Magnitude of Additional Meal Consumption and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Aleta Wondo Primary Hospital, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Background: Pregnancy increases nutrient requirements, making additional meal consumption essential for maternal and fetal health. However, although maternal nutrition studies in Ethiopia have largely focused on dietary diversity, evidence on additional meal consumption remains limited. This study is aimed at determining the magnitude of additional meal consumption and its associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Aleta Wondo Primary Hospital in the Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Method: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 pregnant women from December 2023 to February 2024. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire. Additional meal consumption was defined as consuming at least one extra meal per day beyond the regular three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Factors associated with additional meal consumption were analyzed using logistic regression models, and the results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Result: The magnitude of additional meal consumption among pregnant women was 60.4% (95% CI: 55.6%-65.1%). Lower odds of consumption were observed among women with no formal education (AOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10-0.66), those earning ≤ 3000 Ethiopian Birr (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.13-0.61), and those earning 3001-6000 Birr (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.86), corresponding to 74%, 72%, and 62% reductions, respectively, compared with their counterparts. Higher odds were observed among women without fear of weight gain (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.81-6.96), those with planned pregnancies (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.67-6.25), urban residents (AOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.27-3.88), and those from food-secure households (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.11-3.12).

Conclusion: The magnitude of additional meal consumption was 60.4%. The factors associated with additional meal consumption included educational status, place of residence, pregnancy planning, fear of weight gain, monthly household income, and household food security status. Integrating maternal nutrition into poverty alleviation and food security programs, as well as promoting community awareness of optimal dietary practices, is recommended.