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Broyles LMT, Pakhtigian EL, Mejia A. Estimating effects of monsoon flooding on household water access. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS : ERL [WEB SITE] 2024; 19:094038. [PMID: 39156758 PMCID: PMC11327760 DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad6ce9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
The importance of climate in water resources management is well recognized, but less is known about how climate affects water access at the household level. Understanding this is crucial for identifying vulnerable households, reducing health and well-being risks, and finding equitable solutions. Using difference-in-differences regression analyses and relying on temporal variation in interview timing from multiple, cross-sectional surveys, we examine the effects of monsoon riverine flooding on household water access among 34 000 households in Bangladesh in 2011 and 2014. We compare water access, a combined measure of both water source and time for collection, among households living in flood-affected and non-flood-affected districts before and after monsoon flooding events. We find that households in monsoon flood-affected districts surveyed after the flooding had between 2.27 and 4.42 times higher odds of experiencing low water access. Separating geographically, we find that while households in coastal districts have lower water access than those in non-coastal districts, monsoon flood exposure is a stronger predictor of low water access in non-coastal districts. Non-coastal districts were particularly burdened in 2014, when households affected by monsoon flooding had 4.71 times higher odds of low water access. We also find that household wealth is a consistent predictor of household water access. Overall, our results show that monsoon flooding is associated with a higher prevalence of low water access; socioeconomically vulnerable households are especially burdened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M T Broyles
- Population Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, 601 Oswald Tower, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| | - Emily L Pakhtigian
- School of Public Policy, The Pennsylvania State University, 322 Pond Laboratory, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
| | - Alfonso Mejia
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 212 Sackett Building, University Park, PA 16802, United States of America
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Ahmed F, Malik NI, Bashir S, Noureen N, Ahmad JB, Tang K. Political Economy of Maternal Child Malnutrition: Experiences about Water, Food, and Nutrition Policies in Pakistan. Nutrients 2024; 16:2642. [PMID: 39203779 PMCID: PMC11357590 DOI: 10.3390/nu16162642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined access to water, food, and nutrition programs among marginalized communities in Southern Punjab, Pakistan, and their effects on nutrition. Both qualitative and quantitative data were used in this study. We held two focus group discussions (one with 10 males and one with 10 females) and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 key stakeholders, including 20 mothers and 10 healthcare providers. A survey of 235 households was carried out to evaluate water and food insecurity, with the data analyzed using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test, t-test, and Pearson's chi-square test. The results revealed that 90% of households experienced moderate-to-severe water insecurity, and 73% faced moderate-to-severe food insecurity. Household water and food insecurity were positively correlated with each other (correlation coefficient = 0.205; p = 0.004). Greater household water (p = 0.028) and food insecurity (p < 0.001) were both associated with higher perceived stress. Furthermore, lower socioeconomic status was strongly related to higher levels of water (p < 0.001) and food insecurity (p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlight the impact of colonial and post-colonial policies, which have resulted in water injustice, supply issues, and corruption in water administration. Women face significant challenges in fetching water, including stigma, harassment, and gender vulnerabilities, leading to conflicts and injuries. Water scarcity and poor quality adversely affect sanitation, hygiene, and breastfeeding practices among lactating mothers. Structural adjustment policies have exacerbated inflation and reduced purchasing power. Respondents reported a widespread lack of dietary diversity and food quality. Nutrition programs face obstacles such as the exclusion of people with low social and cultural capital, underfunding, weak monitoring, health sector corruption, and the influence of formula milk companies allied with the medical community and bureaucracy. This study concludes that addressing the macro-political and economic causes of undernutrition should be prioritized to improve nutrition security in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farooq Ahmed
- Department of Anthropology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan
| | - Najma Iqbal Malik
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Shamshad Bashir
- Department of Psychology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore 54920, Pakistan;
| | - Nazia Noureen
- Department of Psychology, Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus, Rawalpindi 58001, Pakistan;
| | - Jam Bilal Ahmad
- Taxila Institute of Asian Studies, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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3
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Shahid M, Xie Y, Bashir S, Noureen N, Song J, Malik NI, Tang K. Association among Household Wealth, Maternal Employment, and Undernutrition in Children under Three Years of Age in Pakistan. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:872. [PMID: 39062321 PMCID: PMC11276128 DOI: 10.3390/children11070872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an abundance of studies explaining the separate impact of female employment and household wealth status in reducing malnutrition. However, our study has unraveled the combined impact of maternal employment and household wealth on undernutrition among children under three in Pakistan. METHODS Using a sample of 1093 children under three years of age from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-2018, a binary logistic model was employed to gauge factors influencing the children's undernutrition. RESULTS Our results indicated that children up to a certain age (three years old) with residence in certain regions (Pakistan) and recent episodes of diarrhea had an increased risk of undernutrition. Conversely, secondary and higher maternal education, access to improved water sources, and sanitation facilities lowered the chances of undernutrition in children under three in Pakistan. The interaction between maternal employment and household wealth showed that maternal employment significantly lowered the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting among the average, rich, and richest households; however, it did not contribute to child nutrition among the poorer and poor households. Notably, regardless of whether the mother was employed, the wealth status of being rich and richest reduced the risk of stunting, being underweight, and wasting. CONCLUSIONS In overcoming undernutrition, maternal employment significantly contributed to middle-income households. However, in the richer and richest households, the wealth status played a more crucial role compared to the maternal employment. This indicates that while employment plays a supportive role in household resources, the wealth status is overall more influential in reducing undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China; (M.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Yuantao Xie
- School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics, Beijing 100029, China; (M.S.); (Y.X.)
| | - Shamshad Bashir
- Department of Psychology, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Nazia Noureen
- Department of Psychology, Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus, Rawalpindi 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Jiayi Song
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International School, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Najma Iqbal Malik
- Department of Psychology, University of Sargodha, Sargodha 40100, Pakistan;
| | - Kun Tang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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Choudhary N, Brewis A, Schuster RC, Wutich A. Beyond WASH: Testing Additional Connections Between Household Water Insecurity and Child Nutrition Outcomes in Multi-Country Contexts. Ecol Food Nutr 2024; 63:435-468. [PMID: 38889358 DOI: 10.1080/03670244.2024.2366913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This study identifies multiple pathways connecting household water insecurity with child nutrition. Using nationally representative samples for 18 countries, we examine the mediating role of child's dietary diversity as a function of household water status, while also accounting for sanitation. We construct a latent household water insecurity score (HWI) and use Structural Equation approach to model underlying pathways. HWI affected child's HAZ score and hemoglobin both directly and indirectly, with a mediation from child feeding alongside effects from sanitation. Broadening the conception of household water insecurity and accommodating the indirect effects of water could improve explanations of child under-nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Choudhary
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe
| | - Alexandra Brewis
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe
| | - Roseanne C Schuster
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe
| | - Amber Wutich
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe
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Chakraborty R, Armijos RX, Beidelman ET, Rosenberg M, Margaret Weigel M. Household food and water insecurity and its association with diarrhoea, respiratory illness, and stunting in Ecuadorian children under 5 years. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024:e13683. [PMID: 38873704 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Household food and water insecurity has been previously associated with adverse health consequences in children. However, these relationships are understudied in middle-income Latin American populations such as in Ecuador, where a high prevalence of food and water insecurity has been reported. Using cross-sectional data from 2018 Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey, we examined the association of household food insecurity (HFI), household water insecurity (HWI), and concurrent HFI-HWI with diarrhoea, respiratory illness (RI), and stunting in 20,510 children aged ≤59 months. HFI was measured using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale. HWI was defined when households responded negatively to one or more of four drinking water indicators. Maternal caregivers reported on child diarrhoea and RI episodes during the previous 2 weeks. Measured length or height was used to assess stunting. We constructed log-binomial regression models to estimate the associations of HFI, HWI, and concurrent HFI-HWI with child outcomes. Moderate-severe HFI was associated with a higher prevalence of diarrhoea (PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.18, 1.63) and RI (PR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.22, 1.47), HWI with a higher prevalence of RI (PR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.04, 1.22), and concurrent HFI-HWI with a higher prevalence of diarrhoea (PR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.62) and RI (PR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.29, 1.62). Stunting was not associated with HFI, HWI nor concurrent HFI-HWI. These findings suggest that HFI and HWI can independently and jointly act to negatively affect children's health. Policies and interventions aimed at alleviating both food and water insecurity are needed to bring sustained health improvements in Ecuadorian children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Chakraborty
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Rodrigo X Armijos
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Global Health Equity, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Erika T Beidelman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - M Margaret Weigel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Center for Global Health Equity, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Lacerda EMDA, Bertoni N, Alves-Santos NH, Carneiro LBV, Schincaglia RM, Boccolini CS, Castro IRRD, Anjos LAD, Berti TL, Kac G, Rodrigues Farias D, de Freitas MB, Normando P, Andrade PG. Minimum dietary diversity and consumption of ultra-processed foods among Brazilian children 6-23 months of age. CAD SAUDE PUBLICA 2023; 39:e00081422. [PMID: 37878864 PMCID: PMC10599228 DOI: 10.1590/0102-311xen081422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) and consumption of ultra-processed foods in children 6-23 months of age according to sociodemographic variables. Three indicators of complementary feeding of 4,354 children from the Brazilian National Survey on Child Nutrition (ENANI-2019) were built based on a questionnaire about food consumption on the day before the interview: MDD, consumption of ultra-processed foods, and MDD without the consumption of ultra-processed foods. The prevalence and 95%CI were calculated, stratified by macroregion; race/skin color, education and work status of the mother or caregiver; enrollment in the Brazilian Income Transfer Program; household food security; sanitation; and child enrollment in daycare/school. The overall prevalence of MDD was 63.4%, with lower prevalences among children who lived in the North Region (54.8%), whose mothers or caregivers had 0-7 years of education (50.6%), and lived under moderate or severe food insecurity (52.6%). Ultra-processed foods were consumed by 80.5% of the children, with the highest prevalence in the North Region (84.5%). The prevalence of MDD without ultra-processed foods was 8.4% and less prevalent among children with black mothers or caregivers (3.6%) and among those whose mother or caregiver had 8-10 years of education (3.6%). The most frequently consumed food groups from the MDD indicator were grains, roots and tubers (90.2%), dairy products (81%) and those from ultra-processed food were sweet or salty cookies/crackers (51.3%) and instant flours (41.4%). The ubiquitous presence of ultra-processed foods in the diets of Brazilian children and the low frequency of diversified foods, especially among the most vulnerable populations, indicate the need to strengthen policies and programs to ensure adequate and healthy infant nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neilane Bertoni
- Divisão de Pesquisa Populacional, Instituto Nacional de Câncer José Alencar Gomes da Silva, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Nadya Helena Alves-Santos
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Belém, Brasil
| | | | | | - Cristiano Siqueira Boccolini
- Instituto de Comunicação e Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | | | | | - Talita Lelis Berti
- Instituto de Nutrição Josué de Castro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
| | - Gilberto Kac
- Instituto de Nutrição Josué de Castro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil
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7
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Young SL, Bethancourt HJ, Frongillo EA, Viviani S, Cafiero C. Concurrence of water and food insecurities, 25 low- and middle-income countries. Bull World Health Organ 2023; 101:90-101. [PMID: 36733622 PMCID: PMC9874369 DOI: 10.2471/blt.22.288771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate how water and food insecurity were associated in nationally representative samples of individuals from 25 low- and middle-income countries. Methods We used data from the 2020 World Gallup Poll in which the Individual Water Insecurity Experiences Scale and the Food Insecurity Experience Scale had been administered to 31 755 respondents. These scales measure insecurity experiences in the previous 12 months. We classified individuals as water insecure if their score was ≥ 12 and food insecure if the Rasch probability parameter was ≥ 0.5. For estimating the proportions, we used projection weights. We estimated the relationships between binary and continuous measures of water insecurity and food insecurity for individuals within each country and region using multivariable logistic and linear regression models, adjusting for key socioeconomic characteristics including income, gender, age and education. Findings Among the 18.3% of respondents who experienced water insecurity, 66.8% also experienced food insecurity. The likelihood of experiencing moderate-to-severe food insecurity was higher among respondents also experiencing water insecurity (adjusted odds ratio, aOR: 2.69; 95% confidence interval, CI: 2.43 to 2.98). Similar odds were found in Asia (aOR: 2.95; 95% CI: 2.04 to 4.25), Latin America (aOR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.62 to 2.89), North Africa (aOR: 2.92; 95% CI: 2.17 to 3.93) and sub-Saharan Africa (aOR: 2.71; 95% CI: 2.40 to 3.06). Conclusion Our results suggest that water insecurity should be considered when developing food and nutrition policies and interventions. However, more research is needed to understand the paths between these insecurities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1819 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201United States of America (USA)
| | - Hilary J Bethancourt
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, 1819 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois, 60201United States of America (USA)
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, USA
| | - Sara Viviani
- Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cafiero
- Statistics Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
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Koyratty N, Ntozini R, Mbuya MNN, Jones AD, Schuster RC, Kordas K, Li CS, Tavengwa NV, Majo FD, Humphrey J, Smith LE. Growth and growth trajectory among infants in early life: contributions of food insecurity and water insecurity in rural Zimbabwe. BMJ Nutr Prev Health 2022; 5:332-343. [PMID: 36619329 PMCID: PMC9813639 DOI: 10.1136/bmjnph-2022-000470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Stunting or linear growth faltering, measured by length-for-age Z-score (LAZ), remains a significant public health challenge, particularly in rural low-income and middle-income countries. It is a marker of inadequate environments in which infants are born and raised. However, the contributions of household resource insecurities, such as food and water, to growth and growth trajectory are understudied. Methods We used the cluster-randomised Sanitation Hygiene and Infant Nutrition Efficacy trial to determine the association of household-level food insecurity (FI) and water insecurity (WI) on LAZ and LAZ trajectory among infants during early life. Dimensions of FI (poor access, household shocks, low availability and quality) and WI (poor access, poor quality, low reliability) were assessed with the multidimensional household food insecurity and the multidimensional household water insecurity measures. Infant length was converted to LAZ based on the 2006 WHO Child Growth Standards. We report the FI and WI fixed effects from multivariable growth curve models with repeated measures of LAZ at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months (M1-M18). Results A total of 714 and 710 infants were included in our analyses of LAZ from M1 to M18 and M6 to M18, respectively. Mean LAZ values at each time indicated worsening linear growth. From M1 to M18, low food availability and quality was associated with lower LAZ (β=-0.09; 95% -0.19 to -0.13). From M6 to M18, poor food access was associated with lower LAZ (β=-0.11; 95% -0.20 to -0.03). None of the WI dimensions were associated with LAZ, nor with LAZ trajectory over time. Conclusion FI, but not WI, was associated with poor linear growth among rural Zimbabwean infants. Specifically, low food availability and quality and poor food access was associated with lower LAZ. There is no evidence of an effect of FI or WI on LAZ trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Koyratty
- Department of Poverty, Health and Nutrition, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington DC, Washington DC, USA
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Statistics, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Mduduzi NN Mbuya
- Knowledge Leadership, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Andrew D Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Roseanne C Schuster
- School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Chin-Shang Li
- School of Nursing, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Naume V Tavengwa
- Statistics, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Florence D Majo
- Statistics, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Jean Humphrey
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura E Smith
- Statistics, Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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Koyratty N, Mbuya MNN, Jones AD, Schuster RC, Kordas K, Li CS, Tavengwa NV, Majo FD, Chasekwa B, Ntozini R, Humphrey JH, Smith LE. Implementation and maintenance of infant dietary diversity in Zimbabwe: contribution of food and water insecurity. BMC Nutr 2022; 8:136. [PMCID: PMC9673371 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-022-00622-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Inadequate food and water resources negatively affect child health and the efficiency of nutrition interventions.
Methods
We used data from the SHINE trial to investigate the associations of food insecurity (FI) and water insecurity (WI) on mothers’ implementation and maintenance of minimum infant dietary diversity (MIDD). We conducted factor analysis to identify and score dimensions of FI (poor access, household shocks, low availability & quality), and WI (poor access, poor quality and low reliability). MIDD implementation (n = 636) was adequate if infants aged 12 months (M12) ate ≥ four food groups. MIDD maintenance (n = 624) was categorized into four mutually exclusive groups: A (unmet MIDD at both M12 and M18), B (unmet MIDD at M12 only), C (unmet MIDD at M18 only), and D (met MIDD at both M12 and M18). We used multivariable-adjusted binary logistic and multinomial regressions to determine likelihood of MIDD implementation, and of belonging to MIDD maintenance groups A-C (poor maintenance groups), compared to group D, respectively.
Results
Low food availability & quality were negatively associated with implementation (OR = 0.81; 0.69, 0.97), and maintenance (ORB = 1.29; 1.07, 1.56). Poor water quality was positively associated with implementation (OR = 1.25; 1.08, 1.44), but inconsistently associated with maintenance, with higher odds of infants being in group C (OR = 1.39; 1.08, 1.79), and lower odds of being in group B (OR = 0.80; 0.66, 0.96).
Conclusion
Food security should be prioritized for adequate implementation and maintenance of infant diets during complementary feeding. The inconsistent findings with water quality indicate the need for further research on WI and infant feeding.
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Shahid M, Cao Y, Shahzad M, Saheed R, Rauf U, Qureshi MG, Hasnat A, Bibi A, Ahmed F. Socio-Economic and Environmental Determinants of Malnutrition in under Three Children: Evidence from PDHS-2018. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9030361. [PMID: 35327732 PMCID: PMC8947569 DOI: 10.3390/children9030361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This research investigates the association of malnutrition with social and economic factors in general and environmental factors in specific such as sanitation facilities and drinking water sources for Pakistan. METHODS Authors used the latest data of 1010 Under-Three children from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-2018. Cumulative Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) was developed to measure the malnutrition status among children based on z-scores of WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ, respectively. The study has applied the discrete-choice logistic methodology to find the relationship of malnutrition with socio-economic characteristics. The interaction terms of drinking water source and sanitation facility have been measured to see the impact of environmental factors on child malnutrition. RESULTS The study results depict that the likelihood of malnutrition increases when the child had diarrhea recently and the child belongs to the deprived region such as KPK, Sind, and Baluchistan. However, the chances of child malnutrition drop with (1) an escalation of mothers' education, (2) a rise in wealth status of the household, and (3) the improved water source and sanitation facility in the household. The only water-improved sanitation category of the interaction term is significant in the model which depicts that households having both improved water and improved sanitation facilities had very fewer chances of malnutrition among their children. CONCLUSION Authors conclude that malnutrition in younger children is associated with improved water as well as sanitation facilities, maternal education, and household wealth in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing 100029, China;
| | - Yang Cao
- School of Insurance and Economics, University of International Business and Economics (UIBE), Beijing 100029, China;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-173-1948-0430
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Anthropology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan;
| | - Rafit Saheed
- School of Public Policy, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Umara Rauf
- Department of Psychology, GC Women University, Sialkot 2021, Pakistan;
| | - Madeeha Gohar Qureshi
- Department of Economics, Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Abdullah Hasnat
- Medical and Dental College, Bahria University, Karachi 74400, Pakistan;
| | - Asma Bibi
- Independent Researcher in Applied Psychology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Farooq Ahmed
- Department of Anthropology, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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11
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Jain A, Wang W, James KS, Sarwal R, Kim R, Subramanian SV. Small Area Variations in Dietary Diversity Among Children in India: A Multilevel Analysis of 6-23-Month-Old Children. Front Nutr 2022; 8:791509. [PMID: 35252284 PMCID: PMC8890590 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.791509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary diversity is an important indicator of child malnutrition. However, little is known about the geographic variation of diet indicators across India, particularly within districts and across states. As such, the purpose of this paper was to elucidate the small area variations in diet indicators between clusters within districts of India. Overall, we found that clusters were the largest source of variation for children not eating grains, roots, and tubers, legumes and nuts, dairy, vitamin A-rich vegetables and fruits, and other vegetables and fruits. We also found positive correlations between the district percent and cluster standard deviations of children not breastfeeding or eating grains, roots, and tubers, but negative correlations between the district percent and cluster standard deviation for the remaining seven outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of targeting clusters to improve child dietary diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoop Jain
- Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Weiyu Wang
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - K. S. James
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Rakesh Sarwal
- National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Government of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rockli Kim
- Division of Health Policy and Management, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S. V. Subramanian
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
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12
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Miller JD, Workman CL, Panchang SV, Sneegas G, Adams EA, Young SL, Thompson AL. Water Security and Nutrition: Current Knowledge and Research Opportunities. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:2525-2539. [PMID: 34265039 PMCID: PMC8634318 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Water is an essential nutrient that has primarily been considered in terms of its physiological necessity. But reliable access to water in sufficient quantities and quality is also critical for many nutrition-related behaviors and activities, including growing and cooking diverse foods. Given growing challenges to water availability and safety, including climate change, pollution, and infrastructure degradation, a broader conceptualization of water and its diverse uses is needed to sustainably achieve global nutrition targets. Therefore, we review empirical and qualitative evidence describing the linkages between water security (the reliable availability, accessibility, and quality of water for all household uses) and nutrition. Primary linkages include water security for drinking, food production and preparation, infant and young child feeding, and limiting exposure to pathogens and environmental toxins. We then identify knowledge gaps within each linkage and propose a research agenda for studying water security and nutrition going forward, including the concurrent quantification of both food and water availability, accessibility, use, and stability. By making explicit the connections between water security and nutritional well-being, we aim to promote greater collaboration between the nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene sectors. Interdisciplinary policies and programs that holistically address the water-nutrition nexus, versus those that focus on water and nutrition independently, are likely to significantly advance our ability to ensure equitable access to healthy foods and safe water for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Miller
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Cassandra L Workman
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Sarita V Panchang
- Social Research and Evaluation Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Gretchen Sneegas
- Department of Geography, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ellis A Adams
- Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Amanda L Thompson
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Anthropology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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13
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Young SL, Frongillo EA, Jamaluddine Z, Melgar-Quiñonez H, Pérez-Escamilla R, Ringler C, Rosinger AY. Perspective: The Importance of Water Security for Ensuring Food Security, Good Nutrition, and Well-being. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1058-1073. [PMID: 33601407 PMCID: PMC8321834 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Water security is a powerful concept that is still in its early days in the field of nutrition. Given the prevalence and severity of water issues and the many interconnections between water and nutrition, we argue that water security deserves attention commensurate with its importance to human nutrition and health. To this end, we first give a brief introduction to water insecurity and discuss its conceptualization in terms of availability, access, use, and stability. We then lay out the empirical grounding for its assessment. Parallels to the food-security literature are drawn throughout, both because the concepts are analogous and food security is familiar to the nutrition community. Specifically, we review the evolution of scales to measure water and food security and compare select characteristics. We then review the burgeoning evidence for the causes and consequences of water insecurity and conclude with 4 recommendations: 1) collect more water-insecurity data (i.e., on prevalence, causes, consequences, and intervention impacts); 2) collect better data on water insecurity (i.e., measure it concurrently with food security and other nutritional indicators, measure intrahousehold variation, and establish baseline indicators of both water and nutrition before interventions are implemented); 3) consider food and water issues jointly in policy and practice (e.g., establish linkages and possibilities for joint interventions, recognize the environmental footprint of nutritional guidelines, strengthen the nutrition sensitivity of water-management practices, and use experience-based scales for improving governance and regulation across food and water systems); and 4) make findings easily available so that they can be used by the media, community organizations, and other scientists for advocacy and in governance (e.g., tracking progress towards development goals and holding implementers accountable). As recognition of the importance of water security grows, we hope that so too will the prioritization of water in nutrition research, funding, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Zeina Jamaluddine
- London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, England
- American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut
| | | | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Claudia Ringler
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Asher Y Rosinger
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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14
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Choudhary N, Schuster RC, Brewis A, Wutich A. Household Water Insecurity Affects Child Nutrition Through Alternative Pathways to WASH: Evidence From India. Food Nutr Bull 2021; 42:170-187. [PMID: 34282660 DOI: 10.1177/0379572121998122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Household water security matters greatly for child nutrition outcomes in the global South. Water's role in sanitation/hygiene, via diarrheal disease, is cited as a primary mechanism here. Yet, the relationship between Water along with Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and child stunting remains inconclusive. Water-related mechanisms outside of the traditional scope of WASH might assist with explaining this. OBJECTIVE We aim to test the mediating role of reduced dietary diversity as an additional potential mechanism in linking worse household water access to increased risk of early childhood stunting, separating its effects from sanitation and diarrhea among children (as a proxy for hygiene) and taking into account regional water availability. METHOD We use nationally representative India Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16) data for 58 038 children aged 6 to 23 months, applying generalized structural equation modelling to estimate water's direct and indirect effects (as mediated through dietary diversity and access to sanitation) on a child's likelihood of being stunted. RESULTS Suboptimal water access is significantly associated with elevated likelihood of child stunting. More than 30% of the effect is indirect. In the context of low water access and availability, children's dietary diversity alone mediates more than 20% of its total effect on child stunting. CONCLUSION Beyond the WASH mechanisms, household water access affects child stunting indirectly, mediated through its impacts on children's dietary diversity. These mediating effects are also moderated by regional water availability. Water interventions in low-water regions should help reduce children's risk of nutrition-related stunting in households with lowest water access.
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15
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Koyratty N, Jones AD, Schuster R, Kordas K, Li CS, Mbuya MNN, Boateng GO, Ntozini R, Chasekwa B, Humphrey JH, Smith LE. Food Insecurity and Water Insecurity in Rural Zimbabwe: Development of Multidimensional Household Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:6020. [PMID: 34205143 PMCID: PMC8199942 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: With millions of people experiencing malnutrition and inadequate water access, FI and WI remain topics of vital importance to global health. Existing unidimensional FI and WI metrics do not all capture similar multidimensional aspects, thus restricting our ability to assess and address food- and water-related issues. Methods: Using the Sanitation, Hygiene and Infant Nutrition Efficacy (SHINE) trial data, our study conceptualizes household FI (N = 3551) and WI (N = 3311) separately in a way that captures their key dimensions. We developed measures of FI and WI for rural Zimbabwean households based on multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) for categorical data. Results: Three FI dimensions were retained: 'poor food access', 'household shocks' and 'low food quality and availability', as were three WI dimensions: 'poor water access', 'poor water quality', and 'low water reliability'. Internal validity of the multidimensional models was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with test samples at baseline and 18 months. The dimension scores were associated with a group of exogenous variables (SES, HIV-status, season, depression, perceived health, food aid, water collection), additionally indicating predictive, convergent and discriminant validities. Conclusions: FI and WI dimensions are sufficiently distinct to be characterized via separate indicators. These indicators are critical for identifying specific problematic insecurity aspects and for finding new targets to improve health and nutrition interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Koyratty
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (N.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Andrew D. Jones
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Roseanne Schuster
- Center for Global Health, School of Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA;
| | - Katarzyna Kordas
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; (N.K.); (K.K.)
| | - Chin-Shang Li
- School of Nursing, The State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA;
| | | | - Godfred O. Boateng
- Department of Kinesiology, College of Nursing and Health Innovations, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, USA;
| | - Robert Ntozini
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; (R.N.); (B.C.); (J.H.H.)
| | - Bernard Chasekwa
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; (R.N.); (B.C.); (J.H.H.)
| | - Jean H. Humphrey
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; (R.N.); (B.C.); (J.H.H.)
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Laura E. Smith
- Zvitambo Institute for Maternal and Child Health Research, Harare, Zimbabwe; (R.N.); (B.C.); (J.H.H.)
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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16
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Chilinda ZB, Wahlqvist ML, Lee MS, Huang YC. Optimal Household Water Access Fosters the Attainment of Minimum Dietary Diversity among Children Aged 6-23 Months in Malawi. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010178. [PMID: 33430102 PMCID: PMC7827850 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Along with sanitation and hygiene, water is a well-known driver of child undernutrition. However, a more direct role of household (HH) water access in shaping dietary diversity remains unexplored. We assessed the association between HH water access and achievement of minimum dietary diversity (MDD) among young children. We utilized nationally-representative cross-sectional data from the 2015/16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey, which included 4727 mother–child dyads, respectively, (26.8 ± 6.8 years, range 15–49 years) and (13.9 ± 4.9 months, range 6–23 months). HH water access was categorized as (1) basic or no access, (2) intermediate, or (3) optimal. MDD was defined as feeding a child, during the previous day, at least four of the food groups defined by the World Health Organization. Only 27.7% of the children achieved MDD standards; most of the children who achieved MDD were from HHs with optimal water access (58.4%, p < 0.001). However, only 5.9% of the mother–child dyads were from HHs with optimal water access. After adjusting for covariates, children from HHs with optimal water access had higher odds of achieving MDD than those from HHs with basic or no water access (aOR = 1.74, CI = 1.24–2.46). Our results highlight the need to incorporate water-based strategies into national nutritional policies to increase dietary diversity among Malawian infants and young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizwani Brian Chilinda
- Graduate Institute of Public Health, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, North District, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan;
| | - Mark L. Wahlqvist
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, North District, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan;
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, No. 161, Section 6, Minquan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei City 11490, Taiwan;
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County 35053, Taiwan
- Monash Asia Institute, Monash University, 5th Floor, H Building, 900 Dandenong Road, Caulfield East, Melbourne, VIC 3145, Australia
| | - Meei-Shyuan Lee
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, No. 161, Section 6, Minquan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei City 11490, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, North District, Taichung City 40402, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-4-2205-3366 (ext. 7523)
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17
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Choudhary N, Schuster R, Brewis A, Wutich A. Water insecurity potentially undermines dietary diversity of children aged 6-23 months: Evidence from India. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2020; 16:e12929. [PMID: 31999395 PMCID: PMC7083507 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dietary diversity is a crucial pathway to child nutrition; lack of diversity may deprive children of critical macro and micronutrients. Though water along with hygiene and sanitation is a known driver of child undernutrition, a more direct role of household water in shaping dietary diversity remains unexplored. Existing literature provides a sound theoretical basis to expect that water could affect dietary diversity among young children. Here, we test the proposition that suboptimal household access to water and low regional water availability associate with lower dietary diversity among young children. Using the nationally representative 2015-2016 India Demographic and Health Survey data, we conducted a probit analysis on the sample of 69,841 children aged 6-23 months to predict the probability that a child achieves minimum standards of dietary diversity (MDD). After controlling for relevant socioeconomic and gender-related covariates, we found that children in household with suboptimal household water access were two percentage points less likely to achieve MDD, when compared with those from households with optimal water access. Children in high water availability regions had nine percentage points greater probability of achieving MDD compared with children from low water availability regions, accounting for household water access. As dietary diversity is central to nutrition, establishing the role of water access in shaping early childhood dietary diversity broadens the framework on how household material poverty shapes child malnutrition-independent of sanitation and hygiene pathways. This provides additional window for nutrition planning and intervention wherein water-based strategies can be leveraged in multiple ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Choudhary
- Center for Global Health, School of Human Evolution and Social ChangeArizona State UniversityTempeArizona
| | - Roseanne Schuster
- Center for Global Health, School of Human Evolution and Social ChangeArizona State UniversityTempeArizona
| | - Alexandra Brewis
- Center for Global Health, School of Human Evolution and Social ChangeArizona State UniversityTempeArizona
| | - Amber Wutich
- Center for Global Health, School of Human Evolution and Social ChangeArizona State UniversityTempeArizona
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18
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Schuster RC, Butler MS, Wutich A, Miller JD, Young SL. "If there is no water, we cannot feed our children": The far-reaching consequences of water insecurity on infant feeding practices and infant health across 16 low- and middle-income countries. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 32:e23357. [PMID: 31868269 PMCID: PMC7537364 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Infant feeding plays a critical role in child health and development. Few studies to date have examined the link between household water insecurity and infant feeding, and none in a cross-cultural context. Therefore, we examined the perceived impact of household water insecurity in four domains: breastfeeding, non-breastmilk feeding, caregiver capabilities, and infant health. Our research was conducted as part of the Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE) study. METHODS We interviewed respondents from 19 sites in 16 low- and middle-income countries (N = 3303) about the link between water insecurity and infant feeding. We then thematically analyzed their open-ended textual responses. In each of the four domains (breastfeeding, non-breastmilk feeding, caregiver capabilities, infant health), we inductively identified cross-cultural metathemes. We analyzed the distribution of themes across sites quantitatively and qualitatively. RESULTS Water was perceived to directly affect breastfeeding and non-breastmilk feeding via numerous pathways, including timing and frequency of feeding, unclean foods, and reduced dietary diversity. Water was perceived to indirectly affect infant feeding through caregiver capabilities by increasing time demands, exacerbating disease, undernutrition, and mortality, and requiring greater efficacy of caregivers. Respondents made connections between water challenges and infant health, for example, increased risk of infectious diseases, undernutrition, and mortality. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that water presents many, and sometimes unexpected, challenges to infant feeding. By systematically investigating biocultural pathways by which water impacts infant and young child feeding, it will be possible to understand if, and how, water security can be leveraged to improve child nutrition and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roseanne C Schuster
- Center for Global Health, School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Margaret S Butler
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Amber Wutich
- Center for Global Health, School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Joshua D Miller
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
| | - Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois
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