Abstract
BackgroundLow Dietary Diversity (DD) result in severe problem among the vulnerable group in low-income countries (LICs), whose diets are predominantly starchy staples. Lactating Women (LW) from LICs are considered a nutritionally vulnerable group. It results in many consequences on the health and well-being of children, households, communities, and the nation. However, there is little empirical evidence on factors contributing to low DD among LW in Ethiopia and the proposed study site. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the DD and associated factors among LW in Pawie district, Northwest Ethiopia. MethodsA Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 806 LW from March to May 2019 G.C. DD assessed using 24 h dietary recall methods with structured questionnaires.A mean dietary diversity score (DDS) was computed for ten food groups. Food insecurity measured using a 9-item Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS). The multivariable logistic regression model was used to see the relevant associations. The variables which have a significant association with DD were identified based on AOR, P-value ≤ 0.05, and 95% Cl. ResultsA total of 806 LW aged 15–49 years were interviewed with a response rate of 100%. About two-third of LW had low DD (<5 food groups). Fathers occupation being daily laborer [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (.339, 9.784)], birth interval less than 24 months [AOR = 3.7, 95 % CI (1.743, 7.885)], family size greater than six members [AOR = 1.55, 95 % CI (1.046, 2.313)] and food insecurity [AOR = 2.23, 95 % CI (1.626, 3.066)] were more likely associated with the low DD among LW compared to their counterpart. ConclusionThe DD among LW was low. Low Dietary Diversity was statistically associated with low birth intervals, large family sizes, and food insecurity. Hence, attention should be paid to the identified factors of low DD of LW to improve their health, and that of their children as well as their family.
Highlights
Dietary diversity (DD) defined as the number of different food groups consumed over a given reference period, capable of ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients that can promote the health, physical and mental development
Low Dietary Diversity results in severe problems among Lactating Women (LW) in low-income countries (LICs), whose diets are predominantly starchy staples
This study aimed at assessing the Dietary Diversity (DD) and associated factors among LW in the Pawie district, Northwest Ethiopia
Summary
Dietary diversity (DD) defined as the number of different food groups consumed over a given reference period, capable of ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients that can promote the health, physical and mental development. Low Dietary Diversity results in severe problems among LW in LICs, whose diets are predominantly starchy staples. Low Dietary Diversity (DD) result in severe problem among the vulnerable group in low-income countries (LICs), whose diets are predominantly starchy staples. Lactating Women (LW) from LICs are considered a nutritionally vulnerable group It results in many consequences on the health and well-being of children, households, communities, and the nation. Fathers occupation being daily laborer [AOR 1⁄4 1.82, 95% CI (.339, 9.784)], birth interval less than 24 months [AOR 1⁄4 3.7, 95 % CI (1.743, 7.885)], family size greater than six members [AOR 1⁄4 1.55, 95 % CI (1.046, 2.313)] and food insecurity [AOR 1⁄4 2.23, 95 % CI (1.626, 3.066)] were more likely associated with the low DD among LW compared to their counterpart. Low Dietary Diversity was statistically associated with low birth intervals, large family sizes, and food insecurity.
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
