Dietary Diversity Tools and Factors Affecting Dietary Patterns in Kolli Hills, India

Abstract

The first part of this study is a narrative literature review to provide an overview of the methods used to assess dietary diversity. The second part of this study is a case study to explore the factors affecting dietary diversity as well as the perceptions of a kitchen garden intervention in improving dietary diversity in Kolli Hills, India. An ethnographic approach was used for the case study. Data collection methods included participant observation, focus group discussions and individual interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify key patterns in all three data sources. As suggested by the literature review, dietary diversity is a good proxy indicator for nutrient adequacy and various health outcomes. The case study of Kolli Hills suggests that there has been a decrease in dietary diversity from 25-30 years ago to today. The kitchen garden intervention has increased the access to a variety of vegetables.