Dietary intake and diversity among children of age 6-59 months in lowland and highland areas in Kilosa District in Morogoro, Tanzania

Adequate nutrition during infancy and early childhood is essential to ensure children's growth, health, and development to their full potential. Geographical area may influence dietary intake and, hence, the population's nutritional status. This study aimed to assess dietary intake among children aged 6-59 months in the lowland and highland areas in the Kilosa District, Morogoro. A cross-sectional study involved 200 randomly selected households from the lowland and 141 in the highland areas. Socio-demographic characteristics, feeding practices, and 24-h dietary recall information were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. In assessing dietary intake, a single day 24-h dietary recall was used where a mother/care giver was asked to recall foods and beverages fed to the child in the 24 h prior to the interview. Mean daily nutrient intake (calorie, vitamin A, iron, calcium and zinc) were estimated using NutriSurvey version 2007 with food database from Tanzania Food composition table. Furthermore, Dietary Diversity Score was done by grouping the mentioned foods into the seven main food groups which are grains, roots and tubers; legumes and nuts; Vitamin A rich fruits and vegetables; other fruits and vegetable; dairy products; and flesh foods and eggs. For each food group consumed, a score of one was assigned and a zero score for the non-consumed group. Inadequate intakes of vitamin A, calcium, and iron were observed more in younger children of age 6-12 months, where none of them met the RDA in both areas. There was a significant difference only in fat intake in children aged 12-36 months between the lowland and highland areas. Children who reside in the lowland area had a significantly more diversified diet. Nutrition education with promotion of home gardening and keeping small animals is necessary to ensure household food availability which subsequently will facilitate dietary diversification.