Consumption frequency for precooked bean products among households in Machakos County, Kenya

Abstract Processed beans are rich in nutrients and aid in improving household diets as they contain nutritional elements like protein, dietary fibre, and minerals while saving time and money. However, the consumption frequency for processed beans is still low among households in Machakos County. This study aims to determine the factors influencing consumption frequency for precooked bean products in Machakos County, Kenya. A sample of 385 respondents was obtained using a multistage sampling procedure. Results from the zero-inflated negative binomial regression model revealed that age, presence of children under 5 years in the household, household health, and nutrition knowledge significantly and positively influenced the frequency of consumption of precooked bean products. Further, the results revealed that the frequency of consumption of precooked bean products was significantly and negatively influenced by household size and employment status as well as the colour of these bean products. Given the positive and significant influences of nutrition knowledge on consumption frequency, an emphasis on the economic and health benefits of precooked bean products is needed to increase the consumption frequency for these products. Additionally, investing in formal education could increase the consumption frequency for precooked bean products over time.