A Gender Analysis of Complementary Feeding Among Children Under Five Years in Kamukunji Informal Settlements in Nairobi

Abstract

Family is the basic unit of society. Family involvement in complementary feeding offers the prospect of improved child nutrition as it serves as the mother's social support aiding her decision-making process regarding feeding children under five years. Whereas most research on complementary feeding and child care focuses on women, this research used an all-inclusive approach by involving all members of the household at the nuclear and extended levels of the family. The study examined the specific gender roles played by all the actors within the household setup assessing how gender norms and perceptions influenced their attitudes and behaviour towards complementary feeding. The study adopted an exploratory descriptive design and utilized the social role theory framework to identify the different household members, their roles, responsibilities, and gender norms and perception in complementary feeding of children under five years. Qualitative data collection methods were applied by using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and unstructured observation. Transcripts were reviewed for quality check and coded using Nvivo into quotes and citations according to themes to inform the study. The study findings stated that gender roles were prescriptive as the woman was the primary caregiver while the man was the secondary caregiver. The man was supposed to provide financial and emotional support for the mother and the child, while the mother's primary duty was to prioritize the child's well-being. In addition, sociocultural, and religious factors influenced the roles of the primary and secondary caregivers in complementary feeding and their perceptions of the introduction of complementary feeding and the kind of foods to be introduced. Therefore, health programs should target primary, and secondary caregivers to sensitize them on the appropriate complementary feeding practices.