GOOD DIETARY PRACTICES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN BOREDA DISTRICT, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA: A COMMUNITY-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Maternal nutrition is crucial for optimal pregnancy outcomes, yet poor dietary practices persist in low-resource settings. While prior studies in Ethiopia have examined nutritional status, few community-based investigations address socio-cultural determinants of dietary practices. This study fills a critical gap by exploring context-specific barriers (e.g., food taboos, household dynamics) in Boreda District, where no prior research exists. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of good dietary practices among pregnant women in Boreda District, Southern Ethiopia, and to identify the key factors associated with these practices. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 28, 2025 Gc in Boreda District. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 516 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that included sections on socio-demographic, obstetric, and dietary practice variables. Dietary practices were evaluated using validated questions adapted from previous studies and the FAO guidelines; participants scoring ≥75% were classified as having good dietary practices. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with dietary practices, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The overall of good dietary practice among the study participants was 24.13% [95% CI: 20.3%–27.9%]. Significant determinants of good dietary practices included antenatal care (ANC) follow-up (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.18–5.18), good dietary knowledge (AOR = 7.13, 95% CI: 3.20–15.88), higher household wealth index (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI: 10.11–13.70), and husband’s educational status (AOR = 5.61, 95% CI: 5.74–12.43). Conversely, pregnant women from households with five or more members were 64% less likely to have good dietary practices (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.20–0.66). Conclusion: The study demonstrates that good dietary practices among pregnant women in Boreda District are suboptimal. To improve maternal nutrition, there is a need for enhanced nutrition education, improved ANC services, and targeted interventions focusing on low-income and large-household populations. Policymakers and health program managers should implement community-based nutrition education initiatives, improve access to quality ANC nutritional counseling, and establish economic empowerment programs to increase dietary diversity and meal frequency among pregnant women