The Relationship between Nutritional Status and Nutritional Knowledge among Pregnant Women

Abstract

Background: Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnant women remains a public health issue that increases the risk of maternal complications and poor birth outcomes. Nutritional knowledge is considered a key determinant of maternal nutrition, yet its effectiveness may be influenced by other socio-economic and cultural factors. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between nutritional knowledge and nutritional status among pregnant women in Pekanbaru City in 2024. Methods: This research was a descriptive cross-sectional study using secondary data from the Nutrition Growth Monitoring (PPG) survey conducted by the Pekanbaru Health Office at 21 public health centers. A total of 402 pregnant women in their second and third trimesters were included using total sampling. Nutritional status was determined based on Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and knowledge was assessed using a validated questionnaire. Data were analysed using univariate and chi-square bivariate analysis. Results: The study found that 17.2% of pregnant women were categorised as having CED, and 41.8% had poor nutritional knowledge. A significant relationship was found between nutritional knowledge and nutritional status (p = 0.004). Notably, 15.9% of pregnant women with good nutritional knowledge still experienced CED, indicating the influence of other contributing factors beyond knowledge. Conclusion: Nutritional knowledge is significantly associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women. However, knowledge alone is insufficient to prevent CED. Integrated strategies that combine nutrition education with improved access to food, quality health services, and culturally sensitive interventions are needed to effectively address maternal undernutrition.