ABSTRACT

Women of reproductive age are in the most nutritionally-vulnerable stages of the life cycle and micronutrient deficiencies when present are known to impair health, pregnancy outcomes and growth as well as development oftheir offspring. The aim of this study was to determine the preconceptual micronutrient supplementation behavior among female undergraduate students in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia state. This study was a cross sectional descriptive study of 189 female undergraduate students between ages (15-49). The students were selected randomly and interviewed face to face using a validated structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was used to collect information on the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the students, level of knowledge ofthe female undergraduates towards preconceptual micronutrient supplementation, attitude of the students towards preconceptual micronutrient supplementation and the consumption pattern of micronutrient supplements among female undergraduate students. Most (81.0%) ofthe students were between the age group of 16-24 years. Most (88.0%) of the students were aware of micronutrient supplement with hospital/clinic being the source of awareness for 50.3% of the students. Most (61.4%) of the students had poor knowledge of preconnceptual micronutrient supplementation with a mean (SD) score of 15.43(14.25) while only 20.6% had good knowledge with a mean (SD) score of 56.10(4.77). Most (76.2%) of the students had positive attitude towards micronutrient supplementation with a mean (SD) score of 0.8(0.39). Multivitamins supplements recorded the highest in consumption (13.2%), topping the list of other supplements consumed by the female students. Regarding mode of consumption, 26.5% ofthe female students take micronutrient supplement in capsule form while 20.6% take syrup-based micronutrient supplements. More than half(55.6%) ofthe female students prefer taking these micronutrient supplements after meal. Previous intake of micronutrient supplement was observed among 43.4% of the students. The result showed a significant relationship (p<0.05) between knowledge and attitude of students towards micronutrient supplementation. This implies that students with higher knowledge had more positive attitude towards micronutrient supplementation. The high level of awareness regarding micronutrient supplementation did not result in adequate knowledge among the female students. Female undergraduates should be educated through school-based educational programs on the importance ofpreconceptual micronutrient supplementation