Dietary adequacy among pregnant women in Southern Ethiopia. A weighted food record study

Background: Nutrient deficiencies are a public health concern among pregnant women in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the adequacy of nutrients among pregnant women in Dilla, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Dilla Town, Southern, Ethiopia. Data on socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics were collected using a standardized questionnaire. We employed a day-weighted food record method among 71 pregnant mothers. All the foods consumed by pregnant women were weighed using digital weight scales. Data collectors and supervisors were trained in data collection techniquesand procedures. Calibration of equipment and standardized techniques were used to minimize random anthropometric measurement errors. Data entry was done using SPSS version 25 and NutriSurvey2007 and exported to Intake, Monitoring Assessment and Planning Program (IMAPP) software to estimate the usual nutrient intake and prevalence of nutrient inadequacy.Results: The current study indicated that energy, protein, and micronutrient intakes (iron, folic acid, and calcium) among pregnant women in the study area were low as compared to the World Health Organization (WHO)/Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) reference nutrient intake. The inadequacy of selected micronutrient intakes such as vitamin-A, vitamin-C, iron, calcium, and zinc for pregnant women by comparing usual nutrient intake with the estimated average requirement (EAR) cutoff point. Calcium, vitamin-C, and vitamin-A deficiency were prevalent in 98.47, 95.52, and 72.28 percent of the population, respectively.Conclusions: The prevalence of risk of nutrient inadequacy (calcium, vitamin-A, and vitamin-C) among pregnant mothers was high. Therefore, multiple micronutrient supplementation and provision of nutrient-dense food-based interventions need to be considered. Furthermore, multisectoral collaboration on the nutrition-sensitive and specificity intervention is also needed