Understanding the Purchasing and Consumption Dynamics of Commercially Processed Complementary Foods and Caregiver...

Commercially processed complementary foods (CPCFs) are consumed in Kenya, but little is known about caregiver perceptions and reasons for their consumption. We explored caregiver perceptions, motivations and reasons for purchasing CPCFs. This cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted in Nairobi among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months. A four-stage sampling strategy was used to select study sites non-slum (Westlands) and slum (Mathare) areas, retail outlets and study participants. Eighty-one caregivers (40 in Mathare, 41 in Westlands) were recruited for the quantitative survey, from this sample 16 participants were recruited for qualitative in-depth interviews. Questions about the place of purchase, types of foods purchased, reasons for purchase, sources of information on infant and young child feeding and CPCFs, and perceptions on health and nutrition claims were asked. Nearly all caregivers (96.3%) reported giving their children CPCFs. Close to half of caregivers offered CPCFs as a snack (46.9%) while 21% offered them as a main meal. CPCFs were perceived to be healthy (73.1%), nutritious (71.8%) and easy to prepare (70.7%) and child preference (55.6%), price (54.3%), taste (51.9%), nutritional quality (55.6%) and food safety (62.9%) were considered important factors when purchasing them. Nutrition and health claims on product packaging were documented, and these appeared to influence caregiver perceptions about CPCFs. Participants perceived CPCFs as good and healthy for children and rich in nutrients essential for growth and development. This is in line with nutrition claims on these products. CPCFs are highly regarded by caregivers and are consumed in slum and non-slum settings in Nairobi. Given that misleading health and nutrition claims are used to market them, CPCFs may negatively impact child health if their marketing and consumption are not regulated.