Poor maternal nutrition in pregnancy leads to increased morbidity and negative pregnancy outcomes including low birth weight and peri-natal mortality. Pregnancy places extra demands on the body systems of pregnant women, necessitating optimal intake of essential nutrients. Rural and urban disparities in nutritional status have been documented in literature. A cross-sectional comparative assessment of the dietary intake of 720 pregnant women accessing antenatal care at selected rural and urban primary health centers, in Ogun State, was carried out using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires and 24 h dietary recall forms. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 15.00 and total intake assessment software. Relevant inferential statistics were calculated. The mean intake of most nutrients was significantly higher (p < 0.05) among the rural women than their urban counterparts, except for Vitamin A, Zinc and Iron. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the types of vegetables consumed by rural and urban respondents. The types of snacks consumed were significantly different (p = 0.032), but there was no difference (p = 0.652) in frequency of snack consumption between both groups. The rural women had higher nutrient consumption compared to their urban counterparts. Continuous nutrition education will go a long way in ensuring adequate nutrient intake among pregnant women.

Maternal nutrition is a well documented determinant of pregnancy outcome. Maternal anthropometry has been shown to be a predictor of the occurrence or otherwise of low birth weight, foetal macrosomia, increased maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Rural-urban differences in nutritional status have been documented in literature. A cross-sectional comparative study of the anthropometric indices of 720 pregnant women accessing antenatal care at selected rural and urban primary health centres in Ogun State, Nigeria was carried out, using semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires, adult weighing scales, a stadiometre and measuring tapes. The mean height, weight, and body mass index of rural participants were higher than those of urban participants, although the difference was not significant (p > 0.05) for these parameters. The mean mid-upper arm circumference value for urban participants was significantly higher (p = 0.014) than that of the rural participants. Community-level nutritional interventions, including adequate feeding of the girl child, will help to improve maternal nutrition in developing countries.

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Objective This study aims at determining why fathers do not follow their children to the clinic or hospital and exploring the factors that will promote father’s participation in healthcare of their children. Design Descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting Community (Sagamu township of Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State {LGA}, Nigeria). Participants All fathers ≥ 18 years that have ever had children, selected from 3 wards in Sagamu township of Sagamu LGA. Results A total of 416 fathers participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 42.0 ± 12.7 years. Forty-four-point five percent (44.5%) had secondary education, while 36.6% were unskilled workers. Forty-two-point three percent (42.3%) said it is a woman’s job to take children to the hospital, while about half of the respondents said following a child to the hospital is time-consuming. About 2/3rd of the participants said waiting time in the hospital is too long, while 53.6% will rather go in search of money than go with a child to the hospital. Thirty-nine-point nine percent will need paternity leave to be more involved. Conclusion The major individual factors influencing father’s involvement in the healthcare of their children in this study are semi-skilled occupation, marital status, and work schedule. Majority do not think paternity leave is required before fathers can be involved in the healthcare of their children. Intensive health education by healthcare practitioners will improve male participation in children’s health.