ASSESSMENT OF NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: Pregnancy is a phase in which body experiences several hormonal and physical changes. During pregnancy balance diet helps for probable weight gain of woman and fetus growth and development. This is well recognized that maternal insufficient diet leads to increased risks of the short term consequences for example, IUGR (intra uterine growth restriction), preterm birth, low birth weight, infant and parental morbidity and death. Also the dietary knowledge has been found to affect pregnant female's nutritional behaviors and choices. Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women. Method: It was hospital based cross-sectional study in which 120 pregnant women visiting OPD of Civil Hospital Sialkot participated. Data was collected through questionnaire, which was entered into computer software SPSS 20.0. Results: Among 120 pregnant women, 65.8% were 21-30 years old, 75.8% were literate and 75.0% were housewives. More than half (54.2%) had family monthly income more than 20,000 rupees. Among pregnant women, majority (47.5%) had good nutritional knowledge, followed by excellent (40.0%) and poor (12.5%). Similarly majority (52.5%) had good nutritional practices, followed by excellent (37.5%) and poor (10.0%). Conclusion: Study concluded that majority of the pregnant women had good/excellent nutritional knowledge and practices. Further researches are required to be carried out on vast level to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant women.