Prevalence of Undernutrition and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending a Healthcare Facility in Kabul, Afghanistan

ABSTRACT Background Maternal undernutrition remains a major public health challenge in low‐resource settings, with significant implications for maternal and child morbidity and mortality. There is limited evidence on the factors associated with undernutrition among pregnant women in Afghanistan. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and its associated factors among pregnant women attending a healthcare facility in Kabul, Afghanistan. Methods We conducted a cross‐sectional study from April 1 to August 7, 2025, among 421 pregnant women attending Pol‐e‐Khoshk Comprehensive Healthcare Center (CHC) in Kabul, Afghanistan. Data were collected using systematic random sampling. Undernutrition was defined as a mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) <23 cm. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with undernutrition. Statistical significance was declared at p value <0.05, and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Results Of the 421 pregnant women, 52% (95% CI: 47.13%–56.88%) were undernourished. In the adjusted model, the odds of undernutrition were greater in women with increasing age (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.02–1.27), those with difficulty in accessing food (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.73–4.47), and those consuming less than three meals per day (AOR = 2.78; 95% CI: 1.14–6.70). Conclusion About half of Afghan women in this study had undernutrition. Maternal age, difficulty in accessing food, and consuming less than three meals per day were significantly associated with undernutrition. Therefore, targeted interventions addressing the factors identified in this study are worth considering.