Seasonal prevalence of dietary diversity and its associated factors among households in West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia: Longitudinal cross-sectional study

Background Seasonal variations significantly influence household dietary diversity, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia, where evidence remains limited. Therefore, this study offers valuable information for policymakers, program directors, and stakeholders to better plan interventions on dietary diversity within the context. Objective This study aimed to assess the seasonal prevalence of dietary diversity and to identify its associated factors among households in the West Gojjam Zone, northwest Ethiopia. Methods A longitudinal study using cross-sectional surveys was conducted from December 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024. A total of 3,360 household heads were selected through a multistage stratified sampling technique. Data were collected during the seasonal transition months, December, March, June and September, using questionnaires administered by the interviewees. Data entry and cleaning were performed using EPI Data version 4.3, and SPSS version 29 statistical analyzes, including multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with dietary diversity. Results The seasonal prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity among households was 55.5% in December, increased to 60.5% in March, and reached 73.5% in June. September had the lowest rate of inadequate diversity at 40.5%. The key factors positively associated with inadequate dietary diversity were surveyed in June (AOR = 3.40; 95% CI 2.54–4.52) and March (AOR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09–3.16), female-headed households (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.38–2.35), Orthodox (AOR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.38–2.35) and followers of Muslim religion (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.17–3.42), employed households (AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.20–0.62), category of poorest wealth (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI: 1.29–2.09), not using agricultural input (AOR = 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07–1.53) and poor knowledge on dietary diversity (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.14–2.07). Conclusions This study highlights notable seasonal variations in the diversity of household foods, with the highest inadequacy in June and the lowest in September. Key risk factors included female-headed households, Orthodox and Muslim religious affiliation, low wealth status, not using agricultural input, and poor knowledge of dietary diversity. Employment was found to be protective. Developing strategies that address economic disparities, cultural influences, and seasonal food group availability are essential to improve dietary diversity between households.