The Relationship between Household Food Entitlements and Dietary Adequacy among Children (6-59 Months) in Gulu District, Uganda

Abstract

Inadequate provision of food entitlements for subsistence is one of the causes of hunger, starvation and poor nutrition. The relationship between household food entitlements and dietary adequacy for Protein, Iron and Vitamin A; and dietary diversity of children (6-59 months) was investigated in two different food entitlement households including ‘own production’ and ‘food purchase’ (n=371). The mean dietary diversity scores (3.27±0.96 and 3.58±1.05) differed significantly in the respective food entitlement households (p<0.05). The nutrient adequacy ratios (NAR) for Protein, Iron and Vitamin A (2.38±1.50 and 2.20±1.40; 0.92±0.95 and 0.84±0.64; 0.34±0.66 and 0.36±0.50; respectively) did not significantly differ (p>0.05). Household food entitlements affect dietary diversity of children 6-59 months, with dependence on food purchase being associated with a more diverse diet.

Keywords: Food entitlements, Dietary Adequacy, Dietary Diversity, Gulu District.