A Mixed‐Method Study on Gender and Intrahousehold Differences in Food Consumption From Khatlon Province, Tajikistan

Dados Bibliográficos

ID15535995
AutoresSarah M L Pechtl (0000-0003-0970-8008, International Food Policy Research Institute, autor correspondente), Mohru Mardonova (International Food Policy Research Institute), Tanzila Ergasheva (Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan), Isabel B Lambrecht (0000-0003-1709-6611, International Food Policy Research Institute)
Ano2025
Páginase70133-e70133
Data de publicação2025-11-27
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoMaternal and Child Nutrition (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1740-8695 • E-ISSN: 1740-8709
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/mcn.70133
PMID41308008
OpenAlexW4416747442
IdiomaEN
Referências citadas38

Tajikistan faces significant food insecurity and multiple forms of malnutrition in its population, with women particularly at risk. Social norms related to gender and intrahousehold hierarchy are pervasive. Yet, how gender impacts dietary intake in Tajikistan remains to be studied. Understanding this mechanism is critical to develop adequate strategies for effective, equitable progress in mitigating malnutrition and food insecurity. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study was conducted to assess the extent and identify the drivers of gender-based and intrahousehold differences in dietary diversity in Khatlon Province, Tajikistan. Predictors of dietary diversity were statistically assessed using quantitative survey data from 1704 adults who participated in the 2023 USAID/IFPRI Population-Based Survey. Qualitative data from 12 focus group discussions, 19 individual interviews, and 21 Photovoice interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to further ascertain and understand these drivers. Gender was identified as a predictor of dietary diversity in both quantitative and qualitative findings. Women reported lower dietary diversity than men, even within in the same household. Gender norms contribute to unequal food distribution and opportunities to consume food away from the household. Expressing social values such as respect during mealtimes and perceptions of dietary needs prioritize men and children over women in consuming foods deemed more nutritious (e.g., meat). This study highlights the importance of considering household dynamics and gender roles in equitably addressing food and nutrition insecurity and malnutrition. Mitigating malnutrition in Tajikistan will necessitate gender equity-focused social behavior change interventions targeting women and men across different generations

Diversity (politics · Focus group · Food group · Malnutrition · Photovoice · Psychological intervention · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Child Nutrition and Water Access · Food Security and Health in Diverse Populations · Indigenous Studies and Ecology