OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN NUTRITION

Abstract

Introduction: Lactating mothers food security and optimum dietary practice is indispensable for maintaining health of mothers and child. During breastfeeding, energy and nutrient need to increase and meeting them is critical for women’s and children health, but in many parts of the world, the nutritional status of women is unacceptably poor especially lactating mothers are not receiving the health diet. However, little is known about prevalence of food insecurity and dietary practice and factors affecting it among lactating mothers in the study area. Objective: To assess prevalence of dietary practice, food insecurity and associated factors among lactating mothers in Jigjiga town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, from July 20 to September 3, 2024. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among 458 randomly selected lactating mothers in Jigjiga town, Somalia region, eastern Ethiopia. Data was collected using a face-to-face interview. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was used to assess associations between the dependent variable and independent variables. A P value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance of the observed associations. Results: The prevalence of improper dietary practice among lactating women in Jigjiga city was 86.3% [95% CI: 83.4, 89.5]. The prevalence of food insecurity status among lactating women in Jigjiga city was 70.6% [95% CI: 65.8, 74.9]. Educational status of mother [AOR=2.29, 95%CI (1.03,5.08)] and lack ANC follow up [AOR =7.9, 95%CI: (2.95,21.3)] were significantly associated with dietary practice. Whereas educational status of the mother [AOR=6.9, 95%CI (2.2, 21.7)] and mother from medium and rich family [AOR=25.2, 95% CI: (9.3, 63.7)] and [AOR=3.2, 95% CI: (1.7, 6.01)] respectively were significantly associated with food security status. Conclusion: The high prevalence of improper dietary practices and food insecurity among lactating women in Jigjiga City underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions. The study highlights the significant associations between inadequate antenatal care and maternal educational status with poor dietary practices. Furthermore, educational status of mother and mothers from rich and medium family were associated with food security status. Addressing these issues through enhanced ANC services, economic support, and increased nutritional education is crucial for improving the well-being and food security of lactating women in the region.