Using Household Consumption and Expenditures Survey (HCES) Data to Assess Dietary Intake in Relation to the Nutrition Transition: A Case Study from Cape Verde

BackgroundFew surveys of food and nutrient intakes are conducted at the individual level in low- and middle- income countries, whereas Household Consumption and Expenditures Surveys (HCES) are regularly carried out to monitor economic conditions. Because of the paucity of individual-level data, there is interest in using HCES to aid in the design of food and nutrition policies.ObjectiveData from the 2001/02 HCES from Cape Verde were used to assess household dietary intakes in the context of the country's nutrition transition.MethodsThe survey included weighed measure- ments of household food intake and measurements of the weight and height of all household members. Households were classified as “underweight” if they had at least one underweight member, “overweight” if they had at least one overweight member, and “dual burden” if they had at least one underweight and one overweight member.ResultsThe proportion of households classified as underweight, overweight, and dual burden was 18%, 41%, and 14%, respe...