A Study on Nutritional Status and Related KAP (Knowledge, Attitude, Practice) of Adolescent Mothers in a Selected Area of Bangladesh

Abstract

According to UNICEF (2012) in Bangladesh about 20.9% of the total population consists of children between 10 to 19 years of age who is defined as adolescent. Adolescent period is considered as an active period of growth and development because in this age period adolescent go through physical, mental, emotional & social changes. [*] Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of human life, health and development throughout the entire life span. Adolescence is a significant period of human growth and maturation. In Bangladesh adolescent population is about 24% and highest prevalence of nutritional deficiencies occur during adolescence. The young mother's nutritional status is very important. According to reports of BDHS 2014, nearly 113 girls of age between 15-19 years have begun childbearing and the percentage is 31 %. In our country adolescent mothers are more likely to suffer from nutritional deficiencies than others, for reasons including women's reproductive biology, low social status, poverty; and lack of proper nutritionallc'lowledge and practice. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the nutritional status and . nutrition related KAP (Knowledge, Attitude and Practice) of adolescent mothers in a selected rural area of Bangladesh. This KAP survey gathers information about what adolescent mothers know about their nutritional status, and what they actually do with regard to seeking care or taking other action. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at KushtiaSadarupozillas between April to October, 2015. A total of 300 adolescent girls aged between 15-19 years mothers were purposively taken as study population. Nutritional status was assessed by anthropometric measurements-height, weight and BMI. A structural questionnaire was conducted to assess nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice. 7 days food frequency method is conducted to assess dietary practice. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20. ANOYA tests, T test were done to analyze the data. Result:Total study respondents were divided in two age groups, among which most of the respondents fall under 18-19 year age category which is 70.7%. Within the total sample size, underweight BMI (:S5 th percentile) is 15.37; normal BM! (>5 th to 85 th Percentiles) is 15.37 to 20.65; risk of overweight BM! (>85 th to 95 th Percentiles) is 20.65 to 23.13; and overweight (>95 th percentile) is above 23.13. Almost 19.3% respondents had appropriate knowledge about nutrition, 60% respondents had positive attitude about nutrition. About 51.45% mother doesn't take milk 1-3 times in a week. Only 9.90% consumed 6-7 times per week. 93.31% mother doesn't take liver in a week. A good number of mothers don't take egg 1-3 times in a week (38.75%). Only 4.50% consumed 6-7 times per week. 33.41% mothers take meat 1-3 times per week. Fish intake is more frequent than meat. 44.82% mothers take fish 6-7 times per week. 38.3% of the respondents take vegetables 6-7 times per week. 45.43% takes fruits 1-3 times per week. Conclusion: Adolescence is a critical time for young women, building the foundation for successful reproduction and a healthy adulthood. However, in this study, nutritional status of the adolescent mothers was not so satisfactory. Basic knowledge of nutrition of the mothers are poor followed through poor attitude and practice. Present KAP study data are essential to help plan, implement and evaluate nutritional planning & intervention work. This study can identify knowledge gaps, cultural beliefs, or behavioral patterns that may facilitate understanding and action. Community-based adolescent-friendly health and nutrition education and services and economic development may improve the overall health and nutritional knowledge and status of adolescent mothers.