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    Drivers of millet consumption among school aged children in central Tanzania

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    Journal Article (680.2Kb)
    Date
    2021
    Author
    Chande, M.
    Muhimbula, H.
    Mremi, R.
    Muzanila, Y.C.
    Kumwenda, N.
    Msuya, J.
    Msere, H.
    Bekunda, M.
    Okori, P.
    Gichohi-Wainaina, W.N.
    Type
    Journal Article
    Review Status
    Peer Review
    Target Audience
    Scientists
    Metadata
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    Abstract/Description
    Background: Iron and zinc deficiency are common public health problems in low-income countries largely due to poor consumption of iron and zinc rich foods. It has previously been observed that 57% of school aged children (SAC) in Tanzania suffer from anemia. In addition, estimates indicate that over 25% of the population have inadequate zinc intake. Pearlmillet is an example of a nutrient dense, resilient cereal crop, that can be promoted to diversify diets and combat iron and zinc deficiency. This study overall aim was to increase pearl millet consumption among school aged (5 – 12 years) children. As part of the study, we investigated, the drivers of food choice relating to pearl millet consumption. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of randomly selected households in Kongwa district, Dodoma region of Tanzania. In total, 128 women of reproductive age (20 – 49 years) were randomly selected for the study. A study questionnaire consisting of 66 items, was developed and validated. The constructs in the questionnaire were categorized in two groups: internal and external factors. Respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with statements read to them by interviewers. The scores on intention and behavior constructs were based on the number of times caregivers intended to, or had fed their school going children with pearl millet in the referent month. Intention was considered high if it was higher than the median intention score of the group, and low if it was equal to or lower than the median scores. Correlations and multiple linear regressions were performed to measure association between constructs and to identify predictive constructs. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for score comparison. Results: There was a significant difference between intention and behavior among those who did not consume pearl millet (P = 0.003), and those who consumed pearl millet two or more times a week, in the same month (P = 0.01). Knowledge was significantly correlated with behavior identity (r = 0.58, P = 0.001), while health behavior identity was significantly correlated with intention (r = 0.31, P = 0.001). Intention of caregivers was significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.44, P = 0.001) with and predicted consumption of pearl millet (r = 0.87, P = 0.067). Conclusion: Increasing knowledge or awareness on nutritional benefits of pearl millet among caregivers may increase consumption of pearl millet by children of school going age.
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.694160
    Multi standard citation
    Permanent link to this item
    https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12478/7225
    IITA Authors ORCID
    Mateete Bekundahttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-7297-9383
    Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
    https://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2021.694160
    Research Themes
    Natural Resource Management
    IITA Subjects
    Agronomy; Food Security; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Production; Value Chains
    Agrovoc Terms
    Millets; Food; Children; Tanzania; Food Choice; Pearl Millet
    Regions
    Africa; East Africa
    Countries
    Tanzania
    Hubs
    Eastern Africa Hub
    Journals
    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
    Collections
    • Journal and Journal Articles4835
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