Abstract
IntroductionDifferent foods and food groups are good sources for various macro- and micronutrients. Diversified diet play an important role in both physical and mental growth and development of children. However, meeting minimum standards of dietary diversity for children is a challenge in many developing countries including Ethiopia.ObjectiveTo assess dietary diversity and associated factors among children (6–23 months) in Gedieo Zone, Ethiopia.MethodCommunity based cross-sectional study was carried out at Gedieo Zone, Ethiopia, from January to March 15, 2019. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to get a total of 665 children with the age of between 6 and 23 months from their kebeles. Data was collected by using face-to-face interview with structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 for analyses. Variables having p < 0.25 at bivariate analysis were fitted to multivariable analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used at 95% confidence interval and with P-Value < 0.05. Bivariate.ResultA total of 665 children were participated with response rate of 96.2%. Only 199(29.9%) of children were met the minimum requirements for dietary diversity. Age of children [AOR 4.237(1.743–10.295))], Educational status [AOR 2.864(1.156–7.094)], Number of families [AOR 2.865(1.776–4.619))] and household wealth index [AOR4.390(2.300–8.380)] were significantly associated with Dietary Diversity of children.ConclusionOnly, one out of four children aged of 6–23 months attained the minimum dietary diversity score. Children from low socioeconomic status and mothers with no formal educational attainment need special attention to improve the practice of appropriate feeding of children.
Highlights
Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro- and micronutrients
Only, one out of four children aged of 6–23 months attained the minimum dietary diversity score
Children from low socioeconomic status and mothers with no formal educational attainment need special attention to improve the practice of appropriate feeding of children
Summary
Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro- and micronutrients. Diversified diet play an important role in both physical and mental growth and development of children. Different foods and food groups are good sources for various macro and micronutrients to ensure nutrient adequacy [3]. Adequate nutrition is important to meet both known and as yet unknown needs for human health. It is fundamental for physical and mental, growth and development of children, healthy. After the age of sixth month, the energy and nutrient content of breast milk alone is not enough to meet the nutritional demand of the growing infant to prevent stunting among children. Providing sustainable diets rich in micronutrients and macronutrients is vital in the effort to combat malnutrition to children [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
