Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge  Regarding Maternal and Infant Feeding  Practices Among Pregnant Mothers  Visiting A Private Hospital in Chennai

Ms. Renny Jaspher Mary

Volume : II, Issue : II, February - 2013

Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge Regarding Maternal and Infant Feeding Practices Among Pregnant Mothers Visiting A Private Hospital in Chennai

Ms. Renny Jaspher Mary

Abstract :

Adequate knowledge regarding various aspects of feeding practices during pregnancy and during infancy is very essential. The study was undertaken to assess the nutrition knowledge regarding maternal and infant feeding practices of pregnant women before and after imparting nutrition education in a private hospital in Chennai. An interview schedule was used to collect the information of the subjects. Nutrition education was conducted on topics such as balanced diet, food grouping, nutrients in food, sources and its function, special nutrient requirement during pregnancy and lactation for mothers and importance of eastfeeding for infants. A questionnaire was used to assess the nutritional knowledge of the subjects. There was significant improvement in the knowledge of the subjects after imparting nutritional education. The use of visual aids and face to face counselling created a positive impact on the subjects. All the subjects had benefited from the nutrition education that was imparted which was seen in the improvement in their scores.