Abstract

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and contributing factors of malnutrition in
pregnancy among pregnant women receiving antenatal care (ANC) at Fort Portal Regional
Referral Hospital (FRRH). Specific objectives included assessing the prevalence of
malnutrition, socio-demographic factors, and individual-related factors associated with
malnutrition. The research employed a descriptive and cross-sectional study design,
involving 384 participants who completed structured researcher-administered
questionnaires. Data were analyzed using Excel and SPSS to derive the study findings. The
study revealed a malnutrition prevalence of 13.5% among pregnant women attending ANC
at FRRH, with 12.2% classified as having moderate acute malnutrition and 1.3% as severe
acute malnutrition. Socio-demographic factors such as age, marital status, education level,
occupation, and income significantly contributed to malnutrition in this population.
Additionally, individual-related factors, including knowledge about nutrition, HIV status,
the number of children, and household size, were associated with malnutrition. The study
recommends that the Ministry of Health and other healthcare policymakers implement
feeding programs and provide food subsidies to pregnant women during ANC visits to
reduce malnutrition prevalence. Health workers at FRRH should offer counseling on dietary
intake, supported by the establishment of nutrition education and efficient monitoring
systems at all levels of antenatal care