Search

Background: Focused antenatal care currently implemented in Tanzania recommends that women receive nutrition care during routine clinic visits. However, little detail is documented in regard to the nutrition information provided to pregnant women during these visits. The present study aimed to investigate whether pregnant women recalled nutrition information or support provided and, if so, who provided this during routine antenatal clinic visits. The secondary aim was to determine how pregnant women intended to implement the information and what mode of delivery was preferred for receiving nutrition information. Methods: An exploratory cross‐sectional study comprising exit interviews was conducted with 50 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in three regional referral hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Results: All participants (n = 50) reported receiving nutrition care from healthcare workers in regard to; haemoglobin checks (79% of participants), iron and folic acid supplementation (70%), weight measurement (70%), eating advice (60%), and dietary intake assessment (38%). However, the information recalled on each category was inconsistent. For 60% of participants, nurses were reported as the source of nutrition care during pregnancy, followed by medical doctors (22%). The most preferable mode for receiving nutrition information was reported as individual face‐to‐face sessions with health practitioners, followed by mobile phone. All of the participants who received nutrition information indicated that they intended to implement. Conclusions: Nurses were the main source of nutrition information for pregnant women attending antenatal clinics, followed by medical doctors. However, the content of nutrition information recalled by participants was inconsistent. Healthcare facilities need to implement strategies to ensure pregnant women understand and can implement nutrition information provided by healthcare workers during routine antenatal care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to global advances in technology, image-based food record methods have emerged as an alternative to traditional assessment methods. The use of image-based food records in low and lower-middle income countries such as Tanzania is limited, with countries still using traditional methods. The current study aimed to determine the feasibility of using a new voice and image-based dietary assessment system (VISIDA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This mixed-method study recruited 18 nutritionists as participants who collected image-based records of food and drinks they consumed using the VISIDA smartphone app. Participants viewed an online demonstration of the VISIDA web platform and the analysis process for intake data collected using the VISIDA app. Then, participants completed an online survey and were interviewed about the VISIDA app and web platform for food and nutrient intake analysis. The method was reported as being acceptable and was found to be easy to use, although technical challenges were experienced by some participants. Most participants indicated a willingness to use the VISIDA app again for one week or longer and were interested in using the VISIDA system in their current role. Participants acknowledged that the VISIDA web platform would simplify some aspects of their current job. Image-based food records could potentially be used in Tanzania to improve the assessment of dietary intake by nutritionists in urban areas. Participants recommended adding sound-on notifications, using the VISIDA app in both Apple and Android phones, enabling installation from the app store, and improving the quality of the fiducial markers.

Objectives: To provide an overview of the qualifications of nurses working in antenatal clinics, and to identify current nutrition services and information provided to pregnant women. To explore barriers and enablers to the provision of nutrition services by nurses to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics mapped against the Theoretical Domains Framework., Design and Setting: Cross-sectional qualitative study, conducted in three municipal hospitals (Temeke, Mwananyamala and Ilala) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania., Participants: Fourteen nurses currently providing health services to pregnant women, with at least two months' work experience within in the selected facility were purposively selected., Method: In-depth interviews were carried out with the participants by three trained research assistants using guides prepared in Swahili. Transcripts were translated into English and imported to NVivo 12 software. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis principles., Results: Five nutrition services commonly provided to pregnant women at antenatal clinics were nutrition education, iron and folic acid supplementation, weight measurements, dietary assessment and haemoglobin level monitoring. Domains included knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, in addition to memory, attention and decision processes, and the environmental context and resources domains had both barriers and enablers identified by participants. The three remaining domains of the social/professional role and identity, optimism, and beliefs about consequences had only enablers reported., Conclusion and Implications for Practice: Nurses deliver nutrition care to pregnant women during routine antenatal clinic visits. However, the information delivered to pregnant women varied among nurses, and a number of barriers and enablers to provision of nutrition care to pregnant women were identified. This data can inform future improvement to strategies for implementing nutrition services to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics. In-service training to nurses working with pregnant women and availability of tailored nutrition education materials, such as a food guide in these health facilities could improve nutrition care during this important period., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)