Dietary patterns of children aged 0‐59 months in Ukambani region of Kenya

Abstract

ObjectiveSevere drought struck Northern and Eastern Kenya in 2006 that forced ~10% of Kenyan population to face starvation, and subsequent malnutrition in children. We assessed the dietary patterns of children aged 0‐59 months in Mwingi (MW) and Makueni (MA), two drought‐stricken districts in Eastern Kenya. Mwingi district uses pearl millet as the main staple cereal while Makueni uses maize (corn).MethodsWe interviewed 403 mothers to collect dietary information about their children from 4 randomly selected locations in MW and MA. Surrogate 24‐hr recalls from 614 children (300 boys and 314 girls) were obtained, and subsequently entered using NDSR 2008. Nutrients were transformed to achieve normality. Intake of selected nutrients and food groups were compared between the two districts using t‐test.ResultsAverage (mean ± SD) energy intake (1064+499 kcal) in MW was significantly higher compared to MA (966 + 470 kcal) (p<0.05). Intake of carbohydrate, protein, iron and most B vitamins were significantly higher in MW compared to MA; fat, animal protein and vitamin A were significantly higher in MA. On average, grains contribute 55‐60% of total energy intake in both districts. The contribution to total energy from grains, vegetables and milk were significantly higher in MW compared to MA.ConclusionOverall, children in Mwingi have higher nutritional intake compared to Makueni.