📄 Abstract
Background: Maternal malnutrition remains a critical public health concern in India, contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to assess the impact of a structured nutrition education program on knowledge, perception, and utilization of maternal health services among pregnant women attending Anganwadi centres in Kalaburagi city. Methods: A community-based interventional study was conducted among 446 pregnant women selected through cluster random sampling. Participants were divided into a Test Group (n=229) and a Control Group (n=217). The Test Group received structured educational sessions supported by visual aids and printed materials, while the Control Group received only leaflets. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire before and after two months of intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, and significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Post-intervention, the Test Group showed a significant improvement in mean knowledge score (10.4 ± 2.6 to 17.8 ± 3.1; p<0.001) compared to the Control Group (10.6 ± 2.4 to 11.2 ± 2.5; p=0.032). Awareness of balanced diet, iron and folic acid supplementation, and anemia prevention increased markedly. Utilization of Anganwadi services such as counselling and take-home rations also improved from 47.6% to 84.3%. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that structured, participatory nutrition education significantly enhanced maternal knowledge, dietary awareness, and service utilization. Integrating interactive counselling within Anganwadi programs can serve as an effective strategy to strengthen maternal nutrition literacy, reduce nutritional deficiencies, and promote healthier pregnancies in community settings.
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📚 How to Cite:
Dr. Sharanabasava S. Biradar, Shaista Taskeen, Subhanalla Abdulgani G, Shaheena Begum , EMPOWERING EXPECTANT MOTHERS: IMPACT OF STRUCTURED NUTRITION EDUCATION THROUGH ANGANWADI CENTERS IN URBAN INDIA , Volume 11 , Issue 11, November 2025, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra24851