Milk consumption and growth of children in the Kilimanjaro region in rural Tanzania. : An ethnographic research done through quantitative and qualitative methodes.

Sammanfattning: The aim of this study was to investigate milk consumption among children in a village in a developing country where access to milk during childhood may be limited. Another aim was to see if measurable information could demonstrate growth among children who drank milk. The data was collected through anthropometric measurements on 66 boys and girls (aged 5-6). Nutritional data from a selected group of parents of the participating children were done through 24-hour-recall, questions about meal arrangement, availability and attitudes about milk were asked. Result: Five-year-old girls who drank milk at home and in school were significantly taller compared to girls (5 yr) who did not drink milk, as well as taller than the girls (5 yrs) who drank milk only at home. Arm muscle area, and arm circumference was also significantly larger among the girls (5 yr) who drank milk. No significant differences were shown among the boys. Food consumption included more nutrients among children who drank milk, which might contribute to the growth effect among the girls (5 yrs). Consumption of milk was due to economic situations, access to school-milk or owning a cow. Conclusions: Some significant differences among 5-year-old girls were shown. Poverty was the main reason for not drinking milk, as well as lack of access to milk.