Abstract
Background. Appropriate complementary feeding practice is essential for growth and development of children. This study aimed to assess dietary diversity and meal frequency practice of infants and young children in Ethiopia. Methods. Data collected in the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) from December 2010 to June 2011 were used for this study. Data collected were extracted, arranged, recoded, and analyzed by using SPSS version 17. A total of 2836 children aged 6–23 months were used for final analysis. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis were done to identify predictors of feeding practices. Result. Children with adequate dietary diversity score and meal frequency were 10.8% and 44.7%, respectively. Children born from the richest households showed better dietary diversity score (OR = 0.256). Number of children whose age less than five years was important predictor of dietary diversity (OR = 0.690). Mothers who had exposure to media were more likely to give adequate meal frequency to their children (OR = 0.707). Conclusion. Dietary diversity and meal frequency practices were inadequate in Ethiopia. Wealth quintile, exposure to media, and number of children were affecting feeding practices. Improving economic status, a habit of eating together, and exposure to media are important to improve infant feeding practices in Ethiopia.
Highlights
Appropriate complementary feeding practice is essential for growth and development of children
Data is collected on a total number of 2836 infant and young children aged between 6–23 months from the selected households by Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2011
Data was extracted from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Service (DHS) 2011 by downloading from Measure DHS website in Statistical package for social science WHO (SPSS) format after obtaining permission from ORC Macro
Summary
Appropriate complementary feeding practice is essential for growth and development of children. Insufficient quantities and inadequate quality of complementary foods, poor child feeding practices, and high rates of infections have a detrimental effect on health and growth in children less than 2 years of age. Children will become stunted if they do not receive sufficient dietary diversity and meal frequency after 6 months of age [1, 2]. An estimated 6% of under-five deaths can be prevented by ensuring optimal complementary feeding among which dietary diversity and meal frequency are the most important ones, significantly contributing to the realization of Millennium Development Goal 4 [7]. According to the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2000, 43% of infants aged 6–9 months receive solid food in addition to breast milk the rest 57% who are not given complementary food are more prone to stunting and wasting [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 call
