Household Food Diversity Research Articles

The Relationship between Consumption Behavior, Income, Food Expenditure and Household Food Security in Caringin District, Bogor Regency

Hunger is a condition of food insecurity. One of the efforts that can be made to reduce the incidence of food insecurity is to maintain food security, especially in households. This is an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design with a random sample of 60 households in Caringin district, Bogor regency. Assessment of household food availability was based on a food availability questionnaire consisting of several types of food groups. Income and expenditure were measured by assessing household income. The condition of household food diversity was measured using the HDDS questionnaire. The chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between consumption behavior, income, household expenditure, and household food security. There was a relationship between income (p=0.00) and expenditure (p=0.00) with household food security, while consumption behavior is not (p=0.14). It is concluded that there was a relationship between income and expenditure on food security, but behavior did not show an insignificant relationship. There needs to be an in-depth analysis to find other factors influencing food security apart from the variables examined in this study.

Household Food Diversity and Food Habits in Changing Climate of Western Bhutan

Household food diversity index (HFDI) is qualitative measure of food consumption that reflects household access to a variety of food groups. Food habit is the way people eat food which is influenced by various factors. Impacts of climate change poses a threat on food diversity and food habit and food security in agrarian Bhutanese. The study aims to analyze if household food diversity and food habits are affected by climate change in the three ecological zones. Household food diversity and food habits in Gasa, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang districts (Dzongkhags) were compared and relationships were drawn. Household level data were collected using survey method from 368 randomly selected households, stratified into three agroecological zones, by administering pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The survey questions were designed using guidelines of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Food components consumed in the last 24 hours were recorded and grouped into 10 food groups. Food diversity indices are computed at the levels of household, Chiwog (village), Gewog (block), Dzongkhag (district), and at the whole study area. Spearman’s correlation tests were used to evaluate relationship between household food diversity Index (HFDI) and Food habit with Climate Change and Elevation. Kruskal Wallis tests ascertained association among the same four sets of variables with three Dzongkhag (district) as independent variable. In both sets of tests, the relationships were statistically significant. Climate change is affecting food diversity and food habits in the three agroecological zones. Introducing mass potato cultivation in Gasa, less water intensive rice variety in Punakha, and high yielding Jersey cows for dairy are recommended for food diversity enhancement in the study areas. Preserving traditional food culture like Aoolay from Gasa, and conserving biodiversity will contribute to mitigate impacts of climate change on food habits to achieve food security.

Biodiversity and Food Diversity of Farms Using Agroecology in Benin Cotton Areas

Farms biodiversity and food diversity of agricultural households are evaluated to understand some agroecology effects on cotton farms. This is a part of socio-economic analysis of the agroecological  transition underway in cotton zones of Benin. The surveys covered 509 farmers in 5 municipalities: Banikoara, Kandi, Ouassa-Péhunco, Parakou and Savalou. Data collected are crops diversity, livestock diversity, natural vegetation, trees and pollinators of each farm and the various food consumed within 24 hours before the survey on each farm. Scores obtained by farm on each criterion were used to calculate the farm biodiversity index and household food diversity index; and the averages by type. Student's Chi--square test and Kruskal Wallis multiple comparison test were used to compare index averages, to analyze difference between farm types according to their ''Test'' or ''Control'' status. Analysis based on ''Tool Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE)'' method shows that surveyed farms are unsustainable (biodiversity index <50%) regardless of status, except farms of type 5 Test which have a better result and significantly different from the Controls. But their diet remains acceptable (5≥food diversity index<7); difference observed on most types except 1 and 4. This means that agroecology is not yet bearing full fruit in the study areas and that farming households are still vulnerable to food insecurity. However, there are clear differences between the types of farms and differences between individuals of the same type. These few disparities observed highlight the potential of agroecology to improve households’ food situation if the process is intensified.

DIVERSIFICATION OF FOOD CONSUMPTION BASED ON LOCAL POTENTIAL OF TARAKAN CITY

ABSTRACT Diversification of food consumption will provide great benefits if it can explore and develop potential local food sources. However, the diversification of staple food or food sources of carbohydrates which are widely consumed by the people in Tarakan City, still has a single staple food pattern, namely rice. Therefore, a study related to the diversification of non-rice food based on local food needs to be carried out. The specific objectives are to analyze the potential of local food resources in Tarakan City, to analyze food consumption patterns and the level of household food diversification in Tarakan City. ResearchThis technique uses a survey technique with a sample of households in four districts in the City of Tarakan with the sampling technique used is a nonprobability sampling technique with a quota sampling method. The data analysis method used is quantitative descriptive analysis and household dietary diversity score (HDDS). The analysis result shows p Rice production in Tarakan City tends to decline, while the production of cassava and sweet potato shows an increasing trend which indicates the potential for diversification of food production in Tarakan City. Broadly speaking, the pattern of diversification of people's food consumption in Tarakan City is quite diverse based on the amount, quality, and variant, this is shown from the expenditure of various protein sources. However, the diversification of food sources of carbohydrates needs to be studied because of the high expenditure on carbohydrate sources for rice. The level of diversification of food consumption in Tarakan City based on the value of the household food diversity score (HDDS) is in the high category, namely having consumed more than six types of food sources in a day. Keywords: Diversification, Consumption, Food, Household.

Domestic Remittances and Household Food Diversity in Rural Ghana

This work investigates the effect of domestic remittances on households’ food diversity in rural Ghana using three-stage least squares estimation technique and cross-sectional data from the Ghana Living Standards Survey, round six (GLSS 6). The study finds that Northern Ghana rural households’ food diversity scores are lower than their Southern counterparts. Results show that domestic remittances positively affect rural household food diversity in Ghana, and the difference in food diversity index between Northern and Southern rural households narrows as remittances increase. The study also finds that rural households with at least primary educated householders have enhanced food consumption in variety while increasing household size tends to deteriorate food diversity. The study recommends that domestic remittances matter to food consumption diversity, especially in Northern Ghana. Therefore, policymakers should implement remittance tax credits to service providers and strengthen competition in the industry by supporting remittance technologies’ interoperability to minimize costs to increase flows. Increased domestic remittance flows to Northern Ghana could narrow the rural household food diversity gap between Northern and Southern Ghana. Farm and non-farm investment and rural sector-specific education investment are also recommended.

Household food consumption and nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in Zinder, Niger Republic

Malnutrition exists in both urban and rural areas in Niger. An analysis of food and nutrition situation was carried out in the urban municipality of Zinder in order to contribute to a better understanding of the situation.This work was done from February to March 2018, at the household level,sampled by probabilistic method.The study involved 168 children from 6 to 59 months selected from 150 households in 15neighborhoods in the urban municipalities of Zinder. An analysis of the Food Consumption Score and Household Food Diversity Score showed acceptable food consumption and high food diversity respectively in58.7% and 67.3% of households.Furthermore, the results showed that the socio-economic characteristics that determined Score of food consumption were the main activities of heads of households and their wives. Food diversity was generally acceptable, although 2.7 %of households still had low dietary diversity in the study area.Also,food diversity remained low overall for nearly 8.9% of children with a rate of 6.0% for households headed by a woman.Nevertheless, the latter female-headed households had an estimated 13.7% of children with average individual food diversity. The prevalence of acute global malnutrition is 13.1% with the severe form at3%. It should be noted that girls were much more affected by this severe form (3.4%) compared to 2.5% for boys.However, stunting was more prevalent in males than in females with 57.5% and 46.6%,respectively. Moderate form accounting for 28.4% in females compared to 17.5% in males.This nutritional status reflects the relatively acceptable food situation in which these children lived. Furthermore, the appreciation of different foods and modes of consumption have shown on the one hand that the diet remains monotonous. On the other hand, this analysis revealed that cereal-based dishes accompanied by vegetable/leafy sauces predominated in these households in the study area.This situation exposes the members of these households and especially young children to the risk of malnutrition.

Factors associated with child malnutrition in mountainous ethnic minority communities in Lao PDR

ABSTRACT Background Although in many low- and middle-income countries undernutrition is steadily decreasing, nutritional challenges persist in remote communities, such as those in mountainous areas of Lao PDR. Isolated, with limited access to food and to health care and other public services, local diets are low in both quantity and diversity. Data needed to guide policy and planning are lacking. Objectives The study aimed to identify the extent of malnutrition and associated factors among children aged 12–47 months in remote mountainous communities in Lao PDR. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Nong district, Savannakhet province, covering 173 households, involving heads of households, mothers and their children aged 12–47 months. Results The prevalence of undernutrition was very high among the 173 children studied: 72.8% were stunted, 50.3% underweight and 10.4% wasted. Key factors showing significant positive associations with nutritional status were assets (mobile phone or electric rice mill), collection of non-timber forest products, and household dietary diversity. Negative associations were found with experience of malaria and consuming high amounts of white roots and tubers. Immediate causes of malnutrition were prevalent; half the children had insufficient consumption of all micro- and macronutrients. Diseases were highly prevalent; 30% had recently experienced fever. The households in these villages were quite homogeneous. All scored high on causes of malnutrition; 90% of households experienced food insecurity, nearly all lived below the poverty line, and almost two-thirds of household heads and nearly all mothers had had no education. Conclusion This study identified multiple factors influencing child malnutrition, including low household food diversity, food insecurity, and poor feeding practices among ethnic minority people living in a difficult environment with limited resources. Child undernutrition in these poor communities is complex. Interventions are needed in different sectors, including agricultural production, knowledge on feeding and health services.

Individual and household risk factors of severe acute malnutrition among under-five children in Mao, Chad: a matched case-control study

BackgroundSevere acute malnutrition (SAM) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Chad. The reasons behind persistently high prevalence of SAM in the Kanem region are still poorly understood, leaving national and international partners without clearly identified drivers to address. Current knowledge of SAM determinants in this context is largely based on very limited data. The aim of this study was thus to investigate individual and household-level risk factors for SAM among under-five children in Mao health district.MethodsA matched case-control study was conducted on 411 (137 cases and 274 controls) children aged 6–59 months with their caretakers from mid-February to August 2017. Data were collected by using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and through direct observations of household environment. Controls were matched to their cases on place of residence and on age (± 3 months). Data were double-entered, processed and analysed using Epi Info 7.2.0.1. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyse the association of independent variables with SAM. For multivariable analysis, two models were constructed to investigate risk factors for SAM, at individual and household level. A stepwise backwards elimination approach with a significance level of p = 0.05 was used to build the final models.ResultsAt the individual level, SAM was significantly associated with diarrhoea [AOR (95% CI) = 10.7 (4.2–27.3)], fever [AOR (95% CI) = 8.4 (3.1–22.8)], vomiting [AOR (95% CI) = 7.6 (3.0–19.7)], being stunted [AOR (95% CI) = 5.3 (1.7–16.3)], and type of complementary meal [AOR (95% CI) = 4.4 (1.0–19.6)]. At the household level, SAM was significantly associated with undernourished caretaker [AOR (95% CI) = 2.6 (1.2–5.5)], caretaker’s hand washing habits [AOR (95% CI) = 1.9 (1.2–3.1)], absence of toilet [AOR (95% CI) = 1.9 (1.1–3.6)], caretaker’s marriage status [AOR (95% CI) = 7.7 (2.0–30.1)], and low household food diversity [AOR (95% CI) = 1.8 (1.0–3.1)].ConclusionThe present study identified the need to address both treatment and prevention of infections in children through an integrated approach. Well-organized efforts to improve child feeding practices, household hygiene and sanitation conditions, women’s nutritional status, along with increasing household food diversity are likely to lead to improved nutritional status of children in this setting.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA KETERSEDIAAN PANGAN DENGAN KERAGAMAN PANGAN RUMAH TANGGA BURUH TANI

Food availability is one of food diversity determinants. This study was conducted to examine the relationship of food availability with household food diversity among farm labour in Bojonegoro. This was a cross-sectional study. The population of this study wes farm labor households at RT.17/RW.02, Dander Subdistrict, Bojonegoro District. Thirty-five samples were randomly selected using simple random sampling. Interviews were conducted using questionnaire of food availability and Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square test. The result showed that food availability of farm labour (62.9%) was less than normative consumption and food diversity of farm labour (45.7%) was in moderate category. This study also showed that there was relationship betweenfood availability with food diversity of farm labour (p=0.007). The study concluded that there was relationship between food availability with food diversity of farm workers. Improvement in food availability can increase food diversity.

Caregivers’ nutrition knowledge and attitudes are associated with household food diversity and children’s animal source food intake across different agro-ecological zones in Ghana

Caregivers' nutrition knowledge and attitudes may influence the variety of foods available in the household and the quality of children's diets. To test the link, this study collected data on caregivers' (n 608) nutrition knowledge and feeding attitudes as well as the diets of their household and of their 2-5-year-old children in twelve rural communities nested in the three main agro-ecological zones of Ghana. Household foods and children's animal source foods (ASF) consumed in the past 7 d were categorised into one of fourteen and ten groups, respectively. About 28 % of caregivers believed that their children needed to be fed only 2-3 times/d. Reasons for having adult supervision during child meal times, feeding diverse foods, prioritising a child to receive ASF and the perceived child benefits of ASF differed across zones (P<0·001). Households with caregivers belonging to the highest tertile of nutrition knowledge and attitude scores consumed more diverse diets compared with those of caregivers in the lowest tertile group (11·2 (sd 2·2) v. 10·0 (sd 2·4); P<0·001). After controlling for the effect of agro-ecological zone, caregivers' nutrition knowledge and feeding attitudes positively predicted household dietary diversity and the frequency and diversity of children's ASF intakes (P<0·001). The number of years of formal education of caregivers also positively predicted household dietary diversity and children's ASF diversity (P<0·001). A key component to improving child nutrition is to understand the context-specific nutrition knowledge and feeding attitudes in order to identify relevant interventions.

Influence of culture on dietary practices of children under five years among Maasai pastoralists in Kajiado, Kenya.

Background and objectivesGlobally, children aged under five years are prone to malnutrition. Maasai are a nomadic community in Kenya still upholding traditional and has a high rate of child undernutrition. Consideration of cultural practices is a pre-condition for ensuring appropriate dietary practices. However, information on the influence of culture on dietary practices among Maasai children is minimal. The possible influence of culture on dietary practices among these children was investigated.MethodsSix focus group discussions sessions each consisting of 10 mothers were conducted from two randomly selected villages in Sajiloni location, Kajiado County.ResultsResults from this study showed that children mainly consume cereals and legumes. Nomadism makes animal products inaccessible to most children. Livestock are considered a sign of wealth, thus mainly slaughtered on special occasions. Additionally, selling of animals or animal products is not encouraged limiting income that would improve the food basket. Some food taboos prohibit consumption of wild animals, chicken and fish limits the household food diversity. Consumption of vegetables is limited since they are perceived to be livestock feed. The belief that land is only for grazing contributes to low crop production and consumption thus the diets lack diversification. Maasai culture encourages introduction of blood, animal’s milk and bitter herbs to infants below six months, which affects exclusive breast feeding. The men are prioritized in food serving leading to less and poor quality food to children. The consumption of raw meat, milk and blood is likely to lead to infections. The practice of milk fermentation improves bioavailability of micronutrients and food safety. Socialism ensures sharing of available food while believe in traditional medicine hinder visit to health facilities thus no access to nutrition education.ConclusionThis study concludes that culture influence the dietary practices among children under five years. It recommended initiation of programs to create awareness on how the beliefs negatively affect dietary practices with a view for a change.

Household food diversity and nutritional status among adults in Brazil

BackgroundThe aims of this study were to evaluate whether a diversity of healthy foods in a household would decrease the availability of unhealthy foods and to evaluate the association between a healthy dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutritional status among adults.MethodsData from the 2002-2003 Brazilian Household Budget Survey were used. This nationwide survey used a two-stage sampling technique: households were selected after selection of primary sample units (PSUs). Analyses were based on 3,393 PSUs, evaluating 659,816 records of food items purchased by 35,237 households. The DDS was based on the healthy food groups according to Brazilian food guidelines. Per capita acquisition of sugar, sweets, sugar-sweetened beverages and crackers, cookies and cakes (unhealthy food groups) in PSUs was also calculated. Individual weight and height were measured at household. Multivariate linear regression models estimated the association of underweight and overweight and obesity (excess weight) with the PSUs' DDS.ResultsGreater acquisition of unhealthy food groups was associated with higher DDS. A high PSU's DDS was negatively associated with underweight (β = -0.38; p-value = 0.04) and positively associated with excess weight (β = 0.98; p-value = 0.05) after adjustment for availability of unhealthy food groups and socioeconomic variables.ConclusionsOur data indicate that there was no replacement of unhealthy food groups by healthy food groups, therefore a healthy diet message for obesity prevention should be combined with a message focused on eating less.

Only Children of the Head of Household Benefit from Increased Household Food Diversity in Northern Ghana

In many societies, foods are preferentially channeled to certain members of the household. We studied whether being the child of a powerful household member (head of household or first wife in a polygynous family) was associated with greater child stature in Northern Ghana and how this association varied with differences in household food availability. We used a sample of 464 children between 9 and 36 mo of age in extended households in rural Northern Ghana. Child stature was regressed on household food availability, the status of the child’s father (head of household or other male), the status of the child’s mother (marital order in a polygynous marriage), and the interaction terms between household food availability and parental status. The models were controlled for child age, sex, maternal height, parity, household size, and potential intra-community clustering. Household dietary diversity was associated with child stature (P < 0.05), but this association was limited to children of the head of household. For children of other males, there was no quantifiable association between household dietary diversity and child stature. Children of monogamous mothers were taller than children of second wives (P < 0.05). Our findings show that studies of intra-household allocation need to investigate beyond gender differences. Other structural household factors need to be considered in designing interventions, because they affect impact and even lead to increased intra-household inequality. Our results are relevant for Northern Ghana and as well as for similar settings elsewhere in the world.

Household food security status measured by the US-Household Food Security/Hunger Survey Module (US-FSSM) is in line with coping strategy indicators found in urban and rural Indonesia.

The food security assessment used by the United State's Food Security/Hunger Survey Module (US- FSSM) was used in five studies: these were in two urban and four rural areas in Indonesia between February 2004- August 2005. The number of households assessed was 3,704 and consisted of 45% urban and 55% rural. All households had children below five years. This paper aims to assess the applicability of US-FSSM for measuring household food-insecurity in Indonesia. Common coping-strategies discussed are to borrow money from the family, get an additional job, to lessen portion size of food, and to sell small assets. Although households in urban and rural areas were similar in size/number of children and male headed; the urban households were more income-secure, educated, and had better access to electrical appliances. A majority of the households was food-insecure (77% and 84% in urban and rural consecutively). More food-insecure households without and with hunger were found in rural areas. The number of affirmative responses to 17 out of 18 questions in the USFSSM was more in the rural households, showing less fortunate cases of food-insecurity. For a given coping strategy, as food-security status becomes more severe, the higher the percentage of households employing it. For a given food-security status, percentage of households was higher among lower-degree and less among higher-degree coping. Combining food-security and coping-strategy indicators may help to identify transient-food-secure households. Observing both indicators throughout different time of the year continuously may further identify adaptive mechanism by chronic-food-insecure households. Information on household food diversity could enrich findings on dietary intake modification, hence moving from food-security to nutrition-security.