ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF COMMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION ON NUTRITION PRACTICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN KATONDO AREA T/A TSABANGO-LILONGWE

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy is a critical determinant of both maternal and neonatal health outcomes. In many low-resource settings, inadequate nutritional knowledge and poor dietary practices among pregnant women contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, anemia, and increased maternal morbidity. This study assessed the impact of community health education on nutrition practices among pregnant women in Katondo area, Traditional Authority Tsabango, Lilongwe District. A community-based cross-sectional study design with an evaluative component was employed. The study targeted pregnant women attending antenatal care services and residing in the Katondo area. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge, and dietary practices before and after health education interventions. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were used to determine associations between health education exposure and nutrition practices.

The findings revealed that pregnant women who participated in community health education sessions demonstrated significantly improved nutritional knowledge compared to those with limited or no exposure. Improved practices included increased dietary diversity, higher consumption of protein-rich and better adherence to recommended meal frequency during pregnancy. Health education delivered through community health workers and antenatal clinics played a key role in promoting positive behavior change. However, despite improved knowledge, some women continued to face challenges in fully adopting recommended practices due to socioeconomic constraints, food insecurity, and cultural beliefs.

The study concludes that community health education has a positive impact on improving nutrition practices among pregnant women in the Katondo area. Strengthening and expanding community-based nutrition education programs, alongside interventions addressing economic and food access barriers, is recommended. These efforts can contribute to improved maternal nutrition and better pregnancy outcomes in the study area.