Maternal intimate partner violence and complementary feeding practices in 41 low- and middle-income countries
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Suboptimal complementary feeding remains common in low- and middle-income countries and is associated with poorer child growth and development. Multicountry evidence on the relationship between maternal intimate partner violence and complementary feeding practices remains limited. We examined this association among children aged 6 to 23 months in 41 countries. We conducted a pooled cross-sectional analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 2008 and 2023 in 41 low- and middle-income countries, including 169,644 children. Maternal intimate partner violence in the preceding 12 months was assessed. Complementary feeding was evaluated using minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency, and minimum acceptable diet. Survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression estimated associations with non-attainment of these indicators. Joint associations and interactions with stunting, wasting, and underweight were examined. Here we show that maternal intimate partner violence is associated with higher odds of non-attainment of minimum dietary diversity (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.16–1.35), minimum meal frequency (aOR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.14), and minimum acceptable diet (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.36–1.67). Associations are evident mainly in low-income and lower-middle-income countries and socioeconomically disadvantaged settings. Joint exposure to maternal intimate partner violence and non-attainment of minimum dietary diversity or minimum acceptable diet is associated with higher odds of wasting and underweight, although no clear additive or multiplicative interaction is observed. Maternal intimate partner violence is associated with poorer complementary feeding, particularly in disadvantaged settings. These findings may inform integrated nutrition strategies addressing IPV and complementary feeding.
Source: Communications Health
Language: English
Subfield: Nutrition and Dietetics
Field: Nursing
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7225783521