Food Science & Nutrition · 3 authors, 2 centres
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This cross-sectional study of 224 pregnant women in western Ethiopia found that daily okra consumption was associated with a higher mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), a measure of nutritional status. The prevalence of low MUAC (≤22 cm), indicating malnutrition, was 42.4%.
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 224 randomly selected pregnant women in western Ethiopia from June to July 2020. The primary outcome was mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), measured with a tape, to assess nutritional status. Data were analyzed using linear regression. The mean MUAC was 22.65 cm, and 42.4% of women had a low MUAC (≤22 cm). In the multivariable model, daily consumption of okra was significantly associated with a higher MUAC (β=1.269 cm, p≤.001). Food insecurity was inversely associated (β=−0.887 cm, p=.002), while higher hemoglobin concentration and working for an NGO were positively associated. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design, which cannot establish causation, and the specific population setting. The findings suggest that promoting okra consumption may be a strategy to improve nutritional status in pregnant women in resource-limited settings.
