Author(s)

Jean Blaise Ndayihimbaze^1*, Liévin Ngendakumana¹, Josélyne Ndayikegurukiye¹, Jonathan Niyukuri^1,2,3

¹Food Security and Human Nutrition Department, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences of the University of Ngozi, Ngozi, Burundi.
²Food Science and Technology Research Center (CRSTA), Natural and Environmental Sciences Research Center (CRSNE), University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi.
³Department of Food Science and Technology (STA), Faculty of Agronomy and Bioengineering (FABI), University of Burundi, Bujumbura, Burundi.

This study was conducted at Musaga Health Center with the aim of assessing nutritional status and identifying factors associated with malnutrition among pregnant women attending prenatal consultation service. This is a cross-sectional study with analytical aims that covered a three-month period from August 20 to November 20, 2024. It was conducted among 417 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and gave their consent. The study revealed a prevalence of malnutrition of 34.3% among pregnant women in our sample. Factors associated with the nutritional status of pregnant women in Musaga Health Center (p < 0.05) are: low dietary diversity score (OR = 16.38; 95% CI: [7.356 - 38.199]; p = 0.001), poor food consumption score (OR = 5.037; 95% CI: [3.141 - 8.077]; p = 0.003), non-consumption of fruits (OR = 3.095; 95% CI: [1.710 - 5.601]; p = 0.001), consumption of two meals (OR = 2.222; 95% CI: [1.101 - 4.479]; p = 0.026), 2nd trimester of pregnancy (OR = 0.060; 95% CI: [0.019 - 0.187]; p = 0.01). Targeted interventions are needed to improve the nutritional health of pregnant women. These interventions should aim to improve nutritional status and diversify food consumption. At the end of our study, according to the response from the responders and according to the findings of the study we suggest the following recommendations: Implement projects to support households with limited resources. Increase awareness sessions on nutrition for pregnant women. Educate women on the importance of prenatal visits. Perform systematic screening for malnutrition in all pregnant women who consult for pregnancy monitoring. Use locally available and less expensive foods to diversify your diet. Increase fruit consumption.

Nutritional Status, Pregnant Women, Prenatal Consultation, Health Center

Ndayihimbaze, J.B., Ngendakumana, L. , Ndayikegurukiye, J. and Niyukuri, J. (2025) Nutritional Status of Pregnant Women Attending the Prenatal Consultation Service at Musaga Health Center. Open Journal of Social Sciences, 13, 392-407. doi: 10.4236/jss.2025.136026.