Dietary Diversity Score and Its Sociodemographic Determinants in School-Aged Children: Cross-Sectional Baseline Findings From a Quasi-experimental Study

Background Dietary diversity is an essential component of nutritional adequacy, particularly for school-aged children who are undergoing rapid physical and cognitive development. Inadequate dietary diversity can lead to micronutrient deficiencies, undernutrition, and poor health outcomes. Understanding the factors influencing dietary diversity among children is essential for designing effective interventions. This study aims to assess dietary diversity and its sociodemographic correlates among school-aged children as part of a larger quasi-experimental trial. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among 202 school-aged children (9-12 years old) in a socioeconomically disadvantaged urban setting. Data were collected as part of a larger quasi-experimental study designed to evaluate a school-based nutritional intervention. Only baseline data were analyzed for this paper. A structured questionnaire was administered to capture sociodemographic details, nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and dietary intake through a 24-hour recall. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were calculated based on the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines. Anthropometric data and sociodemographic variables were also recorded. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to assess associations. Results The mean DDS was 4.35 ± 1.07. Approximately 46.5% of students had low dietary diversity (DDS < 5). Most children consumed starchy staples (95.5%) and dairy products (85.6%), whereas consumption of organ meats and green leafy vegetables was low. There were no statistically significant associations between DDS and gender (p = 0.216), caregiver education (p = 0.510), or socioeconomic status (p = 0.404). Conclusion The overall dietary diversity among school-aged children was suboptimal, with limited intake of several nutrient-rich food groups. The lack of association with sociodemographic variables suggests broader environmental or cultural influences on dietary patterns. These findings underscore the need for school-based nutrition education and policy measures to promote diverse, balanced diets among children in disadvantaged regions.