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Research article2018Peer reviewedOpen access

What Influences Urban Mothers' Decisions on What to Feed Their Children Aged Under FiveThe Case of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Berhane, Hanna Y.; Ekstrom, Eva-Charlotte; Jirstrom, Magnus; Berhane, Yemane; Turner, Christopher; Alsanius, Beatrix W.; Trenholm, Jill

Abstract

Mothers carry the prime responsibility for childcare and feeding in low-income countries. Understanding their experiences in providing food for their children is paramount to informing efforts to improve the nutritional status of children. Such information is lacking in Sub-Saharan Africa. To understand what influences urban mothers' food acquisition and their motivations for selecting food for their children, 36 in-depth interviews were carried out with mothers having children under five years of age. Interviews were conducted in the local language, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis which led to the identification of four major themes: mothers give-in to a child-driven diet; quick-fix versus the privilege of planning; keen awareness on food safety, nutrition, and diet diversity; and social, familial, and cultural influences. The findings indicate that child feeding practices are influenced by interlinked social and environmental factors. Hence, nutrition education campaigns should focus on targeting not only families but also their children. Attention should also be given to food safety regulations, as well as to the much-needed support of mothers who are struggling to ensure their children's survival in low-income countries.

Keywords

urban mothers; child feeding; nutrition; qualitative methods; Ethiopia

Published in

Nutrients
2018, Volume: 10, number: 9, article number: 1142
Publisher: MDPI

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
    SDG4 Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
    SDG17 Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Nutrition and Dietetics

    Publication identifier

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10091142

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/97295