Towards a pro-health food-selection model for gatekeepers in Bulawayo high-density suburbs in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a pro-health food selection model for gatekeepers of Bulawayo high-density suburbs in Zimbabwe. Gatekeepers in five suburbs constituted the study population from which a sample of 250 subjects was randomly selected. Of the total respondents (N= 182), 167 had their own children. A 36-item questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale was used to collect data. MINITAB Release 10.2-computer package was used to extract dimensions underlying gatekeepers’ food selection. Two models, both of which were not health oriented, were determined from the study findings. Family networks received the highest rating of the gatekeepers’ food selection dimensions. A significant relationship was established between gatekeepers’ food selection dimensions and their education, income, family size, and culture; ρ values (ρ= 0.006), (ρ= 0.025), (ρ= 0.028), (ρ= 0.001) respectively. Hypotheses one to four of the study, were rejected at ρ = 0.05. Finally a pro-health model was developed and recommended to the studied population.

KEYWORDS: Gatekeeper; food selection; food guide pyramid; pro-health food selection model, Bulawayo