Food habits of households in selected Philippines communities: profile of occupational groups, their food patterns, usage and behaviour

Abstract

This project examined the food habits of households of the small-scale rice farmer, landless rice farmer, small-scale fisherman and urban low-income worker in terms of their occupational system, social and cultural organization. Combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, data were obtained from a total of 480 selected households found in four types of communities in Batangas Province, in Luzon Island, and Iloilo in the Visayas Islands. A sub-sample of 80 house-holds provided more in-depth information Participant-observation and in-depth interviews were carried out for one full year, to record data on seasonal changes and variations collected by a team of two researchers who lived in the community. One-day weighed household and individual food intakes were obtained quarterly, together with height and weight measurements of preschoolers and some adult members. Similarities in socio-demographic and household characteristics were observed among the four groups studied. Preliminary data indicate some similarities and differences owing to occupational system, in terms of eating patterns, food usage, food pattern, food behaviour and early milk feeding practices. These informations will be useful in the formulation of food habits intervention strategies addressed to specific types of communities.