Browsing by Author "Josephat, Fransiska"

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    An investigation on access to and use of nutrition information among pregnant women in makete district, Tanzania
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 2019) Josephat, Fransiska
    The main objective of this study was to investigate access to and use of nutrition information among pregnant women in Makete district, Njombe region, Tanzania. Spaecifically, the study aimed at: Identifying nutritional information needs among pregnant women; ascertaining sources used by pregnant women to access nutritional information; examining the usefulness of nutritional information among pregnant women; determining factors that influence pregnant women in accessing and using of nutritional information; and suggesting strategies for improving access to and use of nutrition information among pregnant women. The study used mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) to collect, process, and analyze data. A total of 80 pregnant women from Makete district hospital and Ipelele health center participated in the study. In addition, ten (10) key informants were also interviewed. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the respondents. Interview, questionnaire and focus group discussion methods were used to collect data from respondents. The study;s key findings show that pregnant women in the area mostly need infotmation on preparation and planning of meals, supplementary nutrients and food safety. The study also indicates that pregnant women in the study area mainly depend on health service providers particularly nurses to access nutrition information. It was also revealed in the study that, some pregnant women do not make use of nutrition information they access. Furthermore, the findings indicate that income, education, socio-cultural practice, and language are the factors that affect access to and use of nutrition information in the area. Therefore, basing on the findings, the study recommends training, family and partner involvement in antenatal clinics and information repackaging as mechanisms to increase access to and effective utilization of nutrition information.