Dietary practice and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public health facilities of Hawassa City, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

The purpose of this study is to assess dietary practices and factors influencing them among pregnant women in Ethiopia who attend antenatal care (ANC) in Hawassa City, Sidama Region, in 2023, with a focus on the importance of adequate dietary habits and limited nutritional knowledge for the long-term health of both mother and fetus. The study involved 513 pregnant women on ANC from January 1–30, 2023. The participants were randomly selected from two hospitals and four health centers. Data collection involved interviews and chart reviews. Epi Info 7 and SPSS 26 were used for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified variables significantly associated with dietary practices. Results were presented using texts, tables, and graphs. Out of the 513 pregnant women sampled, 505 participated in the study, achieving a 98 % response rate. The findings revealed that 66.5 % of the ANC women had poor dietary practices (95 % CI: 62.4–70.6). Independent predictors of poor dietary practices included rural residence (AOR = 5; 95 % CI: 1.9–13), food insecurity (AOR = 4.2; 95 % CI: 2.5–6.7), having two or fewer pregnancies (AOR = 4; 95 % CI: 1.5–10.4), and an unfavorable attitude towards nutrition (AOR = 4.2; 95 % CI: 2.5–6.7). Addressing these factors is vital for improving dietary practices and enhancing maternal and fetal health outcomes. The current study revealed a high prevalence of poor dietary practices among mothers attending public health facilities in Hawassa City. The findings identified food insecurity, number of pregnancies, and unfavorable attitudes as independent predictors of poor dietary practices.