Assessing Dietary Diversity, and Nutritional Status among Rwandan Women
engaged in agriculture.
Abstract
Background Dietary diversity is crucial for nutritional
adequacy, particularly among women of reproductive age who experience
increased nutritional needs due to menstruation, pregnancy, and
lactation. The significance of dietary diversity becomes particularly
pronounced in addressing the prevalent issue of anemia in Rwanda. This
anemia may pose significant health risks for both mothers and children
and by promoting a diverse and balanced diet, we can take a crucial step
in mitigating the adverse effects associated with this condition.
Objective This study aims to assess Dietary Diversity,
Nutritional Status, and related Factors Affecting Rwandan Women engaged
in Agriculture. Methods A cross-sectional study in western
Rwanda’s high malnutrition districts, Nyamagabe, Karongi, and Nyabihu,
used a multi-stage sampling method. Three farming-based clusters
emerged: tea, subsistence, and Irish potatoes. Households with children
under five were systematically sampled, with sample size calculated
using Taro Yamane’s formula, and data was analyzed in SPSS v25.
Results The study included 439 respondents, with an average age
of 33.05 years. 359(81.8%) participants had low dietary diversity
whereas Nyamagabe had the highest proportion with 39%. 22.1% of
participants had mild or moderate anemia with the cutoff below 11.9 g/dl
where Karongi had the high proportion with 10.7%, Anemia prevalence was
22.1%, with Karongi having the highest at 10.7%. Head of household
Education (AOR=6.4,95%, CI:1.05-39.7), Age of women (AOR=3.03,95%,
CI:1.1-7.8), and wealth status (AOR=1.66,95%, CI:0.51-5.4) were
associated with higher odds of High dietary diversity. The occupation of
women (AOR=0.13,95%, CI:0.001-0.19), reading skills (AOR=0.27,95%,
CI:0.1-0.72). and family size (AOR=0.63,95%, CI:0.35-1.1) were,
however, associated with lower odds of lower dietary diversity.
Conclusion This study of 439 participants revealed significant
findings regarding dietary diversity, anemia prevalence, and
socio-demographic factors, emphasizing their crucial role in
understanding and addressing nutritional status among women in Rwanda.