Fish and complementary feeding practices for young children: Qualitative research findings from coastal Kenya

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 14;17(3):e0265310. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265310. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

This study examines barriers to fish consumption during the complementary feeding period in two coastal counties of Kenya with high rates of child malnutrition. Study findings indicate that young child fish consumption is impacted by factors related to accessibility, food preferences, and caregiver's knowledge and beliefs about fish during the complementary feeding period. These factors are influenced by prominent community figures such as elder women and health workers, whose own beliefs and understandings are impacted by underlying cultural norms, potentially limiting fish consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in the coastal region of Kenya to focus on understanding fish consumption attitudes and beliefs during the complementary feeding phase. Our findings represent a critical first step towards the creation of more effective policies and interventions to address the significant nutritional disparities that exist in the study population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Breast Feeding
  • Child Nutrition Disorders*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena*
  • Kenya
  • Mothers
  • Qualitative Research

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish https://www.fishinnovationlab.msstate.edu/ (LI Subaward No. 193900.312455.02c). The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.