Dietary Adequacy among Reproductive Aged Women Attending Urban and Rural Health Care Facilities Gharbia Governorate, Egypt

Background: Women of reproductive age are central to the health of future generations, yet their diets are often inadequate. With excess energy intake alongside key micronutrients deficiencies.
Aim: This study assessed nutrient adequacy among reproductive aged women. 
Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2025 in urban and rural healthcare facilities, recruited 400 women aged 15–49 years selected by systematic random sampling. Data were collected through interviews, including sociodemographic information and 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient adequacy was assessed against Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) using computer software SPSS and statistical analysis was performed with Chi-square, t-test, Monte Carlo, and Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05).
Results: Urban women represented (53.25%) had greater education (71.8%) and employment, whereas rural women represented (46.75%) were mostly housewives (58.8%), with lower income (40.1% vs. 21.1%) and limited food access (54.5% vs. 31.9%, p < 0.001). Overconsumption of energy, carbohydrates, and fat exceeds 50% in all reproductive stages, whereas urban pregnant women had significantly higher protein adequacy (70.8% vs. 57.9%, p = 0.01). Women had higher rates of micronutrient deficiencies (>50%) in most of micronutrients. Overweight and obesity were more common among non-pregnant women.
Conclusion: This study highlighted a double burden of malnutrition among women in all reproductive stages, with excessive intake of energy, fat, and carbohydrates which may contribute to overweight, alongside micronutrient deficiencies exceeding 50%. Targeted nutrition education, food fortification, and better access to affordable diverse foods are recommended to reduce these deficiencies.