Weaning Food Quality and Associated Risk Factors dataset

This dataset was collected as part of a study investigating the microbiological quality of weaning foods and the factors associated with food contamination. Data were collected from 59 caregivers in Lusaka, Zambia, using a combination of survey, direct observation, and laboratory analyses. The survey data includes participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, marital status, educational attainment, and household assets. Information was also collected on access to water, hygiene, cooking fuel use, and experiences of water insecurity. Researchers directly observed food preparation practices and recorded information on handwashing, cleaning of food preparation surfaces and utensils, and other food hygiene behaviours. In addition, food samples were collected from weaning foods prepared for children aged one year and younger on the day of observation. Laboratory analysis of the food samples was conducted using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as an indicator of fecal contamination. Questionnaire: We asked participants about their socio-demographic profile (age, marital status, education levels, assets) and collected further data on access to water, hygiene, and cooking fuel, and their experience of water insecurity. Data was captured in Open Data Kit (ODK) on electronic data forms using handheld tablets. Observations: We observed the food preparation process and collected data on hand washing with soap before food preparation, type of food being prepared, whether food was previously cooked, the elevation of the surface used to prepare food, surface cleaning behaviors, utensil cleaning, type of cooking fuel used and whether food was heated. Observations were non-participatory, and data was entered using electronic data capture forms in Open Data Kit (ODK) on handheld tablets. Laboratory: We collected food samples of weaning food that had been prepared for children aged 1year and below on the day of observing food preparation practices.