ASSOCIATIONS OF DIETARY DIVERSITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS WITH ANTHROPOMETRIC FAILURE AMONG CHILDREN (6 TO 23 MONTHS OLD) IN SAGNARIGU MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

Background: The role of adequate nutrition in population health is widely acknowledged. The objective of the study was to determine associations of dietary diversity and socioeconomic factors with anthropometric failure among children (6 to 23 months old) in Sagnarigu Constituency. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which involved 231 children randomly selected from child welfare clinics within Sagnarigu Municipality. Dietary diversity of children was computed from 8 food groups based on mothers recall of foods child ate in the past 24-hour period (previous day and night) preceding the survey. Child anthropometric data were assessed based on World Health Organization’s (WHO) standard protocols. Results: From a multiple binary logistics regression analysis, children who failed to meet the minimum dietary diversity (MDDS) (1-4 food groups) compared with those who met the MDDS (5-8 food groups) had higher odds for underweight [3.54(1.18-10.60); P = 0.024), stunting [2.97(1.39-6.33); P = 0.005], and a coexistence of multiple growth faltering indicators [2.68(1.38-5.22); P = 0.004]. Also, the odds of stunting in children were higher among those whose mothers lacked formal education compared with those whose mothers had formal education [2.70(1.15-6.32); P = 0.022]. Conclusions: In the study, low MDDS was a significant predictor of stunting, underweight, and the coexistence of multiple indicators of anthropometric failure. The health management team in the Sagnarigu Constituency has to intensify education on the importance of children meeting the MDDS