A Qualitative Exploration on Perceived Socio-Cultural Factors Contributing to Undernutrition Among Under-Fives in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania

Abstract

Objective: Under nutrition especially among under-fives is a major public health challenge in Tanzania. However, the contribution of cultural practices to child under nutrition is often overlooked. This study aimed to explore the perceived socio-cultural factors contributing to the persisting under nutrition among under-fives in Tanzania.Methods: The study applied focus group discussion (FDGs) with forty practitioners to examine the sociocultural factors contributing to under nutrition during early childhood. The study participants were purposively selected and thematic analysis was used to identify themes within the data.Results: This study revealed that, under nutrition for under-fives is caused by a number of socio-cultural factors including existence of gender inequality related to dietary practices and qualities, women’s excessive workload, patriarchy social-norm, excessive alcohol use and cultural taboos prohibiting women and girls from eating certain types of nutrient dense foods.Conclusion: The study highlights the multiplicity of factors including socio-cultural perspectives contributing to under nutrition among under-fives, and calls for a concerted efforts in developing and implementing issue-specific and culturally sensitive strategies towards elimination of child under nutrition.

A Systems Approach in the Prevention of Undernutrition among Children under Five in Tanzania: Perspectives from Key Stakeholders

“…Using a similar method of data collection that was described in our earlier paper [ 11 ], data collection was conducted in March 2021. The study participants were recruited based on their experience and knowledge in the area of tackling childhood malnutrition at national, regional and district levels.…”

“…Specifically, the causes for undernutrition for under-fives included inappropriate feeding practices such as delaying the onset of breastfeeding and shortening the duration of breastfeeding, inadequate maternal dietary intake before conception or during pregnancy, distance to the water, inadequate literacy and big household family size [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Other reported causes include the following: inadequate knowledge on feeding practices among caregivers/mothers [ 10 ] and social–cultural factors such as gender inequality related to dietary practices and masculinity, women’s excessive workload—characterized by multiple domestic roles—cultural taboos prohibiting women and girls from eating certain types of nutrient-dense foods such as eggs and fish and excessive alcohol use among mothers or caregivers [ 11 ].…”