Fish and complementary feeding practices for young children: Qualitative research findings from coastal Kenya

Abstract

This study examines barriers to fish consumption during the complementary feeding period in two coastal counties of Kenya with high rates of child malnutrition. Study findings indicate

that young child fish consumption is impacted by factors related to accessibility, food prefer- ences, and caregiver’s knowledge and beliefs about fish during the complementary feeding

period. These factors are influenced by prominent community figures such as elder women

and health workers, whose own beliefs and understandings are impacted by underlying cul- tural norms, potentially limiting fish consumption. To our knowledge, this is the first study

conducted in the coastal region of Kenya to focus on understanding fish consumption atti- tudes and beliefs during the complementary feeding phase. Our findings represent a critical

first step towards the creation of more effective policies and interventions to address the sig- nificant nutritional disparities that exist in the study population.