Speaker
Description
Background: Child nutrition and health in Nalerigu in the North East Region of Ghana remain severely challenged by food insecurity and malnutrition among vulnerable populations, particularly children aged 6-23 months. Despite extensive research on nutrition and child health in the area, a notable gap persists in understanding the role of intra-household decision-making and its effect on nutritional status, dietary patterns, morbidity and cognition of children aged 6-23 months.
Objective: This study examined the relationships between intra-household decision-making and children’s nutritional status, dietary patterns, morbidity, and cognitive development in Nalerigu.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study involved 110 children aged 6-23 months, and their caregivers in the East Mamprusi Municipality. Data included hemoglobin concentration, anthropometry (height-for-age, weight-for-age, weight-for-height), dietary intake (food frequency questionnaire and cognition (Caregiver Reported Early Development Index, CREDI). Household food security and decision dynamics were also assessed with standard procedures.
Key findings: Malnutrition was widespread: 84.5% of children were anemic, 50% stunted, 24.6% underweight, and 20% wasted. Morbidity was high, with 86.4% experiencing gastrointestinal issues and 72.7% fever episodes. Incomplete vaccination coverage affected 42.7% of children, and severe food insecurity was reported in 80% of households. Decision-making was predominantly patriachial; husbands made 58% of households decisions compared to 25% by wives. Principal component analyses identified five dietary patterns. The Multi nutrient Enriched Nuts and Milk pattern showed the strongest association with improved cognition. Women’s greater involvement in household decision-making strongly predicted improved food security and reduced child morbidity.
Implication: Integrated public health interventions are urgently needed to address malnutrition and morbidity, women empowerment and vaccination coverage.
Keywords: Household decision making, food security, infant nutrition, dietary patterns, morbidity