Browsing by Author "Mirembe, Winnie"

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    Maternal work load, food choices and nutritional status of rural smallholder female farmers in mpigi district, central Uganda
    (Kyambogo University [unpublished work], 2023-11) Mirembe, Winnie
    Introduction: This study investigated the interplay between maternal workload, food choices, and the nutritional status of rural smallholder female farmers in Mpigi District, Central Uganda. The research aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of women of reproductive age, explore maternal activities, food choices and determine the relationship between maternal workload, food choices and nutritional status. Methodology: A total of 386 female farmers aged 18-49, with children under five years, participated in the cross-sectional survey. Quantitative methods were employed, encompassing data collection on demographics, food choices, time allocation, anthropometric measurements, and dietary data. Random sampling method was used to select study participants within selected enumeration areas in the study district. Chi-square test of independence, was applied to assess the relationship between maternal workload, food choices, and the nutritional status of rural smallholder female farmers. Results: More than half (57%) of the respondents consumed food from less than five food groups. Dark green vegetables, vitamin A fruits/vegetables, meat, fish, chicken and eggs were the least consumed. This dietary pattern increased the risk of micronutrient deficiencies thus triple burden of malnutrition, with 5.2% underweight and 36.5% overweight or obese. The majority (92.5%) of smallholder female farmers worked for less than 10.5 hours per day, with various activities such as food crop fanning, child care, and food preparation occupying most of their time. Notably, smallholder female farmers who worked more extended hours were more likely to consume protein-rich foods like eggs, meat, fish, and chicken. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant association (p=0.049) between maternal workload and nutritional status, as mothers working longer hours were more likely to be overweight or obese. Conclusion: This research underscores the interplay between maternal workload, food choices, and the nutritional status of smallholder female farmers. It emphasizes the importance of empowering women in rural settings and the need for a balance between work hours, dietary intake and food choice to combat malnutrition effectively. Additionally, it suggests a potential trade-off between extended working hours and maternal health, which can negatively impact overall nutritional status.