Dietary practice during pregnancy and associated factors among pregnant women in Farta district, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

IntroductionMaternal undernutrition in low and middle-income countries is an underlining cause for more than 3.5 million deaths and disabilities. Maternal malnutrition during pregnancy increases the risk of gestational anemia, hypertension, miscarriages, and fetal deaths during pregnancy, preterm delivery, and maternal mortality. MethodA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to April 1, 2021. A total of 615 pregnant women participated in the study. All eligible pregnant women were identified through a house-to-house visit with the help of health extension workers. The cluster sampling method was used to select the study participant. A pre-tested structured interviewer administered questioner was used. Filled questionnaires were checked, coded, and entered into EPI data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 23 software. A bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance. ResultThis study has shown that only 27.2% of pregnant mothers had good dietary practices. In multivariable logistic regression analysis; average monthly income (≥3500 ETB) [AOR: 12.03 (95% CI: 2.83,51.17)], family size (1–3) [AOR: 5.66 (95% CI: 2.03,15.83)] & (4–6) [AOR: 2.84 (95% CI: 1.05, 7.67)], educational status (formal education) [AOR:7.61 (95% CI: 3.64,15.91)] and dietary knowledge [AOR: 1.99 (95% CI: 1.27, 3.12)] were the factors significantly associated with good dietary practices. ConclusionIn this study, more than a quarter of pregnant mothers had good dietary practice. Educational status of the participant, dietary knowledge, monthly income, and family size was significantly associated with dietary practices of pregnant women. To improve dietary practice of pregnant women; enhance knowledge on nutrition through nutrition education and decrease family size by regular family planning counseling in the continuum of maternal care.