Household food insecurity but not dietary diversity is associated with children's mean micronutrient density adequacy in rural communities across Ghana

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine predictors of household food insecurity, dietary diversity, and children's mean micronutrient density adequacy and the relationship among these dietary measures. Method: Baseline analysis of a quasi-experimental 16-mo intervention study conducted in 12 rural communities in the three main agroecological zones in Ghana. The study included 608 caregivers with their 2- to 5-y-old children. Nutrient density adequacy was estimated for a subsample of 120 children. Results: Food insecurity was more severe among farming households than their non-farming counterparts (P = 0.032). Dietary diversity score was significantly higher among non-farming households than farming households (P < 0.001). Food insecurity was negatively correlated with both household dietary diversity (r = –0.385; P < 0.001) and child mean micronutrient adequacy (r = –0.305; P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between dietary diversity and children's mean micronutrient density adequacy. Belonging to a household that is severely food insecure and household size were significant predictors of children's mean micronutrient density adequacy (ß = –0.124, P = 0.006; ß = 0.011, P = 0.006, respectively). Conclusion: Household food insecurity continues to be a good indicator of lower nutrient intake in children.