Factors associated with lack of dietary diversity in the second semester of life

Abstract Objective to study factors associated with the lack of dietary diversity in the second semester of life considering that World Health Organization recommends the introduction of healthy and diversified complementary food to breast milk since the sixth month of life. Methods we interviewed children caregivers (n=580) who attended the 2006 Vaccination Campaign in an urban municipality in southeastern Brazil. The outcome “lack of dietary diversity” corresponded to the intake of less than five food groups: meat, milk, fruits, vegetables and beans in the last 24 hours. Variables associated with the outcome (p ≤ 0.20) in bivariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis. Adjusted prevalence ratios were obtained by Poisson regression model (p≤0.05). Results a total of 64.5% of the children experienced lack of dietary diversity. In multivariate analysis, absence of direct care from the mother (OR=1.170) and previous hospitalization (OR=1.214) were factors directly associated with lack of dietary diversity. Birth in private hospital (OR=0.816) and greater age in days of the child (OR=0.997) were inversely associated with the outcome. Conclusions despite the importance for infant nutrition, complementary diversified diet was not usually provided to children aged 6-11 months. The identified associated factors should be considered in health and nutrition public policies.