MATERNAL NUTRITION EDUCATION AMONG MIDWIVES AND STUDENT MIDWIVES IN NIGERIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract<br/><br/>Background<br/>Good maternal nutrition is critical for healthy pregnancies. In Nigeria, little is known about maternal nutrition knowledge among midwives and student midwives (M/SM). This study aimed to assess maternal nutrition education among Nigerian M/SM, exploring their perspectives, knowledge and confidence in providing advice during antenatal care. <br/><br/>Methods<br/>Questionnaires were distributed online and completed by 214 Nigerian M/SM using convenience sampling. Data collected included demographic characteristics, educational levels, nutrition education experience during and outside their nursing and midwifery education, content and delivery of nutrition education, sources of information, and confidence levels in providing nutrition-related advice. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and ANOVA; significance was set at (p &lt; 0.05).<br/><br/>Results<br/>Most (90%) Nigerian M/SM received nutrition education as part of formal training, with nutrition during pregnancy (73.8%), and breastfeeding (73.8%) extensively covered. Midwives with a Master’s Degree reported more confidence in providing nutrition advice than those with a Bachelor’s Degree (Mean Difference = -0.807, p = 0.010) and current students (Mean Difference = -1.154, p &lt; 0.001). Almost half (47.2%) had access to dietitians, and 82.2% made referrals despite barriers like client disinterest (59.7%). Verbal communication (90.5%) was the most common method of providing advice. However, only 25.3% correctly identified the recommended timing for folic acid supplementation, highlighting knowledge gaps in nutrition training.<br/><br/>Conclusion<br/>Nigerian midwives and student midwives had good knowledge of maternal nutrition but some knowledge gaps were identified. Regular training updates and involving dietitians in the planning and delivery of nutrition education may help to improve this.<br/>