Nutritional Status and Its Effects on Birth Outcomes Among Postpartum Women in Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract

Maternal nutrition critically influences maternal health and fetal development. Sub-Saharan Africa faces a "double burden" of persistent undernutrition and rising obesity; however, Namibia lacks population-level data regarding postpartum nutritional status and birth outcomes. This study evaluated the effects of nutrition on pregnancy outcomes among 229 postpartum women in Windhoek, Namibia. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 28. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, including chi-square tests and ANOVA. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results showed that 12.2% of participants were undernourished, 78.6% were normal weight, and 9.2% were obese. Gestational weight gain (GWG) was significantly associated with preterm birth (p = 0.043) and low birth weight (LBW) (p = 0.006). Maternal nutritional status was also significantly linked to LBW (p = 0.046). These findings underscore the importance of maternal nutrition for improving health outcomes for both mothers and newborns.