Abstract
Background
Consumsing a variety of food groups is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study examined the association between minimum food group production diversity (MFGPD) and minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W); and the correlation between food group production diversity (FGPD) and women's dietary diversity (WDD) among lactating mothers in rural Kyankwanzi district, central Uganda.
Method
Lactating mothers residing in subsistence farming households (HH) were recruited by systematic sampling. The outcome variables were WDD and MDD-W. A respondent scored either “1” or “0” if she consumed or did not consume the food group in the previous 24 hours, respectively. The WDD was calculated as the total of all food group scores. The respondent was considered to have achieved MDD-W if she consumed ≥ 5 out of the 10 food groups. The exposure variables were MFGPD and FGPD. The food groups used to classify foods on the farm were the same as the 10 food group classifications used in the MDD-W. The FGPD was calculated as the total of all food group scores. The MFGPD was achieved if the farm had ≥ 5 of the 10 food groups. The association between exposure and outcome variables was tested by logistic and linear regression models, where adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and adjusted correlation coefficient (β) were reported, respectively.
Results
Lactating mothers who achieved MFGPD were more likely to achieve MDD-W, AOR 8.6 (95% CI: 5.6–13.0, P < 0.0001); There was a positive correlation between WDD and FGPD, adjusted β:0.6 (95%CI 0.5–0.7, P < 0.0001).
Conclusion
The MFGPD is associated with MDD-W, while WDD increases as FGPD increases among lactating mothers in the study area. Promoting food production diversity based on food groups has the potential to improve WDD and achieve MDD-W among lactating mothers in the study area.