Mean Nutrient Adequacy Ratio of Complementary Foods and Its Associated Factors among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Northeast Ethiopia: A Linear Regression Analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background: Inadequate intake of macro and micronutrients is a significant public health challenge in many developing countries, including Ethiopia. Ethiopia carries a substantial burden of both macro and micronutrient deficiencies, with far-reaching consequences. However, there is limited evidence on the determinants and responses to the nutrient adequacy of complementary foods among children aged 6–23 months. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the mean nutrient adequacy ratio and associated factors of complementary feeding among children aged 6–23 months in Northeast Ethiopia Methods: A study was conducted in Northeast Ethiopia between March 01 and April 30, 2023, to determine the nutrient adequacy ratio of complementary feeding among children aged 6–23 months. The study employed a systematic sampling technique to select 255 children. Linear regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the nutrient adequacy of complementary foods. In the multivariable analysis, variables with P–Values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that the mean nutrient adequacy ratio of complementary foods among children aged 6–23 months in Northeast Ethiopia was 63% [95% CI (60.8, 65.14)]. The adequacy of nutrients in complementary foods varied, with energy (90%), fat (93%), carbohydrate (70%), protein (88%), calcium (57%), zinc (52%), Vitamin B1 (50%), Vitamin A (52%), and Vitamin C (60%).The age of child, mother’s education, wealth index, feeding frequency, dietary diversity, minimum acceptable diet, source of information during ANC follow-up, PNC follow-up, food insecurity, and the number of under-five children were significantly associated with MAR of complementary feeding. Conclusions: The study found that the mean adequacy ratio of complementary food among children aged 6–23 months in Northeast Ethiopia was low and fell below the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The factors significantly influenced the MAR of complementary feeding, including age of child, mother’s education, food insecurity, wealth index, minimum dietary diversity, and feeding frequency, minimum acceptable diet, number of children, and ANC and PNC. The findings highlight the need for organized efforts at all levels to enhance the consumption of high-quality diets from locally available foods.