Nutritional service needs of pregnant and lactating adolescent girls in Trans-Mara East Sub-County, Narok County: focus on access and utilization of nutritional advice and services

Abstract Background An understanding of the association between adolescent nutrition, adolescent pregnancy and their quest for healthcare services may elucidate a basis for intervention and formulation of programs that enhance post-partum and increase the lifespan of the newborn, improve the quality of life and bridge morbidity, mortality and healthcare-associated cost. However, the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating adolescent girls aged below 10 years resident in Trans Mara East Sub-County, Kenya remained unestablished. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating adolescent girls (under 19) when accessing and utilizing nutritional advice and services in Trans-Mara East Sub-County, Narok County. Methods The study adopted a cross-sectional approach that employed mixed methods with both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Cochran formula was applied to arrive at a minimum of 291 households. Probability proportionate to size sampling techniques using cluster and simple random methods were used to practically access adolescents who are pregnant or lactating. Data was collected using questionnaires, in-depth interview and Focus Group Discussion. Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using frequencies and inferentially using odds ratio and z-test. Framework analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study revealed that access of pieces of nutritional-related advice represented by 67.8% was significantly higher than expected frequency of 50%. Nutrition supplementation, food fortification or blending and complementary feeding were significantly below the expectant frequency (p