Animal source foods consumptions on complementary feeding during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia

Abstract

Purpose

Complementary feeding practices was more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic due to economic instability, especially for animal source foods (ASFs) consumption. According to the problem, the purpose of this study was to determine the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic on ASFs consumption and ASFs consumption related factors on complementary feeding in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was targeted at mothers of children aged 6–23 months during pandemic. A total of 574 respondents were obtained through online questionnaire.

Findings

This study found that flesh food, including fish/seafood, organ meat, meat, poultry and processed meat, were associated with all economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic; in contrast, those economic impacts did not affect the dairy product and egg consumption. Multivariate analysis showed children with older age (AOR: 1.13, 95%CI: 1.04–3.26), meet minimum dietary diversity (AOR: 2.17, 95%CI: 1.56–5.44) and are from high income level household (AOR: 1.14, 95%CI: 1.09–2.10) contributed to ASFs consumption.

Practical implications

Other strategies aimed at enhancing food security to increase ASFs consumption on complementary feeding. The government may consider short-term emergency purchasing subsidies and macro-control of the ASFs market. Nutrition education is also required to improve knowledge related to importance of ASFs consumption for children.

Originality/value

This study reveals the association between each food group of ASFs consumption on complementary feeding and the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Citation

Rahayu, H.K., Paratmanitya, Y., Herawati, H.D., Tariani, F., Yugistyowati, A. and Samutri, E. (2024), "Animal source foods consumptions on complementary feeding during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/NFS-02-2024-0033