Trends and Determinants of Dietary Diversity in Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2005–2016 Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Background Dietary diversity can indicate child's health and optimum growth. Objective To analyze the trends and determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among children aged 6 to 59 months in Ethiopia. Methods Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data of three consecutive years (2005, 2011 and 2016) were analyzed. A total of N = 2,396 (2005), N = 3,385 (2011) and N = 3,723 (2016) children aged 6 to 59 months were included to measure the trend and to identify the determinants of MDD. The association between the study factors and MDD were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results The proportion of children who fulfilled the MDD has decreased from 2.46% in 2005 to 1.57% in 2011, but sharply improved to 7.82% in 2016. Adjusted regression analysis revealed that mothers’ media exposure, particularly watching television, maternal education and household wealth were more likely to provide diversified diet to their children across the three EDHS. Conclusions A decrease in minimum dietary diversity was observed from the year 2005 to 2011, after which a sharp increase was noted in 2016. In all the three EDHSs, media exposure, maternal education and household wealth were the consistent factors positively affecting the improvement of dietary diversity among children aged 6 to 59 months. Pertinent devotion should be given to improve access to media exposure, education and antenatal care visit in future intervention programs.

Zero fruits/vegetables consumption and associated factors among Children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: Mixed effect logistic regression analysis

“…Previous studies which were conducted to assess dietary diversity among children in Ethiopia investigated the consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin A as a single food group, and other fruits and vegetables as another food group and, among other food groups as part of the overall diet. Most of these studies demonstrate low consumption of fruits and vegetables among children age 6-23 months [17][18][19][20][21][22]. For example a study conducted in southern Ethiopia reported 7.2% and 39.1% respectively of children who consumed Vitamin A rich, and other fruits and vegetables the day prior to the survey [18].…”

Factors associated with food consumption and dietary diversity among infants aged 6–18 months in Ashanti Region, Ghana

“…“Minimum dietary diversity is defined as consumption of food from four or more out of seven food groups for higher dietary quality and to meet daily energy and nutrient requirements of the seven recommended food groups namely : grains , roots and tubers; legumes and nuts; dairy products; flesh foods (meat , fish , poultry and organ meat) , eggs; vitamin-A rich fruits and vegetables; other fruits and vegetables” Minimum dietary diversity is one of the eight indicators of infant and young child feeding practices as proposed by the World Health Organization [ 11 ]. Increased variety of dietary intake is usually proportional to improved diet quality, characterized by more animal-source foods than a less diversified one [ 12 ]. Consistent intake of diverse food sources is essential for adequately meeting nutrient demands [ 13 ].…”