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Older adults' perceptions about meat consumption: a qualitative study in Gasabo district, Kigali, Rwanda.
Theogene Habumugisha1, Inger E Måren2,3, Eric Matsiko4
1Centre for International Health, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Årstadveien 21, Bergen, 5009, Norway. theogene.habumugisha@uib.no.
BMC Public Health
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Older adults in Rwanda consume less meat due to poverty, despite its perceived health and social benefits. Addressing financial barriers is crucial for healthy aging and meeting nutritional needs.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Nutritional Science
- Sociology of Food
Background:
- Aging populations present significant healthcare challenges.
- Muscle wasting and functional decline are common in older adults.
- Protein intake, particularly from meat, is vital for mitigating age-related decline, yet data on older adults' perceptions in Sub-Saharan Africa is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the perceptions of dietary meat consumption among older adults in Rwanda's Gasabo district.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive qualitative study utilizing focus group discussions (FGDs) with 64 participants (≥55 years).
- Eight FGDs were conducted in Kinyarwanda, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed thematically.
- The study explored motives, barriers, and perceptions related to meat consumption.
Main Results:
- Key motives for meat consumption included enhanced diet quality, personal health benefits, and social functions.
- Perceived barriers encompassed health risks, environmental sustainability concerns, and religious beliefs.
- Meat was perceived as unavailable and unaffordable, with consumption linked to higher socioeconomic status.
Conclusions:
- Poverty significantly limits meat consumption among older adults in the region.
- Interventions to improve financial accessibility or targeted public health initiatives are essential for ensuring adequate protein intake and promoting healthy aging.
