Background: Teenage pregnancy poses major nutritional and physiological risks for both mother and fetus. This research evaluated the nutrition knowledge, dietary diversity, and nutritional knowledge of pregnant adolescents in Bauchi State. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study design was conducted among 200 pregnant adolescents aged 10-19 years selected from Comprehensive Primary Health Centres in Dambam and Alkaleri through multistage sampling. Nutrition Knowledge was measured using a 20-item validated questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed using FAO Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) questionnaire. Nutritional status was determined using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) while blood samples were analysed for Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and serum Vitamin B12. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v25), Chi-square tested bivariate associations and multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors at p<0.05. Results: Findings revealed that 66% (n=132) had high nutrition knowledge scores, 53.5% (n=107) achieved adequate dietary diversity (≥5 food groups) and 74.5% (n=149) were undernourished (MUAC <23cm). Most adolescents had adequate Vitamin B12 levels (83%, n=166) but 43.5% (n=87) had low-normal PCV (33-35%). Multivariate analysis revealed that pregnant adolescents in Dambam had higher odds of inadequate dietary diversity compared to those in Alkaleri (AOR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6, p=0.035). Adolescents from Polygamous families also had higher odds of inadequate dietary diversity compared to monogamous counterparts (AOR=1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5, p=0.036). Conclusion: Despite high nutrition knowledge among participants, undernutrition remained high highlighting the need for effective strategies addressing both socioeconomic constraints and improved dietary access in the region.
Onyekweli-Ugeh et al. (Fri,) studied this question.