Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The influence of women in shaping household dietary habits is undeniable, with their maternal nutritional knowledge significantly impacting the overall well-being of their families. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of maternal nutritional knowledge on household dietary habits, emphasising the improvement in women's nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the immediate and long-term effects of a nutrition education intervention on the nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours of women. METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental research design was employed to assess the effects of a Nutrition Education Programme (NEP) on female caregivers' nutrition knowledge and food-related behaviours. This study followed a four-phase approach: baseline survey, programme formulation, implementation and evaluation. Data were collected at various stages of this study using two measurement tools: a Dietary Diversity Questionnaire and a Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was performed to answer the research questions and to test the null hypotheses at a significance level of 0.05. The intervention positively affected nutrition knowledge, with the mean percentage increasing from 49.1% to 63.7% and reaching 64.4% at follow-up, indicating long-term knowledge retention. The findings of this study suggest a positive shift towards increased consumption of nutrient-rich food groups. There were significant improvements in the food groups' consumption of the meat group (7.15 ± 2.35), eggs (1 ± 0), dairy (3.76 ± 1.19), cereal (8.78 ± 2.09), legumes (2.86 ± 0.95) and fats and oils (2.12 ± 0.55). Additionally, the variety of food groups consumed significantly improved (p = 0.012) post-intervention, with an increasing trend in the consumption of a variety of food groups (7-9). RECOMMENDATION: Tailored nutrition education (NE) programs, in conjunction with addressing socioeconomic barriers positively impact nutritional behaviours, promote healthier food consumption patterns and assist in long-term knowledge retention in disadvantaged communities.