Evaluation of Nutritional Counselling Practices Among Nurses in Antenatal Clinics in Ogun State

Background: Antenatal nutritional counselling by nurses directly influences maternal dietary behaviour and birth outcomes. Consistent, evidence-based counselling delivery remains variable across Nigerian antenatal settings. Aim: This study evaluated nutritional counselling practices among nurses in antenatal clinics in selected health facilities in Ogun State, South West Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive observational and cross-sectional design recruited 60 nurses for questionnaire administration and 120 pregnant women for satisfaction surveys. Structured counselling observation checklists were applied during 90 antenatal encounters. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Results: Only 51% of observed counselling sessions addressed micronutrient supplementation, and 39% incorporated dietary diversity guidance. Nurses cited time constraints, outdated nutrition knowledge, and language barriers as limiting factors. Women who received structured nutritional counselling reported significantly higher dietary diversity and supplementation adherence. Conclusion: Antenatal nutritional counselling by nurses is inconsistent and inadequate. Training updates, structured counselling tools in local languages, and dedicated counselling time in antenatal clinic schedules are recommended to improve maternal nutrition outcomes in Ogun State. Keywords: antenatal counselling, nutrition, nursing, Ogun State, maternal health.