Report Title

Assessing the Scope of Knowledge and Decision-Making Patterns Regarding Healthy Eating During Pregnancy in Pregnant Female Adults in Southern California

Collective Title

Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Research Reports 2026

Abstract

While recognizing the link between prenatal nutrition and maternal-fetal health, this investigator-initiated study seeks to identify pregnant women's understanding of prenatal nutrition guidelines and the influences on their dietary choices. Thirty-eight eligible women completed an online, anonymous surveying assessing the scope of knowledge and decision-making patterns of healthy eating during pregnancy. The average knowledge score among the participants was 6.05/14. There was no significant difference in the knowledge scores among pregnancy periods or among total number of pregnancies. Perceptions of nutrition guidance in prenatal care, factors influencing eating behaviors, and primary sources of nutrition information were explored. The findings may potentially aid in future development of enhanced, evidence-based prenatal nutrition education that can improve dietary habits and overall health outcomes for pregnant women.

LLU Discipline

Nutrition and Dietetics

Department

Nutrition and Dietetics

School

School of Allied Health Professions

First Advisor

Kyndra Woosley

Second Advisor

Liang Ji

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

2026

Date (Title Page)

2026

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Pregnancy—Nutrition; Prenatal care; Health education

Type

Research Report

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Research Reports

Collection Website

scholarsrepository.llu.edu/rr/

Repository

Loma Linda University. University Libraries.

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