Undernutrition and dietary diversity score and associated factors among lactating mothers in Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition negatively influences both maternal and child health, as well as economic and social development. Limited research has been conducted on both the nutritional status and dietary diversity score among lactating mothers. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the magnitudes of undernutrition and dietary diversity scores and their associated factors among lactating mothers in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021. Systematic random sampling and interview-administered questionnaires were employed. Dietary diversity score and nutritional status were measured using a 24-h recall and body mass index (BMI), respectively. Data entry and analysis were performed using EpiData version 3.02 and SPSS version 24 software, respectively. Both the bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed, and the strength of association was measured in terms of odds ratio.ResultsThe prevalence of undernutrition and low dietary diversity scores among respondents were 13.5% (95% CI; 10.4, 17.2) and 64.8% (95% CI, 60.0, 69.4), respectively. The significant factors for undernutrition were being young [AOR = 2.30, 95% CI (1.09, 5.43)], having low dietary diversity score [AOR = 2.26, 95% CI (1.01,5.10)], having poor nutritional knowledge [AOR = 2.56, 95% CI (1.03, 6.51)], meal frequency less or equal to 3 times per day [AOR = 4.06, 95% CI (0.71, 9.65)], educational status being primary school [AOR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.01, 9.11)], and educational status of husband being secondary school [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI (1.25, 8.53)]. Age between 20 and 30 years [AOR = 1.46, 95% CI (1.01, 2.48)], being food insecure [AOR = 3.41, 95% CI (1.21, 9.63)], and being poorest [AOR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.02, 5.32)] were associated with the dietary diversity score.ConclusionA high prevalence of undernutrition and low dietary diversity scores were recorded in the current study area. Age, educational status of lactating mothers and their husbands, nutritional knowledge, dietary diversity, and meal frequency were significant factors associated with undernutrition. Age, food security, and wealth index were associated with the dietary diversity score.