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Session: Nutritional Disparity and Efficacy/Effectiveness of Interventions/Programs in Children in Low-Income Countries (Oral 25)

(OR25-02-24) Gender and Complementary Feeding Among Children Under Five Years in an Informal Settlement in Nairobi, Kenya

Monday, July 1, 2024
2:12 PM – 2:24 PM CT
Location:  W184

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Salome Bukachi, PhD

    Associate Professor
    University of Nairobi, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies
    Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya

    Disclosure(s): No relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • BP

    Ben Y. Peter

    University of Nairobi, Institute of Anthropology, Gender and African Studies, Kenya

Objectives: Most research on complementary feeding and child care focuses on women, but few look at an all-inclusive approach, involving all members of the household both nuclear and extended. The study examined the specific gender roles played by all the actors within the household setup assessing how gender norms and perceptions influenced their attitudes and behaviour towards complementary feeding.

Methods: The study adopted an exploratory descriptive design and utilized the social role theory framework to identify the different household members, their roles, responsibilities, and gender norms and perception in complementary feeding of children under five years. Qualitative data collection methods were applied by using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and unstructured observation. Transcripts were reviewed for quality check and coded using Nvivo into quotes and citations according to themes to inform the study

Results: The study findings showed that gender roles were prescriptive as the woman was the primary caregiver while the man was the secondary caregiver. The man was supposed to provide financial and emotional support for the mother and the child, while the mother's primary duty was to prioritize the child's well-being. In addition, sociocultural, and religious factors influenced the roles of the primary and secondary caregivers in complementary feeding and their perceptions of the introduction of complementary feeding and the kind of foods to be introduced.

Conclusions: Given the gender dynamics of primary and secondary caregivers mainly women and men respectively in complementary feeding, health programs should target both primary, and secondary caregivers to sensitize them on the appropriate complementary feeding practices.

Funding Sources: Africa Oxford Initiative Research Development Awards (AFOx ReDA)