Nutrition & Dietetics

Biography

Biography: Supelana, Junelle M

Abstract

Maternal nutrition and practice play significant roles in improving health outcomes for both mother and child. Globally and in the Philippines, men greatly influence household decision including antenatal care, nutrition and workload during pregnancy, and health care for children. The study aimed to determine the association of husband’s nutrition knowledge and emotional and financial support to the maternal nutritional status and health-seeking behavior. A correlational research utilizing the enumerative sampling technique was conducted. A total of 160 respondents or 80 married couples participated from selected municipalities in the Philippines. Questionnaires and forms were used to assess the husband’s nutrition knowledge and financial and emotional support as well as the nutritional status and health-seeking behavior of the maternal woman. Linear and ordinal regression analysis were used to determine the significant association between variables. Results showed that husband’s nutrition knowledge (p= < 0.001) financial (p= 0.082) and emotional support (p= 0.060) have significant association to maternal nutritional status and health-seeking behavior. Further, husband’s nutrition knowledge significantly affects protein intake (p = 0.055). Findings of the study revealed that husband's nutrition knowledge, financial and emotional support may have an impact on maternal nutritional status and health-seeking behavior. This suggests that involving fathers in maternal and child health program in the Philippines may influence maternal practices and increase awareness about their importance in achieving optimal nutrition particularly for the first 1000 days.