Factors associated with nutritional status of women of reproductive age group in rural, Nepal

Abstract

Background: Maternal nutrition is one of the most important health and welfare problems among women in developing countries.
In women of reproductive age, malnutrition can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Maternal nutrition is the major public
health problem in Nepal. Objective: The main purpose of the study was to establish the factors influencing the nutritional status
of non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age in Shree Kedar VDC, Baitadi of Nepal. Methodology: A descriptive,
cross-sectional study involving 229 non-pregnant and non-lactating women of reproductive age (15-49) was carried out in Baitadi
district of Nepal. Results: In a total of 229 women, 45.4% of women were of age group 20-29 years. A significant proportion 32.3%
was underweight with a mean body mass index of <18.5% and 4.8% were either overweight or obese. Women of all age groups were
vulnerable to undernutrition. There was an indication of insufficient food availability at the household level. 22.7% of the study
population reported of food inadequacy. Educational status and marital status were statistically significant in the determination of
nutritional status. The study showed that the nutrition status of the study population in Shree Kedar VDC was poor. Conclusion:
Food inadequacy, inadequate information/knowledge, low educational levels, caste, income, and family size were the key contributors
to poor nutritional status. Furthermore, nutritional interventions are highly needed to improve the nutrition status of women.