Abstract
BackgroundThis study examines socio-economic determinants of food consumption patterns amongst women of reproductive age and children aged 6–59 months from urban poor settlements of Lusaka and their implications for nutritional status. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of fish in their diets and nutritional status.MethodsA cross-sectional survey design was applied, in which 714 mother-child dyads, with children aged 6–59 months were enrolled. A three-stage randomized cluster sampling approach was applied.ResultsThe mean dietary diversity score among children aged 6–23 and 24–59 months was 2.98 (±1.27) and 3.478 (±1.07), respectively. In children aged 6–23 months, there was a significant difference in their nutritional status, based on fish consumption (χ2 = 10.979, df = 2, p = 0.004). Children from poorer households consumed mostly small fish (Kapenta). The quantity of fish consumed by children was significantly associated with stunting in both age groups, odds ratio = 0.947 (95% CI: 0.896, 1.000) for children aged 6–23 months and odds ratio = 1.038 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.072) for children aged 24–59 months old. Other significant risk factors for stunting in children aged 6–23 months were the child’s age, mother’s body mass index, access to treated water and child morbidity. Child’s age, mother’s educational level and wealth status were determinants of dietary diversity in children aged 6–59 months as shown by the Poisson regression.ConclusionNutritional status of children aged 6–23 months is associated with fish consumption, with children consuming fish less likely to be stunted. Small fish (Kapenta) is an animal-source food that is particularly important in the diet of children in urban poor households in Zambia and contributes to better nutritional outcomes. As all small fish stem from capture fisheries, sustainable one health environmental integration, monitoring and management strategies are desirable.
Highlights
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 14 outline achieving food and nutrition security and ending malnutrition as global priorities by focusing on the significance of sustaining food production and securing year-round access to diverse foods [1]
Nutritional status of children aged 6–23 months is associated with fish consumption, with children consuming fish less likely to be stunted
Small fish (Kapenta) is an animal-source food that is important in the diet of children in urban poor households in Zambia and contributes to better nutritional outcomes
Summary
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 14 outline achieving food and nutrition security and ending malnutrition as global priorities by focusing on the significance of sustaining food production and securing year-round access to diverse foods [1]. In order to optimally harness from the two SDGs guiding pillars and anticipated benefits in the 21st century global health dynamics, it is increasingly becoming imperative to track dietary diversity, quality and nutritional outcomes in the diverse global population segments [2]. These commitments bring to the forefront insights into nutritional status and dietary intake of populations as well as indicators for food consumption and diet quality. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that undernutrition is directly or indirectly responsible for at least 35% of the deaths in children under the age of five years, globally[4]. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of fish in their diets and nutritional status
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