Empirical Analysis of the Relationship Between Home Economics Education and Maternal Health Outcomes in Anambra State

This study empirically analyses the relationship between formal Home Economics Education and maternal health outcomes including antenatal care utilisation, dietary adequacy during pregnancy, and birth outcomes among women in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Maternal health outcomes in Nigeria remain suboptimal despite decades of intervention, and the potential contribution of Home Economics Education as a structural determinant has received limited empirical attention. Employing a cross-sectional analytical design, the study targets 360 postpartum women in Onitsha and Awka South local government areas. Data were collected through structured interviews, medical record reviews, and dietary diversity assessments. Objectives include establishing the educational profiles of respondents, measuring maternal health outcome indicators, and quantifying the independent contribution of Home Economics Education to these outcomes after controlling for socioeconomic covariates. Analytical methods include multivariate logistic regression, path analysis, and odds ratio computation. The Capabilities Framework underpins the study, positioning education as a fundamental enabler of health-related functionings. Recent literature from South East Nigeria suggests that women with formal Home Economics training are more likely to attend antenatal care four or more times and maintain adequate gestational weight gain. Findings are expected to provide novel empirical evidence for integrating Home Economics into maternal health policy discourse. Recommendations address the Anambra State Ministry of Health and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency. Keywords: Home Economics Education, maternal health, antenatal care, birth outcomes, Anambra State.