UNDERNUTRITION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN NEKEMTE TOWN, WEST ETHIOPIA.

ADVISORS: Gudina Egata (PhD) Background: Maternal undernutrition is a global health concern, particularly impacting women in developing nations. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, as acute malnutrition during pregnancy can increase the risk of anemia, miscarriage, fetal death, preterm birth, and maternal mortality. Although several studies have been conducted among pregnant women, the majority are institution-based, which may not accurately reflect the true magnitude of the problem at the community level.<br> Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among pregnant women in Nekemte Town, West Ethiopia.<br> Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among systematically selected 682 pregnant women in four kebeles of Nekemte Town from Feb15 to March, 2025. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered pretested structured questionnaire and anthropometric measurement. Bivariable and multivariable Binary logistic regression analysis were employed to identify factors associated with the outcome of interest. Adjusted odds ratios alongside a 95% confidence level; (CI) were estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at a p-value less than 0.05. Results were displayed using text, tables, and figures.<br> Results: The prevalence of undernutrition among pregnant women in this study was 34.2% ,95% CI:(31%, 38%). First trimester of pregnancy [( AOR=0.19 , 95% CI:( 0.09,0.39)], maternal age over 35 years [(AOR=3.60, 95% CI: (2.09-7.48)], lack of ANC follow-up [(AOR=3.93, 95% CI: ( 2.58-7.55)], food taboos practices [(AOR=3.13, 95% CI: (1.78-5.51)], low level wealth category [(AOR=4.64, 95% CI: (2.35-9.36)], household food insecurity [( AOR=4.64, 95% CI: (2.35-9.36)], a birth interval of two years or less [(AOR=2.03, 95% CI: (1.55-5.79)], and inadequate dietary diversity [(AOR=2.04, 95% CI: (1.66-4.50)] were factors significantly associated with undernutrition among pregnant women.<br> Conclusion: The study revealed a high burden of undernutrition among pregnant women in Nekemte town, with over one-third affected. Trimester of pregnancy, Maternal age, ANC follow-up, Food taboo, Wealth Status, House hold food insecurity, Dietary diversity, and Birth spacing were identified as significant factors associated with it. Strengthening early ANC registration, Promoting Family planning utilization and community based nutrition education is mandatory.<br> Key words: Under nutrition, pregnant women, Magnitude, associated Factors, Nekemte, Ethiopia