HOUSEHOLD DIETARY DIVERSITY, WOMEN’S BODY MASS INDEX AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PRODUCTIVE SAFETY NET PROGRAM BENEFICIARY AND NON-BENEFICIARY HOUSEHOLDS IN CHIRO WOREDA, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) has been implemented in Ethiopia to mitigate food insecurity and improve nutritional outcomes. However, its impact on household dietary diversity and women’s body mass index (BMI) remains insufficiently documented. Understanding these associations is crucial for designing effective interventions. Objective: This study aimed to assess household dietary diversity, women’s BMI, and associated factors among PSNP beneficiary and non-beneficiary households in Chiro Woreda of eastern Ethiopia from from March 10 to April 10, 2024. Methodology: A comparative community-based cross-sectional study design were conducted among 1070 women (535 household heads from PSNP beneficiary households and 535 from nonPSNP beneficiary households) selected by using systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, processed using Epi-data version 3.1, and analyzed with SPSS Version 20. exported to statistical software for social science version 20 for analyses. Ordinal logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with household dietary diversity and women’s body mass index. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI will be reported and P-value less than 0.05 will be considered to declare the presence of significant association. Results: The overall prevalence of underweight (BMI <18.5) was 5.3% (95% CI: 3.6–6.2%), with 2.7% among PSNP beneficiaries and 2.3% among non-beneficiaries. The mean Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was significantly higher among PSNP households. Ordinal logistic regression identified significant predictors of women’s BMI, including HDDS (OR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11–1.23), better healthcare service uptake (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.33–0.62), reduced selling of assets for food (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23–2.34), and current lactation status (OR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.23–2.34). Conclusion and Recommendation: While PSNP participation was associated with improved dietary diversity, its effect on women’s BMI was minimal. Key factors influencing women’s nutritional status included healthcare access, food security, and lactation status. Stakeholders and local concerned bodies should focus on enhancing food security interventions, reducing asset depletion, and improving healthcare access to strengthen PSNP’s impact