Pregnant Women’s Energy Consumption and Weight Gain: The Perspective of a Rural Community at Rongo District Kenya

Women in poor rural communities often consume diets that are deficient in energy. Maternal malnutrition continues to be a global problem. Population studies indicate that kilocalorie intake is usually less than recommended and pregnant women often do not show a significant augmentation in energy intake. The prevalence of chronic malnutrition is reflected in the high incidences of maternal deaths, increased risk of disease, and lower pregnancy weight gain. Low rates of gestational weight gain increase the risk of low birth weight infants and shorter gestations and from an international health perspective, birth weight is the most readily available index of pregnancy outcomes. This study investigated women’s socio-demographic factors, energy intake, and and their influence on gestational weight gain among pregnant women attending Rongo Sub-District Hospital. Objectives of the study included determining socio-demographic factors, energy intake, assessing weight gain, and testing for relationships between energy intake, maternal variables and weight gain. The study adopted longitudinal design and comprehensive sampling was used to select a sample of 100 pregnant women. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires, observation, 24- hour recall and food weighing techniques. Data was analyzed by SPSS and dietary data by use of Nutri-survey. Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient was used to test for significant relationships and t test for significant difference between mean of nutrients. Daily energy intake was found to be 1436.42 ± 421 Kcal/ day. Mean weight gain was 245.9±201std g/week and was higher for women with lower weight. The study found a significant relationship between energy intake and gestational weight gain (P≤ 0.05) and suggested possible confounding with certain socio-demographic factors. The pregnant women consumed fewer calories than the recommended levels. The study fills the knowledge gap, benefits future research work, government departments, NGOs, the community and pregnant women. The government and NGOs need to monitor gestational weight gain more closely in order to provide counselling as well as nutritional support to pregnant women

A Survey of the Influence of Family Nature, Peer Association and Gender on Academic Performance: A Case of Kisii Municipality

The study was carried out in Kisii municipality of south western Kenya. The objectives of the study were to examine the relationships between pupil’s family nature and academic performance; the relationship between peer group association and academic performance and the relationship between gender and students academic performance. The survey involved students in selected secondary schools, teachers and parents within the municipality. The research was conducted by administering three types of questionnaires - students (A), teachers (B) and parents (C). Information was also got by personal observation and oral- non - scheduled interview involving 140 students, 40 parents and 40 teachers. The findings were analyzed using frequency tables. The result show that a child’s academic performance is determined to a large extent by the family size which is instrumental in assisting him/ her in learning. There is a significant relationship between peer group association and academic performance of a child. The results also indicate that there is a significant relationship between gender and one’s academic performance