Stakeholders’ perspectives on pregnant women’s dietary practices and related factors: a qualitative study in Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal nutrition during pregnancy remains an important public health concern globally, including in Nigeria, with implications for both maternal and neonatal outcomes. This study explored stakeholders’ perceptions of pregnant women’s dietary practices and related factors in Ibadan, Nigeria. A qualitative design was adopted, and data collection was conducted between March and May 2024 in urban and peri-urban communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Using semi-structured key informant interviews, twelve purposively selected stakeholders were interviewed, comprising frontline health workers, policymakers, informal maternal care providers (traditional birth attendants), and community leaders. Data analysis was conducted using a hybrid thematic approach supported by NVivo 12. Stakeholders reported mostly carbohydrate-dominated diets and increasing consumption of processed foods, with limited intake of proteins and vegetables, despite recommendations from health workers. Stakeholders identified a complex interplay of factors influencing the whole spectrum of dietary practices, including personal factors (e.g. age, education, income) and interpersonal influences from significant others. Other notable key drivers were community-related factors, including cultural norms and religious beliefs, as well as institutional factors such as limited access to formal antenatal care and weak policy support. These findings underscore the need for context-specific interventions, including economic empowerment, culturally sensitive nutritional education, support systems, and policies to strengthen antenatal care nutrition services, access to dietary guidelines, and engagement with informal stakeholders.