International Journal of Public Health · 6 authors, 5 centres
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This qualitative study explored socio-cultural factors contributing to undernutrition among children under five in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. Key factors identified included gender inequality in food distribution, restrictive food taboos for women and girls, and male dominance in household resource allocation.
This study used a qualitative approach to identify socio-cultural factors contributing to undernutrition among children under five in Tanzania's Southern Highlands. These include gender inequality, where traditions of men eating first and women/girls eating after restrict their nutrient intake; women's excessive workload leaving little time for childcare; food taboos prohibiting women and girls from eating nutrient-rich foods like eggs and fish; and male dominance in household decision-making, including selling food crops and spending income, sometimes on alcohol, which reduces family food availability. The study also noted barriers like false beliefs about witchcraft hindering interventions. The findings suggest a need for culturally sensitive strategies targeting gender roles and knowledge, particularly among men, to address child undernutrition.
