Rural food habits in six developing countries : a CARE study on environmental, social and cultural influence on food consumption patterns

Key social influences included those of older mothers (who lack nutrition education), husbands (who generally dictate what food is bought), and, to some extent, health personnel. Age and sex were found to be particularly influential. Adults, especially males, eat first and receive the choicest portions (especially of animal foods); priority is not accorded to pregnant and nursing women and especially not to children. Other key factors included large family size and close child spacing and the lack of family education and of basic health and sanitation services. A significant result of the latter deficiencies was the prevalence of early pregancies and early child deaths. Other social factors discussed include occupation, literacy, ethnicity, religion,and access to radio. Overall, community influences were found to outweigh the influence of the mother. Household income, food availability and cooking, and storing methods were also key factors. Recommendations for adressing deficiencies in these areas include stressing income-generating activities (along with nutrition education); mixed diets (existing foods in the six countries were found to be nutritionally sufficient); meal planning and development of home gardens; food preservation programs encouraging the use of seasonal crops during the off season; home consumption, especially by very young children, of the animal foods usually sold to produce income; crop diversification; and proper methods of food preparation and sanitary methods of home food storage. Dietary habits are influenced by food beliefs, e.g., the ascription to certain foods of beneficial or harmful qualities or of medicinal or prestige values. Food beliefs which positively influence diet should be incorporated in nutrition programs. Attempts should be made to alter those beliefs which restrict food for pregnant and nursing women and for infants and pre-schoolers. Included are a discussion of the survey"s methodology and several examples of survey instruments.