Abstract
Objective: To find out the determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among under-five children in East Africa based on the 2017 revised indicator. Methods: Secondary data from the demographic and health survey (DHS) of eight countries in East Africa were combined. A total of 27,223 weighted samples of children aged 6-59months were included. Multi-level logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the determinants of dietary diversity. Results: The magnitude of adequate MDD in East Africa was found to be 10.47% with 95% CI (10.12-10.84) with the lowest and highest magnitude in Ethiopia and Rwanda respectively. Having a mother in the age group of 35-49, having a mother with higher educational attainment, and having a post-natal check-up within 2months were significant factors in determining adequate MDD. Conclusion: The magnitude of adequate MDD intake among children aged 6-59months in East Africa is relatively low. Therefore, strengthening interventions focused on improving the economic status of households, the educational status of mothers, and diversified food consumption of children aged 6-59months should get priority to improve the recommended feeding practice of children.
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