Nutrition in times of crisis: A qualitative study in Siargao Island, Philippines, during the COVID-19 pandemic
doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.4963
- Author:
Gideon Lasco
1
,
2
;
Vincen Gregory Yu
3
,
4
;
Julie Madelo Compra
5
;
Phetdavanh Leuangvilay
6
;
Rapeepong Suphanchaimat
7
,
8
;
Yunting Zhang
9
,
10
;
Charina Javier
11
Author Information
1. Department of Anthropology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
2. Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
3. Development Studies Program, Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City, Philippines
4. Social Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Ma
5. Surigao State College of Technology Del Carmen Campus, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
6. Equity Initiative, Bangkok, Thailand
7. International Health Policy Program, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
8. Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand
9. Child Health Advocacy Institute, Shanghai Children&rsquo
10. s Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
11. Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Taguig, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
root crops;
Siargao Island
- MeSH:
Nutrition;
public health;
rice;
COVID-19
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2023;57(5):5-15
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:Despite the public-health significance of both malnutrition and crises, little has been done to explore the convergence of the two domains and develop ways to improve policies and practices, especially in rural communities. This article remedies that knowledge gap by focusing on nutrition-related changes, responses, and practices during crisis situations in Siargao Island, Philippines, using the COVID-19 pandemic as a backdrop.
Methods:Forty-six (46) semi-structured interviews were conducted among parents, caregivers, local health workers, and local officials of Del Carmen, Siargao Island. Principles of thematic analysis were applied to data analysis using NVivo 12. Afterwards, the preliminary data were presented in a virtual validation session with the local community and stakeholders.
Results:Despite the high prevalence of malnutrition amid a backdrop of economic and nutritional difficulties, the community members generally viewed their children as healthy. Rice remained (disproportionately) central to people’s diets; possible alternatives like root crops were considered emergency foods only and not culturally acceptable as staples, in spite of their cheap and ubiquitous nature. Lastly, the economic and financial repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have also negatively affected the community members’ overall nutrition and food sources.
Conclusion:More efforts should be directed toward encouraging the consumption of root vegetables and fruits as rice alternatives in everyday diet—a costeffective strategy that would also promote dietary diversification. More importantly, nutrition responses should consider local food systems in terms of specific local economies and geographies, while health promotion efforts should engage with local notions of ‘health’ and ‘nutrition’ and encourage community participation in (re)designing policy interventions.
- Full text:4963-Article Text-108589-2-10-20230814.pdf
