Abstract:
INTRODUCTION
Giriama traditional food beliefs tend to seriously affect most women of reproductive age
and children below 5 years of age. They were identified through focus group discussions. The
beliefs develop over a period of time in communities for purposes of self-preservation. In most
cases, they were centered around superstition, healing, protection against evil spirits and diseases.
OBJECTIONS
The purpose of this study was to identify and assess the influence of Giriama traditional
food beliefs on physical growth of children under 2 years in Kilifi County.
METHODOLOGY
The study was conducted between July and December 2017. The level of adherence to
traditional food beliefs among the 202 respondents from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) selected
was computed using principal component analysis. Three levels of adherence were established
using the Likert scale high, mid and low. Anthropometry of repondents was correlated to their
mothers’ level of adherence to determine the effect of the beliefs on their physical growth.
RESULTS
Mean anthropometry by adherence to food beliefs level showed significant association
between WAZ (P=0.0002), WLZ (P=0.01), and MUAC (P=0.0002) respectively. Length for age
was not associated with adherence. In the multivariate analysis, compared to low adherence, high
adherence was associated with underweight (WAZ<-2) adjusted OR 2.43 (95% CI 1.12-5.31) and
low MUAC (<12.5cm) adjusted OR 2.56 (95% CI 1.22-5.40). Logistic regression showed mother’s
age had significant effect on all variables association with different anthropometry. CONCLUSION
Adherence to the Giriama traditional food beliefs was a risk factor for malnutrition and
physical growth for children below two years in Kilifi County. The postpartum period among
the Giriama is marked by confinement of the mother, food restrictions and dietary modifications
believed to promote quick healing of the uterus and recovery.
