Healthy vs. unhealthy food choices? Unpacking the drivers of mothers’ feeding decisions for their young children. A mixed methods study in Addis Ababa

BACKGROUND.

The co-occurrence of undernutrition and overnutrition in low-income countries poses major challenges to society in general, and the urban poor in particular.AIMS.

Focusing on the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods among young children in Addis Ababa, we aim to assess the relative importance of neighbourhood food environment and personal drivers for the complex negation of pros and cons characterising mothers’ feeding decision-making process. This requires an in-depth understanding of the feeding choice values/motives at stake in the process.METHODS.

Using a mixed-methods approach we start by qualitatively exploring mother´s (and fathers’) feeding choice values.

Based on the results, we develop and validate quantitative tools to assess the key feeding choice values.Data on feeding choice values will be evaluated in relation to children’s consumption of foods and drinks.

Further, the relative importance of personal drivers (mothers’ caring and household resources) and social environment (social support) in addition to food environment (food availability, density & marketing) will be evaluated.SIGNIFICANCE.

Expanding research into the proximal drivers constituting individuals’ feeding choice values have the important potential to highlight the inequitable distribution of food security and thus enable the design of equitable policies and interventions. Increasing consumer demand for healthy and sustainable foods may contribute to sustainable food systems