Sociocultural and household factors impacting on the selection, allocation and consumption of animal source foods: current knowledge and application

This paper reviews the literature on cultural and household level constraints on the consumption of animal source foods (ASF). Food proscriptions do not appear to significantly limit food consumption in the areas where this question has been examined, with the possible exception of adult women in some settings. Preferential food allocation patterns, based on economic contribution, social valuation and other factors do play a role in limiting the intake of animal source foods for children and women in some settings. Economic factors limit access to ASF at the household level. Child care patterns in different cultural settings can also serve to enhance or limit the consumption of ASF. Social marketing and positive deviance approaches have had some success in increasing the intake of ASF by using formative research and participatory approaches. The paper concludes with a series of research questions for further investigation.

Concurrent Prevalence of Chronic Energy Deficiency and Obesity among Women in Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia

There are few studies on the nutritional status of nonpregnant women. A population-based, cross-sectional study of nutritional status in 5,817 non-pregnant women 15 to 49 years of age was conducted in Purworejo District, Indonesia, in 1996. Weight, height, mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), and triceps skinfold thickness were measured, and information on socio-economic, demographic, and reproductive factors was collected. Seventeen percent of the women had chronic energy deficiency and 11% were obese. Mean weight, MUAC, and triceps skinfold thickness corresponded to the 25th percentile of standards and mean height to the 5th percentile. Obesity was more common among older women and chronic energy deficiency among both the oldest and the youngest women. Women working in agriculture, not using contraceptives, and not owning a television, radio, or refrigerator were more likely to have chronic energy deficiency. In summary, both chronic energy deficiency and obesity existed in Purworejo, and risk factors were identified. Interventions are needed to improve the nutritional status of girls and women before and after pregnancy.