Awareness and Consumption of Fortified Foods, Role of Demographic Factors and Associated Barriers among Rural Households in Chengalpattu District: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Food fortification is recognised as a crucial public health measure to combat micronutrient deficiency. In India, food fortification has gained significant attention due to the country’s high burden of malnutrition. Though the government has taken initiatives to decrease the burden of malnutrition through food fortification, the prevalence of micronutrition deficiency is still high. Aim: To evaluate the consumer awareness and consumption of fortified foods, as well as to identify demographic, socio-economic, and cultural factors influencing these behaviours. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the field practice area of tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India, among 341 participants aged 18 to 65 years, from September 2023 to November 2023. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire covering two domains: (a) sociodemographic details such as age, gender, education, occupation, monthly family income, type of family, socioeconomic status, marital status, religion, and co-morbidities; and (b) a questionnaire assessing consumer awareness and consumption of fortified foods. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Chi-square test was used, and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Bivariate logistic regression was done to obtain an unadjusted odds ratio and variables with a p-value <0.05 were added to the multivariate model to obtain an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI). Results: The mean (SD) age of the participants was 44.14 (11.8) years. Among the study participants, 95 (27.9%) (95% CI: 23.2-32.9) were aware of food fortification. Around 109 (32%) understood the benefits of consuming fortified foods, and 103 (30.2%) were aware of their availability. Fortified foods were consumed by 88 (25.8%) of the participants. Factors such as occupation, socioeconomic status, and educational status were significantly associated with awareness of fortified foods (p<0.05). Conclusion: About 27.9% of the study participants have awareness regarding food fortification and consumption of fortified foods. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about the impact and burden of diseases due to micronutrient deficiencies and the importance of consuming and awareness of fortified foods.

Keywords

• food preferences
• hidden hunger
• health promotion
• malnutrition
• socioeconomic factors