Knowledge and Practice of Adequate Prenatal Nutrition among Pregnant Women in Ekiti State, Nigeria

This study evaluated the knowledge and practice of adequate prenatal nutrition among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Okeyinmi, Ado-Ekiti Metropolis. The specific objectives were to assess women’s knowledge of prenatal nutrition, identify common sources of nutritional information and their effectiveness, determine the perceived importance of prenatal nutrition, and examine the level of practice of recommended dietary guidelines. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, and 132 pregnant women were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising five sections covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, information sources, perceived importance, and dietary practices. Validity was ensured through expert review, while reliability was confirmed via a pilot study, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with results presented in tables, charts, and chi-square analyses. Findings indicated that the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of prenatal nutrition, recognized its importance for maternal and fetal health, and sourced information primarily from hospitals. Despite this, barriers such as food cravings, financial constraints, time limitations, and incomplete nutrient-specific knowledge were identified, and knowledge did not always translate into consistent dietary practices. The study underscores the need for practical nutrition education, peer-support mechanisms, financial support for access to healthy foods, and continuous monitoring of dietary adherence during antenatal care. Keywords: Prenatal nutrition, Pregnant women, Dietary practices, Antenatal care, Nutritional knowledge,