Trends and Determinants of Dietary Diversity in Children Aged 6–59 Months in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2005–2016 Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Dietary diversity may be associated with health and optimum growth in children. In this study we analyzed the trends and determinants of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among Ethiopian children aged 6 to 59 mo. Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) data of 3 consecutive years (2005, 2011, and 2016) were analyzed. A total of n=2396 (2005), n=3385 (2011), and n=3723 (2016) children aged 6 to 59 mo were included for measurement of trends and identification of the determinants of MDD. The associations between the study factors and MDD were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis. The proportion of children who fulfilled the MDD decreased from 2.46% in 2005 to 1.57% in 2011 but sharply increased to 7.82% in 2016. Adjusted regression analysis revealed that exposure of mothers to media, particularly watching television, maternal education, and household wealth were associated with a greater likelihood of mothers providing diversified diets to their children across the 3 y of EDHS data. A decrease in MDD was observed from the years 2005 to 2011, after which a sharp increase was noted in 2016. In all 3 y of the EDHS, media exposure, maternal education, and household wealth were the consistent factors positively affecting dietary diversity among children aged 6 to 59 mo. Future intervention programs to increase dietary diversity in children should emphasize improving access to media exposure, education, and antenatal care visits.