Obstetrical Care Is Associated with Child Dietary Diversity in Indonesia: Analysis from Demographic and Health Survey 2015

Abstract

Abstract Objectives Our study aimed to examine if obstetrical care factors are associated with dietary diversity score, minimum dietary diversity (4 or more out of 7 food group consumption), and consumption of seven food groups among children ages 6–23 months using the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey 2015. Methods Univariate and multiple logistic regression were performed to assess the association between obstetrical care factors, including number of prenatal care visits, location of delivery, mode of delivery, delivery provider, timing of postnatal visit, and postnatal visit provider, with dietary diversity score, minimum dietary diversity, and consumption of seven food groups. Results Four or more prenatal care visits, delivery in a health facility, delivery assisted by trained professional, or delivery by C-section were positively associated with higher dietary diversity scores of children (All P < 0.05). Delivery in a health facility and delivery assisted by a health professional was associated with higher odds of minimum dietary diversity (OR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.18–1.79] and OR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.54–2.87]). Four or more prenatal care visits was associated with higher odds of consumption of eggs (OR = 1.28, 95% [1.01–1.63]). Four or more antenatal visits, delivering at a health facility, and having a professional delivery attendant was associated with higher odds of consumption of lentils (OR = 1.66, 95% CI [1.23–2.25], OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.02–1.65], OR 1.79, 95% CI [1.19–2.69], respectively). Four or more antenatal visits, delivery at a health facility, and having a professional delivery attendant was associated with higher odds of consumption of other fruits and vegetables (OR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.23–2.35), OR = 1.23, 95% CI [1.03–1.61], OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.29- 2.79]). Having a professional delivery attendant was associated with higher odds of consumption of grains, flesh, and eggs (OR 1.72, 95% CI [1.09– 2.71], OR = 1.67, 95% CI [1.26–2.21], OR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.29–2.24]). Conclusions Obstetrical care received from a health facility and professionally trained providers throughout pregnancy is positively associated with dietary diversity in children ages 6–23 months. Efforts focusing on providing nutritional education before and during birth could be encouraged, especially for mothers seeking care outside of a health facility in Indonesia. Funding Sources None.