Consequences of COVID-19 Preventive Measures on Food Security, Dietary Practices and Nutrition Outcomes in Kenya.

The current global outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted food systems and individuals' lifestyles around the world and is likely to have a negative impact on household food security and health-related behaviours including dietary practices and physical activity. Such a disruption is likely to affect urban and rural households differently. Thus, these populations may require different supports to prevent lasting negative impacts of COVID19 on their lives. We are conducting a longitudinal study in rural and urban households in Kenya to examine changes in household food security, food-related behaviours, physical activity, body weight and associated socio-economic and demographic determinants in relation to the COVID-19 preventive measures. The study population will comprise of households with an adult and at least one school age child who have resided in Kisumu Central and Seme Sub-Counties for at least five years. At least 500 households will be recruited to take the initial survey and assessments and follow-up surveys over a period of one year. Quantitative data will be collected using a questionnaires (SES, food sources, alcohol intake and smoking and drug use, physical activity and agricultural production), Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) tool, 24-hour dietary recall, food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric assessment. Qualitative data will be collected using focus group discussion guide and key interview guide. Generalized estimating equations will be used to evaluate trends over time while accounting for within-person correlation and to evaluate whether food security status, behaviors and nutritional status vary across demographic characteristics and socio-economic status. Qualitative data shall be analyzed using content analysis and recurring themes in the data. The efforts detailed in this proposal will support our longerterm goal of designing public health interventions targeted at the specific food, nutrition and health needs and potential solutions in the communities Expected Outputs a) Multiple workshops will be held at the sub-county and County levels to discuss study results with government, non-government and private industry stakeholders. Workshop content will be uploaded on the IDRC Digital Library for further dissemination b) Community-based meetings will be held to discuss results with study participants, community members and community leaders. Meetings' content will be uploaded on the IDRC Digital Library for further dissemination c) Study findings will be presented at conferences and meetings including African Nutrition Conference. d) Research report and policy briefs will be produced to share impact of COVID-19 on community livelihoods, food security and health outcomes. Research and policy briefs will be uploaded will be made available on the IDRC Digital Library. e) Study findings will be submitted for publication in lead nutrition, food security and public health peer-review regional and international journals e.g. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development (AJFAND), South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, BMC Nutrition and BMC Public Health. All listed journals offer open-access options.