Diets of infants and young children in two counties of Kenya: Key drivers and barriers to improvement

• DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13334
• Publication Date: 2022-12-05T09:43:52Z
• Authors: Judith Kimiywe; Hope Craig; Abigail Agyapong; Andrew Thorne‐Lyman; Patrick Matsisa; Laura Kiige; Patrick Codjia; Christiane Rudert; Stacy Katua; Rose Wambu; Betty Samburu; Penjani Kamudoni; Kudakwashe Chimanya; Stella Nordhagen
• Keywords: food intake; RC620-627; Mothers; Identifying and Addressing Barriers to Optimal Complementary Feeding in Kenya; Pediatrics; complementary feeding; RJ1-570; 12. Responsible consumption; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Vegetables; Animals; Humans; Nutritional diseases. Deficiency diseases; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; 2. Zero hunger; infant and child nutrition; 1. No poverty; Infant; Gynecology and obstetrics; Feeding Behavior; Kenya; behaviour; Diet; 3. Good health; Breast Feeding; Child, Preschool; RG1-991; beliefs; community; Female

Abstract Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are influenced by many context‐specific factors related to local food systems as well social cultural practices. Understanding these contextual perspectives is essential for designing effective programs policies. This paper uses focused ethnographic study methods examine challenges experienced mothers IYCF in two counties Kenya, a country with considerable heterogeneity agriculture, systems, cultures. A two‐phase qualitative was undertaken each of Kilifi County West Pokot County, entailing interviews rating activities mothers, health workers, vendors. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, translated into English, coded, analysed topic. Results show low levels dietary diversity both counties; Pokot, the level adequate meal frequency also low. Core foods diets included maize porridge family such ugali (stiff porridge), vegetables, beans, fish, plantains. Food safety, acceptability, acquisition ease main drivers choice. Mothers generally felt that all core fed children healthy safe, but there more variability regarding acceptance, ease, cost, convenience. Common barriers nutrient‐dense illness, economic constraints, limited knowledge modification strategies, skills, or tools make suitable children. Potential actions address include sharing information on child‐appropriate recipes; raising awareness local, affordable foods; improving WASH reduce illness frequency.