Caregivers’ Awareness of Aflatoxin Contamination in Ready-to-Cook Complementary Foods and Its Associated Factors Among Children Aged 6 to 23 Months in Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Complementary foods are a vital component of infant and young child nutrition; however, they are highly vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination, which poses significant public health concerns. This study assessed caregivers’ awareness of aflatoxin contamination in complementary foods and the associated factors among children aged 6 to 23 months.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that gathered information on the socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and children, as well as caregivers’ awareness of aflatoxin contamination. Data analysis was performed to identify factors associated with awareness.
Results: Overall, 77% of caregivers were unaware of aflatoxin contamination in complementary foods and its health implications. Awareness was significantly associated with marital status, with married (AOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.74; P<.001) and separated/divorced caregivers (AOR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.46 to 2.15; P<.001) more likely to be aware compared to unmarried caregivers. Educational level showed a positive association with awareness, with a higher likelihood among caregivers with primary (AOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.63 to 1.91; P=.003), secondary (AOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.64 to 1.99; P=.038), and tertiary education (AOR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.57 to 1.94; P=.006). Self-employment was also associated with higher awareness of aflatoxin contamination (AOR, 9.74; 95% CI, 1.83 to 51.88; P=.008). Conversely, caregivers with female children were less likely to be aware compared to those with male children (AOR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.053 to 0.897; P=.0085).
Conclusion: The study reveals generally low awareness of aflatoxin contamination among caregivers of young children. There is a need for strengthened and targeted food safety education interventions to improve knowledge and promote safe complementary feeding practices, thereby reducing aflatoxin exposure and its associated health risks in children.