Drivers Of Food Choice Research Articles

Pathways from livestock to improved human nutrition: lessons learned in East Africa

AbstractThe Livestock CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) Research Program (Livestock CRP) generated evidence on livestock-to-nutrition pathways through the implementation of nutrition-related livestock programs and research. In this analysis, we compiled lessons learned from Livestock CRP projects and identified recommendations for nutrition-sensitive livestock programming and research in the context of the literature and through the development of an updated livestock-to-nutrition pathways framework. The updated framework shows the interconnected nature of the three main pathways—own-consumption, income, and women’s empowerment—along with other pathways and includes contextual factors, which were lacking in previous frameworks. Eight Livestock CRP projects were reviewed, including five integrated livestock and human nutrition projects, two studies on drivers of food choice, and one study to develop and test a tool to measure nutrition outcomes among pastoralists. Key lessons learned were that women’s empowerment in livestock-to-nutrition pathways is important, but challenging to measure; engaging male partners improves nutrition in livestock-keeping households; nutrition-sensitive livestock programs and researchers should articulate and measure livestock-to-nutrition pathways they are addressing; livestock keeping does not guarantee access to animal source foods; context and livelihoods are not static and program design should be adapted accordingly; and digital data collection systems can provide accurate and timely nutrition information. Key recommendations include developing tools to fill measurement gaps; creating shorter versions of validated tools for ease of use; using complexity-aware evaluation methods to capture the interconnected nature of livestock-to-nutrition pathways and shifting livelihoods; and conducting pathways analyses to better understand linkages in the framework and further refine it.

Drivers of Food Choice Among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Model

Drivers of Food Choice Among College Students in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Model

Drivers of Food Choice and Implications for Building Immunity against COVID-19 in Ghana and Burkina Faso

Drivers of Food Choice and Implications for Building Immunity against COVID-19 in Ghana and Burkina Faso

Perspectives about Food Safety in Diverse Low- and Middle-income Countries

ObjectivesConcerns about unsafe food influence food choice and consumption of unsafe foods increase morbidity and mortality, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing unsafe food is dominated by mitigation of biological and chemical hazards through supply-side risk management, with less emphasis on individuals’ experiences and perspectives of food safety. We aimed to identify and categorize perspectives about food safety in five countries. MethodsFive studies designed to address drivers of food choice in low- and middle-income countries provided transcripts from 17 focus groups discussions and 303 interviews in Kenya, Ghana, India, Guinea, and Vietnam. We analyzed transcripts using a priori and emergent coding techniques that involved a constant comparative method. ResultsIndividuals constructed meaning about food safety through personal experience and social influences. Community and family members contributed knowledge about food safety. Concerns about food safety were influenced by reputations of and relationships with vendors. Concerns were amplified by mistrust of vendors’ purposeful adulteration, unsafe selling practices, and new methods to produce food. Individuals were reassured of food safety by positive relationships with vendors; home-cooked meals; implementation of policies and regulations being followed; vendor adherence to environmental sanitation and food hygiene practices; cleanliness of vendors’ appearance; vendors’ or producers’ agency to use risk mitigation strategies; and transparency in production, processing, and distribution of food. ConclusionsIndividuals’ perspectives about food safety influence food choice behaviors. The success of food-safety policies hinges on consideration of these perspectives. Funding SourcesThe Drivers of Food Choice (DFC) Competitive Grants Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

The rewards US university students associate with campus dining halls and food choices

Objective: To understand the rewards university students associate with two key decisions shaping food choices. Participants: Thirty-eight university students. Methods: In this exploratory research, we conducted focus groups to identify the rewards students associated with choosing to eat at the campus dining hall and their specific food choices within that venue. We also obtained feedback on reward nomenclatures identified via a content analysis of health and business literature. Results: Students primarily chose the dining hall due to its convenience, foods offered, and the social aspects of the venue. Rewards associated with food choice included freshness, customization, variety, local foods, healthy foods, convenience, and portion size. Nomenclatures were relevant and meaningful. Conclusions: These students associate food choice decisions with rewards. Universities should consider whether dining halls and menu items link healthy foods to the rewards prioritized by students. Reward nomenclatures may be useful for researchers investigating the drivers of food choice.

Drivers of Food Choice among Children and Caregivers in Post-earthquake Nepal

ABSTRACT Food systems in many countries are experiencing a shift from traditional foods toward processed foods high in sugar, fat and salt, but low in dietary fiber and micronutrients. There is an urgent need to better understand drivers of changing food behavior, particularly for lower-income countries. This study analyzes drivers of food choice among children and parents in rural Nepal. It uses qualitative data collected through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with school children, parents and teachers. The study reveals substantial changes in food behavior during the past decade with increased consumption of rice, meat, and highly processed snack foods while an increased consumption of fruit and vegetables is not evident. It identifies cash availability is the main driver of increased rice, meat and snack food consumption. The second driver is the 2015 Nepal earthquake, which accelerated the transition from homegrown food to purchased food as people got habituated to eating more meat and snack foods while reconstruction tripled local wages and changed the food environment. This shows how humanitarian assistance in the wake of extreme shocks can unintentionally contribute to unhealthy eating habits. An integrated school and home garden intervention appears to contribute to healthier diets.

Drivers of food choice among women living in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Suboptimal diets drive the multiple burdens of malnutrition among women living in informal settlements. Women's food choices have important implications for their health, as well as that of their families. The purpose of this study was to examine how food choice decisions might differ across different age groups of women living in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Using in-depth interviews which incorporated a free-listing task, we determined the factors influencing food choice decisions in women in two informal settlements, Kibera and Mukuru. Among women in all age groups, we found income and food price to be the most salient factors influencing food choice decisions. Differences across age groups regarding food choice considerations included individual preference and quality being more salient factors amongst younger women while household preferences were more salient among older women. Women also reported making trade-offs between food affordability and other factors including time and nutrition, which led to sub-optimal diets. Our findings suggest that interventions in these settings may need to be tailored to specific age groups. Additionally, interventions may need to target both individual factors and the external food environment to help women overcome the trade-offs they often find themselves making in food choice decisions.

Drivers of Millet Consumption Among School Aged Children in Central Tanzania

Background: Iron and zinc deficiency are common public health problems in low-income countries largely due to poor consumption of iron and zinc rich foods. It has previously been observed that 57% of school aged children (SAC) in Tanzania suffer from anemia. In addition, estimates indicate that over 25% of the population have inadequate zinc intake. Pearl millet is an example of a nutrient dense, resilient cereal crop, that can be promoted to diversify diets and combat iron and zinc deficiency. This study overall aim was to increase pearl millet consumption among school aged (5 – 12 years) children. As part of the study, we investigated, the drivers of food choice relating to pearl millet consumption.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of randomly selected households in Kongwa district, Dodoma region of Tanzania. In total, 128 women of reproductive age (20 – 49 years) were randomly selected for the study. A study questionnaire consisting of 66 items, was developed and validated. The constructs in the questionnaire were categorized in two groups: internal and external factors. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with statements read to them by interviewers. The scores on intention and behavior constructs were based on the number of times caregivers intended to, or had fed their school going children with pearl millet in the referent month. Intention was considered high if it was higher than the median intention score of the group, and low if it was equal to or lower than the median scores. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to measure association between constructs and to identify predictive constructs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for score comparison.Results: There was a significant difference between intention and behavior among those who did not consume pearl millet (P = 0.003), and those who consumed pearl millet two or more times a week, in the same month (P = 0.01). Knowledge was significantly correlated with behavior identity (ρ = 0.58, P = 0.001), while health behavior identity was significantly correlated with intention (ρ = 0.31, P = 0.001). Intention of caregivers was significantly and positively correlated (ρ = 0.44, P = 0.001) with and predicted consumption of pearl millet (ρ = 0.87, P = 0.067).Conclusion: Increasing knowledge or awareness on nutritional benefits of pearl millet among caregivers may increase consumption of pearl millet by children of school going age.

Socio-economic Variables Associated with Motivational Barriers of Food Choice among Lactating Women from Central Ethiopia: A Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT Understanding the drivers of food choice is essential to guide the nutrition interventions and tailor nutrition counseling messages. There is strong evidence from a published study, which demonstrate attention for the need to consider the wide range of drivers during food choice. Due to the large variety of food products on the market, consumers make a multitude of food choice daily. The study aimed to assess major motivational drivers of food choice among randomly selected lactating women aged 15–49 years (423) from Debrebirhan Town using face to face interview. Logistic regression analysis was used to find association b/socio-economic variables and motivational drivers of food choice using SPSS version 20. Candidate variables were selected and transferred using the P- a value of less than 0.25, and AOR was reported. Variables with a P-value less than 0.05 on multiple variable logistic regressions were taken as significant variables. Influences of religion, price, preparation convenience, health value and taste during food choice were responded by above half of women. From logistic regression, 15–25 years’ age and self-employed were linked to religious influence in food choice with AOR (95%CI) of 0.09(0.01–0.48) and 4.13(1.4–12.24). Age (15–25 and 26–35 years), education (no, primary and secondary) and being housewife were associated to choosing of foods for their health value with AOR (95%CI) of 0.26(0.12–0.6), 0.37(0.18–0.76), 0.14(0.04–0.42), 0.25(0.13–0.54), 0.33(0.17–0.66) and 2.5(1.23–5). Only family size (2–4 vs.>4 persons) was associated with price concern in food choice with AOR (95%CI) of 0.39(0.21–0.71). Being divorced, husband headed, 7–12 and13-18 month lactation period, 15–25 and 26–35 years’ age were related to preparation convenience of foods with AOR (95%CI) of 5.94(1.13–31.33), 0.42(0.18–0.96), 3.26(1.34–7.93), 4.4(1.81–10.72), 0.16(0.05–0.47) and 0.25(0.11–0.59). Self-management approaches by nutrition education and promotion to change eating behaviors of women, increasing supply and price regulation toward healthy foods are recommended.

Examining Factors Driving Changes in Food Choice Behavior of Rural Households in Adola Rede District, East Guji Zone, Ethiopia

Improving nutrition across the life course from conception through adulthood is essential for the long- term well- being of families and communities and for successful economic and social advancement. A key challenge to achieving sustainable improvement in adequate food choice behavior is the limited knowledge about drivers of food choice particularly among the poor in LMIC, of which Ethiopia is one. Therefore the objective of this study is to identify factors influencing food choice behavior of rural households in Adola Rede district. Multi-stage sampling procedures were employed. Probability sampling to size and random sampling techniques were used to determine study sits, sample respondents from each study sits and draw sample respondents respectively. Survey data was collected from 150 sample respondents using interview schedule. Focus group discussions were also conducted. Descriptive statistics and ordered logit model were employed. Food choice behaviors of the rural households were categorized depending on Food Consumption Score used widely by World Food Program. Among 13 variables used in model, dependency ratio, total land holding, number of livestock owned, access to credit, education and agro- ecology were significantly related to the rural households’ food choice behavior. The food choice behaviors of the household respondents were 30% poor, 45% borderline and 25% adequate food choice behavior. An overwhelmingly, three- fourth of the respondents were found to be inappropriate food choice behavior. Therefore, local government and nongovernmental organizations should give emphasis for improving food choice behavior through continuous training, coaching, asset building and capital mobilization and improving access to different service provider institutions. Keywords: Ethiopia; drivers; food consumption score; food choice; rural households; ordered logit model DOI: 10.7176/FSQM/101-02 Publication date: September 30 th 2020

Understanding the Drivers of Food Choice and Barriers to Diet Diversity in Madagascar

ABSTRACT Conservation organizations in developing countries are beginning to target human health. In Madagascar, half of all children are malnourished, due to food insecurity and poor diet diversity. The purpose of this study was to assess food choice and barriers to diet diversity. Primary caregivers were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional exploratory study on food choices, food beliefs, and economic practices through a survey and focus group discussions. Important factors identified when shopping and preparing foods were cleanliness and health. Energy-dense foods were important, but diet diversity was not. Food cost, availability, and health were identified as concerns and important in decision-making. Understanding food choices is vital for developing programs targeting human health.

The Sociocultural Drivers of Food Choices

The Sociocultural Drivers of Food Choices

The history of food reformulation

The history of food reformulation

Addressing barriers to maternal nutrition in low- and middle-income countries: A review of the evidence and programme implications.

Adequate maternal nutrition during the “first 1,000 days” window is critical from conception through the first 6 months of life to improve nutritional status and reduce the risk of poor birth outcomes, such as low birthweight and preterm birth. Unfortunately, many programmes have targeted implementation and monitoring of nutrition interventions to infants and young children, rather than to women during pregnancy or post‐partum. A literature review was conducted to identify barriers to food choice and consumption during pregnancy and lactation and to examine how low‐ and middle‐income countries have addressed maternal nutrition in programmes. A literature review of peer‐reviewed and grey literature was conducted, and titles and abstracts reviewed by authors. Twenty‐three studies were included in this review. Barriers to adequate nutrition during pregnancy included cultural beliefs related to knowledge of quantity of food to eat during pregnancy, amount of weight to gain during pregnancy, and “eating down” during pregnancy for fear of delivering a large baby. Foods considered inappropriate for consumption during pregnancy or lactation contributed to food restriction. Drivers of food choice were influenced by food aversions, economic constraints, and household food availability. Counselling on maternal diet and weight gain during pregnancy was seldom carried out. Programming to support healthy maternal diet and gestational weight gain during pregnancy is scant. Tailored, culturally resonant nutrition education and counselling on diet during pregnancy and lactation and weight gain during pregnancy, as well as monitoring of progress in maternal nutrition, are areas of needed attention.

Mapping Point-of-Purchase Influencers of Food Choice in Australian Remote Indigenous Communities

Closing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians relies, in part, on addressing the poor levels of nutrition in remote Indigenous communities (RIC). This article identifies and maps key influencers of food choice at the point-of-purchase (POP) in Australian RIC and identifies gaps in our knowledge. It is based on a narrative review of the literature pertaining to food in RIC from a range of disciplinary perspectives including nutrition, ethnography, public health, anthropology, and remote health to map POP drivers of food choice. In particular, the role of habit is identified as a key factor that has previously not been discussed in the literature. The conceptual framework can be used as a basis for future POP research in RIC and provides guidance for social marketers, public health, nutrition, and policy workers operating in this field.

A qualitative study of the food‐related experiences of rural village shop customers

In the UK, although food choice in urban contexts has been widely studied, far less empirical information has been gathered from rural settings. With the closure of local services, some rural dwellers were believed to experience difficulties in meeting healthy eating recommendations. The present study aimed to explore perceptions of village store users. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted individually with 40 adults who were frequent users of rural village shops in Norfolk, UK. Participants were purposively selected to ensure that a wide demographic cross-section of customers was obtained. Interviews focused upon food choice strategies; attitudes towards rural food retail; and the provision of healthy foods. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively, using an established interpretative phenomenological approach. Four main themes emerged as drivers of food choice in rural villages: (1) village store as icon, which described how the perceived centrality of village shops influenced food choices; (2) village store as a service provider, which described top-up shopping behaviours; (3) alternative food sources, which described store users desires for local foods and their attitudinal conflicts towards supermarkets; and (4) lifestyle factors, which described the influence of factors such as time pressures, access to cars and family structures. Food choices were strongly influenced by the distinctive characteristics of the rural environment. Village shops were seen as important for community identity ('rural idyll'), as well as providing access to food and services. However, desires were made apparent for a greater range of healthy, fresh and locally-sourced foods.