Women’s Empowerment Measures and Their Association with Child Dietary Diversity and Child Nutritional Status: Findings from DHS Form Eight East African Countries (P10-007-19)

Abstract

ObjectivesResearch on the efficacy of women’s empowerment measures to improve child dietary diversity Scores (CDDS) and child nutritional status in the East African region is limited. Our study examined the association between maternal economic autonomy, social-familial freedom, self-esteem, health decisiveness and legal empowerment and CDDS, length-for-age z scores (LAZ), weight-for-height z scores (WHZ) and weight-for-age z scores (WAZ). MethodsThe most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from eight countries in the East African Region were used; (Burundi 2016–2017, Ethiopia 2016, Kenya 2014, Malawi 2015–2016, Rwanda 2014–2015, Tanzania 2015–2016, Uganda 2016 and Zambia 2013–2014). Mother (15–49 years) and index child (6–23 months) dyads data was used as the main inclusion criteria. Frequency statistics described selected child, maternal, household and women’s empowerment characteristics. Logistic and linear regression models tested the association between each of the women’s empowerment measures and CDDS, and child nutritional status respectively. The models were adjusted for household, maternal and child covariates. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. ResultsOver half (>55.5%) of the mothers in their respective countries had control over health-related decisions. Most of the mothers (>58.7%) perceived that domestic violence was wrong. Significant bivariate associations were observed between specific women’s empowerment measures with CDDS in all countries except Malawi and Uganda. After adjustment in multivariate models, the economic empowerment domain remained significantly associated with CDDS in Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania, and the legal empowerment domain remained significantly associated with CDDS in five of eight countries. Individual women’s empowerment measures remained significantly associated with higher LAZ, WAZ and WHZ each in a different combination within four of the eight countries. ConclusionsWomen’s empowerment measures were associated with higher child dietary diversity score and better child nutritional status in these East African Countries. Interventions aimed at improving CDDS and child nutrition outcomes should include promotion of women’s empowerment across multiple dimensions. Funding SourcesThis study had no funding sources.