Pregnant women's nutrition knowledge levels and some blood parameters in gynecology and obstetrics clinic

Abstract

Objective: To determine the nutritional knowledge and blood parameters in pregnant women. Method: This cross-sectional study included 108 pregnant women who attended the gynecology and obstetrics clinic in Kirsehir Province, Turkey. Sociodemographic information was gathered, as well as the habits of the pregnant women, information related to obstetrics and nutrition education, and the average score on the nutrition knowledge level scale. In addition, the average values of several blood parameters were determined. Results: The average Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale (NKLS) scores for adults and pregnant women were above the midpoint of the scale. The average values of the blood parameters for these women are as follows: hemoglobin 12,35 ± 1,32, hematocrit 36,81 ± 3,34, protein 66,93 ± 5,33, folic acid 14,62 ± 5,21, calcium 8,85 ± 0,62, creatinine 0,52 ± 0,08, and albumin 3,84 ± 0,48. The proportion of pregnant women with hemoglobin levels < 11 g/dl was 12,9%. Conclusion: This was the first study to examine the nutritional status of pregnant women in this province. This shows the importance of informing pregnant women about nutrition from the preconception period onwards.