Nutrition Education as a Determinant of Safe Delivery among Pregnant Women in Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of nutrition education on safe delivery outcomes among pregnant women in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics, with a sample size of 500 participants. Multiple regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between nutrition education interventions and safe delivery outcomes, maternal nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and neonatal health indicators. The results revealed a significant association between nutrition education interventions and improved safe delivery outcomes, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.571 and a statistically significant F-value of 142.7 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, maternal nutrition knowledge and dietary practices were found to significantly impact the likelihood of experiencing a safe delivery, with an R-value of 0.726 and a statistically significant F-value of 330.675 (p < 0.05). Neonates born to mothers who received nutrition education during pregnancy exhibited higher birth weights and a lower incidence of preterm births, with an R-value of 0.697 and a statistically significant F-value of 256.965 (p < 0.05). These findings underscore the importance of integrating comprehensive nutrition education initiatives into maternal healthcare programmes to improve safe delivery outcomes and enhance maternal and neonatal health in the study area. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive impact of nutrition education on maternal and neonatal health outcomes, thereby informing policy-makers and healthcare providers about the importance of prioritising nutrition education interventions in maternal healthcare programmes.