.

5.1 Demographic characteristics of the respondents

The social-demographic data shows that majority of the respondents are within the
age range of 30-40 with 527%, 35 above with 22.5%, 25-29 with 20%, 24-24 with
17.5%. showing their marital status; majority o the respondent 60% are married,
20% are separated, 9% are widowed, 6% are housewives, 30% do other occupants,
and 20% are trades while 10% are farmers. On educational status; majority of the
respondents 45% did not attend any school, 20% attended higher institution, and
17.5% attended only secondary school, while 12.5% attended only primary school.
Also majority of the respondents 50% are Igala, other ethnics are 20%, 17% are
Igbo, while 13% are Yoruba. On religious status; majority of the respondents 57%
are Christian, 33% are Islam while 10% are traditional worshippers are shown in
the table.

Also, for the monthly income; majority o the respondents 60% have more than
70,000 while 40% have less than 30,000. Majority of the respondents 70% of
husbands are heads of the house while 30% of other respondents the heads of the
house. On husbands occupation; majority of the respondents 45% are merchant,
35% are employed, 10% are laborer while 5% have other occupations. On
monetary decision maker; majority of the respondents 60% are husbands 354% are
both husband/wife together, 4% have two family size, 35% have three family size.
On previous pregnancy; majority of the residents 70% had previous pregnancy of
3-5 while 30% had previous pregnancy of 0-2 while 10% had less than two. On
previous delivery; majority of the respondents 80% had a normal delivery while
20% had abnormal delivery. On pregnancy interval; majority of the respondents

16 | P a g e
40% had an interval less than two years, 37.5% had an interval of 3-5 while 17.5%
had an interval above five.

Research question 1: What is the level of nutritional knowledge of expectant

mothers in Udaba community of Dekina Local Government Area?

The result shows that majority 130(65%) of respondents avoid some food or diet in
their current pregnancy 90(45%) of respondents skipped lunch during current
pregnancy. Dietary practices among pregnant mother are influenced by maternal
knowledge. This is in line with other study by Rahmiwati (2015) the level of
nutritional knowledge has a significant relationship with nutrition status as
revealed in study on association of nutritional knowledge and attitude with dietary
practices and nutritional status of females in Nairobi City (Kinyua, 2013), Low age
among adolescents has been associated with low nutritional knowledge as well as
understanding of contemporary issues in the society (Lee, et al., 2015). Low
nutritional knowledge was found to lead to poor dietary practice (AbuBaker,
2015). Nutritional knowledge had a high dietary diversity. A study in Sudan, titled;
Nutrition knowledge, attitude and dietary practices of adolescents and mothers of
different socioeconomic backgrounds in Khartoum locality, where mothers with
higher knowledge depicted better practices in terms of food choices and dietary
diversity (AbuBaker, 2015).

Research question 2: What are the dietary practices of expectant mothers in

Udaba community of Dekina Local Government Area?

The result shows that majority 130(65%) of respondents avoid some food or diet in
their current pregnancy, majority 80(40%) of respondents avoid some diet due to
their culture, and 5(37.5%) of respondents avoid some diet due to their religion,
20(10%) of respondents avoid some diet due to dislike/discomfort, 15(7.5%) of
respondents avoid some diet due to difficulty in labor while 10(5%) of respondents
avoid some diet due to possibility of delivering a big baby. From the table above,
result shows that majority 140 (70%) of respondents skipped meal during current
pregnancy while 60(30%) of respondents skipped meal during current pregnancy.
Majority 90 (45%) of respondents skipped lunch during current pregnancy, 60
(30%) of respondents skipped dinner during pregnancy, 35 (17.5%) of respondents
skipped breakfast during current pregnancy, 15(7.5%) of respondents skipped

17 | P a g e
snack during current pregnancy, majority 170(85%) of respondents had the habit of
eating snacks between meals while 30(15%) of respondents avoid the habit of
eating snacks between meals.

This is in line with other study by Agho et al., (2020), pregnant mother should eat
more during meal times or eat small frequent meals. This is in addition or snacks
between meals. Fruits and vegetables should be plenty with adequate intake of
water every day (8 glasses or 1.5 liters). A lot of tea or coffee with meals should be
avoided so as not to interfere with meals should be avoided so as not to interfere
with iron absorption leading to anemia. No study dietary intakes and practices
among pregnant adolescents.

Pregnant women, pregnant adolescents included need a varied diet and

supplemented with micronutrient such as zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium,
riboflavin and vitamin C (Kassa et al 2021). More nutrients are required among the
adolescents because they required more nutrients for their growth and that of the
child. The study sought to assess the nutrients for their growth and that of the child.
The study sought to access the nutrient adequacy of pregnant adolescent’s diets.
Nutrients deficiencies may lead to newborn death and birth defects (Tesfaye et al
2021). Nutrient supplementations are commended in addition to diversified diets.

Micronutrients deficiencies like for folic and iodine have been found to affect the
fetus. Dietary practices influence the weight of the pregnant mother whereby the
low maternal weight of the mother and inadequate weight gain during the time
pregnancy lead to low birth weight and infants who are prone to prenatal mortality.
Expectant women, in their first trimester, should avoid having an empty stomach
so as to minimize the effects of nausea.

Research question 3: What are perceived effects of nutrition on maternal and

infant outcomes in Udaba community of Dekina Local Government Area?

The result shows that majority 140(70%) of respondents do always check their
weight during pregnancy while 90(45%) of respondents do always check their
weight during pregnancy.

This is in line with other studies by Abera et al (2022) on effect of nutritional

education on pregnancy specific nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary practice

18 | P a g e
among pregnant women found that the number of meals related to the dietary
diversity, amount of energy and nutrients intake. In addition, the dietary diversity
influenced the intake of vitamins and minerals intake.

The consumption of fruits and vegetables was found to increase the intake of
vitamins and minerals especially vitamin A iron and Zinc. Also energy
consumption relates to weight addition rends during pregnancy. No specific study
has been found to document the effect of nutrition education on adolescents.

The amount of nutrients consumed has been found to influenced the morbidity
status of pregnant mothers. Good nutrient helps one to gain at least 12 kg during
pregnancy with an average of 1 kg weight gain per month. It is also important to
prevent anemia which is common. The physical and mental development of baby is
improved. It also decreases the chances of having a low birth weight baby,
premature delivery or a stillbirth Agho et al., (2020),

Research question 4: What are the factors related to eating behavior among
expectant mothers in Udaba community of Dekina Local Government Area?

The result shows that majority 45(22.5%) of respondent said that family size is a
factor associated with dietary practices in the community, 40(20%) of respondent
said that education is a factor associated with dietary practices in the community,
35(17.5%) of respondents said that the husband’s income is a factor associated
with dietary practices in the community, 20(10%) of respondents said that dietary
knowledge is a factor associated with dietary practices in the community, 15(7.6%)
of respondents said that occupation is a factor associated with dietary practices in
the community, 8(4%) o respondents said that obstetric score (parity) is a factor
associated with dietary practices in the community.

This is in line with studies by Belay et al 2020 Pregnancy is a complex process

involving various factors such as nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, socio-
economic and demographic factors and cultural factors. These factors are related to
each other. The education level, occupation and income are some of the factors that
have been found to influence food security. These socio-demographic factors may
also influence the nutrition knowledge. Dietary practices consequently influence
the nutrition status. In Addition, maternal nutrition knowledge affects the dietary
practices adopted. The dietary practices are defined in terms of number of meals,

19 | P a g e
dietary diversity score and amount of nutrients consumed. The dietary practices
together with the morbidity status are immediate determinants of nutrition status.

5.2 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The main challenges the researcher encountered during the research include; lack
of time, lack of total cooperation from some of the respondents, and financial
constraints.

5.3 IMPLICATION FOR MIDWIFERY PRACTICE

The following measures should be carried out by nurse and midwives to determine
the nutritional knowledge and practice among expectant mothers in Udaba
community in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Need for continued training to health workers on nutrition issues among

pregnant mothers so as help the adolescent mothers improve their care
practices.
This study recommends that interventions geared towards improving the
nutrition status of these young mothers such as supplementary feeding
program by the Health Workers in the Country Government.
The study recommends continued provision of both formal education to
adults and nutrition education by community health workers. This would
enable the mothers make appropriate decisions in dietary practices. This
would also help to utilize the available income to buy nutritious foods.
Since pregnant women in this study reported poor knowledge and nutritional
practices during pregnancy, health care providers should introduce strategies
for providing health education about proper and balanced maternal nutrition
during ANC visits.

5.4 SUMMARY OF THE STUDY

This study noted that the education level of the expectant mothers was poor. This
is because most of them no formal education and as such some of them were not
married. This consequently led to adoption of low profile careers like casual labor

20 | P a g e
and trading. This consequently resulted o low income which was barely enough
procure food.

The nutritional knowledge of these mothers was low. This is evidenced by the fact
that they failed to understand even the basic aspect of nutrition during pregnancy.
The low knowledge was attributed to low education level and poor health seeking
behavior. The low nutritional knowledge translated to poor decision making in
dietary practices.

This study reports poor dietary practices among the pregnant women in terms of
few number of meals consumed per day, low dietary diversity and infrequent
intake of key nutrients responsible for good nutrition during pregnancy. This is
contributed by poor nutritional knowledge and resulted to the high case of
underweight. The low nutrition status is detrimental to the health of pregnant
women. Determinants of Dietary practices among expectant mothers are education
level and income. In addition, the determinants of morbidity status among
expectant mothers are education level, income and dietary practices. The nutrition
status was found to be influenced by number of meals consumed, amount of
kilocalories consumed and morbidity status.

Nutritional status among expectant mothers is poor among the Udaba community.
The low nutritional status was associated with inadequate dietary intake and
frequent illness, the poor dietary practices were triggered by low education level as
well as low nutrition knowledge level which was in combination with lack of
adequate income to procure food. The low education level and low income led to
poor health seeking behavior and as such led to higher morbidly status among the
expectant mothers.

5.5 CONCLUSION

Most pregnant women in this study reported poor level of knowledge and practices
about nutrition and balanced diet during pregnancy. Monthly income, educational
level and attitude were the significant factor affecting nutritional knowledge of
mothers during pregnancy. Monthly income, husband education and occupation
were significant predicating factors for nutritional practices during pregnancy.
Good knowledge about maternal nutrition usually affects nutritional attitude during
pregnancy.

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5.6 RECOMMENDATIONS

The researcher has the following recommendation based on the finding of the
study which are;

This study recommends that the Ministry of Health at national level to

enhance the use of the existing training package and policy in counseling
pregnant adolescents.
To improve the nutrition knowledge level among the mothers, the Ministry
of Health at national level should come up with a counseling package and
policy for use in counseling these mothers.
A policy should also be put in place by the Country Government to
discourage the use of traditional healers and traditional birth attendants so as
to improve the health seeking behavior.

5.7 SUGGESTION FOR FURTHER STUDY

A study on the effect of poor nutrition status among adolescent’s mothers on

birth outcomes.
Another research can be conducted longitudinally throughout the year to
establish the seasonal variations in food intake.

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 NANA College of Nursing and Health
Science,
Otakuhi, Kogi state.
November, 2024.

The Clan Head

Udaba community,
Dekina Local Government Area,
Kogi, State,

Sir,

PERMISSION REQUEST TO CONDUCT A RESEARCH IN YOUR

COMMUNITY

I am a final year student of the above named institution carrying out a research on
Nutritional Knowledge and Practice among Expectant Mothers in Udaba
Community of Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State . I am seeking your
permission to use some women your community for the study.

I guarantee that Confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained. I will be

most grateful if my request is granted.

Yours sincerely

Onah Rita Chioma

NANA College of Nursing and Health

26 | P a g e
 Science,
P M B 1007,
Otakuhi , Kogi State,
November, 2024

Dear Respondent,

QUESTIONNAIRE

I am a student of Basic Midwifery in the above mentioned institution. I am

carrying out a research work on Nutritional Knowledge and Practice among
Expectant Mothers in Udaba Community of Dekina Local Government Area,
Kogi State. The purpose of the questionnaire is for you to supply all necessary
information required by me to complete my research work . The research work is
in partial fulfillment for the award of basic Midwifery.

This research work is purely academic purpose and your response will be treated
confidential.

Thanks for your cooperation

Yours sincerely

Onah Rita Chioma

27 | P a g e
 NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE AMONG EXPECTANT
MOTHERS IN UDABAH COMMUNITY OF DEKINA LOCAL
GOVERNMENT AREA, KOGI STATE.

Instruction:-please tick the correct answer inside the box [ ]

SECTION A: SOCIO-DEMOGRA[HIC DATA

1. Age
a. < 19 [ ] b)20-24 [ ] c) 25-29 [ ] d) 30-34 [ ] e)>35
[ ]

2. Ethnicity
a) Igala [ ] b) Igbo [ ] c) hausa [ ] d)Yoruba [ ] e)Others_____

3. Religion
a. Christianity [ ] b) Islam [ ] c) Traditional [ ]

4. Education status
a. No formal education [ ] b) primary [ ] c) Secondary [ ] d)Higher
institution [ ]

5. Occupation
a. House wife [ ] b) Civil servant [ ] c)Trading [ ] d) Other [ ]

6. Monthly income ___________________________________________

7. Marital status

a. Married [ ] b) Single [ ] c) Divorced [ ] d) Separated [ ] e) Widowed [ ]

8. Head of household

a. Husband [ ] b) Others ________________

28 | P a g e
9. Husband occupation

a. Employed [ ] b) Merchant [ ] c) Daily laborer [ ] d) Others _________

10. Monetary decision maker

a. Husband [ ] b) wife [ ] c) Husband and wife together [ ] d) Others_____

11. Family size

a. Two [ ] b) three [ ] c) Other___________

12. Previous pregnancy

a) 0-2 [ ] b) 3-5 [ ]

13. Parity

a) <2 [ ] b) 2-5 [ ] c)>5 [ ]

14. Previous delivery

a. Abnormal [ ] b) Normal [ ]

15. Pregnancy Interval

a. <2years [ ] b) 3-5 years [ ] c) >5 Years [ ]

16. History of illness

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

SECTION B: DIETARY PRACTICES OF THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN

UDABAH COMMUNITY

17. Do you avoid any food or diet in the current pregnancy?

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

18. What is your reason of avoiding a diet?

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 a. Religion [ ] b) Culture [ ] c) To avoid big baby [ ]
d) Labor difficulty [ ] e) Others (Dislike, discomfort) [ ]

19. Do you skip meal during current pregnancy?

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

20. What type of meal?

a. Breakfast [ ] b) Lunch [ ] c) Snack [ ] d) Dinner [ ]

21. Do you take additional meal?

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

22. Number of additional meal

a. One [ ] b) Two [ ] c) Three and more [ ]

23. Habits of eating snacks between meals

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

24. Consumption/eating carbohydrate (CHO) rich foods daily

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

25. Consumption/eating protein rich foods daily

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

26. Consumption/eating fresh vegetables daily

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

27. Consumption/eating of fruits daily

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

28. Following weight during pregnancy

a. Yes [ ] b) No [ ]

30 | P a g e
SECTION C: FACTORS ASOCIATED WITH DIETARY PRACTICES OF
THE PREGNANT WOMEN IN UDABA COMMUNITY

Dietary practice [ ]

Husband income [ ]

History of illness [ ]

Dietary knowledge [ ]

Family size [ ]

Education [ ]

Husband education [ ]

Occupation [ ]

Obstetric score (Parity) [ ]

Previous delivery [ ]

SECTION D: ATTITUDE OF MOTHER TOWARDS NUTRITION DURING

PREGNANCY IN UDABA

Using salt to cook the main meal Yes [ ] No [ ]

Habit of eating fresh citrus fruit/juice Yes [ ] No [ ]

Habit of taking coffee or tea Yes [ ] No [ ]

Iron supply Yes [ ] No [ ]

Folic Acid supply Yes [ ] No [ ]

Frequency of meal per day Yes [ ] No [ ]

Habit of taking snacks between meals Yes [ ] No [ ]

31 | P a g e
Habit of eating carbohydrate between meals Yes [ ] No [ ]

Eating protein daily Yes [ ] No [ ]

Habit of eating fresh vegetables Yes [ ] No [ ]

Drinking milk Yes [ ] No [ ]

Eating milk products Yes [ ] No [ ]

Eating meat Yes [ ] No [ ]

Following weight Yes [ ] No [ ]

SEXTION E: ASSESSING THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOURCE

FOODS/VITAMINS AND NUTRIENTS

1. What are some rich sources of Vitamin A?

Sweet Potatoes [ ]
Carrots [ ]
Dark leafy greens [ ]
Citrus fruit [ ]
Other __________________________________
2. What is the importance of Vitamin A during pregnancy (Open end)
_____________________________________________________________
3. What are some good source of folic acid?
Leafy greens [ ]
Legumes [ ]
Citrus fruits [ ]
Fortified cereals [ ]
Other __________________________________________
4. What is your knowledge about Vitamin A source foods
Adequate [ ]
Inadequate [ ]
Poor [ ]
Unrated [ ]
5. What is your knowledge about Iodine source foods
32 | P a g e
 Adequate [ ]
Inadequate [ ]
Poor [ ]
Unrated [ ]

33 | P a g e