Maternal Knowledge, Medical History, and Family Support in Relation to Chronic Energy Deficiency among Pregnant Women: A Correlational Study
Keywords:
Family Support, Pregnant Women, Chronic Energy Deficiency, Knowledge, Medical HistoryAbstract
Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) remains an important maternal nutritional problem because inadequate energy intake during pregnancy may adversely affect maternal health, fetal growth, and pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to examine the relationships between maternal knowledge, medical history, family support, and the incidence of CED among pregnant women. A correlational study was conducted among 200 pregnant women receiving antenatal care at Cimalaka Community Health Center from July 7 to 31, 2026. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling based on predefined eligibility criteria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, an observation sheet, a hemoglobin-measuring device, a sphygmomanometer, a stethoscope, and a mid-upper arm circumference measuring tape. Univariate analysis was used to summarize participant characteristics, while bivariate associations were examined using the Chi-square test. Most participants had good knowledge, more than half reported a medical history, and slightly more than half received family support during pregnancy. CED was identified in 10.5% of participants. Statistically, there are no significant associations were observed between CED and maternal knowledge (p = 0.921), medical history (p = 0.564), or family support (p = 0.442). These findings indicate that factors beyond those examined may influence CED in this population. Comprehensive antenatal nutritional assessment should therefore consider broader socioeconomic, dietary, obstetric, and clinical factors to strengthen early identification and prevention of maternal nutritional vulnerability.
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