Nutritional inequalities and Maternal/Childbirth Outcome in Cross River State, Nigeria

Malnutrition remains the world's most serious health problem and the single biggest contributor to maternal/child mortality. Improved nutrition before and during pregnancy means better health for the mother. It is on that note that the present study attempts to identify different types of food items in the study area, examine the food types that are commonly consumed and relate consumption with childbirth outcome in Ogoja and Obudu local Government Areas of Cross River State, Nigeria. The study area included two Local Government Areas of Northern Cross River State, Nigeria. Data for this study came from a community-based, cross-sectional survey of women conducted in 2007–2010 in the two LGAs of Cross River State. The results shows that a majority of food items found in the study are carbohydrate and are consumed by pregnant women. The consumption of these food items imparted negatively on childbirth outcome. Women who consumed proteinous food had better child birth outcome compared to those who consumed other types. Availability was at the foundations of nutritional consumption. Making available certain food and their consumption