Determinants of Children's Fruit Intake in Teso South Sub-County, Kenya-A Multi-Phase Mixed Methods Study among Households with Children 0-8 Years of Age.

Eleonore Kretz,Lydiah Maruti Waswa,Thomas Pircher,Sahrah Fischer,Irmgard Jordan,Maria Gracia Glas,Annet Itaru,Thomas Hilger

doi:10.3390/nu13072417

Abstract

Fruits are micronutrient-rich sources which are often underrepresented in children’s diets. More insights into the determinants of children’s fruit consumption are needed to improve nutrition education in Teso South Sub-County, Kenya. A multiphase mixed method study was applied among 48 farm households with children 0–8 years of age. A market survey together with focus group discussions were used to design a formative research approach including qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The unavailability of fruits and the inability to plant fruit trees in the homesteads were the main challenges to improve fruit consumption behaviour, although a number of different fruit species were available on the market or in households. Perceived shortage of fruits, financial constraints to purchase fruits and taste were important barriers. Fruits as snacks given between meals was perceived as helpful to satisfy children. The mean number of fruit trees in the homesteads was positively associated with fruit consumption. Field trials are needed to test how best fruit trees within home gardens and on farms can be included, acknowledging limited space and constraints of households with young children. This should be combined with nutrition education programs addressing perceptions about the social and nutrient value of fruits for children.

Highlights

In recent years, Kenya has seen declining rates of malnutrition such as stunting, wasting and underweight, but the population is still affected by poor nutritional status [1].The national stunting rate is considered high and a matter of public health concern (26%of children 6–59 months of age are stunted) [2]
This study aimed to identify factors which facilitate and hinder the improvement of fruit consumption among children 0–8 years of age in Teso South Sub-County in Kenya
The unavailability of fruits and the inability to plant more fruit trees in the homesteads were the main obstacles to increasing fruit consumption among children in Teso-South, Kenya

Summary

Introduction

Kenya has seen declining rates of malnutrition such as stunting, wasting and underweight, but the population is still affected by poor nutritional status [1].The national stunting rate is considered high and a matter of public health concern (26%of children 6–59 months of age are stunted) [2]. Kenya has seen declining rates of malnutrition such as stunting, wasting and underweight, but the population is still affected by poor nutritional status [1]. The main determinants for stunting are presumed to be found during the rapid development of a child in utero and during the first 2 years, which is referred to as “the first 1000 days”. This period, the so called “window of opportunity” is a critical period for optimal growth as well as for the health and behavioural development of a child [6,7]. An adequate nutrient supply during this sensitive time is essential to prevent the effects of chronic malnutrition

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Discussion

Conclusion