Assessment of Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Public Hospitals in Gambella Region, Ethiopia: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract:
Nutrition is a fundamental pillar of health,
particularly for pregnant women whose increased nutritional needs make them
vulnerable to deficiencies. This study aims to assess the nutritional status,
dietary diversity score (DDS), and associated risk factors among pregnant women
attending antenatal care in Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia. An
institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2023,
involving 237 pregnant women selected through consecutive sampling. Data were
collected using structured questionnaires, 24-hour dietary recall, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurements, and
haemoglobin testing. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses
were employed to identify factors associated with undernutrition, dietary
diversity, and anaemia. The prevalence of undernutrition was 37.1%, while 48.9%
of the participants had inadequate dietary diversity. Anaemia prevalence was
found to be 22.8%. Significant determinants of undernutrition included marital
status [adjusted odds ratio = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01-0.81], STIs during pregnancy
(AOR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.01-3.85), and family planning use (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI:
0.25-0.94). Inadequate dietary diversity was significantly associated with age
(AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.01-17.84), household income (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI:
1.14-7.88), and family planning use (AOR = 3.62, 95% CI: 1.86-6.94). Housewives
were more likely to be anaemic compared to private employees (AOR = 0.14, 95%
CI: 0.03-0.78). The study highlights a high prevalence of undernutrition and
anemia among pregnant women in the Gambella Region, with significant
associations with socioeconomic and health factors. Integrating nutrition
education with reproductive health services and promoting economic empowerment
are crucial for improving maternal nutrition.
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