Geospatial distribution and multilevel determinants of inadequate minimum dietary diversity and its consequences for children aged 6–23 months in Sub-Saharan Africa

The prevalence of inadequate MDD in SSA is high. Spatial distribution revealed that inadequate MDD was prevalent in most areas of the Western, Northern, Eastern, and Central parts of SSA. Maternal and children's age, educational status, ANC/ PNC visits, no media exposure, wealth status, maternal stunting and wasting, and distance from health facilities were determinants of inadequate MDD in SSA. The spatial clustering of inadequate MDD in certain regions of SSA, suggests the need for geographically targeted interventions to address the determinants of inadequate MDD in these high-burden areas. The study revealed strategies should focus on promoting frequent ANC/ PNC visits, improving maternal nutrition, reducing poverty, and improving maternal employment status to reduce inadequate MDD among children. This study highlights a significant association between MDD and anemia, stunting, and wasting in children aged 6--23 months. To address these critical issues, it is essential to improve MDD among children, as this intervention can play a vital role in achieving SDG target 2.2, which aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030.