An Exploration into Malnutrition within Haitian Society

Background: Malnutrition is a major cause of concern globally, with 2.6 million children dying each year as a consequence. Poverty, political instability, the events of January 12th 2010 and the following cholera epidemic have all contributed to this problem within Haitian society, causing a huge impact on the overall health of the local population; including, high mortality rates, physical illness, disability and high rates of child death.

Supported by the organization, Food for the Poor, this study aims to explore from the perspective of those experiencing malnutrition firsthand, what they perceive as the reasons for malnutrition and barriers which contribute to this growing issue.

Methods: Forty individuals living in West Haiti, who attended Food for the Poor for support were selected randomly (based on opportunistic sampling) and interviewed. A questionnaire was used with both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore individuals experiences, personal circumstances and beliefs regarding this prevalent issue. Specifically, measures looked at and explored malnutrition and demographic information (including financial and personal data), culture, economy, food insecurity, religion, access to services, access to food, education and the environment; as well as the impact of malnutrition and these factors of physical and psychological wellbeing for the individual and their family.

Results were analyzed using both descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis.

Results: Forty individuals were interviewed; the majority were women, with only two participants being men,  the average age was 29 years old and all but one individual had a family with children (the average number of children per individual was 6). Within the results, the underlying factors behind malnutrition are explored on an individual basis - including, access to food within the area, access to healthcare, the role of education and the impact of difficult economic situations and unemployment. Key descriptive statistics show that unemployment is a major factor in malnutrition (33 of the 40 participants were unemployed) - without access to money people cannot simply buy the food they need - but looking beyond this further to the reasons for unemployment and perhaps the poor knowledge of nutrition, is education - 18 individuals attended only primary education and 5 attended only secondary. Other key themes are also explored and discussed - including the role of culture and 'traditional food', access to food provisions and food distribution via foreign aid.

The impact of malnutrition at an individual level are discussed, with an emphasis on family life, wellbeing and psychological health, and the impact at a societal level, in terms of food provisions, the role of organizations, employment and  migration are also explored.  

Implications: This study aims to provide an insight into malnutrition within Haitian society. By understanding, from the perspective of those affected, their views and opinions on how this problem occurs and affects them, there is hope that these factors can be addressed through support, education and access to the needed resources and services. The study provides a basis for further research and makes recommendations for change at a societal and organizational level.