Abstract
BACKGROUND: More than one-third of all deaths in children under five are attributable to malnutrition brought on by child food poverty (CFP) practices, while proper feeding techniques are essential for enhancing nutritional status and guaranteeing child survival. There is, however, little research on inadequate feeding practices, especially in the Sidama Region. OBJECTIVE: To assess the magnitude of child food poverty and its associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in Dale district, Sidama region, Ethiopia, 2024. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A multi-stage random sampling technique was applied to select 509 study participants. Data were collected using structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Data quality was assured by pre-testing, training, and questionnaire coding. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was done to identify the determinants. Variables having a value P≤ 0.25 during bivariable analysis were entered into multiple logistic regression models. In multivariable analysis, variables with p<0.05 were considered significantly associated. RESULTS: CFP prevalence was 30% (95% CI: 26-34). The minimum meal frequency was 77%. Minimum acceptable diet was 59%. Factors significantly associated with CFP prevalence were child age 6 - 11 months ((Adjusted Odds Ratio(AOR)=3.022, 95% CI: 1.813-5.037)), female children (AOR=1.783, 95% CI: 1.123-2.830), number of antenatal care follow-up below four times (AOR=3.52, 95% CI: (1.429-4.152), family size more than five in the household(AOR= 3.715, 95% CI: 1.974-6.993), and maternal inadequate knowledge of CFP (AOR= 5.148, 95% CI: 3.146-8.426). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CFP, which remains a significant public health concern, was 30% in the study area. Child age, child sex, antenatal care follow-ups, inadequate maternal knowledge to feed children, and household size greater than five were significantly associated with child food poverty. Enhancing antenatal care services and raising awareness of the best feeding practices, especially for younger infants and female children should be the main goals of nutrition interventions.