Assessment of Malnutrition and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care in Mekelle General Hospital, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition During Pregnancy Is a Critical Public Health Issue That Can Adversely Affect Maternal and Fetal Health. Despite Advancements in Prenatal Care, Many Pregnant Women Continue to Experience Malnutrition, Characterized by Undernutrition or Overnutrition (Obesity). Malnutrition During Pregnancy Is a Pressing Global Health Concern, Affecting Approximately 20 million Women Worldwide Annually. In Ethiopia, The Situation Is Particularly Alarming, With A Reported Prevalence of Undernutrition Among Pregnant Women Reaching 25%. Malnutrition Contributes to Significant Adverse Outcomes, Including Maternal Mortality, Low Birth Weight, And Developmental Delays in Children. Approximately 1 In 4 Births in Ethiopia Is Affected by Low Birth Weight, Illustrating the Critical Need for Targeted Interventions in Prenatal Care Settings.
Objectives: The Aim of This Study Is to Assess the Prevalence of Malnutrition and Identify the Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Prenatal Care at Mekelle General Hospital.
Methods: An Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study Was Conducted in Prenatal Clinics Over a Three-Month Period A Study Was Conducted in Mekelle. The Healthcare Infrastructure in Mekelle Includes One Teaching Referral Hospital, Seven General Hospitals, And Nine Health Centers, Complemented By 48 Privately Owned Clinics. A Sample Of 408 Pregnant Women Was Selected Using Random Sampling. Data Was Collected Through Structured Questionnaires and Anthropometric Measurements Including (BMI, And MUAC). Nutritional Status Was Classified Based on WHO Guidelines. Statistical Analyses Included Descriptive Statistics, Chi-Square Tests for Associations, And Logistic Regression to Identify Risk Factors.
Result: The Overall Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Pregnant Women Was 41.2% (95% CI: 36.4–46.0). Regarding Dietary Practices, The Majority of Participants (92.7%) Consumed Only 1–2 Food Groups, And Only 7.3% Consumed 3–4 Food Groups. Most Participants (75.7%) Ate Three Meals Daily, But A Large Proportion Reported Low Intake of Iron-Rich (69.8%) And Dairy Foods (51.2%), While 82.8% Consumed Vitamin-Rich Foods Daily. Multiple Logistic Regression Analysis Showed That Urban Residence (AOR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.13–0.80), Being Married (AOR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.23–0.92), Having Three Or More Children (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28–0.96), Initiating ANC In The Second Trimester Or Earlier (Reference), And Consuming 3–4 Food Groups (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.16–0.97) Were Negatively Associated With Malnutrition. In Contrast, Having A Husband with Only Secondary Education (AOR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.19–3.08) And Starting ANC In the Third Trimester (AOR: 5.87, 95% CI: 1.07- 32.17) Were Positively Associated with Malnutrition.
Conclusion: The Study Found a High Prevalence of Malnutrition in the Study Area. Malnutrition Was Significantly Associated with Residence, Marital Status, Husband’s Educational Level, Parity, Timing of First ANC Visit, And Dietary Diversity. Therefore, Strategies and Programs Aimed at Reducing Malnutrition Should Focus on Improving Maternal Dietary Practices, Promoting Early ANC Attendance, Enhancing Male Involvement Through Vii Education, And Strengthening Nutrition Counseling at All Levels. Furthermore, Targeted Health Information and Support Services Are Essential to Improve the Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women.
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Malnutrition, Pregnant Women, Prenatal Care, Dietary Diversity, Socio-Demographic Factors, Ethiopia