Pakistani Women Research Articles

Association of catechol-o-methyltransferase gene polymorphism with preeclampsia and biomarkers of oxidative stress: Study protocol for a prospective case-control study in Pakistan.

Preeclampsia is one of the three leading causes of worldwide maternal mortality. Oxidative stress-mediated endothelial damage is expected to be an ultimate common mechanism in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The role of bioamines is also well-established in the induction of preeclampsia. This project is aimed to understand the factors which may affect the induction, progression, and aggravation of preeclampsia and oxidative stress during pregnancy. This study will explore the methylation pattern of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene to determine its role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, association of Val158Met polymorphism with a wide range of oxidative stress biomarkers, major antioxidants vitamins, and blood pressure regulating amines in preeclamptic Pakistani women. In this prospective case-control study, 85 preeclamptic and 85 normotensive pregnant women will be recruited in their third trimesters. DNA will be extracted from peripheral blood and Val158Met polymorphism in the Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene will be examined on PCR amplified product digested with Hin1II (NlaIII) restriction enzyme, further validated by Sanger sequencing. Methylation-sensitive PCR will also be performed. Oxidative stress biomarkers, antioxidant vitamins, bioamines, and catechol-O-methyltransferase levels will be measured by ELISA. The data will be used to correlate maternal and fetal outcomes in both groups. This study will help to identify and understand the multifactorial path and cause-effect relationship of gene polymorphism, oxidative stress biomarkers, major antioxidants vitamins, and blood pressure regulating amines in the pathogenesis and aggravation of preeclampsia in the Pakistani population. The outcome of this project will be particularly helpful in reducing the incidence of preeclampsia and further improving its management.

Integrated Moving on After Breast Cancer and Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Intervention for Depression and Anxiety Among Pakistani Women With Breast Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial

Integrated Moving on After Breast Cancer and Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Intervention for Depression and Anxiety Among Pakistani Women With Breast Cancer: Randomised Controlled Trial

Missing themes of manhood and childhood: an analysis of Pakistani and American women writings

Missing themes of manhood and childhood: an analysis of Pakistani and American women writings

Knowledge and discriminatory attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among the women of reproductive age group of Pakistan using the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS)

BackgroundHuman immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) has become a major worldwide public health issue, with a focus on developing nations. Despite having a very low HIV prevalence, South Asia faces serious issues with stigma and false information because of a lack of awareness. This stigma highlights significant gaps in popular awareness while also sustaining unfavorable attitudes towards those living with HIV/AIDS. Pakistan is ranked second in South Asia for the rapidly increasing AIDS epidemic. Thorough information and optimistic outlooks are essential for successful HIV/AIDS prevention, control, and treatment. But false beliefs about how HIV/AIDS spreads lead to negative perceptions, which highlights the need to look into how women’s knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS in Pakistan are influenced by sociodemographic traits and autonomy. MethodsThe purpose of this study is to evaluate Pakistani women’s discriminatory attitudes and level of awareness on HIV/AIDS. This study used data (the women in reproductive age 15‒49 years’ dataset) from the Pakistan Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey to conduct an analytical cross-sectional analysis. To represent the respondents’ attitudes and knowledge towards people living with HIV (PLHIV), two composite variables were developed and composite scored. Binary logistics regression was used to identify predictor variables and chi-square was used for bivariate analysis. ResultsThe findings reveal that almost 90% of Pakistani women have poor knowledge and attitude with HIV/AIDS. In Punjab, 72.8% of rural residents have low knowledge, whereas only 20.6% of young individuals (15–< 25 years old) show the least amount of ignorance. Education is shown to be crucial, and “Higher” education is associated with superior knowledge. Urban dwellers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa typically have more expertise. Knowledge of HIV is positively correlated with education; those with higher education levels know a lot more (odds ratio [OR] = 5.419). Similarly, quintiles with greater incomes show a higher likelihood of knowing about HIV (OR = 6.745). The study identifies age, wealth index, place of residence, educational attainment, and exposure to contemporary media as significant predictors influencing HIV knowledge and attitudes among women in these provinces. ConclusionThe majority of respondents had negative opinions regarding the virus, and the majority of women in the study knew very little about HIV. Individuals who live in metropolitan areas, have higher incomes, are better educated, are exposed to contemporary media, and are generally more aware of HIV and have more positive attitudes towards HIV/AIDS, or PLHIV. The study found that, in comparison to those living in urban environments, those from rural areas with low socioeconomic level have a negative attitude and inadequate understanding.

Perinatal Outcomes and the Role of Obstetric Anesthesia Interventions

(Lancet 2023;401:2038–2039) This editorial discusses multiple recent studies that investigated perinatal outcomes and the impact of anesthetic interventions. A prior study published in the Lancet in 2022 reported poorer perinatal outcomes for neonates born to Black women compared to those born to White women. Another study examined nearly 450,000 deliveries and found an association between neonatal outcomes (Apgar &lt;7 at 5 min, need for neonatal resuscitation, and neonatal admission to the intensive care unit) and maternal use of epidural analgesia. The authors of this editorial examined their own data regarding the incidence of obstetric anesthetic procedures among different ethnic groups and found that compared to White British women who had vaginal birth, incidence of epidural analgesia among Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Black African, and Black Caribbean women was much lower. They noted that similar disparities can be found in the United States and reiterated the socioeconomic and systemic disparities as one likely cause for poor neonatal outcomes, suggesting that offering equal access to neuraxial analgesia across all populations could lead to improved neonatal outcomes for Black women.

The psychological impact of the rise in media reporting of sexual violence after COVID-19 pandemic on Pakistani women's mental health.

Pandemics usually have inequitable effects on the most vulnerable groups of society. Since the start of COVID-19, there has been a horrifying upsurge in cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women, globally. Consequently, frequent breaking news of sexual violence in media aggravated mental distress and worry among women. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated the impact of the rise in active circulation of news of sexual violence on the mental health of working women and students using the validated DASS-21 questionnaire. A total of 303 women with diverse socio-demographic backgrounds participated in the study. We performed a chi-square test to analyze the association of increase in media reporting with DASS-21total and sub-categories scores. Multivariate linear regression was performed on propensity score-matched subjects to identify psychosocial predictors of mental distress. Increased self-reported worries in response to rise in media reports of sexual violence was found to be significant predictor of mental distress (p < 0.002). Moreover, highly significant correlation between the increase in media reports and scores of depression, anxiety, and stress was observed (p < 0.001). The rise in media reporting of sexual violence in the after math of COVID-19 was found to have a significant psychological impact on the mental health of Pakistani women. This is the first study of its kind on the subject and provides fundamental findings for shaping policy change on responsible media reporting of sexual violence.

Factors affecting asthma control in pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

Asthma control in pregnant women remains of utmost importance; suboptimal control can have adverse repercussions on both fetal and maternal health. The objective was to identify the factors that affect asthma control in pregnant Pakistani women presenting to a tertiary care hospital. This descriptive, cross-sectional research was conducted at KRL General Hospital between 1st November 2022 to 30th April 2023. Non-probability technique was used to sample one hundred and forty-five pregnant women with confirmed bronchial asthma irrespective of their trimester presented. Data regarding demographics and factors affecting asthma control was collected. The mean age was 30.39 ± 4.33 years, with two-thirds (65%) being multiparous. Approximately 48% of participants were non-compliant with treatment, and less than 40% achieved adequate asthma control. A chi-squared test applied showed that multiparity (p = 0.003), treatment compliance (p < 0.001), BMI (p < 0.001), and proper inhaler technique (p < 0.001) were statistically significant factors affecting asthma control in pregnant women while, the level of education and household income did not exhibit a significant association. Multiple regression analysis qualified higher BMI, multiparity, treatment compliance, and inhaler technique as significant predictors of asthma control amongst pregnant women. Ensuring asthma control during pregnancy is important. This study identified BMI, multiparity, inhaler technique, and treatment compliance as factors that affect asthma control in pregnant women. Addressing these factors through regular antenatal check-ups can significantly mitigate risks and promote the optimal health of both maternal and fetal lives.

Experiences of Help-Seeking for Severe Mental Health Problems in Young Pakistani Women: A Preliminary Qualitative Study.

Almost three quarters of mental illnesses start by the age of 25, yet youth (18-25-year-olds) are often underrepresented in U.K. services. This is particularly true for those of ethnic minorities. In this study, we aimed to understand how young Pakistani women and their parents make decisions to seek help for severe mental health problems, and the barriers and facilitators to accessing professional help. Young Pakistani women with experience of severe mental health problems and their parents were recruited from a community sample. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six young people and two parents. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Pakistani culture and its interplay with British culture strongly influenced the decisions and ability of young Pakistani women and their parents to help-seek, largely through the role of stigma. Low mental health literacy, stigma, and a lack of culturally informed services were identified as the most common barriers to accessing care. These barriers fed into the internalized stigma these young women experienced which, through fear of damaged reputation and personal prejudices, posed further barriers to seeking help. Participants highlighted recommendations for both individual-level (e.g., increased education and awareness) and service-level (e.g., greater choice over care) change to facilitate accessibility of professional help. Young Pakistani women face multiple culturally related challenges to accessing care for severe mental health problems at both the individual- and service-level. Novel suggestions to address these challenges, such as including youth peer support workers in services, may facilitate more inclusive and accessible services.

Exploring the relationship between anemia in pregnancy and infant mortality: a narrative review

Anemia is a multivariate and highly prevalent health concern among the worldwide population. However, owing to the socioeconomic conditions of Pakistan and physiological changes that take place during pregnancy, an exceptionally high percentage of pregnant Pakistani females suffer from anemia with the most common cause being iron deficiency. Unsurprisingly, many complications for both mother and child have been recorded in association with this issue, such as postpartum hemorrhage, low birthweight, stunted development, and still birth. Given the situation, it is imperative to strengthen operational measures while introducing more effective strategies to improve health status among pregnant women.

Innovation in Breast Cancer Treatment and it's Potential in Pakistan.

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer globally, following lung cancer. It is a major health concern affecting both men and women, although it is more commonly diagnosed in women. Breast cancer is responsible for a significant number of cancer-related deaths worldwide, as it ranks fifth globally. Breast cancer surpasses all other types of cancer in its worldwide impact, and the occurrence of breast cancer is on the rise.1 Breast cancer can be divided into histological subtypes depending on the appearance of the cells under the microscope. The most common types include invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and ductal carcinoma in situ. A study conducted in 20222 highlighted the novel approach to inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway using a highly potent oral inhibitor Capivasertib. In preclinical trials it has shown promising outcomes by suppressing tumor growth and reducing the phosphorylation of biomarkers such as PRAS40, GSK3b, and S6. Furthermore, phase I/II trials that evaluated the used of capivasertib along with other antineoplastic agents such as paclitaxel, fulvestrant or Olaparib showed enhanced efficacy with manageable side effects as the toxicity profile was within the acceptable range. Another trial also demonstrated clinically significant activity of capivasertib in rare cancers such as AKT1 E17K-mutated tumor.3 Research conducted in Karachi indicates a notable increase in the prevalence of breast cancer across women of various age groups. Furthermore, the study anticipates a continued upward trend in the coming years.4 The study observed not only a rise in the age-specific incidence rate among Pakistani women but also forecasted a sustained elevation in the peak age of onset, particularly in post-menopausal women. A substantial concern for Pakistan is reflected in the fact that breast cancer constitutes 28.7% of newly diagnosed cancer cases in women, highlighting the gravity of this health issue.5 Researchers have made great strides in the treatment of many types of breast cancer, but the battle continues many fronts. However, the success of several biological drugs such as Capivasertib in treatment of people with a specific tumor promises the potential targeted treatments in the most vulnerable of regions such as Pakistan.

Homemaker or breadwinner: labour force participation of Pakistani women

ABSTRACT In recent years, Pakistan has seen an increase in policy efforts to encourage women's participation in the workforce. However, existing research suggests that these policies have not resulted in a proportional increase in women’s labour force participation. This study employs an ecological systems approach to investigate the factors that impact the engagement of tertiary-educated Pakistani women in the labour market and their experiences of employment. Beyond elucidating the barriers to women's employment, the analysis also delves into factors that empower women to navigate the obstacles encountered in their employment journey. Drawing upon a series of comprehensive interviews conducted with 35 Pakistani women and employing a thematic analysis approach, this research dissects the way in which societal norms and values, including notions of honour, the prioritisation of marriage, and the enduring presence of gender inequality within the domestic sphere, constrain women's participation in the labour market. Our findings show that the support extended by father’s and husband’s in facilitating women's pursuit of employment, as well as the personal strategies adopted by women to overcome gender-based discrimination in workplace settings, are pivotal elements that facilitate women’s participation in the labour market.

Seroprevalence and molecular detection of brucellosis among Pakistani women with spontaneous abortion.

Human brucellosis is a neglected disease transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, goats, dogs, and swine. The causative agents are bacteria of the genus Brucella, intracellular pathogens usually confined to the reproductive organs of their animal hosts causing sterility and abortions. The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis among women with spontaneous abortions (SAW) and compare this seroprevalence with that of healthy pregnant women (HPW). The case-control study was designed to determine the seroprevalence and molecular detection of brucellosis in women who suffered from spontaneous abortion and healthy pregnant women of the Haripur District of Pakistan. A total of 770 blood samples (n = 385 for each group) were collected from 9 public and 11 private hospitals in Haripur District from December 2021-March 2023. Data on demographic features, epidemiological variables, and risk factors were collected from each participant by structured questionnaires. Initial screening for brucellosis was performed by Rose Bengal Plate Test followed by qRT-PCR for molecular detection of the genus-specific BCSP-31 gene of Brucella. The study showed that anti-Brucella antibodies were more found in SAW 23.63% (91/385) than in HPW 1.29% (5/385). Brucella specific DNA was amplified in 89.01% (81/91) seropositive samples of SAW. Demographic features and risk factors such as age, urbanicity, socioeconomic status, education, occupation, and animal contact were found significantly associated with brucellosis (p ≤ 0.05). Consumption of unpasteurized raw milk (OR = 18.28, 95%CI: 8.16-40.94) was found highly concomitant with seroprevalence. This study reports the first evidence of involvement of brucellosis in spontaneous abortions in women of Pakistan. The study can be used to develop strategies for risk management during pregnancy, to raise awareness for brucellosis, and develop control programs.

Family concerns and relationship problems in anxious pregnant women and their associations with postnatal functional disability in Pakistan

ObjectiveExpanding on existing research suggesting that strategies to reduce prenatal anxiety can decrease functional disability (e.g., difficulties in performing everyday activities and social participation), we examined if this effect varied by type of anxiety-producing problem (i.e., having family concerns and relationship problems versus other problems) reported during pregnancy. Further, we explored if perceived social support mediated this relationship. MethodsWe used longitudinal data on 310 anxious Pakistani women who received any psychosocial intervention sessions as part of a program that was based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) was used to assess whether women had ‘family concerns and relationship problems’ or ‘other problems.’ The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 assessed functional disability at six-weeks after delivery. Lack of support was measured using a 12-item Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. We employed linear regression to examine associations between types of problems reported during pregnancy and postnatal functional disability. Causal mediation analysis was used to assess whether postnatal social support mediated this relationship. ResultsOf anxious pregnant women, 34% reported family concerns or relationship problems as primary problems in pregnancy. They were more likely to report higher functional disability at six-weeks after delivery than women who reported other problems (adjusted B = 2.40, 95% CI: 0.83–3.97). Lack of overall social support (Estimateindirect = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.04–1.38) and lack of support from friends (Estimateindirect = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.01–1.29) significantly mediated the relationship. ConclusionsFindings suggest that complementing pre- and post-natal care with support programs and services that address family concerns and relationship problems, as well as enhancing social support is important to functional disability.

The paradox of Islamic perception on the entrepreneurial intentions of female Muslims in Pakistan

Purpose This paper aims to examine female entrepreneurship perceptions at the nexus of understandings of Muslim behaviour in Pakistan, the “formula” of Shapero for considering entrepreneurial intentions and the viewpoints of young Pakistani women. Design/methodology/approach Data collected from 555 women between 18 and 30 years of age, undertaking tertiary-level business studies in Pakistan constitute the sample of the study, and structural equation modelling was used to test the hypotheses. Findings This study finds that the respondents’ perceptions of Islam positively impact the formula at the feasibility component, whilst also inverting the desirability component, therefore, resulting in a “does not equal” outcome for intentions. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this work is one of the first to empirically examine the role of Islamic perception in shaping entrepreneurial intentions through the individual components of desirability, feasibility and propensity to act. It puts forth contextual deliberations for a meaningful heterodoxy in light of female entrepreneurship in an Islamic country.

Examining meaning-making and decolonial resistance in Pakistani women's stories of navigating coloniality and gender

Although Pakistan attained independence from the British colonial rule in 1947, the effects of colonial violence endure in the psychosocial realities of Pakistani people. Centering the stories about coloniality of two women leaders working in nongovernmental organizations, this article examines how psychological processes of meaning-making and decolonial resistance manifest in women's engagement with (de)coloniality in Lahore, Pakistan. I draw from transnational and decolonial feminisms and critical psychologies to highlight how two women's contextually shaped realities reflect colonial legacies interlaced with local and global inequities, and to document the ways women construe and resist coloniality-driven gender injustices. Using thematic narrative analysis, findings show that these women make sense of and resist coloniality through an intersectional approach, historical counter-narratives, and reimagination. The article discusses how context-specific decolonial strategies demonstrate women's agency and resistance within transnational feminist praxis, contributing to pluralistic and justice-enhancing approaches. The findings contribute to decolonizing psychological research by documenting Pakistani women's psychological processes and advancing non-Eurocentric knowledge and practices.

Validation of a Predictive Model of Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Section in Pakistani Women.

To determine the frequency of successful trials of vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC) using the Flamm and Geiger model. Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit II of Dr. Ruth K.M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from August 2022 to January 2023. Women with singleton pregnancy having cephalic presentation, previous one lower segment caesarean section (LSCS), and without any contraindication for vaginal delivery were included. Women bearing foetus having estimated weight >3.5kg, morbid obesity, multiple pregnancies, non-cephalic presentation, placenta praevia, abruptio placentae, uncontrolled maternal comorbidities, or had previous two or more Caesarean sections were excluded. Flamm and Geiger score was applied to record observations of successful and unsuccessful trials. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the score were calculated by ROC curve, along with its area under the curve (AUC) and Youden's index curve, with 95% confidence interval. This study included 258 participants. Successful vaginal delivery was possible in 125 (48.4%) participants, whereas 133 (51.6%) underwent emergency Caesarean section. Cervical dilatation and effacement were the main factors assessing the success. The Flamm and Geiger score of >5 had an area under the curve of 0.813 (0.762-0.864). The score's sensitivity was 75% (67-82%), specificity 76% (68-82%), and PPV of 75% with an accuracy of 76%. The Flamm and Geiger score of >5 demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and accuracy in predicting later successful vaginal birth. It is recommended as a promising and valuable tool for assessing VBAC's success in low-resource countries. Vaginal birth after caesarean, Flamm and Geiger Model, Indication of caesarean, trial of labour after caesarean, VBAC risk scoring criteria.

Culture of Silence: Exploring the Workplace Harassment and Coping Strategies of Female Academics in Higher Education of Pakistan

The phrase "culture of silence" refers to "the culture that silences women by not consenting to a lifestyle that is not talked about or talked about", so this sentence means "by accepting a lifestyle compatible with women". Pakistani women also have such good relationships all over the world, especially in the workplace, regardless of sexual violence because there are many reasons for respect for the family that affects women's leadership in other ways, so women should not be harassed by their colleagues at work. , since it is aimed at students or students or professionals at the educational level, this study is not about teachers who are bullied in schools by their male colleagues, teachers who are bullied in schools or by their students. This study is qualitative in nature and its aim is to determine the scope and impact of bullying and the solutions offered by teachers.

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai &amp; Status of Women: Status of Women in Shah Jo Risalo; an Idealized Portrayal of Sassui in Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's Sur Sassui Aburi

Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's depiction of Sassui in his poetry serves as a powerful call to women in Sindh in particular and the rest of Latif’s audience, in general, to break free from societal constraints. Sassui's tragic love story symbolizes the struggles faced by women in pursuit of true love, yet her unwavering determination, faith, and loyalty remain unshaken. This research focuses on the portrayal of Sassui in eleven Dastans from Sur Sassui Aburi, translated by Sheikh Ayaz. Shah Latif's representation of Sassui across five Sur of Shah Jo Risalo inspired women across the subcontinent, particularly in Sindh. Through qualitative thematic analysis, this study explores Shah Latif's efforts to amplify Sassui's voice beyond his era, showcasing his feminist perspective and vision. It aims to inspire contemporary Pakistani women to stand up against the regimented norms and defy the social, psychological, and legal barriers that restrict their liberties and will.

Recurrent bladder leiomyoma: a case report

BackgroundBladder leiomyomas are rare benign growths in the bladder, comprising less than 0.5% of bladder tumors with only 250 cases reported globally. They are more common in women. This case involves a 70-year-old woman with recurrent leiomyoma, presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms and painless hematuria. A recurrent bladder leiomyoma is rarely reported, making its presence exceptionally rare.Case presentationA 70-year-old Pakistani woman with hypertension and diabetes presented with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and painless hematuria. She had a history of similar symptoms in 2010, leading to a diagnosis of bladder leiomyoma via cystoscopy and biopsy. Imaging studies revealed a substantial 3.7 × 4 × 4.0 cm isodense mass with calcifications at the bladder base, along with bladder wall thickening and diverticula. Pathological examination during Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) confirmed the presence of bladder tissue with smooth muscle, ruling out malignancy. Immunohistochemical studies supported the diagnosis. A successful TURBT was performed, and the patient recovered well.DiscussionRecurrent bladder leiomyoma is a rarely-discussed topic in medical literature. This article primarily aims to review existing studies and present a detailed case study, shedding light on this rare phenomenon.

Association of maternal nutritional status and small for gestational age neonates in peri-urban communities of Karachi, Pakistan: findings from the PRISMA study

BackgroundEarly pregnancy nutritional status can be associated with adverse birth outcomes such as small-for-gestational age (SGA) and low birth weight (LBW). BMI (Body Mass Index) and MUAC (Mid-upper arm circumference) are easy to use assessments and are indicative of the pre-pregnancy nutritional status if obtained in the first trimester. This study primarily assesses the association of maternal nutritional status using BMI and MUAC with SGA in a community-based cohort of Pakistani women. It also aims to determine the predictive ability of MUAC and BMI in predicting SGA. Secondarily, we assessed the association between maternal nutrition and large for gestational age (LGA) and LBW.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of an ongoing pregnancy cohort “Pregnancy Risk Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance (PRISMA)“in Ibrahim Hyderi and Rehri Goth, Karachi. PRISMA participants who were enrolled between January 2021 to August 2022 were included given they had a gestational age < 14 weeks confirmed via ultrasound, MUAC and BMI measurements were available and birth weight was captured within 72 hours. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine an association between maternal nutritional status and SGA. The PRISMA study was approved by the Aga Khan University Ethics Review Committee (2021–5920-15,518).ResultsOf 926 women included in the analysis, 26.6% (n = 247) had a low MUAC (< 23 cm) while 18.4% (n = 171) were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2). Nearly one third of low MUAC and underweight women delivered SGA infants (34.4 and 35.1% respectively). Underweight women and women with low MUAC had a statistically significant association with SGA (Underweight: OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.1,2.4; Low MUAC-OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.2,2.3) as well as LBW (Underweight: OR-1.63, 95% CI 1.1,2.4; Low MUAC-OR-1.63, 95% CI 1.2,2.3). ROC curves showed that MUAC and BMI had modest predictability for SGA (AUC < 0.7).ConclusionMaternal nutritional status as indicated by BMI and MUAC are strongly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including SGA, LGA and LBW. Although MUAC and BMI are widely used to determine maternal nutritional status, they have poor predictive ability for newborn size. Further research is needed to identify other tools or a combination of tools to better predict adverse birth outcomes in resource-limited settings and plan interventions.