Under-nutrition and associated risk factors among pregnant women in gambella town, south west Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Maternal under-nutrition affects both the health of mothers and children and, as a result, has broad impacts on economic and social development. Undernourished pregnant women have higher reproductive risks, including death during or following child birth Objective: The aim of this study was to give insights about the magnitude of under- nutrition and local risk factors associated with it among pregnant women in Gambella town, which can be used for priority setting and designing effective nutritional program in addressing the nutritional problems of the pregnant women in Gambella town and similar settings. Methods: community based cross sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2014. Three hundred thirty one pregnant women were recruited for the study by using of computer generated simple random sampling technique. Interviewer administered data collection method was used by the use of pre-tested English questionnaires adapted from related literatures and translated to local language (Amharic). A 24 hour dietary recall method was used to collect data on dietary intake. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by using non stretchable MUAC tape. Bivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent variables for multivariable logistic regression. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of under-nutrition and to control confounders. Result. The prevalence of under-nutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was 28.6%. Pregnant women who were married before their age of eighteen were 3.91 folds more likely to be under-nourished compared to pregnant women who were married at or after their age of eighteen (AOR=3.91, 95% CI: 2.23-6.86). Pregnant women who were from food insecure households were 2.3 times more likely to be undernourished compared to pregnant women who were from food secure households (AOR =2.3, 95% CI : 1.18-3.57). Pregnant Women who had dietary diversity score less than six were 2.05 more likely to be under-nourished when they were compared with pregnant women who had dietary diversity score more than or equal to six (AOR=2.05, 95% CI: 1.30-4.06). Conclusion: The prevalence of under-nutrition among pregnant women in Gambella town was small compared to other studies. Household food insecurity, dietary diversity score and early marriage were independent predictors of under-nutrition. Gambella region women’s affair bureau with other stake holders should give due consideration to health education to delay age at first marriage. The regional government along with other stakeholders should give due emphasis to mainstreaming and strengthening nutritional activities through community based nutrition programs (CBN) that contribute to reduction of food insecurity and consumption of unbalanced nutrients