Awareness of Food and Nutrition Security Among Pregnant Women Attending a Level Five Hospital: a Case Study of Pumwani Maternity Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to have an assessment of food and nutrition security awareness programs among the pregnant women receiving services at the Pumwani Maternity Hospital in is situated Nairobi. The study had four main objectives which include: to find out, about the perceptions of pregnant women about food and nutrition , to establish whether there are efforts, facilitating awareness about food and nutrition during pregnancy in the clinics, to find out how the information on food and nutrition security is playing role in maternal dietary patterns of the pregnant women, and to investigate the issues and challenges facing pregnant women towards adhering to adequate food and nutrition as taught in the clinics. The study was based on feminism and coping theories. The research design was descriptive research analysis with the study sample constituting of 80 expectant women, sampled using non random sampling technique and 6 key informants, being the clinical officers sampled through purposive sampling technique. Qualitative together with quantitative data were collected using, a questioner and interview guide observation from respondents and key informants respectively. The study found that the Pumwani Maternity has done tremendous work pertaining maternal health by creating awareness programs on food and nutrition security; though not extortive and emphasizing that stronger, programs need to put in place. This would help combat hunger and also act as a voice to air challenges faced to be food secure. The study recommended that intervention activities contributing to this strategic objective should be put in place making it possible to have adequate future programs. This includes the necessity to invest on nutritional training, to the mid wives to be able to teach pregnant women during their antenatal visits.