Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lifestyle factors among childbearing women in the West Coast/Winelands Health District

Abstract

Many of the known risk factors associated with low birth weight, such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, genetic makeup, and obstetric history, are not within a women's immediate control. However, there are many things that a woman can do to improve her chances of having a normal healthy child. Lifestyle behaviours, such as cigarette smoking, nutrition and the use of alcohol, play an important role in determining the growth of the fetus. The aim of this study was to establish the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to lifestyle factors such as alcohol use, smoking and nutrition among childbearing women and health care workers on the farms in Stellenbosch and Vredendal.