DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/jgi.14.2.145-156

Knowledge and attitudes of health workers determine maternal nutrition counseling practices: a cross-sectional study

1Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

3Primary Care Family Medicine Specialist Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

4 School of Vocational Studies, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, West Java, Indonesia

5 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

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Received: 4 Feb 2026; Revised: 20 May 2026; Accepted: 25 May 2026; Available online: 30 Jun 2026; Published: 30 Jun 2026.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Maternal ignorance regarding nutritional needs during pregnancy and breastfeeding is influenced by the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health workers in providing nutrition counseling to mothers.

Objective: This study aims to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of health professionals regarding maternal nutrition.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between April-June, 2025 in Bandung, Indonesia. A census approach was used by inviting all 80 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs/Puskesmas) to participate; 77 PHCs/Puskesmas returned completed questionnaires. All eligible healthcare workers involved in maternal and child health services within participating PHCs/Puskesmas were invited to complete a validated questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Knowledge and practice items were scored dichotomously (1 = correct/appropriate; 0 = incorrect), while attitudes were measured on a 5-point Likert scale. Median values were used to categorize KAP outcomes, and associations were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Results showed that 75.07% of healthcare workers demonstrated good knowledge, yet only 61.13% exhibited positive attitudes. Knowledge gaps existed for portion recommendations. Bivariate analysis revealed significant associations between profession and attitudes (p=0.043) and practices (p=0.002), and between training attendance and attitudes (p=0.015). Multivariate analysis identified profession as the strongest independent predictor of practices: midwives (OR=6.664; 95% CI: 2.166-20.504; p<0.001), nutritionists (OR=3.952; 95% CI: 1.315-11.876; p=0.014) and public health officer (OR=4.483; 95% CI: 1.829-10.987; p=0.001) showed significantly higher odds compared to doctors. Only 15.13% had attended recent maternal nutrition training.

Conclusion: Professional background is the strongest determinant of maternal nutrition counseling effectiveness. Addressing the KAP gap through profession-specific, continuous training is crucial to enhance nutrition services during pregnancy and lactation and support stunting prevention efforts.

Keywords : Attitude; healthcare workers; knowledge; maternal; nutrition counseling

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Keywords: Attitude; healthcare workers; knowledge; maternal; nutrition counseling

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