Efficacy of nutrition counselling on energy and micronutrient intake of pregnant women in Migori County, Kenya

A large number of pregnant women in many parts of the world enter pregnancy at sub-optimal weight. More than 60% of Kenyan population suffers from food insecurity. The result is malnutrition which primarily affects pregnant women and children and significantly contributes to their morbidity and mortality. Maternal nutrition is critical for both mother and child as it lays fundamental foundation for the successful outcome of pregnancy. This study sought to assess changes in energy and selected micronutrient intakes after nutrition counselling among pregnant women in Migori County. A Prospective Cohort study design was used and simple random sampling was used to recruit a sample of 150 pregnant women who were enrolled into a nutrition counselling programme. Data was collected by 24 hour recall and food frequency and analyzed by Nutri-Survey computer package and SPSS Analysis Software. Relationships between variables were tested by t-tests. Generally, there was improved dietary intake of all nutrients after counselling although some did not meet the RDA even after counselling. 4.4% and 20.9% of the women had intakes above RDA for energy, at baseline and after counselling respectively, 62.5% and 84.3% had intakes above RDA for protein at baseline and after counselling respectively. Carbohydrate intake had 93.9% within or above RDA at baseline while all met the RDA after counselling. 61.2% and 77.4% were able to meet the RDA for vitamin A at baseline and after counselling respectively. Only 13.5% met the RDA for folic acid and iron each at baseline but after counselling all had intakes below RDA. The finding is important to central and local governments, civil society, intergovernmental agencies, research groups, business enterprises and community under study. The study fills the knowledge gap and therefore contributes to the advancement of knowledge

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