Abstract:
The study aimed at investigating the strategies for the provision of functional clothing for pregnant women in Imo State. It specifically identified; what constitutes comfortable clothing, protective clothing and safe clothing for pregnant women. Ways of providing functional clothing for pregnant women and problems encountered by pregnant women in the provision of their clothing were also identified. The study adopted the survey design approach. Multi-stage random sampling procedure was used in the selection of 530 respondents comprising 396 pregnant women, 54 nurses, and 80 Home Economics teachers drawn from both rural and urban locations in the study area. The questionnaire format followed a 5 point likert scale. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for the research questions and t-test for the hypotheses. The study results revealed that the respondents have common opinion on pregnant women wearing, clothes with features that should facilitate comfort instead of hindering it, there is also no dissenting opinion on the use of clothes to protect themselves against harsh weather, and pregnant women using clothing to enhance their appearance. The t-test result also revealed that there is no significant difference in the responses of urban and rural women on the factors that influence their clothing provision. Also, no significant difference exist between the responses of nurses and Home Economics teachers on clothing needs of pregnant women, while there is significant difference between the urban and rural pregnant women on problems encountered in their provision of functional clothing. The study recommended that pregnant women should use clothing that provide for comfort, protection and safety. The nurses should educate the pregnant women on what constitutes functional clothings during their antenatal sessions or visits. Furthermore, workshops and seminars on clothing education should be organized by the government, churches, village fora and non-governmental organizations to educate pregnant women on their clothing needs.
