Background: Despite significant improvement in the intake of calorie, diet quality continues to remain poor among individuals. Women of reproductive age (WRA) are nutritionally more vulnerable because of pregnancy, lactation, and menstruation requiring nutrient-dense quality food. Food situation is worse in developing countries. Dietary diversity is an indicator of micronutrient adequacy.
Objectives: This study was aimed at determining the proportion of WRA attaining minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and exploring the predictors associated with it.
Materials and Methods: An observational, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a slum of Kolkata. A total of 182 women took part in the study who were selected by simple random sampling. Face to face interviews were conducted using structured schedule that included questions on sociodemographic as well as dietary diversity. Body mass index was calculated for each participant. Data were summarized with descriptive statistics and adjusted with binary logistic regression analysis in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 16).
Results: Proportion of WRA attaining MDD was found to be 46.2% only. On multivariable logistic regression, it was observed that there was significant association between dietary diversity and small family size (less number of children) adjusted odds ratio (AOR [confidence interval (CI)]): 2.201 (1.046-4.635), upper socioeconomic status AOR (CI): 2.933 (1.473-5.841), higher educational level AOR (CI): 2.835 (1.444-5.567), and occupation other than homemaker AOR (CI): 2.378 (1.138-4.969).
Conclusion: Less than half of WRA achieved MDD. Based on the findings, information, education, and communication activities are recommended with an emphasis on locally available, low-cost nutritious diet.
Key words: Minimum Dietary Diversity; Community Based Study; Women of Reproductive Age; Slum of Kolkata
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