Assessment of Awareness, Adherence and Perception of Nutritional Intervention Programmes among Pregnant Women in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal nutrition is a key determinant of pregnancy outcomes and neonatal survival. Although nutritional intervention programmes have been implemented in Nigeria to improve maternal health, malnutrition remains a major public health challenge, particularly in rural communities. This study assessed the awareness, adherence, and perception of nutritional intervention programmes among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Gassol Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed among pregnant women attending selected primary healthcare facilities. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, awareness of nutritional guidelines, adherence to recommended nutritional practices, perceived programme effectiveness, implementation challenges, and improvement strategies. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) summarized the data, while Chi-square analysis tested associations at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The findings revealed moderate to high awareness of nutritional guidelines among most respondents, with regular adherence to recommended practices such as iron and folic acid supplementation, dietary diversification, and attendance at nutrition counselling sessions. Participants perceived the programmes as beneficial in improving maternal health, preventing anaemia, promoting fetal growth, and reducing pregnancy-related complications. However, programme effectiveness was constrained by poverty, food insecurity, inadequate nutrition knowledge, irregular supplement supply, cultural dietary practices, transportation difficulties, and limited healthcare resources. The study concludes that nutritional intervention programmes have positively influenced maternal nutrition in Gassol LGA, but their effectiveness can be enhanced through strengthened nutrition education, improved programme coverage, consistent supplement availability, and interventions addressing socioeconomic barriers.