Animal source food consumption habit and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months attending health centers in harar city, harari region, eastern ethiopia

Background Animal Source Foods (ASFs) are crucial during the transition from breastfeeding, providing essential proteins and micronutrients. However, evidence on ASF consumption in Harar is limited and often based on national data that do not focus specifically on the city or children aged 6–23 months. Objective To assess ASF consumption and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months attending health centers in Harar City, Eastern Ethiopia, from July 1 to August 15, 2024. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 548 mother–child pairs selected systematically. Data were collected using the Kobo Toolbox. Consumption of any egg and/or flesh food during the previous day and/or, for non-breastfed children, at least two milk feeds was considered ASF consumption. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified factors associated with ASF consumption. Results Only 19.1% of children consumed ASFs; 15% consumed eggs. Food-secure households had higher odds of ASF consumption (AOR = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.46–5.83) than severely food-insecure ones. Caregivers with secondary education or above had higher odds (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.19–4.26), and children from the richest households were more likely to consume ASFs (AOR = 3.51, 95% CI: 1.65–5.73). Conclusions ASF consumption among children in Harar City was low. Socio-economic status, food security, and caregiver education were key determinants. Interventions should enhance household income, caregiver education, and dietary diversity.