# Feeding pattern and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in the Tahtay Maichew district, northern Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study examines feeding patterns in young children in Ethiopia and finds that household wealth, maternal knowledge, and health services are linked to better meal frequency.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific socioeconomic and health-related factors influencing meal frequency in children aged 6–23 months in northern Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 68% of children received adequate meal frequency.
- Wealthier households and mothers with good feeding knowledge had better meal frequency outcomes.
- Growth monitoring and birth preparedness plans were positively associated with adequate feeding.

## Abstract

The first one thousand days of life are a critical window of opportunity for children’s health and development. Nutritional deficiencies during this time can have serious consequences for the child’s health and development, with limited chances for correction later. For example, inadequate feeding among children can lead to consequences such as stunting, wasting, impaired immunity, and delayed cognitive development. Therefore, this study aimed to determine meal frequency and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months in the Tahtay Maichew district, northern Ethiopia. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study involving 981 randomly selected mothers of children aged 6–23 months. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. The children’s meal frequency was determined by asking mothers how many times their child had eaten food in the 24 hours preceding the survey. We used binary logistic regression with backward elimination to identify factors associated with children’s meal frequency. Overall, 68% (95% CI: 64.9, 70.9%) of the children received adequate meal frequency. Being from a rich household (p = 0.013, 95% CI = 1.12, 2.59), having growth monitoring follow-up (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.44, 2.88), good mother’s knowledge of child feeding (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 1.59, 3.22), and having a birth preparedness plan (p < 0.046, 95% CI = 1.013, 4.339) were associated with adequate meal frequency. The proportion of children who did not receive adequate meal frequency was significantly high. Being from a wealthy household, undergoing growth monitoring follow-up, having a knowledgeable mother regarding child feeding, and having a birth preparedness plan were associated with adequate meal frequency. In conclusion, our findings highlight the need to improve child meal frequency through enhancing maternal knowledge of child feeding, strengthening growth monitoring and promotion services, and improving socioeconomic status, as indicated by the wealth index.