Coverage and Consumption of Micronutrient Powders, Fortified Staples, and Iodized Salt Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Selected Neighborhoods of Nairobi County, Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Magali, Leyvraz
David-Kigaru, Dorcus M.
Macharia-Mutie, Catherine
Aaron, Grant J.
Roefs, Marlene
Tumilowicz, Alison
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Abstract
Background: Intake of micronutrient-rich foods among children aged 6 to 23 months in Nairobi is low.
Objective: This study aimed to assess existing coverage and utilization of micronutrient powders
(MNPs), fortified staples, and iodized salt among children aged 6 to 23 months prior to implementation
of an MNP program.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey among caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months (n ¼ 618) was
implemented in 7 neighborhoods within Nairobi County, representing the implementation area of the
new MNP program.
Results: Results for MNP coverage and utilization showed 28.5% of all caregivers were aware of MNP,
18.5% had ever receivedMNP for their child, and 10.8% had fedMNP to their child in the previous 7 days.
Effective coverage (ie, the child had been given the MNP at least 3 times in the previous 7 days) was 5.8%.
Effective coverage of infants and young children with poor feeding practices was significantly lower as
compared to those with non-poor feeding practices (coverage ratio, 0.34; confidence interval, 0.12-0.70).
Most households purchased iodized salt (96.9%), fortified oil (61.0%), and fortified maize flour (93.9%).
An estimated 23.9% of vitamin A requirements of children (6-23 months) were provided from fortified
oil and 50.7% of iron from fortified maize flour. Most households consumed processed milk (81%).
Conclusion: Coverage of MNPs in the surveyed neighborhoods was low. Coverage of fortified salt,
oil, and maize flour was high and provided significant amount of micronutrients to children. Processed
milk has potential as a vehicle for food fortification.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Infant and young child feeding, MNP, Home fortification, Coverage, Food fortification, Kenya
Citation
Food and Nutrition Bulletin 1-9, 2017