The nexus between traditional food beliefs and nutritional status of children below two years a case study of the Giriama In Kilifi County Kenya

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.