Comparing Nutrition Knowledge, Eating Habits, and Neonatal Health Status of Primipara for Pregnant Women of Advanced Maternal Age Compared to Those of Younger Ages

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine differences in nutrition knowledge, eating habits during pregnancy, and neonatal health status between primipara for pregnant women of advanced maternal age in comparison to those under the age of 35. METHODS: This study used a comparative survey design. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires and patients medical records. A total of 127 participants, mothers after delivery were recruited from metropolitan city B. RESULTS: Primipara in advanced maternal age (n=32) reported significantly higher scores of eating habits (Z=-2.96, p=.003) than younger ages (n=95). There were no significant differences in scores of pregnancy nutrition knowledge (Z=-0.44, p=.660), duration of gestation (Z=-0.28, p=.778), neonatal birth height (Z=-0.10, p=.924), neonatal birth weight (Z=-0.28, p=.777), Apgar score 1 minute (Z=-0.53, p=.599) and 5 minutes (Z=-0.23, p=.816) between two groups. CONCLUSION: It concludes that age is not the obstacle to the best nutritional status of women and their newborns.