Prevalence And Determinants of Undernutrition Among Pregnant Women in Selected Public Hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Undernutrition is one of the greatest public health challenges affecting pregnant women in Africa with associated  adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to determine the prevalence and identify the associated factors for undernutrition among pregnant women accessing antenatal care in selected public hospital facilities in Ibadan. Methodology: A cross-sectional facility-based study was conducted among 1,162 randomly selected pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics in selected public hospitals in Ibadan , Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Left mid-upper arm circumference measurement was used to assess the  nutritional status of the pregnant women by using an adult non-elastic mid-upper arm circumference tape at the mid-point  between the tip of the shoulder and the tip of the elbow. Individual minimum dietary diversity for women(MDDW) was determined using the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance III project. STATA was used for analysis. Result: The overall prevalence of undernutrition  was 20.0% and a low minimum dietary diversity score was observed in 25.2%. Undernutrition status varies across the level of health care; primary health care(PHC) had the highest (30.8% and 26.8%), secondary health care facility was (14.1%), and tertiary health care; (18.7% and 9.9 %). Mothers aged 25 years and above,  Marital status of being married, and Parity of para 1-5 had lower odds of being undernourished. However, there was no significant association between MDDW and the nutritional status of the respondents. Conclusion: This study revealed a relatively high prevalence of undernutrition. Healthcare providers across the three levels of healthcare should make nutritional assessment  and counselling an active part of the  routine  antenatal care.