Undernutrition and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Kacha Birra District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, malnutrition is a public health concern with noteworthy consequence especially in pregnant women. Maternal undernutrition may dispose mothers to poor wellbeing including infection, preeclampsia/ eclampsia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and intrauterine growth retardation. Pregnant women are exposed to nutritional deficiency because of increased metabolic needs as a result the usually end up in undernutrition. There is lack of updated information in the study area regarding nutritional status and factors among pregnant women. Objective: To assess undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant womenin Kacha Birra district, Southern Ethiopia in 2019. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities from February 21-March 20, 2019. A systematic sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by a statistical package for social science version 22 software. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undergone to identify factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women. Result: Among 344 pregnant women who participated in the study, 52.6% were undernourished. On the multivariable analysis; having a history of peptic ulcer disease [(AOR=1.97 (1.23-3.17)], husband’s educational status with Illiterate to elementary [AOR=0.589 (0.369-0.940), medium dietary diversity score [AOR=2.931 (1.106-7.766)], high dietary diversity score [AOR=2.485 (0.915-6.747)], intestinal parasite infection [AOR=1.725 (1.086-2.742)], second trimester gestational age [AOR=0.338 (0.159-0.718)] had shown statistically significant association with maternal undernutrition. Conclusion: Over half of pregnant women were in undernurition. Multisectorial collaboration and coordination among related sectors and strengthening programs targeted on adult’s educational status, improved drinking water and sanitation against pregnant women’s, counseling on Antenatal clinic and prevention and treatment of chronic disease during pregnancy.