Awareness of Nutrition in Prevention of Diabetes Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The present study examined awareness of nutrition in prevention of diabetes among pregnant
women attending antenatal clinic in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.. To give
direction to the study, the researcher formulated four (4) research questions and three
hypotheses. Appropriate literature were reviewed and presented under four (4) headings:
conceptual framework, theoretical framework, empirical studies and summary of literature
review. The research design employed descriptive survey design for the study. The population
of the study was five hundred and thirty eight (538) pregnant mothers in Orsu Local
Government Area. The sample size of one hundred and eighty four (184) pregnant mothers
was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was
the researchers developed, validated and reliable structured questionnaire. Data generated
were analyzed using frequency and percentages to answer the research questions. The result
revealed that Majority (90.3%) of the pregnant women (respondents) were aware of nutrition
as a preventive measure of diabetes. There is a significant difference in the awareness of
nutrition as a preventive measure of diabetes among pregnant women attending antenatal
clinic in Orsu LGA based on age. There is a significant difference in the awareness of
nutrition as a preventive measure of diabetes among pregnant women attending antenatal
clinic in Orsu LGA based on level of education. There is a significant difference in the
awareness of nutrition as a preventive measure of diabetes among pregnant women attending
antenatal clinic in Orsu LGA on parity status. Based on the findings, the researcher
recommended among others that Nutritional education should be intensified by health
educators to empower pregnant mothers to understand the importance of nutrition in
pregnancy, a vital determinant for optimal maternal and infant health outcome as well
prevent gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Pregnant mothers should be advised by the
health personnel to follow a dietary regimen putting into consideration adequate nutrients
suitable for consumption.