The Influence of Household Procurement Strategies on Food Intake and Nutritional Status of Pre-school Children in Rural Western Kenya

Abstract

A cross sectional survey design was set up to assess the influence of household procurement strategies on food intake and nutritional status of preschool children in from 196 households in Vihiga County, Kenya. Dietary diversity was positively correlated with food availability (p<0.05). Increased consumption of bread and cereals, and, fruits and vegetables was influenced by food availability and food consumption (dietary diversity) (<0.05). Roots and tubers, legumes and pulses, and carbonated drinks were the main contributors to food procurement strategies and availability (F= 3.419, F sig=0.02). Nutrition outcome was influenced by household socioeconomic status (R= 0.189, p value = 0.012) and income levels of households (R= 0.246, p value= 0.002), while procurement strategies had no effect on the nutritional status of the pre-school child. Household income levels determined food availability, diversity and intake.