Title
Formative research to explore the acceptability and use of infant food grinders for the promotion of animal source foods and micronutrient powders in rural Peru
Date Issued
01 October 2018
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Publisher(s)
Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Abstract
According to global recommendations, quality diets for complementary feeding (CF) should include a diversity of foods including vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables and sources of high-quality proteins and essential nutrients, particularly animal-source foods (ASF). A key barrier to feeding ASF surrounds beliefs that the preparation of foods of a thicker consistency may cause problems of digestion, “heaviness” or stomach problems, swallowing, and choking. The objective of this study was to explore, through systematic formative research, the acceptability, use, and feasibility of a simple technology, commercial infant food grinders, in two rural Peruvian settings where there is delayed and low consumption of complementary foods of a thick consistency, including ASF. Phase I explored the barriers, constraints, and opportunities related to the provision of foods of a thicker consistency with a focus on ASF. Phase II encompassed household behavioural trials with mothers and infants to assess the acceptability and use of the grinders in the home setting, using key concepts and messages developed from the information obtained during Phase I. The technology was highly acceptable, used by the majority of mothers (87.8%), and led to changes in cultural perceptions, facilitating increased feeding of appropriate textures (thick purees), ASF, and multimicronutrient powders. Energy, protein, and micronutrient intakes were all significantly greater after the household behavioural trials. This simple technology, paired with systematic formative research to appropriately promote its use across cultures, may have a significant effect on improving CF practices globally, particularly for young infants beginning CF at 6 months.
Volume
14
Issue
4
Number
e12600
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Nutrición, Dietética
Salud pública, Salud ambiental
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85044768324
PubMed ID
Source
Maternal and Child Nutrition
ISSN of the container
17408695
Sponsor(s)
We are extremely grateful to the caregivers and their children who participated in this study as well as the local health personnel. We thank the health and nutrition authorities of the Regional Government of Lambayeque and General Health Direction for their support and facilitation of this project. We thank the nutrition interns from San Marcos University, Lima, and Katherine Kline from UNC for their dedication and essential contribution to this project and Margot Marin for analytical support. This study would not have occurred if it were not for the generous support of The Mathile Institute for the Advancement of Human Nutrition and especially for the interest and active support of Dr. Greg Reinhart.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases K01DK111793 NIDDK
University of North Carolina UNC
California State University San Marcos CSUSM
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus