Socioeconomic determinants of minimum dietary diversity among women of reproductive age in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: Minimum dietary diversity (MDD) is a key indicator of diet quality among women of reproductive age (15-49 y), yet remains low in Tanzania amid persistent micronutrient deficiencies and ongoing nutrition transition. Micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia, which affects 57% of pregnant women, significantly threaten maternal and child health and are worsened by socioeconomic challenges, food insecurity, and a shift toward processed foods. This study explored the socioeconomic and geographic factors shaping MDD to guide targeted nutrition interventions in Tanzania, where dietary patterns reflect both progress and challenges, including the growing issue of the double burden of malnutrition. METHODS: This study analyzed data from 15 254 women in the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey. MDD was defined as consumption of ≥5 of 10 food groups in the previous 24 h. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with MDD. RESULTS: Higher MDD was significantly associated with greater wealth, higher education, employment, media exposure, health service use, and health insurance coverage. After adjustment, these factors remained strong predictors, whereas urban-rural differences were less pronounced. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic inequalities are key drivers of dietary diversity. Targeted interventions are needed to improve access to diverse, nutrient-rich diets, particularly among poorer and less educated women, while addressing the challenges of ongoing nutrition transition.