Minimum Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women of Chepang Community in Nepal: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Adequate dietary diversity consumption during pregnancy is crucial for maternal and fetal health outcomes. Women from marginalized communities often face increased nutritional risks due to socioeconomic barriers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among pregnant women of the Chepang community in Nepal. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 281 randomly selected pregnant Chepang women across four districts (Gorkha, Dhading, Makawanpur, and Chitwan) in Nepal, from September to October 2024. Proportionate random sampling was used to select participants. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested structured questionnaires incorporating FAO’s Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W) guidelines. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics involving bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify factors associated with minimum dietary diversity. Results: The prevalence of adequate minimum dietary diversity was 33.5% (95% CI: 28.0-39.3%) among the study participants. The mean (±SD) dietary diversity score was 3.88 (±1.364). In multivariate analysis, women with basic and secondary education (AOR = 9.02, 95% CI: 3.23-25.18), those consuming ≥4 meals per day (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.06-7.82), and those receiving husband support (AOR = 10.97, 95% CI: 3.17-37.97) were significantly more likely to achieve adequate dietary diversity. Conclusion: The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity among pregnant Chepang women was notably low. Interventions should focus on improving women's educational status, promoting adequate meal frequency, and engaging male partners in supporting dietary practices to enhance nutritional outcomes in this marginaliz1`ed indigenous community.