Intrahousehold Food Distribution in the Philippines: A Food Share Over Energy Share Perspective

Background

Studies on intrahousehold inequality in food distribution typically have focused on the distribution of total energy within the household. While some members within the household can satiate their hunger primarily from the consumption of inexpensive staple food items, others can consume a significantly larger share of much more expensive nonstaple food items rich in bioavailable micronutrients. This potential inequality, which significantly impacts micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries, can be influenced by the gender-related sociocultural norms.

Methods

This article uses a “food share over energy share (FS/ES)” methodology applied to the Philippines 2013 intrahousehold individual food consumption survey to examine patterns of dietary quality by age and gender.

Results

No pattern of age or gender discrimination is found; females consume most nonstaple foods somewhat more intensively than males. Preschoolers and young children relatively intensively consume higher amounts of milk and milk products, eggs, processed meat, noodles, sweets/desserts, sugars/syrups, and chocolate drinks. Adults relatively intensively consume fresh meat, organ meat, fish and seafood, vegetables, coffee, and alcohol. Adolescents transition between the two patterns as they grow older.

Conclusion

The FS/ES methodology focuses on distribution choices of specific foods that family members explicitly know about. The implications of these behavioral choices (some foods are nutrient-dense, others not) for meeting nutrient requirements (of which most households are unaware) may be investigated separately. Several types of follow-up studies using the FS/ES methodology are suggested for a better understanding of the factors that drive food distribution behavior, which is key to effective nutrition messaging.

Distribution of food among household members in the Philippines: Understanding how we share meals