Socio-economic inequalities in minimum dietary diversity among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months: a decomposition analysis.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to measure the socio-economic inequalities in having minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among Bangladeshi children aged 6-23 months as well as to determine the factors that potentially contribute to the inequity. The Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-2018 data were used in this study. A sample of 2405 (weighted) children aged 6-23 months was included. The overall weighted prevalence of MDD was 37.47%. The concentration index (CIX) value for inequalities in MDD due to wealth status was positive and the concentration curve lay below the line of equality (CIX 0.1211, p < 0.001), where 49.47% inequality was contributed by wealth status, 25.06% contributed by the education level of mother, and 20.41% contributed by the number of ante-natal care (ANC) visits. Similarly, the CIX value due to the education level of mothers was also positive and the concentration curve lay below the line of equality (CIX 0.1341, p < 0.001), where 52.68% inequality was contributed by the education level of mother, 18.07% contributed by wealth status, and 14.69% contributed by the number of ANC visits. MDD was higher among higher socioeconomic status (SES) groups. Appropriate intervention design should prioritize minimizing socioeconomic inequities in MDD, especially targeting the contributing factors of these inequities.