GESTATIONAL WEIGHT GAIN AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING ANTENATAL CARE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH FACILITIES IN GAROWE, PUNTLAND, SOMALIA

Abstract

Background: The weight gained during pregnancy is known as gestational weight gain, which is a normal physiological process that support the increased metabolic demands of pregnancy as well as fetal growth and development. However inappropriate GWG is significant public health concerns, as it has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcome and increases the risk of future obesity and chronic disease in women. Evidence regarding gestational weight gain is scarce in Somalia, particularly in the Garowe City. Objectives: To assess the level of gestational weight gain and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in public and private health facilities in Garowe City, Puntland, Somalia, from July 15 to August 15 2024. Methods: An institution- based cross-sectional study was conducted on 412 systematically selected pregnant women in selected public and private health facilities in Garowe district of Puntland, Somalia. Data were firstly entered into kobo Toolbox, cleaned in Excel, and then exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. Data was collected using pretested and structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis, including simple frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to describe participants’ characteristics .Information was presented using text descriptions, tables and figures. Binary logistic regression was fitted to identify the factors associated with gestational weight Gain. Level of statistical significance was declared at p- value<0.05 in the multivariable analysis, reporting adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) Result: The study showed that the mean gestational weight gain of the women was 8.22 kg (SD=1.73), and 57.35% (95% CI 52.4%, 62.08%) of the women had inadequate gestational weight gain. No formal education (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.02, 3.77), multi gravidity (AOR=5.47, 95% CI: 1.91, 15.58) and lower early pregnancy body mass index (underweight) (AOR=5.32, 95% CI: 3.06, 9.26) were significantly associated with inadequate gestational weight gain. Conclusions The finding of the study revealed a higher magnitude of inadequate gestational weight gain. Being underweight at early pregnancy and lack of adequate food was positively associated with inadequate weight gain. These results highlight the importance of addressing pre-pregnancy BMI, ensuring a balanced diet.