THE IMPACT OF MATERNAL NUTRITION EDUCATION ON THE UPTAKE OF IRON AND FOLIC ACID SUPPLEMENTATION DURING PREGNANCY IN OGBOMOSO, OYO STATE

The nutritional status of a woman before and during pregnancy is important for a healthy pregnancy outcome. However nutritional deficiencies are widely prevalent globally and contribute significantly to high rates of morbidity and mortality among mothers, infants and children in developing countries. These micronutrient deficiency states exist in Nigeria and pose a public health problem. This study aimed to assess the impact of maternal nutrition education on the uptake of Iron and Folic Supplements (IFA) among pregnant women in Ogbomoso North, Nigeria. Specifically, the study evaluated changes in knowledge, compliance, and adherence to IFA after an educational intervention. Data was collected from 42 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Ibrahim Taiwo PHC. A quasi-experimental study design was employed, a total of 42 pregnant women enrolled, with 30.95% (13 women) receiving IFA supplementation and 69.05% (29 women) receiving MMS. The IFA group received nutrition education and MMS group did not. Stratified random sampling was used to select participants, and data were gathered through structured questionnaires at baseline and four weeks post-intervention. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and paired t-tests to compare knowledge, compliance, and adherence to IFA before and after the intervention. Results showed a significant improvement in participants’ knowledge of EBF and IFA supplements, with an increase in the compliance rate in IFA group. In conclusion, maternal nutrition education significantly enhances the uptake of IFA among pregnant women, leading to better health outcomes. This underscores the need for incorporating nutrition education into routine antenatal care programs to address micronutrient deficiencies.