Cross-Sectional Analysis of Unhealthy Food Consumption and Associated Factors among Infants and Toddler Children in Somaliland: A Nationwide Perspective

Objective: To assess the nationwide prevalence and factors of unhealthy food consumption (UFC) among young children (6-23 months) in Somaliland. Introduction: Rising availability of unhealthy foods and poor healthcare access in Somaliland threatens infants and young children with serious health risks like overweight, obesity, and non-communicable diseases, requiring urgent nutritional attention. Methods: Cross-sectional analysis used 2020 SDHS data (n = 5263). UFC was defined by WHO IYCF indicators. Multivariable logistic regression reported AORs and 95% CIs. Results: UFC was associated with a unique nutrition transition. Highest wealth quintile children had greater odds (AOR = 3.87, P < .01). Conversely, Sool/Sanaag regions, 3 antenatal visits (AOR = 0.37, P < .01), and husband/partner not working (AOR = 0.85, P < .05) showed significantly lower UFC odds. Conclusion: This study provides critical evidence of wealth-driven UFC and protective regional/healthcare factors. Findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions leveraging antenatal care to improve child nutrition in Somaliland.