Maternal nutrition and health literacy program — Tamale, Ghana
Official title: Maternal Health, Literacy and Pregnancy Outcomes: The Role of Specialized Nutrition Education
Run by Yale University · NCT06898346 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a nutrition education program using local foods to help first-time pregnant women in northern Ghana eat a wider variety of foods, increase protein and iron intake, and support healthy weight gain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tamale, Northern Region) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | April 2027 |
| Study ends | April 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06898346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
First-time (nulliparous) pregnant women aged 18–40 with BMI under 20 kg/m2, gestational age 16–20 weeks, carrying one fetus, who attend antenatal care at Tamale Teaching Hospital and plan to deliver in the region.
✕Probably not a fit
Women beyond 20 weeks’ gestation, with multiple pregnancies, significant pregnancy complications, or who cannot be followed or who will not deliver in the study region are unlikely to benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled intervention teaches nutrition and dietary diversity using locally available foods and was developed with input from pregnant women and local health professionals. Participants are nulliparous pregnant women aged 18–40 with BMI <20 kg/m2 in their second trimester (16–20 weeks) carrying a single fetus and attending antenatal sessions in Tamale. The program aims to change mothers’ nutrition knowledge and dietary practices and to measure effects on gestational weight gain and newborn health. Implementation and follow-up take place through Tamale Teaching Hospital with comparison between those receiving the education and usual care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could increase maternal dietary diversity and nutrient intake, promote healthier pregnancy weight gain, and improve newborn health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Similar community-based maternal nutrition education programs in low- and middle-income countries have often improved dietary diversity and some birth outcomes, although results vary by context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Nulliparous pregnant (first-time) mothers (BMI\<20kg/m2) between the ages of 18 and 40 attending antenatal sessions and in their second trimester, gestational ages (GA) of 16 weeks to 20 weeks, who are not carrying multiple fetuses Exclusion Criteria: * Women with pregnancies greater than 20 weeks gestation, to ensure adequate exposure to the intervention; mothers presenting with significant morbidity or who are admitted due to complications and mothers who cannot confirm an address or contact information and do not plan to deliver at a health facility as well as those who indicate that they would not deliver in the study region (those who will be out of town at time of delivery).
Where it's running
-
Tamale Teaching Hospital
Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ruthfirst EA Ayande, PhD, MSc, RD — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Ruthfirst EA Ayande, PhD, MSc, RD
- Email: ruthfirst.ayande@yale.edu
- Phone: 617-909-5619
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.