Predictors of pigeon peas consumption among school aged children in kongwa district, Dodoma region

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and iron deficiency (ID) are global public health problems affecting developing countries with major consequences on human health as well as social and economic development. PEM at early childhood has serious long-term consequences because it impedes motor, sensory, cognitive, social and emotional development. Food-based strategies such as food production, dietary diversification and bio-fortification are the most sustainable and best approaches to increase the macro and micronutrient intake in a population. Despite these interventions, the adoption of foods resulting from introduced crops remains doubtful. People in Kongwa district have remained quite rigid in adopting new foods such as pigeon peas which are highly rich in protein and iron. This study aimed to investigate factors predicting consumption of pigeon peas among school-aged children living in Kongwa District. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey based on a combined model of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Health Belief Model was undertaken, and reported here. A sample of 138 caregivers with school-aged children (5–12 years), preferably those involved in food preparations in households, was randomly selected from 4 villages in Kongwa. The selection also focused on those who were familiar with, or had consumed pigeon peas before. Intention to consume pigeon peas was significantly correlated with pigeon peas consumption (rs=0.263, P=0.002) while attitudes towards behaviour (stand. β=0.206, P=0.035) contributed significantly to the prediction of intention to consume pigeon peas. Perceived barriers appeared to be an important interaction term in the relationship between intention and behaviour (stand. β=-0.268, P=0.001). Health value (stand. β=0.485, P=0.000) contributed significantly to the prediction of health behaviour identity. In order to promote pigeon peas consumption, intention to consume pigeon peas could be increased by focusing on positive subjective norms, health value and attitudes towards pigeon peas consumption. Finally, knowledge on the nutritive richness of pigeon peas should be emphasized so that people can appreciate the health benefits of consuming pigeon peas i.e. stimulate a positive attitude.

International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)