Food consumption patterns and dietary practices in relation to iron and salt intakes of the Timau community, Meru District in Kenya

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey of consumption patterns and dietary practices was carried out in Timau Division, Meru Central District in Kenya from March to April 20()4. The main objective of the study was to determine the food consumption patterns and dietary practices in relation to iron and salt intakes of the Timau community. This study was to provide baseline data for an efficacy study on use of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) in alleviation of iron deficiency anaemia in Kenya. A random sample of a total of 13 households in three clusters of 10, 12 and II proportionately and randomly selected from Mililani. Ruseni and Kambak ia villages respectively in Timau Division were investigated. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demography. socio-economic factors. food production and utilisation. and food consumption. Dietary intakes were determined using a three-day-weighed record method for all household members in the households. Anthropometric measurements were carried out on all household individuals to determine their nutritional status. Focus group discussions and observations were undertaken to obtain information on dietary practices. The majority of the households reportedly consumed Irish potatoes (Sn.9%, N=JJ) and maize nn.9%. N=JJ) at least 2-3 times per week as their staple foods. Beans and pigeon peas and milk were the most consumed protein foods. Majority of the study group households consumed a wide range of fresh vegetables. The dai Iy amounts of salt intakes (OJ) 1% iodised salt) by various age groups differed slightly according to amount or food consumed. The children had the least intakes with 7.7g (SD=:1.7). The teenagers and adults differed slightly at IO.Jg (SD=2.R) and IO.9g (SD=4.4) respectively. The results showed that the salt intakes were within the recommended levels and from a centralised source. There was no significant difference between intakes of salt by men and women at p-value>O.OS (p-value=O.198). All study households reportedly consumed salt in food. The overall mean intakes of energy. determined In kilocalories (Kcal) was 1922.27±9()X.67 (N= 14]), which was less than the recommended dietary intakes or calories for majority of individuals under the study. The overall mean intakes of protein for all members or the selected households were 4S.Y9g (SD=29.4) with most members (61.')1710) having adequate intakes. Nearly all members of the study group (n.7°/n) had sufficient intakes of vitamin C. Adequate amounts or iron above RDA were consumed hy all the household members in the study group. However this iron was mainly non-hacmc type 1'1'0111 plant sources, which is or low binavailability in the body (attributable to high consumption or potatoes). The results from this study also showed no significant difference between the dietary intakes and religion (p-value>O.OS). However. dietary intakes and occupation or dietary intakes and education levels were round to be highly significant at p-valuec-n.O'i (p-value=().OOO). The mean weight-for-height zscores in the selected households was 2.9~±().14 (n=49). The results also showed a majority or the children (9W!{,) in these households were or the normal nutritional status according to the international standards (National Council 1'01' Health Statistic; UNICEF. 1(96). Underweight in the pre-schoolers in the study group was very rare. The weight-for-age 7.- scores had a mean of 2.94±O.29. Only 1.4% and 2.<)% or the children were severely or moderately underweight respectively. The mean height-for-age z-scores of 2.:UO.5] was realised with 5.7% and R.6% of the children severely and moderately stunted respectively. There was no significant difference between the nutritional status and the sex of the children at p-value=O.05. The majority of the adults had 8MI of between 20.1 and 25.0 with only 12(}1()falling between 26.0 and ~S.(). Only 26.9% of the adults falling below the recommended level. Tile study results also showed that there arc no dietary restrictions In the form of taboos and ot her trat! it ions that wou It! a lfcct rood consu mpt ion patterns. There fore in a national intervent ion ;lgainst nutritional anaemia. changes in haemoglobin concentration levels and responses among the Timau residents would constitute useful references. III conclusion. there were limited dietary variations among the residents of the study area. A low dietary intake of calories was the main problem of the area residents due to shortage or staple food.