Al Jahiz: Journal of Biology Education Research
Vol 7 No 1 (2026): Al-Jahiz: Journal of Biology Education Research, January-June 2026 (In Progress)

Local Food-Based Mediterranean-Style Nutrition Education Improves Dietary Adherence, Sleep Quality, and Psychological Wellbeing Among Third-Trimester Pregnant Women

Dwi Rahmawati (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)
Wahyu Indah Dewi Aurora (Jambi University)
Liani Styarsih (Universitas Adiwangsa Jambi)
Andika Sulistiawan (Jambi University)



Article Info

Publish Date
13 Apr 2026

Abstract

Maternal nutrition is shaped by cultural food knowledge and local biodiversity, yet these factors are rarely integrated into dietary interventions for pregnant women. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a local food–based Mediterranean-style nutrition education program on dietary adherence, sleep quality, and psychological wellbeing among third-trimester pregnant women, and to examine the association between ethnobiological literacy and dietary adherence. A quasi-experimental pretest–posttest design was conducted in Jambi City, Indonesia, involving 168 participants (84 intervention; 84 control) selected through accidental sampling. The intervention group received locally adapted Mediterranean-style nutrition education for 30 days, while the control group received standard antenatal nutrition counseling. Results showed significant improvements in the intervention group, including increased Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) scores (6.1 ± 1.4 to 9.2 ± 1.6; p < 0.001), improved sleep quality indicated by lower Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores (7.8 ± 2.1 to 5.1 ± 1.8; p < 0.001), and higher psychological wellbeing measured using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (46.7 ± 8.9 to 58.3 ± 9.7; p < 0.001). The control group showed minimal and non-significant changes. These findings suggest that nutrition education integrating local food resources with Mediterranean-style dietary principles can improve maternal dietary behavior and wellbeing.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

Al-Jahiz

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Education Environmental Science Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Al Jahiz: Journal of Biology Education Research. Receives and publishes scientific articles from research in the field of biology education and the use of biological research in learning. Special emphasis is as follows: (1) Research on Biology / Science Learning at all levels of education. (2) Pure ...