Determinants of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in Pregnant Women at Banjarejo Health Center

Abstract

Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnant women remains a major contributor to low birth weight (LBW) cases in Indonesia. The Indonesian Ministry of Health, in line with the 2015–2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has targeted a reduction in CED prevalence among pregnant women to 5%. However, the 2024 report from the Madiun City Health Office recorded the highest prevalence of CED among pregnant women at the Banjarejo Community Health Center, reaching 8.5%. This study aimed to analyze factors associated with the incidence of CED among pregnant women at the Banjarejo Health Center in Madiun City. An observational analytic method with a case-control design was employed. The study involved 78 respondents, consisting of 39 cases and 39 controls, with inclusion criteria of pregnant women in their first and second trimesters. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through univariate and bivariate approaches. The findings showed that maternal knowledge level (p = 0.040) and compliance with iron (Fe) tablet consumption (p = 0.008) were significantly associated with CED. It is recommended that pregnant women at risk of CED improve their knowledge of pregnancy nutrition and adhere to proper Fe tablet intake, including correct timing, dosage, and management of side effects.