Factors that Influence diet among adolescents living in an informal settlement in Kenya: A qualitative exploration (2024)
Undergraduates: Ria Patel, Stephanie Momanyi, Hari Patel
Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Martin
Department: Nutrition
Optimal nutrition during adolescence is important for adolescents’ short- and long-term health. In low- and middle-income countries, adolescents face increased risks for all forms of malnutrition. In Kenya, rates of overweight, obesity, and nutrition-related noncommunicable diseases are rising while undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies remain. In Nairobi, 70% of the population lives in informal settlements with Kibera being the largest. Understanding diets among adolescents in informal settlements is essential for designing effective interventions. This qualitative study explores factors that influence diet among adolescents living in Kibera. The primary methods of data collection were focus group discussions (FGDs), conducted with adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years of age), parents, guardians, teachers, and key informant interviews with school administrators and health care workers in Kibera. All FGDs and interviews were transcribed, translated, and analyzed thematically. Participants identified individual, social, school, and environmental factors influencing adolescents’ diets. Adolescents and their parents described food insecurity and high costs of healthy foods as key barriers to healthy diets. Adolescents also expressed concerns about food safety and hygiene for meals provided by schools and vendors. Adolescents enjoyed learning about nutrition in school and wanted their parents to receive the same information. Furthermore, adolescents would like to learn more about healthy foods, preparing healthy meals on a budget, and gardening. Despite expressing a desire to eat a balanced diet, adolescents encounter considerable environmental, social, and economic barriers daily. These findings underscore the need for context-specific interventions that address these multifaceted challenges and enhance access to nutritional education.