Ecology of Food and Nutrition最新文献

Poor dietary diversity (DD) in pregnancy can lead to nutritional deficiencies, resulting in poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. This cross-sectional study assessed the DD of 681 pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in South Africa. DD, household food insecurity and sociodemographic status were assessed using the MDD-W indicator, HFIAS and a questionnaire. 99.4% of participants consumed starchy staples, while only 7.9%, 10.6% and 13.5% consumed pulses; nuts and seeds; and dark green leafy vegetables, respectively. Only 32.9% achieved the MDD-W. Unemployment, having only primary education, severe food insecurity, as well as monthly income of 100-1000 ZAR and 1001-3000 ZAR were associated with 69% (p < .001), 72% (p = .010), 43% (p = .024), 82% (p < .001) and 50% (p = .003) decreased odds of achieving MDD-W, respectively. The findings indicate low DD and likely micronutrient inadequacy among this population of pregnant women. Lower monthly income, lower educational level, unemployment and severe household food insecurity were associated with inadequate DD. Addressing structural barriers, including poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity, is essential to support a more diverse diet during pregnancy.

Globally, household food security is commonly measured using standardized instruments emphasizing food access. Many such instruments, including the one used in Brazil (Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar - EBIA), are derived from the US Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). However, the use of such instruments among non-Western populations has been questioned. Our goal was to understand how Indigenous residents of Parque das Tribos, a multiethnic community in Manaus, Brazil, perceived the EBIA's ability to capture their food security experiences. To achieve this, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs). Results indicate frustration with the instrument's language which impeded understanding and generated feelings of inadequacy and distrust. Participants indicated the EBIA did not adequately capture their challenges accessing food and, thus, miscalculated community food insecurity. These findings support previous research arguing for adapting standardized food security instruments to local contexts while preserving the ability to compare findings across settings.

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined how gender inequality influences undernutrition among Indian children across varying social structures. Studies on rural and urban patrilineal and matrilineal communities reporting the prevalence of undernutrition in children were included, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We conducted three random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the relative risk (RR) of undernutrition, with boys as the control and girls as the intervention group. In total, 58 articles (73,910 children) were analyzed and classified into three categories, i.e., urban tribal and non-tribal (n = 11), rural non-tribal (n = 13), and rural tribal (n = 34). We found that gender disparity in undernutrition is locale- and population-specific, with girls from rural tribal communities experiencing a higher risk (RR 1.062) than their rural non-tribal and urban counterparts.

This study examines caregivers' practices and factors affecting solid food introduction, meal frequency, and dietary diversity in rural and urban Indonesia. Interviews with 46 caregivers, 2 health professionals, and 10 community health workers in Central Java, Indonesia, were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that most children began complementary feeding at six months, with rural caregivers occasionally delaying solids based on perceived readiness. While meal frequency was similar, rural diets lacked diversity compared to urban ones, especially in animal-sourced foods, fruit, and pulses. Social, environmental, and individual factors shaped feeding practices, highlighting the need for tailored nutrition education and a multisectoral approach.

Food taboos during pregnancy are common and may have nutritional implications. Understanding these practices is vital for maternal and fetal health. To assess the prevalence and factors associated with food-related taboos among pregnant women in Gondar Zuria Woreda, Northern Ethiopia, 2024. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 pregnant women attending antenatal care services. Data were collected using structured interviews and analyzed with STATA 17. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions identified significant factors (p<0.05). Food taboos were reported by 36.97% (95% CI: 34.32-44.52%) of participants. Commonly avoided foods included milk, eggs, fatty meat, and honey. Significant predictors were age 18-24 years (AOR=1.36), income 1501-5000 Birr (AOR=2.27), first trimester (AOR=1.48), and multiparity (AOR=3.28). Food taboos remain prevalent among pregnant women. Younger age, moderate income, early gestation, and multiple pregnancies were associated with higher practice of food taboos.

Anemia is a major public health concern affecting rural women during pregnancy and contributing to maternal and fetal complications. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent form linked to inadequate diet, repeated pregnancies, and limited access to healthcare. Infections, poverty, low health literacy further increase the risk. According to epidemiological studies, in rural areas, anemia prevalence exceeds 60% with maternal impacts such as fatigue, infections, postpartum depression, and even risk of death for the mother, while restricted growth of fetus in womb, premature birth, and delayed brain development are also linked. Poverty and cultural obstacles make it even harder to diagnose and prevent anemia. Rather, insufficient use of food supplements worsens outcomes. Future efforts should focus on affordable diagnostics and context-specific interventions for addressing anemia.

The Mesoamerican folk classification of foods into "hot" and "cold" is influential in daily food preparation; however, quantitative, comparative data are lacking. This study investigated the classification patterns and consensus of unprocessed edible plant products in a village in Oaxaca, Mexico. Quantitative information on the classification of 58 foods was collected through a survey of 21 randomly selected female family cooks. Classifications were mostly consistent; we identified patterns that were similar to other parts of Mesoamerica. Quantitative studies are necessary for a deeper understanding of the system's influence on the daily diet, food preparation and gastronomy of the region.

Given that food security is considered a key indicator of individual and household health, it can lead to physical and mental health problems that affect the quality of life (QOL). Therefore, this study aimed to determinate the relationship between food insecurity and QOL in women living in the slums. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 380 healthy women. The participants were selected randomly using cluster sampling from 20 health centers in the slums of Urmia city. Food security was assessed using a 9-item questionnaire, and QOL was measured using the standard SF-36 questionnaire. One-way ANOVA was used to compare QOL scores across food security subgroups, and multinomial logistic regression was applied to analyze the relationship between food security and QOL scores. The total and the subdomains of QOL scores were significantly lower in food-insecure groups than food-secure group (p < .001). There was a significant inverse relationship between food insecurity and all domains and the total score of QOL. The ORs of total score of QOL were for mild food insecure (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94-0.98), moderate food insecure (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.94-0.97) and severe food insecure (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.92-0.95) (p < .001).

The determinants of food choice represent a set of factors that influence dietary decisions, justifying this act from a multidisciplinary perspective. Understanding these determinants appears to be a promising approach for implementing effective public policies aimed at behavioral changes and the adoption of healthy habits. This study aims to analyze the influence of socioeconomic inequality on individuals' food choices. A cross-sectional study with a sample of 136 adults from different regions of the city of São Paulo, divided into of low (LNSE) and high socioeconomic status (HNSE). Food choice motives were assessed using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The LNSE group showed significantly higher averages for price, sensory appeal, and mood, while ethical concern and natural content were more relevant for the HNSE group. The results suggest significant differences in food choice motives between socioeconomically disparate groups, highlighting the need for policymakers and nutritionists to consider motivational individualities as guiding principles for their practices and decision-making processes to reduce health inequities.