TITLE:
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Relating to Food and Nutrition among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Menontin Hospital (Benin)
AUTHORS:
Charles Jérôme Sossa, Lamidhi Salami, Clémence Germaine Metonnou, Eloïse Tozoukan, Colette Azandjeme, Virginie Mongbo, Moussiliou Noël Paraïso
KEYWORDS:
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Bénin
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.15 No.11,
November
9,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Pregnancy is a critical period during which environmental factors such as
nutrition can affect the optimal development of the fetus. This study aims to
evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in food and nutrition among
pregnant women in antenatal consultation at Menontin Hospital in 2021. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study including 96 pregnant women at
Menontin Hospital in Cotonou. Variables including socio-anthropological data,
level of knowledge of nutritional requirements and their consequences on
malnutrition, and description of physical activity practices were collected
using a questionnaire and data on pregnant women’s dietary practices,
macronutrient consumption, and fruit and vegetable consumption were documented
using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: The majority of pregnant women (88%) were unaware of their nutrient needs
during pregnancy. Only 49.6% of them took at least three meals and two snacks a
day, and 45% practiced less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day. The
consumption of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids were respectively in the
proportions of 36.5%, 50%, and 38.5%. It was also found that 48% of pregnant
women did not consume fruits and vegetables daily. Conclusion: The pregnant women followed in the Mènontin area
hospital had a low level of knowledge in terms of food and nutrition during
pregnancy. Consequently, their attitudes and practices were unfavorable to good
nutrition for both the mother and the child.