Undernutrition and Dietary Diversity Score Associated Factors among Lactating Mothers

Maternal undernutrition has a negative influence on maternal and child health, and 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. A 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-hour recall and body mass index, respectively. The 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. 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.