Consumption of Fortified Foods and Associated Determinants by Children Aged 6–23 Months in Isiolo County, Kenya
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Date
2025-10
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health challenge among young children, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Food fortification has been widely recognized as a cost-effective strategy to address these deficiencies. However, despite mandatory fortification policies in Kenya, gaps in awareness, access, and consumption persist especially among children aged 6–23 months. National data indicate that 36% of children are anemic, 61.8% are vitamin A deficient, 21.8% are iron deficient, and 83.3% are zinc deficient. In Isiolo County, 75% of children in this age group do not meet the Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD). This study examined the influence of socio-economic status, availability of fortified foods, and caregiver knowledge on the consumption of fortified foods by children aged 6–23 months in Isiolo County. A cross-sectional survey involving 272 caregiver-child pairs and key informants (including shopkeepers) was conducted in the vulnerable wards of Oldonyiro and Ngaremara in August 2022. Cluster sampling was used to select villages, and simple random sampling was applied to identify participating households. Data collection tools included a semi-structured household questionnaire, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using logistic regression at a 5% significance level. The study found that 89% of households were male-headed, with most of the caregivers aged 15–35 years. Over half (52.6%) of households were classified as having low economic status. Daily consumption of non-fortified maize flour and vegetable oil was nearly universal, while fortified versions were consumed by only 30% of children, typically twice per week. Households with higher socio-economic status (OR = 1.729, p = 0.012), greater caregiver knowledge (OR = 1.227, p = 0.0089), and better availability of fortified foods (OR = 1.311, p = 0.015) were significantly more likely to feed their children fortified foods. Notably, only 20.2% of caregivers were classified as knowledgeable about food fortification, and fortified products were less available in rural areas such as Oldonyiro. The findings underscore the critical role of socio-economic status, caregiver knowledge, and market availability in influencing fortified food consumption. Fortified foods already widely consumed in unfortified form represent a missed opportunity to improve child nutrition where dietary diversity is limited. Targeted interventions are recommended to raise caregiver knowledge, reduce economic barriers, and improve supply chain access to fortified foods in underserved areas.
Description
A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of the Master of Science in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics in the School of Health Sciences of Kenyatta University, October 2025.
Supervisors
1. Prof. Peter Chege
2. Judith Munga