Determinants of Inadequate Minimum Dietary Diversity Intake Among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Sub-Saharan Africa: Pooled Prevalence and Multilevel Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey in 33 Sub-Saharan African Countries

Abstract

There is a high magnitude of inadequate minimum dietary diversity intake among children aged 6-23 months in SSA. Variables such as secondary and above maternal education, having an employed mother, having exposure to media, richest wealth, having health institution delivery, and living in the upper middle-income country have a significant negative association, whereas living in rural residence has a significant positive association with inadequate MDD intake. These findings highlight that to increase the MDD intake in the region, policy makers and other stakeholders need to give prior attention to enhancing household wealth status, empowering women, and media exposure.