FOOD TABOOS OF THE MIJIKENDA COMMUNITY AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF UNDER-FIVE-YEAR OLD CHILDREN

Abstract

Child-under nutrition leads to high morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Approximately 3.1 million child deaths annually are attributed to malnutrition related illnesses. Causes malnutrition include household income, political and economic instability, education level, sanitation, climatic conditions, culinary practices, and food beliefs. The influence of food taboos among the Mijikenda on child nutrition is not fully investigated. This study investigated whether Mijikenda food habits and taboos had an influence on the nutrition status of under-five year old children. Focus group discussions with Kaya elders from five Mijikenda subgroups were used to identify food taboos. Structured questionnaire was developed to find out whether these taboos affected food choices by mothers. Anthropometric measurements of children, WAZ, HAZ, MUAC, skin fold thickness and visual examination were used to determine nutritional status. Commonly restricted foods were animal products including eggs, fish, gizzards, beef, chicken, liver, pepper and some vegetables. The restrictions targeted women, especially pregnant women, and children but not men. Correlation coefficients showed that WAZ was a more sensitive determinant of nutrition status. There were significant correlations between WAZ and number of children in the family, mother’s education level, mother’s age, number of children. There was negative correlation between mother’s education level and number of children. There was positive correlation between WAZ and consumption of meat after delivery and consumption of gizzard. There was positive correlation between HAZ and consumption of liver and pumpkin while pregnant. There was positive correlation between skin fold thickness and breastfeeding while pregnant and also consumption of liver. Mother’s adherence to the food taboos showed negative nutritional outcomes. It is recommended that food taboos be considered as a significant contributor to malnutrition and be addressed by nutritional extension staff.