Household Food Practices And Their Direct Impact On Child Nutritional And Health Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Household food practices are crucial in shaping the nutrition intake and the health-related outcomes of children. Dietary quality and development of children are directly affected by factors like food availability, meal patterns, and decision-making of a parent. Objective: The paper seeks to analyze the direct relationship between food practices in households and the nutritional status and health outcomes of children. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out 250 households with children between ages of 5 and 12 years old. Structured questionnaires, dietary assessments, and health measures (BMI and illness frequency) were used to gather data. Correlation and regression were used to conduct statistical analyses to find out relationships between variables. Findings: (Results) findings showed that children living in households that reported healthy food practices had higher score on dietary diversity (68), than less structured household (35). The positive household practices were linked significantly to lower BMI level (r = -0.39, p < 0.01) and less frequency of illnesses. Conclusion: There is a direct and significant relationship between household food practices and eating and health outcomes of children. Encouragement of routine meals and healthy eating conditions can enhance the well-being of children.