Work

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

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Public Health Challenges

DOI: 10.1002/puh2.70453

Authors: Zainab Ezadi, Maliqa Mohaqiq, Agus Fitriangga, Muhammad Haroon Stanikzai, Robaba Edalat, Massoma Jafari

Institutions: Tanjungpura University, Kandahar University, University of Toronto

Language: English

Topic: Child Nutrition and Water Access

Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics

Field: Nursing

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650