ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PRACTICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS IN TEACHING HOSPITAL AMAKU

TOPIC: ASSESSMENT OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE PRACTICES AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CLINICS IN TEACHING HOSPITAL AMAKU

THIS TOPIC IS ALSO SUITABLE FOR:
1. Department of Nursing Science
2. Department of Public Health
3. Department of Community Health
4. Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnare

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess healthy lifestyle practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Teaching Hospital Amaku, Awka as a case study. The study was specifically carried out to determine the level of knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy among the respondents, assess the dietary and nutritional practices of pregnant women, evaluate the physical activity practices and rest patterns of pregnant women, and examine personal hygiene and preventive health practices among the respondents. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 1,840 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, while a total of 329 respondents were selected as sample size using the Taro Maryanne formula. Out of the 329 questionnaires distributed, 318 were returned and 311 were validated for analysis. The questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables, mean scores, and standard deviation with the aid of SPSS version 25. From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that 77.2% and 78.1% of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of balanced diet and antenatal attendance respectively, while 79.1% showed awareness of avoiding harmful substances and 78.4% affirmed knowledge of personal hygiene practices. The study also showed that 74.0%, 71.7%, and 75.6% of respondents reported adherence to balanced diet, fruit consumption, and supplement intake respectively, while 74.9% maintained adequate hydration. Likewise, 70.1% and 74.0% of respondents engaged in moderate physical activity and avoided strenuous activities respectively, while 67.6% reported adequate rest patterns. Furthermore, 77.2%, 77.2%, and 78.7% of respondents maintained proper hygiene, regular handwashing, and antenatal attendance respectively, while 74.0% sought prompt medical attention when necessary. The study concluded that pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Teaching Hospital Amaku exhibit moderate to good knowledge and practices of healthy lifestyle behaviors, although some gaps remain in consistent practice. The study therefore recommends that healthcare providers should strengthen antenatal education through interactive methods, promote individualized nutritional and physical activity guidance, and enhance preventive health interventions to improve maternal health outcomes.
Keywords: Healthy Lifestyle Practices, Pregnancy, Antenatal Care, Nutrition, Physical Activity, Personal Hygiene.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background to the Study
Health is acknowledged as a product of multiple biological, behavioural and environmental factors, with practices such as lifestyle playing a key role in defining health over the course of life. Contemporary public health literature emphasizes the importance of preventive behaviors such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, adequate rest, and hygiene maintenance in sustaining optimal physiological functioning (Rockliffe et al., 2021). These behaviors are dynamic and shaped by sociocultural factors, educational opportunities and health care provisions. Knudsen et al. (2024) suggest that the engagement in health-promoting behaviours is often shaped by knowledge and perceived benefits of health behaviours, which may differ across population. In this context, reproductive health is a key area where health practices take on added importance as they influence both maternal and fetal health.
Pregnancy is a special physiological condition that involves heightened metabolic demand and adjustments requiring lifestyle adaptations. For example, dietary intake is critical in maintaining maternal and fetal health through adequate intakes of macro- and micronutrients (Olatona et al., 2021). Research shows a link between dietary variety, supplementation and pregnancy outcomes, as well as lifestyle education and compliance with recommended practices (Babah et al., 2024). Beyond nutrition, awareness of healthy lifestyle practices underpins cognitive awareness and guides behaviour. Jembi and colleagues (2023) found that knowledge of antenatal care guidelines plays a crucial role in adherence to medical advice, thus emphasising the need for education in maternal health care.
Together with nutrition, exercise and rest are essential pregnancies practices. Regular moderate physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, alleviate pregnancy symptoms and increase psychological health (Mbada et al., 2022; Kouiti et al., 2022). Similarly, adequate rest and sleep helps to maintain hormone balance and conserve energy, which is critical for adjusting to the demands of pregnancy. Gentry et al. (2025) suggest the balance between exercise and rest is a dynamic process that contributes to maternal and fetal wellbeing. Protective health practices, such as personal hygiene and antenatal care, including measures to prevent infections, also play a role in ensuring good health during pregnancy (Ojelere & Adeoye, 2024). These interrelated behaviours constitute the array of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy.
In health care, antenatal clinics provide platforms for promoting and assessing these practices among pregnant women. Teaching hospitals, in particular, offer integrated maternal health care that combines clinical care with educational strategies, thus promoting the uptake of healthy practices (Adeoye et al., 2025). Assessing the knowledge, food intake, exercise, rest and hygiene practices of pregnant women who attend these clinics provides insights into maternal health practices. Within the context of Teaching Hospital Amaku, the antenatal clinic is a context where maternal health behaviours are understood and practised. This micro-level inquiry adds to the understanding of maternal health practices within institutional care settings, in line with worldwide strategies to improve pregnancy outcomes through the promotion of healthy lifestyle practices.

1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy, maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Nigeria continue to present significant concerns. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2023), sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria, records some of the highest rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality globally, many of which are attributable to preventable conditions linked to poor nutritional habits, physical inactivity, inadequate rest, and poor hygiene practices during pregnancy. This situation underscores the urgent need to examine the lifestyle practices of pregnant women, particularly those accessing antenatal care in tertiary health institutions.
In Anambra State, where Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, is situated, antenatal clinics serve a large population of pregnant women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. However, the extent to which these women possess adequate knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices and translate such knowledge into consistent behavior remains largely undocumented. Adeoye et al. (2022) observed that knowledge of recommended health practices does not always translate into actual practice among pregnant women, pointing to a gap between health education and behavioral adoption. Similarly, Jembi et al. (2023) identified irregularities in compliance with antenatal health education guidelines, suggesting that information dissemination alone may be insufficient to drive sustained behavioral change.
Furthermore, studies have shown that nutritional practices among pregnant women in Nigerian healthcare settings frequently fall below recommended standards, with inadequate dietary diversity and inconsistent use of supplements reported (Olatona et al., 2021). Physical activity and rest patterns have also been found to vary widely among pregnant women, with personal beliefs, occupational demands, and limited guidance from healthcare providers serving as key determinants (Mbada et al., 2022; Gentry et al., 2025). In addition, personal hygiene and preventive health behaviors, including regular handwashing and consistent antenatal attendance, are not uniformly practiced among pregnant women in similar settings (Ojelere & Adeoye, 2024). These evidence gaps highlight the need for a comprehensive assessment of healthy lifestyle practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Teaching Hospital Amaku so as to provide a basis for targeted health education interventions and improved maternal health outcomes.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to assess healthy lifestyle practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Teaching Hospital Amaku. 
The specific objectives of the study seek to:
i.To determine the level of knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic. 
ii.To assess the dietary and nutritional practices of pregnant women in Teaching Hospital Amaku. 
iii.To assess the physical activity practices and rest patterns of pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. 
iv.To assess personal hygiene and preventive health practices among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic.
Other parts of chapter one include:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the Study
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of healthy lifestyle practices, the concept of pregnancy, types of healthy lifestyle practices among pregnant women, factors influencing healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy, the importance of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy, etc.  The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprises all pregnant women currently registered and attending Antenatal Clinics (ANC) at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Amaku, Awka, totaling pregnant women.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 329 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a proportionate stratified random sampling technique and systematic random sampling approach to select the individual respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Healthy Lifestyle Practices among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics” as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses.
Full outline for chapter three;
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of the Study
3.3 Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6  Instrument for Data Collection
3.7 Validity of the Instrument
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
3.9 Method of Data Collection
3.10 Method of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following major findings were made:

i. The study found that pregnant women attending Teaching Hospital Amaku generally possess a good level of knowledge of healthy lifestyle practices during pregnancy, as evidenced by the mean scores ranging from 3.90 to 4.08, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This indicates that the respondents are knowledgeable about the importance of balanced diets, regular antenatal clinic attendance, prescribed supplements, moderate physical activity, avoidance of harmful substances, and proper personal hygiene during pregnancy.

ii. The study found that pregnant women attending Teaching Hospital Amaku demonstrate a good level of adherence to recommended dietary and nutritional practices during pregnancy, as evidenced by the mean scores ranging from 3.88 to 3.98, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This indicates that the respondents generally consume balanced diets, fruits and vegetables, prescribed supplements, adequate water, regular meals, and avoid harmful foods during pregnancy.

iii. The study found that pregnant women attending antenatal clinics demonstrate a good level of engagement in appropriate physical activity and rest practices during pregnancy, as evidenced by the mean scores ranging from 3.66 to 3.91, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This indicates that the respondents generally engage in light to moderate physical activities, avoid strenuous activities, obtain adequate rest, maintain recommended sleeping hours, balance daily activities with rest, and follow medical advice regarding physical activity during pregnancy.

iv. The study found that pregnant women attending antenatal clinics exhibit a good level of personal hygiene and preventive health practices during pregnancy, as evidenced by the mean scores ranging from 3.78 to 4.08, which are above the acceptance benchmark of 3.00. This indicates that the respondents generally maintain proper personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly, attend antenatal clinics, receive recommended vaccinations, sleep under insecticide-treated nets, and seek medical attention promptly when unusual symptoms occur.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Key Findings
5.2 Implications of the Findings to Nursing Practice
5.3 Summary of the Study
5.4 Conclusion
5.5 Limitations of the Study
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

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