Food Consumption Patterns and Nutritional Status of Pregnant, Lactating Mothers: The Case of Jigjiga and Gode City, Somali Region, Ethiopia

Background: Malnutrition remains a critical public health challenge in Ethiopia, particularly among vulnerable populations in regions facing food insecurity and limited healthcare access. The Somali Region, characterized by arid landscapes and pastoralist livelihoods, presents unique nutritional challenges for pregnant and lactating mothers. Objective: This study aimed to assess the food consumption patterns and nutritional status of pregnant and lactating mothers in Jigjiga and Gode cities, Somali Region, Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 (100%) pregnant and lactating mothers recruited from public health centers in Jigjiga and Gode cities. Results: The majority of participants were of Somali ethnicity (357, 92.7%), Muslim (363, 94.3%), and housewives (242, 62.8%). A high proportion (294, 76.4%) had no formal education. Cereal-based foods dominated dietary patterns, with rice consumed sometimes by 328 (85.2%) and maize frequently by 267 (69.4%). Animal-source food consumption varied: milk and milk products were consumed daily by 247 (64.2%), while meat was consumed sometimes by 256 (66.5%) and chicken 1–2 times per month by 237 (61.6%). Fruit and vegetable consumption was predominantly occasional. MUAC measurements revealed that 111 (28.8%) of mothers had moderate malnutrition (21–23 cm) and 18 (4.7%) had severe malnutrition (≤21 cm). Maternal education emerged as the strongest predictor of food consumption patterns: illiterate mothers (89, 62.2%) had significantly higher FCPS of poor dietary practices across all food groups (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.21–0.77; P < 0.01 for animal sources). Mothers with secondary education (28, 19.6%) were more likely to have poor animal-source food consumption patterns compared to highly educated mothers (AOR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.09–3.65; P = 0.05). Maternal age showed inconsistent associations, with older mothers (≥36 years) demonstrating poorer fruit and vegetable diversity after adjustment (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.88; P = 0.02). Conclusion: Maternal malnutrition and suboptimal food consumption patterns are prevalent among pregnant and lactating mothers in Jigjiga and Gode cities. Maternal education is the most significant determinant of food consumption patterns, highlighting the critical role of women's education in improving nutritional outcomes. Interventions should prioritize nutrition education, women's economic empowerment, and improved access to diverse foods in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities.