The objective of this study was to generate evidence for strengthening the local food system to contribute to improved dietary diversity among children in Ethiopia.

A community-based cross-sectional survey.

The study was conducted in the Amhara, Oromia and Somali regions of Ethiopia.

A total of 1475 children aged 6–23 months were included. Children requiring special care or not permanently residing in the study areas were excluded.

The primary outcome measure was the adequate Minimum Dietary Diversity, defined as the consumption of at least five of the eight defined food groups in the previous 24 hours.

Only 25.6% of children met the adequate minimum dietary diversity requirement. Children from households with backyard gardening (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.43, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.88), access to communication devices (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.64), attendance at cooking demonstrations (AOR=1.99, 95% CI 1.44 to 2.74), use of labour-saving and time-saving technologies (AOR=1.55, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.09) and irrigation use for crop production (AOR=1.78, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.52) had higher odds of meeting adequate minimum dietary diversity. Residence was strongly associated with dietary outcomes: children in Amhara had more than seven times the odds of achieving adequate minimum dietary diversity of children compared with Somali (AOR=7.56, 95% CI 4.92 to 11.62), while those in Oromia had nearly twice the odds (AOR=1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.60).

Dietary diversity among children was low in the study areas. Strengthening local food systems through promotion of backyard gardening, cooking demonstrations, irrigation use, communication access and appropriate technologies could improve children’s dietary diversity. Regional disparities highlight the need for context-specific strategies, particularly to address the low dietary diversity in children.

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a global health concern, contributing to adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Despite its importance, limited data exist on vitamin D status and its determinants among pregnant women in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of vitamin D deficiency among pregnant women in their first and second trimesters in Gondar Town, Ethiopia, 2024.

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the antenatal care unit of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from January to March 2024.

Eligible participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, behavioural and clinical data were collected through structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Serum levels of vitamin D, calcium and alkaline phosphatase were analysed using the Beckman Coulter clinical chemistry analyser. Statistical comparisons between pregnant women in the first and second trimesters were performed using the independent t-test. Determinants of vitamin D deficiency were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

384 pregnant women in their first or second trimester.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (90 mm Hg) (AOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.70), lower dietary diversity (AOR 3.17, 95% CI 1.13 to 8.89), lower fish and fish oil consumption habit (AOR 3.01, 95% CI 1.03 to 8.77; AOR 12.27, 95% CI 1.50 to 100.42) were the key predictors associated with serum vitamin D defiency.

Nearly half of the pregnant women in Gondar Town exhibit vitamin D deficiency, showing a challenging public health concern. Thus, targeted interventions, such as dietary supplementation and lifestyle modifications, are urgently needed to address the problem and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

Infertility is a significant reproductive health issue that affects couples physically, emotionally and socially. This qualitative study aims to explore the psycho-social experiences and coping strategies of infertile couples attending infertility clinics at Saint Paul’s Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This study employed a descriptive phenomenological research design. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 purposively selected couples experiencing infertility. The study used thematic analysis to capture the emotional, social and psychological impacts of infertility on individuals and their relationships.

Key themes identified include emotional distress, social stigma, marital strain and a sense of isolation. Participants reported experiencing feelings of shame, depression and anxiety, often exacerbated by societal expectations and pressure to conceive. Coping strategies varied across individuals and included seeking medical intervention, social support, religious faith and, in some cases, withdrawal from social interactions.

The study highlights the need for comprehensive psychological support and counselling services in infertility care to address the mental health and social challenges faced by infertile couples. Promoting awareness to reduce stigma and enhancing social support systems may improve the overall well-being of affected individuals.