Minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Aleta Wondo District, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Proper nutrition for infants and young children is critical for their health and development, especially during the first two years of life. The minimal acceptable diet (MAD) and associated parameters have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the minimum acceptable diet feeding practice and associated characteristics among children aged 6 to 23 months in Aleta Wondo District, Sidama Regional State, Ethiopia, in the year 2020.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 543 mothers/caregivers along with their children (6-23 months old) were included in this study.  Data was collected by face-to-face interviews with structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were carried out.

Result: The proportion of children aged 6 to23 months who met the minimum acceptable diet was 13.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.9%, 16.7%). Children whose mothers/caregivers were above 35 years old (AOR: 3.7 [95% CI: 1.3, 9.1]), children from rich households (AOR: 3.8 [95% CI: 1.8, 7.9]), and children whose mothers/caregivers had food preparation training (AOR: 2.1 [95% CI = 1.1, 3.6]) were found to have higher odds of meeting the MAD requirement.

Conclusion: A small percentage of infants between the ages of 6 and 23 months have achieved the MAD requirement. Receiving MAD was shown to be linked to the mother's age, affluence, and food preparation training. In collaboration with a range of partners, focused attention and nutritional intervention are required, particularly increased training for mothers/caregivers on meal preparation from locally available food categories.