Minimum Dietary Diversity among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Sheikh Othman District, Aden Governorate-Yemen

Abstract

Background: It is important for women of reproductive age (WRA) in particular to consume adequate macro- and micronutrients to maintain optimal health. The whole of dietary variety, or the Minimum Dietary variety for WRA (MDD-W), is recommended as a simple indicator to identify women of reproductive age who are at risk. The aims of the study were to assess minimum dietary diversity intake among Yemeni women of reproductive age in Sheikh Othman district in Aden governorate. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 5, 2023, to May 29, 2024 in Sheikh Othman District-Aden Governorate. The sample size was selected through stratified random techniques based on geographical location. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included information on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and minimum dietary diversity intake. This information was obtained using the 24-hour recall method, and food group scores were calculated. The data collected were then analyzed using statistical software (version 26) to determine the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity intake among the study population. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and percentages were calculated to summarize the data. Additionally, inferential statistics such as chi-square tests were used to assess the association between variables. Results: The study revealed that 38.3% of women aged 20-29 years old, 49.5% of them from families comprising 4-6 members, 33.9% had a university degree, and 36.5% were employed in the public sector. Furthermore, 45.3% of them had low incomes. Regarding minimum dietary diversity, 66. % of the women had low dietary diversity scores (<5), while 34% scored high. Cereals and starchy were the most predominantly consumed foods (99.7%). The average BMI among women of reproductive age was 24.35 SD±5.21 kg/m², waist circumference was 80.96cm SD±13.24, and waist-to-height ratio was 0.51 SD±0.08. The study also noted significant associations between family size and waist circumference with dietary diversity scores (P-values 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). Conclusion: The results suggest an intricate link between socio-demographic factors and minimum dietary diversity in women of reproductive age. Several individuals in this demographic face obstacles like inadequate income and restricted food choices. Specific eating patterns, like excessive consumption of grains and starchy foods, may impact their well-being and nutritional status. Further research is required to thoroughly investigate these connections and create specific interventions