(P27-071-25) Barriers and Motivations for Adopting Positive Nutrition Practices Among Pregnant Women in Rural Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: Adopting positive nutrition practices during pregnancy is critical for maternal and foetal health. The study aimed to identify the diverse barriers and motivations impacting nutrition practices among pregnant women in rural Ekiti State of South-west Nigeria using the Social ecological model (SEM) model.

Methods: A phenomenology approach which involved in-depth interviews with 36 purposively selected pregnant women was employed. The interviews were transcribed into Microsoft Word, anonymized, reviewed for accuracy, and analysed using thematic qualitative analysis. The information was coded and examined to identify emerging trends.

Results: The participants had a mean age of 26.6 ± 4.6, with 8 (22.2%), 10 (27.8%) and 18 (50%) in their first, second and third trimesters respectively. Many of them (30.6%) had no formal education and 36.1% had primary/elementary school education completed. Majority of them (77.8%) were multigravida and married (91.7%). The study identified several barriers to the adoption of nutrition practices including physiological challenges, poor staff attitude and improper management of time, high cost of food, inconducive venues/ facilities for ANC delivery. The motivations mentioned included gaining new knowledge, communication in an understandable manner and free health service.

Conclusions: Targeted interventions are needed to promote the adoption of positive nutrition practices in this population.

Funding Sources: None