NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN GHANA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Abstract Background Adequate maternal nutritional knowledge is essential for healthy pregnancy outcomes, yet many pregnant women lack good nutritional knowledge. This study assessed nutritional knowledge and associated factors among pregnant women in the Krowor Municipality of Ghana. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two public health facilities. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and nutritional knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests at a 5% significance level. Results Most respondents demonstrated moderate nutritional knowledge (mean score =11.24 ± 2.48), with 45% classified as having moderate knowledge. Income level (p = 0.00), education (p = 0.007), gestational age (p = 0.042), employment status (p = 0.007), and religion (p = 0.005) were significantly associated with nutritional knowledge. Conclusion The study highlights notable gaps in nutritional knowledge among pregnant women in Krowor Municipality. Socioeconomic and obstetric factors strongly influenced nutritional knowledge. Strengthening antenatal nutrition counselling and improving socioeconomic support may help improve the nutritional knowledge of pregnant women.