Determinants of fortified food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Isiolo County, Kenya
| dc.contributor.author | Mkungo, Emily C. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Chege, Peter | |
| dc.contributor.author | Munga, Judith | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-13T09:55:32Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-13T09:55:32Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-05-21 | |
| dc.description | Journal Article | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Micronutrient deficiencies pose a significant public health challenge among young children in Kenya, particularly in arid regions like Isiolo County. Fortified foods are a cost-effective intervention, yet their consumption remains low. This study examines the role of socio-economic status, availability, and caregiver knowledge in fortified food consumption. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Oldonyiro and Ngaremara wards, Isiolo County, from June to August 2022, with 272 caregiver-child pairs. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Logistic regression analyzed associations between socio-economic status, availability, caregiver knowledge, and fortified food consumption at p<0.05. Results: Non-fortified maize flour (100%) and vegetable oil (96.3%) were consumed daily, while fortified versions were consumed twice weekly by 36% and 47% of children, respectively. Higher socio-economic status (OR=1.729, p=0.0034), better caregiver knowledge (OR=1.227, p=0.0089), and greater availability (OR=1.311, p=0.015) significantly increased fortified food consumption. Only 20.2% of caregivers were knowledgeable about fortification, and fortified foods were less available in rural areas. Conclusions: Socio-economic status, caregiver knowledge, and availability are critical drivers of fortified food consumption. Public health interventions should prioritize awareness campaigns, improve market access, and address economic barriers to enhance uptake | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Mkungo, E. C., Chege, P., & Munga, J. (2025). Determinants of fortified food consumption among children aged 6–23 months in Isiolo County, Kenya. International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 12(6), 2508–2513. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph202513 (doi.org in Bing) | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2394-6032 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 2394-6040 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32049 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health | |
| dc.title | Determinants of fortified food consumption among children aged 6-23 months in Isiolo County, Kenya | |
| dc.type | Article |