Factors Associated with Dietary Diversity of Children Aged 24–59 Months in Urban-Rural Areas of Kinshasa, 2024: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background/objectives: Dietary diversity, a key indicator of diet quality and nutritional status, remains poorly documented in Kinshasa’s urban and rural area for children under five years of age. This study aimed to identify factors associated with dietary diversity among children aged 24–59 months. Methods: A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted in December 2024 among 348 children aged 24–59 months, selected through a three stages random sampling. Dietary diversity was assessed using Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), defined as consumption of at least five of the eight food groups in the previous 24 hours. Multivariate regression logistic analyses were performed to identify determinants of adequate dietary diversity. Results: Among the 348 children, 63.5% achieved adequate dietary diversity. Higher odds ratio were observed among children age 48-59 months (aOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.02–3.43), from Christian households (aOR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.02–6.10), of high socioeconomic status (aOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.003–3.51), and living in rural areas (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.02–2.66). Conclusion: Improving dietary diversity requires integrated strategies combining early child-feeding interventions, socioeconomic support, and promotion of local food production, particularly in low-income urban and rural settings.