BALANCED DIETARY INTAKE AND PREGNANCY OUTCOMES AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN SOUTHERN TARABA SENATORIAL DISTRICT

Abstract

Poor maternal nutrition continues to contribute significantly to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, and maternal complications, particularly in low-resource settings. Despite the known benefits of adequate nutrition, many pregnant women still do not maintain a balanced diet due to socioeconomic, cultural, and behavioural constraints. This study examined the influence and effect of balanced diet on pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women. The study was guided by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). SCT explains how personal factors such as knowledge, self-efficacy, and observational learning influence dietary behaviour, while SEM emphasizes the role of multiple levels of influence including individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional factors on maternal dietary practices. The objectives were to assess the influence of balanced diet on positive pregnancy outcomes and determine its effect on pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women. A descriptive survey design was adopted. A sample of 1,113 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics was selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square test at 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that pregnant women who consistently practiced balanced dietary intake were more likely to experience positive pregnancy outcomes such as normal birth weight, full-term delivery, and reduced complications. A significant relationship was found between balanced diet and pregnancy outcomes (p < 0.05). However, influencing factors included low income, inadequate nutritional knowledge, cultural food restrictions, and limited family support. The study concluded that balanced diet significantly influences positive pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women. It was recommended that healthcare providers strengthen nutritional counselling during antenatal care, while government and community stakeholders should implement multi-level nutrition intervention programmes.