Exploration of Knowledge and Eating Behavior of Pregnant Women: A Qualitative Study of Pregnant Women with Chronic Energy Deficiency in Indonesia

Abstract

As a developing country, Indonesia has a high problem of malnutrition and Chronic energy deficiency in pregnant women and requires serious attention. Nutrition determines the nutritional status of pregnant women and their fetuses. Chronic energy deficiency (CED) can result in sudden prenatal death, anemia, bleeding, abnormal body weight, susceptibility to infectious diseases, dystocia, and premature labor. This study aims to determine the knowledge and eating behavior of pregnant women with CED. This is qualitative research with a phenomenological design. Participants in this study were pregnant married couples with CED, midwives, and nutritionists. The results of the study showed low knowledge of pregnant women about nutrition, belief in food taboos, and eating behavior that was not following the recommendations.