Influences on Food Choices of Cambodian Women for Themselves and Their Families

Abstract

BackgroundThe nutritional status of Cambodian women and children remain poor despite implementation of dietary intake interventions. Cambodia-specific studies have explored how education influences nutrition and health behavior, but not factors influencing Cambodian women's food decision-making for themselves and their families.ObjectiveTo understand Cambodian women's food decision-making, particularly related to barriers and enablers of healthy eating for themselves and their families.MethodsQualitative descriptive methodology within an experiential paradigm involving four focus groups in rural and urban locations of Siem Reap province, Cambodia. Participants were Cambodian women aged from 18 years with at least one child under 5 years of age, and primarily responsible for food provision in their family. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe three main themes identified were: (1) access impacts food choice; (2) responsible, nurturing food provision role; and (3) dichotomous perceptions of food. Access to food strongly influenced Cambodian women's food choices, particularly cost and availability. Cambodian women were driven to fulfil their role and nurturing instincts to provide for their family within their capabilities and knowledge. They considered healthy food using a wide range of factors outside of nutrient values, including food texture, immediate body response, cultural food taboos and use of chemicals such as pesticides.ConclusionsTo optimize nutrient intakes, practical, culturally appropriate nutrition interventions that address food access and perceptions of Cambodian mothers regarding their nurturing food provision role are needed.

Keywords: Cambodia; Khmer; community engagement; food choice; qualitative research; women and children.