Factors associated with dietary diversity among preschool children aged two to six from low-income households in Seremban, Malaysia

Introduction: Dietary diversity is crucial for children’s growth, development, and overall health status, particularly for those aged two to six. However, studies on dietary diversity among young children in Malaysia are limited. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors associated with dietary diversity among preschool children aged two to six years old from low-income households in Seremban. Materials and methods: A total of 245 children from 10 randomly selected Taska KEMAS and 30 randomly selected Tabika KEMAS in Seremban were participated in this study. Mothers completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic background and food security status. Anthropometric measurements, including weight and height, were taken following standardized procedures. A 3-day 24-hour dietary recall of the children was conducted through online interviews with their mothers to assess dietary diversity and nutrient intake. Results: Food insecurity was experienced by 53.9% of the households. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting among children were 23.3%, 29.4%, and 23.7%, respectively. The mean Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) was 6.34±0.64, with 20.0% were in the lowest DDS tertile. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that mother’s age (β=-0.019, 95% CI=-0.035, -0.002, p<0.05), protein intake (β=0.023, 95% CI=0.012, 0.033, p<0.001), and fat intake (β=-0.023, 95% CI=-0.032, -0.013, p<0.001) were significantly associated with dietary diversity among preschool children. Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of targeted interventions to address food insecurity, promote balanced diets, and educate mothers to include a variety of nutrient-rich foods to improve dietary diversity of preschool children in low-income households.

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