Dietary condition and feeding practices of children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia: analysis of 2005–2016 demographic and health survey

Background Childhood malnutrition is well estimated as the major underlying risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years. Feeding practices greatly influence the dietary condition of children aged 6–23 months in developing countries. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the association between infant young children feeding (IYCF) practices and the dietary conditions of children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted based on data on 5638 children aged 6–23 months from three Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) (2005, 2011, 2016). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to estimate the odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of stunting and anaemia with IYCF practices. Result The prevalence of stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia decreased greatly from 49% in 2005 to 32% in 2016. Among the IYCF practices, consumption of iron-rich foods, minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were significant predictors of stunting. In addition, the prevalence of anaemia declined significantly from 26% in 2005 to 16% in 2011, but increased to 29% in 2016. Among the IYCF practices, breastfeeding and minimum meal frequency (MMF) had lower odds of childhood anaemia. Conclusions The present study showed that anaemia and stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Ethiopia is critical public health problems that need urgent attention.