| dc.description.abstract | Background: Provision of micronutrients knowledge is important during pregnancy as it
informs mothers what to eat and avoid, to ensure sufficient micronutrient absorption by the
mothers and fetuses. Most studies focus on general nutrition knowledge and dietary prac tices, but there is minimal known about micronutrient knowledge especially in pastoral
societies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explain the current micronutrient knowl edge and dietary practices of pregnant women in this unique pastoral society.
Methods: This is a mixed-method study that involves focus group discussions and question naires in assessing the micronutrient knowledge and frequency micronutrients dietary practices
of Maasai pregnant women from one week to thirty-six weeks pregnant. Chi-square test and
descriptive statistics, such as percentages, frequency distribution and measures of central
tendency, were used to assess socio-demographic data, micronutrients knowledge and frequency
of micronutrients dietary practices and the comparison between knowledge and dietary practices,
while inductive thematic content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data.
Results: In total, 140 questionnaires were completed with a response rate of 100% and 32
participants drawn from this group attended one of four focus group discussions. The study
found that most participants had good knowledge of dietary iron, while less than a quarter
(24.3%) had good knowledge of vitamin A. Moreover, there was a statistical significance
difference (P=0.043) between knowledge and dietary practices. Low dietary micronutrient
intake was primarily due to cultural restrictions, prohibition in cultivating and unavailability
of micronutrients rich foods in this geographical area.
Conclusion: The majority of the study participants had good knowledge of iron compared
to vitamin A; however, they do not translate the knowledge in dietary practices. Therefore,
the Government of Tanzania through Ministry of Education and Health should introduce
different interventions to increase micronutrients knowledge and practices in pastoral
societies. | en_US |
