NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG EXPECTANT MOTHERS IN OGUMA BASSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF KOGI STATE

Nutrition can be defined as the science of food, its use within the body, and its relationship to good health. Il includes the study of the major food components - proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals including water and more than 50 various nutrients of which they are composed i Allen, 2013). It is therefore clear that for somebody to cat healthfully he or she must have adequate knowledge of the different components of food we cat .Nutritional knowledge has been proven to play a very vital role in adopting optimal nutrition practices in the health of every expectant mother. As a matter of fact, health and nutritional status of the population of a nation is an important indicator of development of the country. The aim of the study is to outline common pregnancy outcome with poor maternal nutrition To ascertain the relationship between dietary intake, physical activity and maternal nutritional status. According to this research work the table above shows that most of the respondents (64%) were Bassa, and (12%) were Bassange while the other tribe are (24%). The table above shows that most of the respondents (80%) were females, while (20%) of the respondent were male. According to this research work the table above shows that most of the respondents (40%) tick 20-25, while (30%) identified 26-30, and (30%) tick 31 above. According to this research work the table above shows that most the respondents (50%) identified Tertiary, while (30%) lick secondary, and (20%) tick primary. According to this research work the table above shows that most of the respondents (80%) lick house wife, while (20%) arc civil servant. 1'his study showed that socio-dcmographics and nutrition education and nutrition are important determinant of nutritional practices among pregnant and lactating women living in Bassa. The study emphasizes the importance of considering socio-demographic factors during policy formulation and planning for and implementation of nutrition care programmed, especially those aim at pregnant and lactating women living in Bassa.