What Influences Urban Mothers' Decisions on What to Feed Their Children Aged Under Five-The Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Hanna Berhane,Jill Trenholm,Yemane Berhane,Eva-Charlotte Ekström,Christopher Turner,Beatrix Alsanius,Magnus Jirström

doi:10.3390/nu10091142

Abstract

Mothers carry the prime responsibility for childcare and feeding in low-income countries. Understanding their experiences in providing food for their children is paramount to informing efforts to improve the nutritional status of children. Such information is lacking in Sub-Saharan Africa. To understand what influences urban mothers’ food acquisition and their motivations for selecting food for their children, 36 in-depth interviews were carried out with mothers having children under five years of age. Interviews were conducted in the local language, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis which led to the identification of four major themes: mothers give-in to a child-driven diet; quick-fix versus the privilege of planning; keen awareness on food safety, nutrition, and diet diversity; and social, familial, and cultural influences. The findings indicate that child feeding practices are influenced by interlinked social and environmental factors. Hence, nutrition education campaigns should focus on targeting not only families but also their children. Attention should also be given to food safety regulations, as well as to the much-needed support of mothers who are struggling to ensure their children’s survival in low-income countries.

Highlights

In Sub-Saharan Africa, chronic childhood malnutrition is a major cause of child morbidity and mortality [1]
A systematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed four major themes: (1) Mothers give-in to a child-driven diet; (2) quick-fix solutions versus the privilege of planning; (3) keen awareness of food safety, nutrition, and diet diversity; (4) social, familial, and cultural influences
Mothers living in rapidly urbanizing cities are pressured to make food choice decisions in contrary to their knowledge due to changes in the social practices, their roles at home, ever-present media advertisements, and rapid changes in the food environment

Summary

Introduction

In Sub-Saharan Africa, chronic childhood malnutrition is a major cause of child morbidity and mortality [1]. Though under-nutrition is still a major treat, the three simultaneous dimensions of malnutrition—undernourishment, micronutrient deficiencies, and over-nutrition—co-exist in developing countries [2]. Nutritional problems emanate from different underlying causes which include inadequate household food access and caregiver feeding practices [3,4]. Mothers, who are the primary care takers of children in this region, are responsible for purchasing, preparing, and household food allocation that affects the nutritional status of children. Food-related decision making is a complex matter, and mothers need to consider the food supply, which is related to agricultural–food systems that affect the demand for and use of food [5].

Results

Discussion

Conclusion