Impact of Maternal Education, andSocioeconomic Status on Maternal Nutritional Knowledge and Practices Regarding Iron Rich Foods and Iron Supplements

Objective: The objective was to determine association of maternal education, gestational age, parity and socioeconomic status with nutritional knowledge and subsequent practice regarding iron rich foods and iron supplements. Study Design: Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP study. Place and Duration of study: The study was carry out at the Gynaecology and obstetrics Out patient department of Federal Government Services Hospital Islamabad from December 2010 to February 2011. Materials and Methods: A sample of 400 pregnant women was selected using consecutive sampling technique. Pregnant women taking only iron supplement with no other complaints other than anemia, were included in the study. With the help of pre coded and pre tested questionnaire data were collected. Statistical tests like chi-square, ANOVA and Standard multiple regression were applied to determine correlation between independent variables (education, socioeconomic status, parity and gestational age) and dependent variables (knowledge and practice of iron rich foods and iron supplements). Results: A significant relationship (p 0.001) was observed between nutritional awareness and educational status of the respondents. However, the practice was solely dependent on monthly income (p 0.001), irrespective of the awareness. Parity and gestational age bore no relationship with nutritional knowledge and practices. Knowledge regarding the benefits of supplements was also significantly related to the educational status of the women (P 0.001). Conclusion: There is an urgent need to boost maternal awareness regarding nutrition before, during and after pregnancy.