Influence of couple nutritional counselling versus maternal nutritional counselling on maternal attitude about proper maternal dietary practices and weight gain monitoring during pregnancy in Goma town, DR Congo.

Author(s): Justin MAFUKO, Sophie OCHOLA, Peter CHEGE

Background: Addressing maternal health disparities in low-resource settings necessitates effective community-based interventions. This study utilized a cluster-randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the efficacy of maternal and couple counseling interventions on attitudes related maternal dietary practices and weight gain monitoring during pregnancy.

Objective: The study aimed to assess the impact of maternal and couple counseling interventions on maternal and compare the influence of couple nutritional counselling versus maternal nutritional counselling on maternal attitude about proper maternal dietary practices and weight gain monitoring during pregnancy in Goma town, DR Congo.

Methods: Three study groups, each comprising 84 participants, were established: a control group receiving standard counseling, a maternal counseling group, and a couple counseling group. Sample size determination and randomization were conducted according to established guidelines, with Microsoft Office Excel 2007 facilitating random allocation. The interventions involved tailored counseling sessions designed to meet the specific needs of each group. Data collection utilized Focus Group Discussions and In-depth Interviews, and analysis employed Chi-square, ANOVA, and T-test.

Results: Preliminary findings indicate that both maternal and couple counseling interventions positively influenced attitudes on maternal dietary practices and weight gain monitoring. Participants in the intervention groups demonstrated improved attitudes and opinions, in reference to recommended dietary practices compared to the control group. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences among the study groups, indicating the effectiveness of the interventions.

Conclusion: Maternal and couple counseling interventions show promise in enhancing maternal nutrition and weight gain monitoring during pregnancy. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted community-based interventions in promoting maternal and child health in resource-constrained settings.