Assessing the Impact of Nutrition Education on Antenatal Nutrition Knowledge of Women in Lebanon: an Interventional Study

Abstract

Background Nutrition education during pregnancy has significant impact on improving knowledge and dietary habits of pregnant women, which in turn leads to enhanced postpartum maternal and birth outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of antenatal nutrition education on the knowledge of women of childbearing age in Lebanon. Method A quantitative quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Online antenatal nutrition education sessions were provided to a group of women of childbearing age. The online session was ninety minutes long and covered antenatal weight gain and its composition, nutrition in the preconception and the antenatal periods, food safety, and nutrition intervention for nutrition related pregnancy complications. Participants’ antenatal nutrition knowledge was assessed before and directly after the session through an online self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the results, using SPSS 28®. Results A total of 5 virtual sessions on antenatal nutrition were given by a licensed dietitian and attended by 91 participants. Fifty nine percent of participants had previously received antenatal nutrition information, of which 27.5% were obtained from dietitians and 22% were obtained from the internet. Mean scores for pretest and posttest were 27 ± 6.5 and 37 ± 4.1 respectively, and their difference was statistically significant (t=-31.6; P < 0.001). In the pretest, the lowest score was 6 and the maximum score was 39 ± 6.5. However, the lowest score in the posttest was 21 and the highest was 41 ± 4.1. The statement related to the recommended amount of caffeine consumption among pregnant women received the lowest percentage of correct answers (3%). However, in the posttest, this number improved and increased to 85% correct answers. On the other hand, 99% of answers were correct regarding nutrition affecting pregnancy outcomes, making it the highest percentage of correct answers at pretest. Conclusion Antenatal nutrition education may improve knowledge and practice of women during pregnancy. Thus, attention should be directed towards promoting nutrition education of women of childbearing age.