The findings indicated that most respondents were dependents with limited financial capacity to support adequate nutrition. This aligns with Dasgupta (2016), who noted that women’s employment enhances their economic standing within households, thereby improving both their personal nutrition and that of the household. Employment increases women’s decision-making power and often leads them to prioritize spending on health and nutrition.
The study further revealed that the majority of respondents, 18 out of 30 (60%), had a household income below 200,000 UGX per month, while 12 out of 30 (40%) earned above this level. This suggests that many of these women are less likely to afford a balanced and nutritious diet, increasing their risk of being underweight. Similar findings were reported by Emina et al. (2009), who emphasized that improved economic status among women leads to better nutritional outcomes.
In terms of food sources, 17 out of 30 respondents (56.7%) reported obtaining food from their gardens, while 13 (43.3%) relied on the market. This suggests that many respondents had access to fresh and affordable food. This finding is consistent with Okello et al. (2016), who observed that a large proportion of Ugandans depend on subsistence farming for their livelihoods.
The study also showed that 24 out of 30 respondents (80%) spent less than 200,000 UGX monthly on food, while only 1 respondent (3.3%) spent more than this amount. This low expenditure is likely due to limited income among respondents and their spouses, contributing to malnutrition. This finding corresponds with Van Klaveren et al. (2009), who reported similar trends among pregnant women in Botswana.
Additionally, 21 out of 30 respondents (70%) indicated that their partners contributed to feeding during pregnancy, while 9 (30%) reported no support. This suggests that partner involvement plays a role in improving nutritional status. Cornwall (2016) similarly found that spousal support significantly contributes to women’s well-being during pregnancy.
Among those receiving support, 11 out of 21 (52%) reported that their partners provided food, while a smaller proportion indicated assistance through meal preparation. This reflects a high level of dependence on partners for nutritional support, consistent with Sokoya (2009), who found that husbands often contribute food to pregnant women.
However, 24 out of 30 respondents (80%) reported the absence of nutritional support groups in their communities, indicating limited access to nutrition education. This aligns with Nisbett et al. (2017), who highlighted the lack of community-level nutrition support systems in many Sub-Saharan African settings.
Among the few respondents with access to support groups, most reported receiving food contributions, while others received guidance on proper nutrition. This underscores the importance of community-based support in promoting maternal nutrition, as also noted by Corley et al. (2016).
Cultural Factors
The study found that 27 out of 30 respondents (90%) reported the presence of food taboos in their culture, which contributed to poor nutrition. This is consistent with Merchant (2014), who identified food taboos as a major factor contributing to maternal undernutrition globally.
Specifically, respondents reported restrictions on foods such as eggs (33.3%), chicken (30%), meat (20%), and vegetables (13.3%). These restrictions limit access to essential nutrients, thereby increasing the risk of malnutrition. Paupério et al. (2014) explain that food taboos are culturally enforced restrictions that may not necessarily be based on scientific evidence.
Furthermore, 29 out of 30 respondents (96.7%) reported inequality in food distribution between men and women, with men often receiving better portions. This imbalance negatively affects women’s nutritional status. Meyer-Rochow (2009) notes that such cultural practices reinforce social cohesion but may disadvantage vulnerable groups.
The study also found that 20 out of 29 respondents (69%) indicated that men receive larger portions and are served first, further limiting women’s access to adequate nutrition. This is consistent with Corley et al. (2016), who reported similar gender-based disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Conclusion
The study concludes that malnutrition among pregnant women is influenced by a combination of personal, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Personal factors included lack of knowledge and pregnancy-related complications. Socio-economic factors involved unemployment and low income, leading to reduced food expenditure. Cultural factors, such as food taboos and gender inequality, further restricted access to nutritious foods.
Overall, these factors collectively contribute to poor nutritional outcomes among pregnant women in Butansi.
