FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN LIVING IN BANANA PRODUCING AREAS IN KISII COUNTY

Abstract

Under-nutrition is a major public health problem in most developing countries where due to poverty, majority of the population depend on a single starchy staple for all their nutrient needs. Kisii County, the highest banana production area in Kenya has a 24% prevalence of malnutrition. In Uganda bio-fortification of the banana fruit with vitamin A and iron has been used as a means to alleviate deficiency among children who are dependent on the banana. Therefore, this study investigated the extent of dependence on the banana fruit as a staple food and its influence on the quality of diet and nutritional status of children in Kisii County. A sample of 280 children from two divisions (Kenyenya and Keumbu), in Kisii County, Kenya was randomly selected for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. A pretested Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) was used to collect information on nutrient intake. Focus Group (FG) discussions were conducted in the two divisions separately and Anthropometric measures (MUAC, height, weight) were taken to determine the overall nutritional status of the children. Chi-square test was done to identify variables that affected banana consumption. Nutrient intake was analyzed by the Nutri-Survey program. ENA for SMART was used to analyze anthropometric data which was then compared against the WHO z-score standards. Results showed that Educational level of caregivers, mother‟s employment status, household income per month and nutritional knowledge of the caregiver influenced the consumption patterns of the children and also form the basic causes of malnutrition. The children‟s diet was diversified including legumes, dairy products, eggs, meats, fish, vegetables and fruits resulting in sufficient nutrient intake. Bananas were the most consumed food item in terms of weight while maize was the highest contributor in nutrients. The daily contribution by banana was 266 g/day. The nutrient contribution made by banana was; energy 252.9 Kcal (13.8%), Protein 3.1 g (5.7%), Vitamin A 101 µg (14.7%), Iron 1.5 mg (11.6%), Vitamin E 0.7 mg (8.9%), zinc 0.6 mg (5.5%). Plants mainly in the form of beans contributed 77% protein while 23% was animal sourced. There were cases of moderate malnutrition among children in households of low income status of which 0.7% were wasted, 1.1% were stunted and 2.1% of the children were underweight. The population was not at risk of protein, energy, vitamin A and iron deficiency but was deficient in calcium and potassium. Banana is the food item consumed in the largest amounts by 2-5 year old children in Kenyenya and Keumbu divisions, making it the most suitable vehicle for biofortification and any other intervention programs to alleviate malnutrition in the community. It is recommended that this population be encouraged to consume more animal sourced foods, green leafy vegetables and fruits or be provided with supplements to increase calcium and potassium intake.