Maternal nutrition and health literacy program — Tamale, Ghana
Maternal Health, Literacy and Pregnancy Outcomes: The Role of Specialized Nutrition Education
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tamale, Northern Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT06898346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Tamale, Northern Region
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.