title: Predictors of dietary diversity in children ages 6 to 23 mo in largely food-insecure area of South Wollo, Ethiopia.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the level and predictors of dietary diversity (DD) in predominantly food-insecure area of South Wollo, Ethiopia among children ages 6 to 23 mo.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was conducted in October 2014. We selected 2080 children using a multistage sampling technique. DD in the preceding day of the survey was assessed with the standard seven-food group score. Predictors of DD were identified via Poisson regression model and the outputs are presented using adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Only 7% (95% CI, 5.9%-8.1%) of the children met the recommended minimum DD. Child age and maternal knowledge of infant and young child feeding (IYCF) were significant predictors of DD with IRR of 1.027 (95% CI, 1.022-1.032) and 1.026 (95% CI, 1.010-1.043). Households with moderate and severe food insecurity had 9% (95% CI, 3.8-13.9%) and 24.9% (95% CI, 14.6-44%) reduced chance of providing diversified food. Husbands' direct involvement in IYCF increased DD by 13.7% (95% CI, 7.4-20.4). Caregivers who discussed IYCF with health extension workers, participated in cooking demonstrations, and heard radio spots about IYCF in the preceding 3 mo had 11.7% (95% CI, 3.4-20.7%), 18.9% (95% CI, 0.3-40.9%), and 11.4% (95% CI, 4.8-18.4) higher chance of providing diversified food, respectively. Backyard gardening (IRR, 1.088; 95% CI, 1.031-1.148) and number of chickens owned (IRR, 1.011; 95% CI, 1.001-1.021) also were significant predictors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In predominately food-insecure areas, nutrition education, implementation of nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and husband involvement in IYCF can improve children's DD.
authors: School of Public and Environmental Health, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia. Electronic address: Samsongmgs@yahoo.com.
authors: Samson
authors: S
authors: Gebremedhin
authors: Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Kaleab
authors: K
authors: Baye
authors: Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Tilahun
authors: T
authors: Bekele
authors: Alive and Thrive, Washington DC, USA.
authors: Manisha
authors: M
authors: Tharaney
authors: Alive and Thrive Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Yonas
authors: Y
authors: Asrat
authors: Alive and Thrive Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Yewelsew
authors: Y
authors: Abebe
authors: Center for Food Science and Nutrition, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
authors: Nigusse
authors: N
authors: Reta
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000191:economics; D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development; D002657:Child Development; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D000072001:Diet, Healthy / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D005002:Ethiopia; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology; D005220:Fathers / Q000193:education; D005248:Feeding Methods / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005523:Food Supply / Q000191:economics; D051639:Gardening / Q000191:economics; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000208:ethnology; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000191:economics / Q000208:ethnology
keywords: Complementary feeding; Dietary diversity; Food insecurity; Infant and young child feeding; Nutrition education