Effect of Nutrition Education Intervention on Dietary Practices of Pregnant Women in Akwa Ibom State

This study examines the effect of a structured nutrition education intervention on the dietary practices of pregnant women in Akwa Ibom State, South South Nigeria. Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy remains a critical public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight and preterm delivery. The study adopts a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design, targeting 200 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Uyo and Eket local government areas. Respondents were divided into experimental and control groups, with the experimental group receiving a six-week structured nutrition education programme. Data were collected using a dietary diversity questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall. Objectives include assessing baseline dietary practices, determining the effect of the intervention on dietary diversity scores, and identifying enabling factors for sustained dietary improvement. Recent literature confirms the efficacy of community-based nutrition education in improving maternal dietary behaviour in Nigerian settings. Data were analysed using paired t-test and ANOVA. The Social Cognitive Theory guides the intervention design, emphasising self-efficacy and environmental supports. Findings are expected to demonstrate significant improvements in dietary diversity among the experimental group. Recommendations address the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health and teaching hospitals to institutionalise antenatal nutrition education programmes. Keywords: nutrition education, dietary practices, pregnant women, maternal nutrition, Akwa Ibom State.