PhD defence Nana Chea Hankalo

Keywords: Undernutrition, Pregnant women, Double Diamond model, Ethiopia

"Undernutrition among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia: prevalence, determinants, challenges and utility of couples’ forum to tackle maternal undernutrition"

A series of four studies examined the determinants, challenges, and solutions for maternal undernutrition in rural Ethiopia, revealing a complex mix of biomedical, sociocultural, and systemic factors. Undernutrition among pregnant women remains widespread, particularly among those with limited nutritional counselling, gender inequality, and food taboos. Major gaps include weak integration of nutrition counselling into routine maternal care, low provider awareness, and underuse of existing health structures. Sociocultural influences, especially husbands’ decision-making power and limited male involvement; emerged as strong drivers of poor nutrition. Multisectoral nutrition initiatives face implementation challenges such as weak coordination, unclear operational frameworks, and financial constraints, despite opportunities within existing government and community systems. The studies identified the Couples’ Forum as a promising, culturally acceptable intervention that engages both women and husbands in nutrition education. Its feasibility and potential for integration into community health platforms highlight the need for gender-responsive, community-based strategies to address maternal undernutrition.

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