Pub Date : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2019.1600249
S. C. Sabi, U. Kolanisi, M. Siwela, Denver Naidoo
Introduction and objective: Food insecurity (FI) is an emerging and alarming problem among university students. The problem particularly affects students from poor households. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa is likely to be no exception to experiencing student FI as more than 50% of the students are poor. In 2012, UKZN implemented a Food Security Programme (FSP) to help address this emergent challenge. Until now, there is little literature exploring the prevalence and perceptions of the FI and interventions at UKZN. The study aimed to determine students’ vulnerability to FI in terms of food access and meal frequencies, students’ perceptions of FI and its effect on academic performance. The study also aimed to determine the students’ awareness and utilisation of the FSP. Methods: A total of 500 students registered at UKZN were invited to participate using a questionnaire survey and 91.2% (n = 456) questionnaires were completed and returned. Vulnerability to FI was explored through a nine-item measure, i.e. related to the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS); and a one-item measure of the self-reported eating habits by the students ‘in normal circumstances’. Results and conclusion: The findings suggest that FI remains a serious challenge among university students. Using the one-item measure, vulnerability to FI was evident in 53.1% of the students, of whom 44% experienced moderate levels of vulnerability; 9.2% were highly vulnerable. There was a significant correlation between the students’ source of funding and being FI due to lack of resources (r = 0.119, p = 0.012). FI has a high potential to negatively affect students’ academic outcomes. About 64.3% of the students indicated that hunger reduced their concentration and vigour such that 27.7% had missed classes. Social stigma was attached to FI; 30% of the students preferred anonymity regarding their FI status; 37.7% showed reluctance to utilise/recommend the FSP to anyone. Recommendations are made for institutional and national responses.
{"title":"Students’ vulnerability and perceptions of food insecurity at the university of KwaZulu-Natal","authors":"S. C. Sabi, U. Kolanisi, M. Siwela, Denver Naidoo","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2019.1600249","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2019.1600249","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction and objective: Food insecurity (FI) is an emerging and alarming problem among university students. The problem particularly affects students from poor households. The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa is likely to be no exception to experiencing student FI as more than 50% of the students are poor. In 2012, UKZN implemented a Food Security Programme (FSP) to help address this emergent challenge. Until now, there is little literature exploring the prevalence and perceptions of the FI and interventions at UKZN. The study aimed to determine students’ vulnerability to FI in terms of food access and meal frequencies, students’ perceptions of FI and its effect on academic performance. The study also aimed to determine the students’ awareness and utilisation of the FSP. Methods: A total of 500 students registered at UKZN were invited to participate using a questionnaire survey and 91.2% (n = 456) questionnaires were completed and returned. Vulnerability to FI was explored through a nine-item measure, i.e. related to the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS); and a one-item measure of the self-reported eating habits by the students ‘in normal circumstances’. Results and conclusion: The findings suggest that FI remains a serious challenge among university students. Using the one-item measure, vulnerability to FI was evident in 53.1% of the students, of whom 44% experienced moderate levels of vulnerability; 9.2% were highly vulnerable. There was a significant correlation between the students’ source of funding and being FI due to lack of resources (r = 0.119, p = 0.012). FI has a high potential to negatively affect students’ academic outcomes. About 64.3% of the students indicated that hunger reduced their concentration and vigour such that 27.7% had missed classes. Social stigma was attached to FI; 30% of the students preferred anonymity regarding their FI status; 37.7% showed reluctance to utilise/recommend the FSP to anyone. Recommendations are made for institutional and national responses.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2019.1600249","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45763834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2019.1612653
D. Casale, G. Espí, S. Norris
Objectives: A study was undertaken to compare a range of dietary diversity indicators and their predictors among one-year-olds. Design: Multivariate regression analysis was employed, where dietary diversity indicators are the outcome variables and the main predictor variables are access to resources and maternal education. Three different dietary diversity indicators are analysed: a count of food items, a count of food groups and a Healthy Food Diversity Index. Subjects and setting: The study included participants of Birth to Twenty Plus, a longitudinal cohort study of children born in 1990 in Johannesburg, South Africa (n = 1 030). Results: There is a low correlation between measures of dietary diversity based on simple counts of food items/groups and the Healthy Food Diversity Index. Further, the predictors differ depending on which type of indicator is used. Access to resources (measured by an asset index) was found to be associated with an increase in counts of food items/groups but at a decreasing rate, while the opposite was found for the Healthy Food Diversity Index. There was no significant association between maternal education and the counts of food items/groups, while maternal education was positively associated with the Healthy Food Diversity Index. Conclusions: More sophisticated measures of dietary diversity that also capture the healthiness of foods and their distribution in the diet, rather than just the number or variety, may be useful in understanding dietary patterns among children and what influences them. Maternal education appears to be particularly important for healthy food consumption among young children, while access to resources has a more complex association, with differential results at low and high levels.
{"title":"The predictors of different measures of dietary diversity among one-year-olds in South Africa","authors":"D. Casale, G. Espí, S. Norris","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2019.1612653","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2019.1612653","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: A study was undertaken to compare a range of dietary diversity indicators and their predictors among one-year-olds. Design: Multivariate regression analysis was employed, where dietary diversity indicators are the outcome variables and the main predictor variables are access to resources and maternal education. Three different dietary diversity indicators are analysed: a count of food items, a count of food groups and a Healthy Food Diversity Index. Subjects and setting: The study included participants of Birth to Twenty Plus, a longitudinal cohort study of children born in 1990 in Johannesburg, South Africa (n = 1 030). Results: There is a low correlation between measures of dietary diversity based on simple counts of food items/groups and the Healthy Food Diversity Index. Further, the predictors differ depending on which type of indicator is used. Access to resources (measured by an asset index) was found to be associated with an increase in counts of food items/groups but at a decreasing rate, while the opposite was found for the Healthy Food Diversity Index. There was no significant association between maternal education and the counts of food items/groups, while maternal education was positively associated with the Healthy Food Diversity Index. Conclusions: More sophisticated measures of dietary diversity that also capture the healthiness of foods and their distribution in the diet, rather than just the number or variety, may be useful in understanding dietary patterns among children and what influences them. Maternal education appears to be particularly important for healthy food consumption among young children, while access to resources has a more complex association, with differential results at low and high levels.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2019.1612653","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45025457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2019.1612652
S. Beyene, M. Willis, M. Mamo, B. Legesse, Teshome Regassa, T. Tadesse, Y. Wolde-hawariat, Nur Firyal Roslan
Objectives: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children under five in two drought-prone areas in Ethiopia. Study design and setting: Through a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, data were analysed using multistage random sampling methods. Study subjects and outcome measures: Data were collected on socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements from 350 households. Height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores of 304 children, aged 0–60 months, were calculated using the WHO Anthro software. Children with z-scores of less than −2 standard deviations (SDs) for HAZ, WHZ and WAZ were classified as stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the relationships between independent variables and stunting and underweight. Results: Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 49.4%, 13.7% and 37.1% respectively. Among independent variables tested, agroecology was significantly associated with stunting (p = 0.012) and underweight (p < 0.001), while livestock holding was significantly correlated with stunting (p = 0.008) and underweight (p = 0.012). Access to irrigation was also significantly associated with stunting (p = 0.028) and underweight (p = 0.016). However, the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was not significantly associated with household size, landholdings or frequency of sickness. Conclusions: The prevalence of undernutrition within the study areas was higher than the national average for Ethiopia. Lowland areas exhibited the highest rates of undernutrition; consequently, interventions that include the enhancement of livestock holdings and access to irrigation should include agroecological factors in an effort to reduce childhood undernutrition.
{"title":"Nutritional status of children aged 0–60 months in two drought-prone areas of Ethiopia","authors":"S. Beyene, M. Willis, M. Mamo, B. Legesse, Teshome Regassa, T. Tadesse, Y. Wolde-hawariat, Nur Firyal Roslan","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2019.1612652","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2019.1612652","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: A study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children under five in two drought-prone areas in Ethiopia. Study design and setting: Through a cross-sectional, mixed-methods approach, data were analysed using multistage random sampling methods. Study subjects and outcome measures: Data were collected on socioeconomic factors, demographic characteristics and anthropometric measurements from 350 households. Height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores of 304 children, aged 0–60 months, were calculated using the WHO Anthro software. Children with z-scores of less than −2 standard deviations (SDs) for HAZ, WHZ and WAZ were classified as stunted, wasted and underweight respectively. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, correlation and regression analyses were used to assess the relationships between independent variables and stunting and underweight. Results: Prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight were 49.4%, 13.7% and 37.1% respectively. Among independent variables tested, agroecology was significantly associated with stunting (p = 0.012) and underweight (p < 0.001), while livestock holding was significantly correlated with stunting (p = 0.008) and underweight (p = 0.012). Access to irrigation was also significantly associated with stunting (p = 0.028) and underweight (p = 0.016). However, the prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight was not significantly associated with household size, landholdings or frequency of sickness. Conclusions: The prevalence of undernutrition within the study areas was higher than the national average for Ethiopia. Lowland areas exhibited the highest rates of undernutrition; consequently, interventions that include the enhancement of livestock holdings and access to irrigation should include agroecological factors in an effort to reduce childhood undernutrition.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2019.1612652","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46638310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2019.1583043
A. Egal, W. Oldewage-Theron
Food insecurity, leading from insufficient dietary intakes to nutritional insecurity and ultimately to malnutrition, is a persistent problem in developing countries and also South Africa. One of the strategies that can be employed to address food insecurity is the provision of affordable, nutrient-dense, culturally acceptable foods that are safe for human consumption. Even though there is limited literature on food and nutrition security with this technology, extrusion is an ideal processing method for the manufacturing of a wide range of affordable foods with a long shelf life. Furthermore, the beneficial nutritional effects of extruded foods range from increased protein and starch digestibility to retention of various micronutrients. This will result in nutrient-dense meals being consumed. Extruded foods thus may benefit food and nutrition insecurity through availability of affordable, nutrient-dense, safe foods that are easily accessible to both urban and rural food-insecure households as well as poorer disadvantaged communities.
{"title":"Extruded food products and their potential impact on food and nutrition security","authors":"A. Egal, W. Oldewage-Theron","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2019.1583043","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2019.1583043","url":null,"abstract":"Food insecurity, leading from insufficient dietary intakes to nutritional insecurity and ultimately to malnutrition, is a persistent problem in developing countries and also South Africa. One of the strategies that can be employed to address food insecurity is the provision of affordable, nutrient-dense, culturally acceptable foods that are safe for human consumption. Even though there is limited literature on food and nutrition security with this technology, extrusion is an ideal processing method for the manufacturing of a wide range of affordable foods with a long shelf life. Furthermore, the beneficial nutritional effects of extruded foods range from increased protein and starch digestibility to retention of various micronutrients. This will result in nutrient-dense meals being consumed. Extruded foods thus may benefit food and nutrition insecurity through availability of affordable, nutrient-dense, safe foods that are easily accessible to both urban and rural food-insecure households as well as poorer disadvantaged communities.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2019.1583043","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47082194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-07-10DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2021.1948810
C. Haasbroek, R. Lategan-Potgieter, C. Rooyen, M. Jordaan
Objectives: A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, Free State, and the dietary and lifestyle factors and physical activity which may play a role in the development thereof. Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Five units situated at the Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein were included. Subjects: The study included 166 active-duty military personnel (136 males and 30 females) aged 21–59 years. A convenience sample of volunteers participated in the study. Outcome measures: The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated using weight and height, and waist circumference was measured using standardised techniques. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Results: A high prevalence of overweight (38.6%) and obesity (36.1%) was identified in the study population. No significant associations were detected between lifestyle factors or physical activity and BMI. The majority of participants (59.6%) consumed three meals per day. Meal frequency did not differ between different BMI categories, and no associations were found between meal frequency and being overweight or obese. Inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables was observed. Conclusion: A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this study, which calls for urgent intervention. No associations were, however, found between dietary and lifestyle factors and the presence of overweight and/or obesity. Further investigation is required to identify the causes of overweight and obesity and effective ways to address this health challenge.
{"title":"Do lifestyle choices influence the development of overweight and obesity in the South African Air Force, Bloemfontein?","authors":"C. Haasbroek, R. Lategan-Potgieter, C. Rooyen, M. Jordaan","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2021.1948810","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2021.1948810","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein, Free State, and the dietary and lifestyle factors and physical activity which may play a role in the development thereof. Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Setting: Five units situated at the Air Force Base Bloemspruit, Bloemfontein were included. Subjects: The study included 166 active-duty military personnel (136 males and 30 females) aged 21–59 years. A convenience sample of volunteers participated in the study. Outcome measures: The body mass index (BMI) of the participants was calculated using weight and height, and waist circumference was measured using standardised techniques. The dietary intake of participants was evaluated using a self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Results: A high prevalence of overweight (38.6%) and obesity (36.1%) was identified in the study population. No significant associations were detected between lifestyle factors or physical activity and BMI. The majority of participants (59.6%) consumed three meals per day. Meal frequency did not differ between different BMI categories, and no associations were found between meal frequency and being overweight or obese. Inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables was observed. Conclusion: A high prevalence of overweight and obesity was observed in this study, which calls for urgent intervention. No associations were, however, found between dietary and lifestyle factors and the presence of overweight and/or obesity. Further investigation is required to identify the causes of overweight and obesity and effective ways to address this health challenge.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2021.1948810","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43312838","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-07-02DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2018.1551767
Nagasa Dida, Abiyot Legese, Abdurhim Aman, B. Muhamed, Teshome Damise, Tizita Birhanu, Sintayehu Hailu, Jiregna Darega, Bedasa Woldamichael, E. Gadisa
Background: Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body in small amounts to prevent iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is a global public health concern. There were no specific data at household level of adequately iodised salt in the study area. Thus this study aimed to assess availability of adequately iodised salt and its associated factors at household level in Bale-Robe, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia in April 2015. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 367 households, which were identified through systematic random sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated using rapid testing kits at the household level. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence, and association between dependent and independent variables was computed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Of 374 samples, 370 respondents were interviewed yielding a response rate of 99%. One-third (32.7%) of the household levels used adequately iodised salt. Respondents’ educational status, exposure to information on how to handle iodised salt and type of salt used by the respondents were independent factors for availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level. Salt that had been stored in a dry place was twice as likely to have an adequate iodine content compared with salt stored in a high-moisture area or near a fire (AOR = 2.13, CI = 1.19–3.72). Conclusion: Availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level was very low. Factors that were associated with household levels’ access to adequately iodised salt included educational level, age of the respondents and place where salt is stored, and had an effect on whether households iodise salt adequately. Strategies to educate residents regarding the appropriate storage conditions to minimise iodine losses in iodised salt are required in Bale-Robe district of South East Ethiopia.
{"title":"Availability of adequately iodised salt at household level and its associated factors in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia: community-based cross-sectional study","authors":"Nagasa Dida, Abiyot Legese, Abdurhim Aman, B. Muhamed, Teshome Damise, Tizita Birhanu, Sintayehu Hailu, Jiregna Darega, Bedasa Woldamichael, E. Gadisa","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2018.1551767","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2018.1551767","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Iodine is a micronutrient required by the body in small amounts to prevent iodine deficiency disorder (IDD), which is a global public health concern. There were no specific data at household level of adequately iodised salt in the study area. Thus this study aimed to assess availability of adequately iodised salt and its associated factors at household level in Bale-Robe, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Robe town, Bale Zone, South East Ethiopia in April 2015. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires from a total of 367 households, which were identified through systematic random sampling. Salt iodine content was estimated using rapid testing kits at the household level. Descriptive statistics was used to determine the prevalence, and association between dependent and independent variables was computed by using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of < 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results: Of 374 samples, 370 respondents were interviewed yielding a response rate of 99%. One-third (32.7%) of the household levels used adequately iodised salt. Respondents’ educational status, exposure to information on how to handle iodised salt and type of salt used by the respondents were independent factors for availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level. Salt that had been stored in a dry place was twice as likely to have an adequate iodine content compared with salt stored in a high-moisture area or near a fire (AOR = 2.13, CI = 1.19–3.72). Conclusion: Availability of adequately iodised salt at the household level was very low. Factors that were associated with household levels’ access to adequately iodised salt included educational level, age of the respondents and place where salt is stored, and had an effect on whether households iodise salt adequately. Strategies to educate residents regarding the appropriate storage conditions to minimise iodine losses in iodised salt are required in Bale-Robe district of South East Ethiopia.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2018.1551767","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47180976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-07-02DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2018.1564470
Raeesa Seedat, K. Pillay
Objectives: A study was undertaken to investigate breakfast consumption and the sociodemographic and lifestyle profile of undergraduate students in the School of Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and to determine if these factors are related to body mass index (BMI). Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting: The venue for the study was the School of Health Sciences, UKZN, Westville campus. Methods: Data were collected in 2016, using a self-administered questionnaire, to obtain information on breakfast consumption and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Weight and height measurements were taken, using standardised procedures. Results: Of the 353 participants, 93% (n = 27) were between 17 and 22 years old, and 75.6% were female. First-year students made up 43.6% of the sample, with fewer students in the second (26.1%), third (20.1%) and fourth years (8.8%). Participants self-reported their health status to be very poor (1.1%), poor (4.0%), fair (27.5%), good (47.3%) and excellent (19.3%). Only 4.5% (n = 16) smoked and 24.4% (n = 86) consumed alcohol, while 58.4% were physically active. Breakfast was consumed by 80.5%; however, only 50.7% consumed it daily. Breakfast was consumed for its health benefits, to satisfy hunger, to keep alert, prevent fatigue, and keep up energy levels. Participants who lived at home, and whose parents or families bought the groceries, consumed breakfast daily, while more third-year students skipped breakfast. The most commonly consumed breakfast items were ready-to-eat cereals or instant cereals (60.1%), tea or coffee (50.4%), eggs (46.2%) and leftovers (32.0%). The BMI was higher among females, correlating positively with age and negatively with self-reported health status. There was no relationship between BMI and breakfast consumption and any other sociodemographic or lifestyle factors. Conclusion: Breakfast was consumed for its perceived health and well-being benefits. Barriers to consumption were a lack of time and lack of appetite. Given its health and nutritional benefits, regular breakfast consumption should be encouraged among university students.
{"title":"Breakfast consumption and its relationship to sociodemographic and lifestyle factors of undergraduate students in the School of Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal","authors":"Raeesa Seedat, K. Pillay","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2018.1564470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2018.1564470","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: A study was undertaken to investigate breakfast consumption and the sociodemographic and lifestyle profile of undergraduate students in the School of Health Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), and to determine if these factors are related to body mass index (BMI). Design: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Setting: The venue for the study was the School of Health Sciences, UKZN, Westville campus. Methods: Data were collected in 2016, using a self-administered questionnaire, to obtain information on breakfast consumption and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. Weight and height measurements were taken, using standardised procedures. Results: Of the 353 participants, 93% (n = 27) were between 17 and 22 years old, and 75.6% were female. First-year students made up 43.6% of the sample, with fewer students in the second (26.1%), third (20.1%) and fourth years (8.8%). Participants self-reported their health status to be very poor (1.1%), poor (4.0%), fair (27.5%), good (47.3%) and excellent (19.3%). Only 4.5% (n = 16) smoked and 24.4% (n = 86) consumed alcohol, while 58.4% were physically active. Breakfast was consumed by 80.5%; however, only 50.7% consumed it daily. Breakfast was consumed for its health benefits, to satisfy hunger, to keep alert, prevent fatigue, and keep up energy levels. Participants who lived at home, and whose parents or families bought the groceries, consumed breakfast daily, while more third-year students skipped breakfast. The most commonly consumed breakfast items were ready-to-eat cereals or instant cereals (60.1%), tea or coffee (50.4%), eggs (46.2%) and leftovers (32.0%). The BMI was higher among females, correlating positively with age and negatively with self-reported health status. There was no relationship between BMI and breakfast consumption and any other sociodemographic or lifestyle factors. Conclusion: Breakfast was consumed for its perceived health and well-being benefits. Barriers to consumption were a lack of time and lack of appetite. Given its health and nutritional benefits, regular breakfast consumption should be encouraged among university students.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2018.1564470","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48040885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-07-02DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2019.1575604
E. Viljoen, C. Macdougall, Mothusi D Mathibe, F. Veldman, S. Mda
Objective: This study aimed to identify dyslipidaemia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. This was part of a larger study aiming at the treatment of dyslipidaemia in this population. Design: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. Setting: The Paediatric Outpatient Department HIV Clinic at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (Garankuwa, Pretoria). Subjects: Children who received antiretroviral treatment (ART) for at least six months and were virologically supressed. Outcome measures: Fasting lipograms were evaluated against American paediatric thresholds for dyslipidaemia (NCEP ATPIII guidelines), and z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) were interpreted. Results: In total, 140 children were enrolled, median age at enrolment was 64.5 months (interquartile range IQR 42.5–94.6) and 51% were female. Median period of ART use was 34.0 months (IQR 23.2–52.8). Median ART commencement age was 18 months (IQR 8.1–34.0). Lipid profile results were available in 108 of the 140 children. Total cholesterol was classified borderline in 33% and elevated in 11% of the children. LDL cholesterol was borderline in 24% and elevated in 7%. HDL cholesterol was borderline in 20% and low in 30%. Triglyceride levels were borderline in 29% and elevated in 39% of the children. Children were considered as having dyslipidaemia if one or more of the four lipid profile levels were abnormal, or if at least two were borderline. By these criteria, 75% of the group were dyslipidaemic. A significant negative correlation was found between dyslipidaemia and enrolment HAZ indicating stunting (r-value −0.31; p < 0.05), also between dyslipidaemia and months’ duration on ART (r-value −0.25; p < 0.05) and a significant positive correlation was found between initiation on protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen and dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected children receiving ART is high. Participants who were stunted, or had a shorter ART duration, and those initiated on a PI-based regimen were more likely to have dyslipidaemia.
{"title":"Dyslipidaemia among HIV-infected children on antiretroviral therapy in Garankuwa, Pretoria","authors":"E. Viljoen, C. Macdougall, Mothusi D Mathibe, F. Veldman, S. Mda","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2019.1575604","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2019.1575604","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: This study aimed to identify dyslipidaemia in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children. This was part of a larger study aiming at the treatment of dyslipidaemia in this population. Design: A cross-sectional quantitative study design was used. Setting: The Paediatric Outpatient Department HIV Clinic at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (Garankuwa, Pretoria). Subjects: Children who received antiretroviral treatment (ART) for at least six months and were virologically supressed. Outcome measures: Fasting lipograms were evaluated against American paediatric thresholds for dyslipidaemia (NCEP ATPIII guidelines), and z-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) were interpreted. Results: In total, 140 children were enrolled, median age at enrolment was 64.5 months (interquartile range IQR 42.5–94.6) and 51% were female. Median period of ART use was 34.0 months (IQR 23.2–52.8). Median ART commencement age was 18 months (IQR 8.1–34.0). Lipid profile results were available in 108 of the 140 children. Total cholesterol was classified borderline in 33% and elevated in 11% of the children. LDL cholesterol was borderline in 24% and elevated in 7%. HDL cholesterol was borderline in 20% and low in 30%. Triglyceride levels were borderline in 29% and elevated in 39% of the children. Children were considered as having dyslipidaemia if one or more of the four lipid profile levels were abnormal, or if at least two were borderline. By these criteria, 75% of the group were dyslipidaemic. A significant negative correlation was found between dyslipidaemia and enrolment HAZ indicating stunting (r-value −0.31; p < 0.05), also between dyslipidaemia and months’ duration on ART (r-value −0.25; p < 0.05) and a significant positive correlation was found between initiation on protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen and dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in HIV-infected children receiving ART is high. Participants who were stunted, or had a shorter ART duration, and those initiated on a PI-based regimen were more likely to have dyslipidaemia.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2019.1575604","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48765547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-06-30DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2020.1782027
S. McLaren, L. Steenkamp, H. McCarthy, Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera
Background: The relationship between overweight and under-nutrition, particularly in resource-poor settings, poses practical challenges for targeting nutrition interventions. Current anthropometric indicators including weight for length (WLZ) recommended by the WHO may be challenging in community settings. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether MUAC can accurately identify children aged younger than two years with overweight and obesity. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used to collect data from a non-probability sample of 397 young South African children from October 2015 to February 2016. MUAC cut-off values were tested using a receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The prevalence of overweight (WLZ > +2) and obesity (WLZ > +3) was 11% (n = 44) and 5% (21) respectively. A MUAC cut-off value for identifying male children 6 to 24 months old with overweight was determined at 16.5 cm (85% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, AUC = 0.821) and female children at 16.5 cm (100% sensitivity, 76.6% specificity, AUC = 0.938). Conclusions: MUAC may be an appropriate tool for identifying children younger than two years old with overweight and obesity. The predicted MUAC cut-off values were able to identify infants and young children with overweight accurately.
{"title":"Screening for overweight using mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) among children younger than two years in the Eastern Cape, South Africa","authors":"S. McLaren, L. Steenkamp, H. McCarthy, Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2020.1782027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2020.1782027","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The relationship between overweight and under-nutrition, particularly in resource-poor settings, poses practical challenges for targeting nutrition interventions. Current anthropometric indicators including weight for length (WLZ) recommended by the WHO may be challenging in community settings. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess whether MUAC can accurately identify children aged younger than two years with overweight and obesity. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was used to collect data from a non-probability sample of 397 young South African children from October 2015 to February 2016. MUAC cut-off values were tested using a receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve (AUC). Results: The prevalence of overweight (WLZ > +2) and obesity (WLZ > +3) was 11% (n = 44) and 5% (21) respectively. A MUAC cut-off value for identifying male children 6 to 24 months old with overweight was determined at 16.5 cm (85% sensitivity, 71.4% specificity, AUC = 0.821) and female children at 16.5 cm (100% sensitivity, 76.6% specificity, AUC = 0.938). Conclusions: MUAC may be an appropriate tool for identifying children younger than two years old with overweight and obesity. The predicted MUAC cut-off values were able to identify infants and young children with overweight accurately.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2020.1782027","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43043284","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-06-16DOI: 10.1080/16070658.2020.1769336
L. Steenkamp, M. Williams, J. Ronaasen, A. Feeley, I. Truter, P. Melariri
Objectives: To explore and describe caregivers’ handwashing knowledge and practices in the context of underprivileged urban communities. Design: A qualitative descriptive and exploratory study was conducted during August and September 2017, through five focus-group discussions, with caregivers of children younger than five years attending ECD centres. Setting: Early childhood development (ECD) centres in various underprivileged communities in Ibhayi and Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay. Subjects: Thirty-five adults, aged between 24 and 60 years, functioning as primary or secondary caregivers to 105 children, participated. Results: Three themes emerged, of which the first entailed the knowledge of handwashing and compliance with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) recommendations. Practical challenges that may prevent compliance with recommendations were highlighted. Handwashing as a social norm emerged as the second theme, and reflection on strategies at primary health care level to increase awareness regarding handwashing in communities was the third theme. Conclusion and recommendations: Current handwashing counselling at primary health care sites may not be perceived as relevant in underprivileged communities. However, with adequate support ECD practitioners have influence to change the handwashing behaviour and knowledge of pre-school children and families. Furthermore, communication and dissemination of handwashing messages should be clear, practical and relevant to address inappropriateness of current poster images and should include suggestions on what to do when experiencing infrastructure challenges and in times of water restrictions. Health-promotion strategies should focus on optimising handwashing practices while caring for pre-school children.
{"title":"Handwashing knowledge and practices among caregivers of pre-school children in underprivileged areas of Nelson Mandela Bay","authors":"L. Steenkamp, M. Williams, J. Ronaasen, A. Feeley, I. Truter, P. Melariri","doi":"10.1080/16070658.2020.1769336","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/16070658.2020.1769336","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: To explore and describe caregivers’ handwashing knowledge and practices in the context of underprivileged urban communities. Design: A qualitative descriptive and exploratory study was conducted during August and September 2017, through five focus-group discussions, with caregivers of children younger than five years attending ECD centres. Setting: Early childhood development (ECD) centres in various underprivileged communities in Ibhayi and Motherwell, Nelson Mandela Bay. Subjects: Thirty-five adults, aged between 24 and 60 years, functioning as primary or secondary caregivers to 105 children, participated. Results: Three themes emerged, of which the first entailed the knowledge of handwashing and compliance with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) recommendations. Practical challenges that may prevent compliance with recommendations were highlighted. Handwashing as a social norm emerged as the second theme, and reflection on strategies at primary health care level to increase awareness regarding handwashing in communities was the third theme. Conclusion and recommendations: Current handwashing counselling at primary health care sites may not be perceived as relevant in underprivileged communities. However, with adequate support ECD practitioners have influence to change the handwashing behaviour and knowledge of pre-school children and families. Furthermore, communication and dissemination of handwashing messages should be clear, practical and relevant to address inappropriateness of current poster images and should include suggestions on what to do when experiencing infrastructure challenges and in times of water restrictions. Health-promotion strategies should focus on optimising handwashing practices while caring for pre-school children.","PeriodicalId":45938,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2020-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/16070658.2020.1769336","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41787219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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