Factors influencing maternal nutrition in rural Nepal: an exploratory research project

Jean E Schumer1, Stephanie L Bernell, Viktor E Bovbjerg

  • 1a Health Management and Policy Program, School of Social and Behavioral Health Sciences, College of Public Health and Human Sciences , Oregon State University , Corvallis , Oregon , USA.

In this pilot project we examined factors contributing to maternal nutrition among women of child-bearing age in the Western Region of Nepal. We found that rural women are interested in learning about nutrition regardless of educational attainment and that level of education is strongly associated with interest in learning about nutrition (p <.001). Although the majority of women with no education expressed interest in learning about nutrition (71%), a substantial percentage (22%) were not interested. Education and the teaching of basic health messages may hold important benefits for improving maternal and child health.

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