Abstract

Introduction: Maternal dietary diversity is a proxy indicator of maternal nutrient adequacy and improves health outcomes for both mothers and babies. Lack of dietary diversity is a severe problem in the developing world. Good nutrition during pregnancy is a fundamental determinant for growth and development of infants and mothers’ nutritional status.

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess dietary diversity and factors affecting it among pregnant women attending Antenatal Care in public health Centers, Addis Ababa.

Method: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted in randomly selected public health center of Addis Ababa. Data collection was performed using standard questioners for dietary diversity guigeline of Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) of aged 15-49 years. Multivariate logistic regressions were computed to identify factors associated with dietary diversity.

Result: A total of 578 respondents were involved in the study with a response rate of 98.1%. From the 10 food groups the mean and standard deviation for dietary diversity was 5.1 ± 1.5 with a range of 3 to 9 food groups. Majority (n= 570, 98.6%) respondents were consumed starch food groups followed by pulse 509 (88.1%) over the past 24 hours. Adequate dietary diversity consumption was 52.7%. House hold income of $37.5-65.5 with (AOR=2.1(CI, 1.1, 4.3), income > $65.5 with (AOR=2.4 (CI, 1.18, 5.13) status and presence of emotional support with (AOR=1.6 (CI, 1.1, 2.3) have showed significant statistical association with dietary diversity.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the prevalence of adequate dietary diversity among pregnant mothers is low and higher household monthly income and presence of emotional support were positively associated with the adequate dietary diversity. Multi-sectoral collaboration and policy strengthening is needed to enhance the dietary diversity of pregnant women by strengthening sustainable income and advocating nutrition education regarding dietary diversity during pregnancy.