DIETARY DIVERSITY, ADEQUATE VITAMIN A RICH FOOD CONSUMPTION, AND THEIR ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG LACTATING MOTHERS IN ARBA MINCH ZURIA DISTRICT GAMO ZONE SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA 2023.

Abstract

Introduction: Lactating mothers in low income countries, frequently experience low dietary diversity and inadequate vitamin A rich food consumption. This can lead to micronutrient deficiencies, which increase the risk of intergenerational malnutrition and mortality. Despite this, there is limited study in dietary diversity and vitamin A rich food consumption among lactating mothers in this study area. Objective: To assess the prevalence of dietary diversity, adequate vitamin A rich food consumption and associated factors among lactating mothers in Arba Minch zuriya district Gamo zone southern Ethiopia 2023. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch zuriya district from July1-August 5/2023 among 422 lactating mothers, who were selected by Simple random sampling technique. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using Open Data Kit and analyzed by SPSS software version 27 and association was considered statistically significant at 95% CI with p-value < 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity was 44.1% (95% CI (39.3%-48.9%)). Regarding with factor associated; family size [AOR=1.92; 95% CI:(1.09-3.397)], meal frequency [(AOR 3.43, 95% CI: (1.69-6.95))], home gardening [(AOR=3.56; 95% CI: (1.99- 6.37))], postnatal care follow up [(AOR=2.73, 95% CI:( 1.54-4.837)] and food security [AOR=2.067; 95% CI:(1.237-3.45)] were significantly associated with dietary diversity among lactating mothers. Adequate consumption of vitamin A-rich food was 24.6% (95% CI: 20.5%- 28.9%). Educational status [AOR=3.604; 95% CI :( 1.635-7.94)], Antenatal care follow up [AOR=2.73; 95% CI: (1.03-7.28)] and home gardening [AOR=2.21; 95% CI: (1.11-4.34)] were significantly associated with adequate consumption of vitamin A-rich food. Conclusion: Nearly half of the lactating mother’s achieved the minimum dietary diversity of women: family size, meal frequency, home gardening, postnatal care and food security were significantly associated with this. Almost one fourth of the lactating mothers consumed adequate vitamin A-rich food and educational status, antenatal care follow up and home gardening were significantly associated with this.