Association between husband involvement and dietary diversity among pregnant women in Hargeisa City, Somaliland

BACKGROUND: Adequate dietary diversity is crucial for maternal nutrition, yet many pregnant women in Somaliland suffer from poor nutrient intake. However, evidence of influencing factors of pregnant women's dietary diversity, particularly the role of husband involvement in maternal dietary practices, remains limited in Somaliland. Therefore, this study examines the association between husband involvement and dietary diversity among pregnant women attending maternal and child health centres (MCHCs) in Hargeisa, Somaliland. METHODS: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2024 in five MCHCs in Hargeisa. Data on sociodemographics, antenatal care (ANC), husband involvement and supplementation were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. SPSS version 29.0 was used for data cleaning and analysis, with bivariate and multivariable logistic regression (p<0.05 significance). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of adequate dietary diversity was 64%. Significant predictors of adequate dietary diversity include greater husband involvement, higher maternal education, multigravidity, attending ANC for four or more visits and participation in nutrition counselling sessions. In contrast, logistic barriers, limited healthcare access and insufficient healthcare professionals were negatively associated with adequate dietary diversity among pregnant women attending MCHCs. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women's dietary diversity is suboptimal in Hargeisa. Strengthening husband involvement in care, maternal education and access to care in integrating nutrition counselling into ANC services were recommended.