Influence of Food Taboos of the Mijikenda on the Nutritional Status of Under-Five-Year-Old Children

Abstract

Child-under nutrition leads to high morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. Approximately 3.1 million child deaths annually are attributed to malnutrition related illnesses. Causes malnutrition include household income, political and economic instability, education level, sanitation, climatic conditions, culinary practices, and food beliefs. The influence of food taboos among the Mijikenda on child nutrition is not fully investigated. This study investigated whether Mijikenda food habits and taboos had an influence on the nutrition status of under-five year old children. Focus group discussions with Kaya elders from five Mijikenda subgroups were used to identify food taboos. Structured questionnaire was developed to find out whether these taboos affected food choices by mothers. Anthropometric measurements of children, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), height-for age z-score (HAZ), skin fold thickness and visual examination were used to determine nutritional status of chidren. Commonly restricted foods were animal products including eggs, fish, gizzards, beef, chicken, liver, pepper and some vegetables. The restrictions targeted women, especially pregnant women, and children but not men. There were significant correlations between WAZ and number of children in the family (r = 0.228, P = 0.009); mother’s education level and number of children (r = -0.346, P = 0.000). There was positive correlation between WAZ and consumption of meat after delivery (r = 0.194, P = 0.029); WAZ and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.285, P = 0.001); HAZ and consumption of liver (r = 0.208, P = 0.019); skin fold thickness and breastfeeding while pregnant (r = 0.199, P = 0.027), Skin fold thickness and consumption of gizzard (r = 0.198, P = 0.025) and negative correlation between HAZ and pumpkin while pregnant (r = -0.173, P = 0.049). Mother’s adherence to the food taboos showed negative nutritional outcomes. This study shows that children from mothers who ignored traditional food restrictions had better nutritional outcomes than for those who adhered to the restrictions. Food taboos should be considered as a significant contributor to malnutrition and needs to be addressed in nutritional intervention programmes.