Child malnutrition in poor smallholder households in rural Kenya: an in-depth situation analysis
1995
Kigutha, H.N. | Staveren, W.A. van | Veerman, W. | Hautvast, J.G.A.J.
Objective: To investigate the effect of seasonal changes on household food availability on the nutritional status of preschool children from rural households. Design: Households with preschool children were randomly selected from a sampling frame developed from a census list. Data were collected each month or at intervals for 14 months using pre-coded questionnaires. Setting: The study was carried out in Njoro division, Nakuru district, Kenya. Subjects: Subjects comprised 41 preschool children (22 girls and 19 boys) aged between 18 and 36 months. Households with preschool children were listed from a census conducted earlier. A random sample of 45 subjects was selected, out of which 41 completed the study. Intervention: Food consumption data were collected monthly using the 24-h recall method, and by the 3-day weighed record method during the peak of each season. Subjects were measured once each month, while length was measured at three intervals over the study period. Results: Significant differences in intake of calcium, vitamin A, thiamin and riboflavin were observed between the lean and the post-harvest months, but not with energy, protein, fat, iron, niacin and vitamin C. There were no significant seasonal differences in mean weight changes, which were at the rate of 182 g/month. Mean length increased at a faster rate during the lean season compared to the postharvest months. 51% of the children were stunted during the lean season compared to 28% in the post-harvest months. Conclusion: The results indicate a seasonal influence on energy and nutrient intake among preschoolers from low income rural households in Kenya.
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