Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Mothers in Burayu Town Health Centers, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, 2024.a Multi-center Cross Sectional Study

Abstract Background Undernutrition is a major public health concern worldwide, especially among children under five and pregnant women. Despite its global significance, data on the prevalence and determinants of maternal undernutrition in the study area are scarce. Objective This study aimed to assess the prevalence of under-nutrition and associated factors among pregnant mother, at all health centers of Burayu town, Oromia, Ethiopia from March 2024 to April 2024 Methods An institution-based analytic cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 pregnant mothers selected by systematic random sampling from the respective health centers of Burayu town, from March 2024 to April 2024. The under-nutrition was calculated based on sum score of Mid upper arm circumference value. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics was presented using tables and charts and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Result The overall prevalence of under-nutrition among pregnant women using mid upper arm measurement was 23% [95%, CI 18.1% − 28.01%]. In multi-variable analysis no formal education (AOR = 10.68, 95% CI (2.86–39.83), not receiving information (AOR = 1.14, 95% CI (1.07–2.38)), food insecure (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI (0.19–0.71)), and unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 4.84, 95% CI (1.33–17.5)) were statistically associated with under-nutrition. Conclusion and recommendation: The proportion of under-nutrition among pregnant mother was significant in this study. Having no formal education, receiving no counseling, food insecure and unplanned pregnancy had significant association with under-nutrition among pregnant mother. To optimize pregnant women nutritional status; enhance knowledge on nutrition through nutrition education, assisting households in obtaining the necessary food through nearby markets, heath systems, community support and regular family planning counseling in the continuum of maternal care.