Dietary diversity and associated factors among children aged 6–23 months attending a public health hospital in Awi zone, Ethiopia, 2023

The proportion of the minimum dietary diversity was relatively low. Mother's educational status, low birth intervals, and food insecurity were significant predictors of minimum dietary diversity. The stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, regional health offices, and agricultural sectors, prioritize enhancing child nutrition through targeted food-based approaches. Developing and implementing comprehensive intervention programs to improve children's minimum dietary diversity (MDD) should be a central focus. Professionals should strengthen nutrition education to promote optimal MDD practices.