Determinants of maternal overweight in a low-resourced setting in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey among pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: Maternal overweight is an emerging public health concern in low-resource settings, where limited healthcare access and low awareness levels may hinder effective prevention. This study assessed the determinants of maternal overweight among pregnant women in the Gushegu District of Northern Ghana. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 377 pregnant women aged 18 years and above. Data were collected through structured interviews and from antenatal records. Key variables examined included socio-demographic factors, pregnancy-related characteristics, and awareness of maternal overweight. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors. RESULTS: The prevalence of maternal overweight was 37.1%. Women in their second trimester had significantly higher odds of being overweight compared to those in the third trimester (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI: 1.18-7.60; p = 0.021). Employment was also positively associated with overweight (unemployed: AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09-0.37; p < 0.001), while lack of prior awareness about maternal overweight was linked to reduced odds (AOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.17-0.83; p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal overweight was common in this rural setting with trimester of pregnancy, employment and awareness on overweight as predictors of maternal overweight. Strengthening antenatal education and awareness, particularly during early pregnancy, may help mitigate overweight-related risks among pregnant women.