The Association between Minimum Dietary Diversity and Stunting among 6-23 months children in Myanmar : A cross-sectional analysis of Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16)

Abstract: Abstract Background Childhood stunting is a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries including Myanmar. There are many negative consequences of childhood stunting such as immediately during childhood and irreversible effects which can extend to adulthood. Achieving minimum dietary diversity (MDD) can improve a child’s nutrition status and it is an important indicator of child nutritional outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to explore the association between MDD and stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Myanmar. Method This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16). A total of 1287 children aged 6-23 months were selected as study participants. Descriptive statistics were done to present the background characteristics of the study participants. Chi-square tests were performed to find out the association between background characteristics, MDD, and stunting. Finally, logistic regressions were done to evaluate the association between minimum dietary diversity and stunting. Result Among 1,287 participants of 6-23 months children, 20.9% were stunted and 20.2% achieved minimum dietary diversity according to the WHO updated definition of MDD. After adjusting with wealth index, maternal education, and type of place of residence, the odds of stunting were reduced 30% if a child did not consume minimum dietary diversity (AOR 0.70, CI 0.50-0,97). Conclusion Both the low prevalence of minimum dietary and the high prevalence of stunting existed among children 6-23 months in Myanmar. Contrarily, the odds of stunting were reduced if the child did not meet MDD.  Keywords Myanmar, minimum dietary diversity, childhood stunting