Assessment of the nutritional status of pregnant women in Zinder, Niger and optimization of antenatal care services
This implementation research project takes place in rural Niger and consists of several different components. In a first phase of formative research, beliefs, barriers, knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) related to antenatal care and pregnancy outcome were assessed among pregnant women and the quality of prenatal care services was evaluated at the level of the health center. Based on these findings a two-pronged strategy was developed to optimize antenatal care services in two health districts in the region of Zinder.
A quality assurance component is implemented at the health centers in collaboration with the Regional Medical District. In addition, a community based component aims to engage pregnant women, their husbands and other community members with respect to the importance of antenatal care, iron folic acid supplements and other essential interventions to promote a healthy pregnancy.
The nutritional status of pregnant women is assessed in cross-sectional household surveys before and after new communities are enrolled in optimized antenatal care services. PICN researchers are using a program impact pathway framework to evaluate the optimization strategy, and are collecting pre- and post-intervention data on biochemical and anthropometric status and KAP in pregnant women.
The project aims to provide relevant information on the current nutrition and health status of pregnant women in rural Niger, and assess the impact of community and health center-based strategies to improve nutritional and health status during pregnancy.
Funding for this research is provided by the Canadian International Development Agency and Nutrition International (formerly the Micronutrient Initiative).
PICN research team
Collaborators
- Helen Keller International
- Nutrition International (formerly Micronutrient Initiative)
- Ministry of Health of Niger
Funding
- Funding for this research is provided by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), the Nutrition International and UNICEF.
Location
- Zinder, Niger