Behavioural patterns related to the marine fish consumption- An analysis of coastal belt households, Noakhali, Bangladesh

Abstract

Marine fish is a major source of Omega-3 fatty acids (Eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA and
Docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), which are now recognized worldwide as a key factor in human health. The
present study was conducted to depict the status of marine fish consumption in three districts (namely Feni,
Lakhsmipur, and Noakhali) of greater Noakhali district, Bangladesh using a questionnaire survey in 240
households during the month of May-June, 2018. Almost all the households (96%; n=230) consumed marine
fishes. Price, availability, presence of inter-muscular bones, and characteristic fishy smell were the major
barriers to marine fish consumption in the studied area. The average quantity of fresh and dried marine fish
consumed was 53.35 g/capita/day and 3.71 g/capita/day, respectively in greater Noakhali. Marine fresh fish
consumption in the three districts differed significantly (p<0.001). The highest (80.20±32.72 g) and the
lowest (40.02±27.90 g) amount of marine fresh fish consumption were observed respectively, in Lakhsmipur
and Feni district and the highest (4.19±7.47 g) and the lowest (3.47±4.87 g) amount of dried marine fish
consumption were observed respectively, in Feni and Noakhali district. About 32% of consumers consumed
marine fresh fish 3 to 6 times in a week whereas 46% of consumers consumed dried fish once in a month.
Consumers belonging to high-income households consume more marine fish (57.11 g) than the low-income
households (49.33 g). Harpadon nehereus, Tenualosa ilisha, Otolithes cuvieri, Polynemous paradiseus, Mugil
cephalus, Oxyurichthys microlepis, and Sillago domina were among the most frequently consumed marine
fishes in the studied areas. About 76% of respondents perceived eating marine fish was good for health.
Increased availability, lower price and creating awareness on health benefits may lead to increasing marine
fish consumption among local people in the region.