Seasonal variation of minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among children aged 6–59 months in West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Background : Seasonality significantly affects the availability and access of food groups for children under five years of age in Ethiopia. However, there is limited evidence on the seasonal prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD). Addressing this gap is essential to inform policymakers, program planners, and stakeholders in developing targeted strategies to reduce seasonal minimum dietary diversity inadequacies among children aged 6 to 59 months. Objective : To assess the seasonal variation of minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in the West Gojjam zone, Ethiopia Methods : A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to September 2024 among 840 children aged 6 to 59 months, selected through multistage sampling. MDD was assessed using a standardized tool and data was collected through questionnaires administered by the interviewer in four rounds. Data were entered into EpiData 4.6 and analyzed in SPSS 29. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with MDD, with the 95% CI of AOR used to measure the strength of association and the level of significance set at P < 0.05. Results : A total of 3,324 children aged 6 to 59 months were enrolled in the four rounds of the study. The prevalence of inadequate MDD was highest in June (82.4%), followed by March (73.6%), December (62.4%) and September (45.5%). Inadequate MDD was significantly associated with being surveyed in December (AOR = 2.21), March (AOR = 2.83), and June (AOR = 2.72), compared to September. Other associated factors included households with <5 members (AOR = 1.64), rural residence (AOR = 1.70), no maternal education (AOR = 1.44), the poorest (AOR = 2.32), the poorer (AOR = 1.57) and the middle (AOR = 1.97) wealth index, lack of postnatal care (AOR = 2.46) and poor maternal knowledge of dietary diversity (AOR = 1.36). Conclusions A high prevalence of inadequate MDD was observed among children aged 6 to 59 months in the west Gojjam zone, with significant seasonal variation, highest in June and lowest in September. Key associated factors included season, household size, rural residence, low maternal education, poor wealth status, lack of postnatal care, and limited maternal knowledge. Seasonal and targeted dietary diversity interventions, along with improved maternal education and postnatal care, are critical, particularly in rural and low-income settings.