Abstract
Background:
Maternal undernutrition remains a persistent and critical public health issue in Ethiopia, significantly elevating risks of maternal morbidity, preterm birth, low birth weight, and increased maternal mortality. Recent evidence shows that undernourished pregnant women have 2.5 times higher odds of delivering low birth weight babies. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women ranges from 14.4% to 52.6% across different settings. However, there is limited context-specific evidence on the magnitude and determinants of maternal undernutrition among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Salale, Fiche.
Objective:
To assess prevalence and predictors of undernutrition among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Salale university comprehensive specialized, Fiche, North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia 2026.
Methods:
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 296 pregnant women attending antenatal care follow-up at Salale University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from December 22, 2025, to May 18, 2026. A systematic sampling technique was employed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurements, including Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), designed using KoboToolbox. Dietary diversity was assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 10-food group system, and household food security was evaluated using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results:
In this study, the magnitude of undernutrition among pregnant women was 31.4% (95% CI: 26.4–36.92%). Multivariable analysis showed that consistent iron and folic acid supplementation significantly reduced the odds of undernutrition by 68.1% (AOR = 0.319; 95% CI: 0.152–0.672; p = 0.003). Higher household income and better dietary diversity also served as strong protective factors against maternal malnutrition (p Conclusion:
Maternal undernutrition is a severe public health problem in the study area. Regular prenatal monitoring, enhancement of household food security intervention models, intensive nutritional counseling, and scaling up iron-folic acid supplementation uptake are highly recommended to address the underlying challenges.