Knowledge and Awareness of Adequate Maternal Nutrition among Pregnant Women in Garissa Township, Kenya

Abstract

Maternal nutrition is critical to maternal health, foetal development, and pregnancy outcomes, particularly in arid and semi-arid settings affected by food insecurity and limited access to nutrition services. This study assessed knowledge and awareness of Adequate maternal nutrition among pregnant women in Garissa Township, Kenya. Guided by the Health Belief Model and Social Ecological Model, the study adopted a pragmatic paradigm and descriptive research design within a mixed-methods approach. The target population comprised 4,589 pregnant women, from whom a sample of 355 respondents was selected using stratified and systematic random sampling, while key informants were purposively selected. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. A pilot study was conducted in Wajir County. Validity was established through expert review, triangulation, and member checking, while reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.823 for knowledge and awareness of maternal nutrition and 0.785 for the overall study instrument. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Analysis of 282 valid responses showed moderate to relatively high maternal nutrition knowledge and awareness, with mean scores ranging from 3.55 to 3.78. Knowledge and awareness were positively and significantly associated with nutritional practices (r = .411, p < .01). The findings indicate that maternal nutrition knowledge is associated with appropriate dietary practices, although gaps remain in practical knowledge of nutrient-rich foods and supplementation. The study recommends strengthening culturally responsive antenatal nutrition education and community-based nutrition awareness interventions, with an emphasis on locally available nutritious foods, micronutrients, and the correction of cultural misconceptions.