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International Journal of Home Science
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International Journal of Home Science

2019, VOL. 5 ISSUE 1, PART C

The food preference and dietary practices of lactating Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Author(s): Wordu GO and Frederick FE
Abstract:
This study was under taken to assess the food preference and dietary practices of lactating women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. This descriptive study was conducted among randomly selected one hundred and eighty one (181) lactating women attending post natal clinic in government model primary health care centre, Mile 3, Diobu, Port Harcourt. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-economic characteristics and food preferences of lactating women. Body mass index (BMI) was determined using standard procedures. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square was used to determine association between variables. About half of the lactating women (44.8%) were eating preferred food to enhance breast milk production. Lack of money prevented (48.1%) from eating what they liked; and about 24.9% reported that this incident happens always. Underweight was high among those who always lack money for food. About (32.6%) were overweight and (21.5%) were obese.
In conclusion, intervention programs such as nutrition education, food supplementation and dietary diversity should be emphasized during antenatal and lactation period to improve better health and nutrition status.
Pages: 144-147  |  585 Views  99 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Wordu GO, Frederick FE. The food preference and dietary practices of lactating Women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Int J Home Sci 2019;5(1):144-147.

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