The impact of social marginalization on the health of certain ethnic minorityrnpopulations, particularly in women is a serious problem worldwide. However, its magnitudernand factors are not well explored in developing countries in general and in our context inrnparticular. Hence cross sectional, community based study with social group comparisons wasrnconducted in Koysha Development Area of ActionAid-Ethiopia between January andrnDecember 2001. The study aimed at assessing the influence of social marginalization on thernhealth and nutritional status of women. The study particularly focused on the health andrnnutritional status differences between the Manja and Malla social groups. All peasantrnassociations within AAE-Koysha development program area were represented in the survey.rnThe two study populations were stratified based on their social strata and selecting villagesrnusing probability proportionate to size technique enabled us to identify the required numbersrnof respondents. Data were collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire, focus grouprndiscussions, in depth interviews and anthropomery. Data entry and analysis were performedrnusing Epi Info and SPSS statistical software.rnThe utilization of services for reproductive health problems by minorities (Manjarnsocial group) was low compared to the dominant Malla social group. There was a statisticallyrnsignificant difference between the two social groups in the use of antenatal care [OR =rn2.93(1.39,6.25)], median number of antenatal care visit (p