Factors Associated with Minimum Dietary Diversity Among Women of Reproductive Age of Gokarneshwor Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies remain a significant public health concern among women of reproductive age. Dietary diversity is widely used as a proxy indicator for micronutrient adequacy and overall diet quality. Limited access to diverse foods and socioeconomic disparities often lead to monotonous diets dominated by staples, increasing the risk of hidden hunger.

Aims:To assess minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among women of reproductive age.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 178 women aged 15–49 years in Gokarneshwor Municipality. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women guideline based on a 24-hour dietary recall. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and the chi-square test assessed associations between socio-demographic variables and dietary diversity. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The mean age of participants was 35.65±8.34 years. Most women belonged to Adivasi/Janajati ethnicity 118 (66.31%), were homemakers 96 (53.94%), and lived in nuclear families 108 (60.67%). Overall, 78.09% of women achieved adequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD-W ≥5), with a mean dietary diversity score of 6.29±1.9. Staples 177 (99.40%) and legumes 170 (95.50%) were the most commonly consumed food groups, whereas nuts and seeds 56 (31.46%) and animal-source foods were less frequently consumed. Household income showed a significant association with adequate dietary diversity (p=0.007).

Conclusion: Despite most women attaining adequate dietary diversity, dietary patterns were primarily staple-based with insufficient intake of micronutrient-dense foods. Household income significantly influenced dietary diversity.