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Background: Karamoja sub-region is the most food insecure part of Eastern Africa. The poor status of food security in the sub-region is reflected in the high rate of undernutrition among women of child bearing age (WCBA) and children under five years (CUFY). The sub-region is unique in Uganda in terms of cultural diversity, agro-ecology and rainfall pattern, and agricultural practices. However, the influence of these unique characteristics on dietary intake of WCBA in the sub-region is less understood. Therefore, this study examined dietary intake and socio-economic predictors of inadequate energy and nutrient intake among WCBA in Karamoja sub-region. Methods: A longitudinal study design was used involving 755 WCBA in the harvesting season where 635 were followed-up in the planting season. Data were collected using 24-hour recall, dietary diversity, and socio-economic and demographic questionnaires. Results: Intake of energy and nutrients were generally significantly higher (pConclusions: This study demonstrated that dietary intake of WCBA in Karamoja sub-region was inadequate. Age of WCBA, number of women married, education level and occupation of the household head and spouse, and being a lactating/breastfeeding mother were the key socio-economic and demographic factors that influenced inadequate intake of energy and nutrients among WCBA. |
