ABSTRACT
Contexte et objectif. L'endométriose est une maladie gynécologique caractérisée par la présence des glandes et du stroma endométrial en dehors de la cavité utérine. Elle serait influencée par la nutrition. Cette maladie touche 10 à 15 % des femmes en âge de procréer et a comme composante essentielle l'inflammation chronique. Les symptômes les plus fréquents sont la douleur et l'infertilité. La littérature actuelle fait état des effets bénéfiques des aliments antiinflammatoires et antioxydants sur l'endométriose. L'objectif de la présente mini revue est d'établir des pistes de réflexion sur le bénéfice d'une supplémentation nutritionnelle dans l'endométriose. Méthodes. Nous avons effectué une recherche avec les bases de données de Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library et Embase pour identifier les articles et essais cliniques randomisés dont sept ont été retenus pour l'analyse. Résultats. La supplémentation en souches probiotiques, en vitamine E et en vitamine C a une influence positive sur les symptômes liés à l'endométriose. De plus, un ensemble des composés contenant des vitamines, sels minéraux, ferments lactiques et oméga 3 et 6 ainsi qu'une alimentation de type anti-inflammatoire et les aliments pauvres en glucides fermentés cibles auraient également une influence positive sur les symptômes. En revanche, la vitamine n'aurait aucun effet significatif. Conclusion. Une prise en charge nutritionnelle, notamment axée sur une supplémentation en antioxydants, anti-inflammatoires et en souches probiotiques constitue une piste prometteuse pour la prise en charge de l'endométriose
Context and objective. Endometriosis is a gynecological disease which is characterized by the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity and might be influenced by nutrition. It affects 10 to 15 % of women of childbearing age and has chronic inflammation as an essential component. The most common symptoms are pain and infertility. Current literature reports the beneficial effects of antiinflammatory and antioxidant foods on endometriosis. The present paper reviews the benefits of nutritional supplementation in endometriosis. Methods. A search was performed using the Pubmed, Cinahl, Cochrane Library and Embase database engines to identify articles and randomized clinical trials, of which seven were selected for analysis. Results. Supplementation with probiotic strains, vitamin E and vitamin C has a positive influence on the symptoms associated with endometriosis. In addition, a set of compounds containing vitamins, minerals, lactic ferments and omega 3 and 6 as well as an antiinflammatory type diet and foods low in fermentable carbohydrates would also have a positive influence on the symptoms. In contrast, vitamin D did not have any significant effect. Conclusion. Nutritional management, in particular focusing on supplementation with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory drugs and probiotic strains, is a promising avenue for the management of endometriosis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Female , Signs and Symptoms , Vitamin E , Dietary Supplements , Endometriosis , Antioxidants , Ascorbic AcidABSTRACT
Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. is known to be of high nutritional and medicinal importance and has been demonstrated to possess a variety of biological activities. Objective: This study investigated the beneficial role of M. oleifera (moringa) supplementation in HIV positive subjects receiving antiretroviral drugs. Methods: Adult HIV positive individuals (104) attending the medical outpatient clinic in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapies (HAARTs) were recruited in a randomized fashion for the study. Half of the subjects received moringa supplement (20 mg daily) additionally, while the others received only HAART and represented the control group. All subjects were monitored for 3 months during which their immunological status (CD4 counts and TNF-α), and hematological abnormalities at pre (baseline) and post study periods were determined. Results: Baseline levels of CD4 increased while TNF-α decreased significantly in control and moringa supplemented groups (p < 0.01). However, the post study CD4 values in the moringa group were higher and TNF-α values were lower compared to the control group (p < 0.01). In addition, baseline hematological abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, lymphopenia, and neutropenia) were improved but most significantly in the moringa supplemented subjects. Conclusion: The results suggest that moringa has immune-beneficial properties and improved hematological abnormalities in HIV positive individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Pharmaceutical Preparations , HIV Infections , CD4 Lymphocyte Count , Dietary Supplements , Moringa oleifera , Anemia , LymphopeniaABSTRACT
Background. Even though immunisation coverage is tracked through the district health system in South Africa (SA), limited information is available regarding interventions linked to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and the impact on the nutritional status of children <5 years of age.Objectives. To describe coverage of immunisations, vitamin A supplementation and deworming among children <5 years old in an urban area of Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape Province, SA. A secondary objective was to investigate whether a history of missed immunisations, vitamin A supplementation or deworming was associated with wasting or stunting in children.Methods. A descriptive study was conducted between September 2015 and February 2016, where cross-sectional anthropometrical data were collected from 1 513 children in 32 pre-schools, together with a retrospective analysis of the participants' Road-to-Health/clinic cards to collect data on immunisation, vitamin A and deworming. Participants were categorised into 3-month age intervals to facilitate data analysis. Ethical approval was obtained from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee (Human). Results. Data of 1 496 children were included in the analysis. The prevalence of underweight was 2.5% (n=37), while 11.2% (n=167) were stunted and 1.1% (n=16) were wasted. There were associations between age category and delayed vitamin A supplementation (χ2=32.105; df=19; n=836; p=0.03) and deworming (χ2=45.257; df=17; n=558; p<0.001), but there was no association between delayed vaccinations and age category. There were no significant differences in anthropometrical indicators for children with delayed vitamin A supplementation, deworming and vaccinations compared with children in this sample who were up to date regarding the relevant indicators. However, weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height z-scores and stunting risk were associated with low birthweight (LBW) (odds ratio (OR) 4.658; p<0.001). Conclusion. Coverage of vitamin A supplementation and deworming but not immunisations was poorer among children in older age categories. A history of delayed vitamin A, deworming and vaccinations was not associated with the anthropometrical status of children. Children with LBW should be considered for more rigorous follow-up, as they are at higher risk of stunting.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Vitamin A , Nutritional Status , Immunization , Dietary Supplements , Vaccination , MebendazoleABSTRACT
Introduction : L'épidémie de Covid-19 a créé une psychose et une anxiété généralisées. Cela pourrait être lié, d'une part, à la mortalité élevée observée dans le monde, et d'autre part, à l'absence d'une thérapie spécifique. Face à cette situation, de nombreuses substances ont été utilisées sans avis médical. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les pratiques de l'automédication en situation de Covid-19 à Oran. Matériel et méthodes : Il s'agit d'une enquête transversale observationnelle réalisée par questionnaire électronique anonyme (googleforms) et distribué, par e-mail, à des pharmaciens adhérents à la section ordinale régionale des pharmaciens d'Oran. Les réponses ont été analysées par le logiciel Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Résultats : Au total, 69 réponses ont été obtenues. La proportion de pharmaciens ayant perçu une tendance à la hausse de l'automédication était de 58,0%. Environ le quart des pharmaciens (22,9%) avaient constaté une augmentation de l'automédication à l'hydroxychloroquine ; néanmoins, aucune toxicité secondaire à l'usage de ce médicament n'a été observée. En cette situation d'épidémie de Covid-19, 91.3% de l'échantillon d'étude avaient constaté une augmentation du recours aux vitamines et compléments alimentaires, avec une consommation fréquente de la vitamine C à 1gr/j ainsi que d'autres complexes vitaminiques à base de vitamine D, vitamine B9 et fer chez la femme enceinte ou allaitante. Conclusion : Notre étude a montré qu'en période de Covid - 19 la tendance à l'automédication a augmenté. L'automédication à l'hydroxychloroquine a été observée durant cette pandémie néanmoins l'usage d'autres substances telles que les vitamines et les compléments alimentaires était plus fréquent.
Introduction : the epidemic of Covid-19 has created generalized psychosis and anxiety. This could be linked, on the one hand to the high mortality observed in the word, and the other hand to the absence of specific therapy. Faced with this situation, many substances have been used without medical advice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the practice of self-medication in COVID-19 situation in Oran. Materials and methods : this is an observational cross sectional survey carried out by an anonymous electronic questionnaire and distributed, by email, to pharmacist belonging to the regional ordinal section of pharmacist in Oran. The answers were analysed by the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results : A total of 69 responses were obtained. The proportion of pharmacists who noticed an increasing trend in self-medication was 58,0%. About a quarter of pharmacist had observed an increase in selfmedication with hydroxychloroquin, at least no toxicity secondary to the use of this drug was observed. In this COVID19 epidemic situation, 91.3% of the study sample noted an increase in the use of vitamins and food supplements with frequent consumption of vitamin C at 1g/day as well as other vitamin comlexes based on vitamin D, vitamin B9 and iron for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Conclusion : Our study showed that during COVID-19 the tendency to self-medication increased. Self-medication with hydroxychloroquin was observed during this pandemic, although the use of other substances such as vitamins and food supplements was more frequent.
Subject(s)
Humans , Self Medication , Dietary Supplements , COVID-19 , Hydroxychloroquine , Vitamins , AlgeriaABSTRACT
Background: A dietary supplement is a product that aims to add nutritional value to the diet. University students are known to make use of dietary supplements to improve their academic performance, increase energy levels and promote overall general health. Based on assumption, students studying towards a nutrition-related degree may eat healthily and choose not to use dietary supplements. Alternatively, because of their interest in and exposure to nutrition, they may decide to use dietary supplements. However, there is a lack of published studies investigating the prevalence of dietary supplement use and reasons for use among South African university students studying towards a nutrition-related degree. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the use of dietary supplements by dietetics students. Setting: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. Results: Of the 139 participants, 23% (n = 32) used dietary supplements. There was a greater use by female students, those who lived at home and those registered for the Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics. Reasons for using dietary supplements included the following: to strengthen the immune system (62.5%), to improve energy levels (56.3%) and to enhance physical health (50%). Cost (32.7%; n = 35), an adequate diet (22.4%; n = 24) and not necessary or waste of money (15%; n = 16) were reasons for not using dietary supplements. Most students (84.4%) made use of a multivitamin and mineral supplement. Conclusion: There was a low prevalence of dietary supplement use by UKZN dietetics students, with the high cost of supplements given as the main reason for non-use
Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements , Dietetics , South Africa , StudentsABSTRACT
Introduction: dietary management is considered to be one of the cornerstones of diabetes care. Improvement of dietary practice alone can reduce glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by an absolute 1 to 2% with the greatest impact at the initial stages of diabetes. Methods: data from Hospital based cross sectional study were used to assess the level of dietary adherence and its determinants among diabetic patients. The morisky 8 item medication adherence scale was used to develop 10 item tool for evaluation of dietary adherence. Multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify factors which affect dietary adherence and variables with P vale < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: more than half of 303 participants (55.7%) were found to be non-adherent to the recommended dietary approach. Gathering with family and friends and eating out were the major reasons for not being compliant with the recommended regimen. Attending diabetic nutrition education (AOR=2.8 95% C 1.97, 5.61) and having the disease for more than 10 years (AOR 2.9 95% CI 1.32, 5.84) were statistically significant with adherence to dietary recommendation.Conclusion: non-adherence to recommended dietary practice was observed in more than fifty percent of patients; it is therefore a major public health problem. Attending diabetic nutrition education and length of diabetes greater than 10 years were the factors associated with adherence to dietary recommendation. This findings indicate that it is important to design strategies to help patients understand their dietary regimens and improve their adherence
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus , Dietary Supplements , Ethiopia , Hospitals, Teaching , Patient ComplianceABSTRACT
Diet and nutrition are important factors in the promotion and maintenance of good health throughout the entire life course. A plant-based diet may be able to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension, obesity, chronic inflammation and cancer. Phytonutrient rich foods are found in traditional African diet which is mostly vegetarian, and most of these food plants are often used for medicinal purposes. This review focuses on a peculiar plant Moringa oleifera, called the "Miracle Tree", considered to be one of nature's healthiest and most nutritious foods. Countless studies describe the benefits of Moringa leaves, pods, seeds and flowers. Its well-documented role in prevention and treatment of chronic diseases is hypothesized here as a result of possible of cross-kingdom regulation by exogenous vegetal microRNAs and synergistic action of plant bioactive components on endogenous human microRNA regulation. The potential health impact of phytocomplexes from African dietary plants within the context of cross-kingdom and endogenous microRNA regulation on health improvement and the overall economic well-being of the continent is estimated to be enormous
Subject(s)
Africa , Chronic Disease , Dietary Supplements , Moringa oleifera/therapeutic use , Plants, MedicinalABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes is a disease caused by both insulin resistance and an insulin secretory defect. Reports suggest that vitamin D3 supplementation improves insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell function, but there is paucity of data on vitamin D and glycaemia in type 2 diabetes in Nigeria. We have therefore performed a single blind prospective randomised placebo-controlled trial, involving type 2 diabetes participants in Lagos, Nigeria. The participants consisted of 42 type 2 diabetes patients with vitamin D deficiency. These participants were randomised into two equal groups of treatment and a placebo arm. Vitamin D3(3000 IU daily) was given to the participants in the treatment arm. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic beta-cell (HOMA-B) function were determined at baseline and after 12 weeks of vitamin D3 supplementation, or placebo treatment. There was a reduction from baseline in the mean insulin resistance level in both the treatment and placebo groups. How-ever, this reduction was only statistically significant in the treatment group (p <0.01). The proportion of subjects with improvement in insulin resistance status (homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance score (HOMA-IR)<2.0) was significantly higher in the treatment arm (p<0.05). There was a reduction in the mean insulin secretory capacity in the treatment group while it increased in the placebo group, though this difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that vitamin D3 supplementation results in a reduction in insulin resistance, but has no effect on pancreatic beta-cell function in type 2 diabetes
Subject(s)
Blood Glucose , Dietary Supplements , Insulin Resistance , Lakes , NigeriaABSTRACT
Background: Nutritional supplements refer to a product ingested to increase the nutritional content of a normal diet, to fill a dietary need and/or presumed deficiency. The usage and popularity of nutritional supplements, however, raises concerns from a health benefit and risk perspective. In South Africa, there is currently no adequate regulatory framework of enforcement for nutritional supplement products and undeclared constituents by the statutory body, the Medicines Control Council (MCC). Education awareness programmes by organisations that should take consumer protection and the general public health and wellness as a right, needs to be improved. Objectives: To investigate the attitudes toward nutritional supplements by adult gym users from commercial gymnasiums in the Johannesburg North region of South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design, using a selfadministered questionnaire was applied to 364 recruited study participants who attended commercial gymnasiums in Johannesburg North. Results: One hundred and fifty users (41%) claimed that they 'always' read the information about the nutritional values, benefits, and side effects of the supplements on the labels prior to use. Three hundred and three users (83%) indicated that the number of users of nutritional supplements in gymnasiums is on the increase. Two hundred and seventy-three (75%) of main information sources for nutritional supplements may be found on the internet, while 292 (80%) indicated the need for gymnasiums to provide educational programmes pertaining to nutritional supplement consumption. Conclusion: Gymnasium users are aware of the increase in nutritional supplement use in commercial gymnasiums. Many of the users were unaware of the potential mislabelling and health concerns regarding these supplements. Therefore there is a need for improved nutritional supplement education programmes and diligence at multiple levels
Subject(s)
Adult , Attitude to Health , Dietary Supplements , Gymnastics , South AfricaABSTRACT
Introduction : La tuberculose demeure un problème de santé publique. Son rapport avec la malnutrition a déjà été noté. L'état nutritionnel influe sur l'immunité qui protège du Bacille de Koch (BK). La gestion efficiente de la tuberculose, nécessite-t-elle une prise en charge de l'état nutritionnel ? Nous avons décidé de déterminer la fréquence de la malnutrition chez les patients atteints de tuberculose pulmonaire et d'évaluer l'influence de la supplémentation alimentaire sur l'évolution de la tuberculose au 2e mois de traitement.Patients et méthode : L'étude était prospective, descriptive et interventionnelle réalisée au service de médecine de l'hôpital central des armées de Brazzaville. Etaient inclus, les patients âgés de 18 ans et plus, nouvellement atteints de tuberculose pulmonaire à bacilloscopie positive avec malnutrition. L'étude comportait une phase pré-inclusion à l'initiation du traitement et une phase post-inclusion au 2e mois du traitement. Le principal critère de jugement était l'augmentation de l'IMC ; l'albuminémie n'ayant pas été dosée.Résultats : La fréquence hospitalière de la malnutrition chez les patients atteints de tuberculose était de 6,8%. A l'initiation du traitement, l'IMC révélait 14,8% de malnutrition légère, 22,22% de malnutrition modérée et 62,96% de malnutrition sévère. Les groupes 1 et 2 n'étaient pas statistiquement différents (P-Valeur = 1). A la fin du 2e mois, l'IMC semblait augmenter dans les 2 groupes. Dans le groupe 1 : 74% ne semblaient plus avoir de malnutrition, 19% semblaient avoir une malnutrition légère et 7% une malnutrition modérée. Il ne semblait plus avoir de malnutrition sévère. Dans le groupe 2 : 44% semblaient récupérer de la malnutrition, 26% semblaient avoir une malnutrition légère, 19% une malnutrition modérés et 11% semblaient toujours avoir une malnutrition sévère. Du point de vue statistique, la supplémentation alimentaire n'a pas influencé l'évolution de la malnutrition à la fin de la phase intensive du traitement antituberculeux (P-valeur =0,085). Conclusion : La supplémentation alimentaire est un volet important mais non-obligatoire de la prise en charge de la tuberculose. Le plaidoyer prioritaire doit toujours être orienté vers la disponibilité des médicaments antituberculeux
Subject(s)
Congo , Dietary Supplements , Disease Progression , Malnutrition , Tuberculosis, PulmonaryABSTRACT
Background. Vitamin A deficiency is a public health problem in Zimbabwe. Addressing vitamin A deficiency has the potential to enhance resistance to disease and reduce mortality especially in children aged 5 years.Objective. To describe a vitamin A supplementation outreach strategy implemented in one of the remote rural districts in Zimbabwe; which increased coverage after being implemented in difficult circumstances in a remote rural region.Methods. We implemented and adapted a vitamin A supplementation outreach strategy within the national immunisation days (NIDs) and extended programme of immunisation in a remote rural district in Zimbabwe. The strategy involved supplementating children at prescheduled outreach points once per month for the whole year. Despite usual operational challenges faced at implementation; this approach enabled the district to increase delivery of vitamin A supplements to young children in the district.Results. The strategy covered 63 outreach sites; with two sites being covered per day and visited once per month for the whole year. Coverage reached 71 in an area in which previous coverage rates were around 50.Conclusion. Implementing a vitamin A supplementation outreach strategy increased vitamin A supplementation coverage among children living in a remote rural region. This strategy can potentially be used by Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) member states. However; we recommend further exploration of this strategy by others working in similar circumstances
Subject(s)
Dietary Supplements , Rural Population , Vitamin A DeficiencyABSTRACT
Objectives: The study aimed to describe the nutritional status and determine the impact of current nutrition intervention strategies on weight changes in adult HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.Design: A descriptive; prospective trial was performed. Setting: The investigation was conducted at ARV roll-out centres in Kimberley; Upington; Kuruman; Prieska and Springbok in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Subjects: Adult HIV-infected patients receiving ARV therapy were included in the study.Outcome measures: Each participants's body mass index (BMI) was determined before and after a four-month intervention period of nutritional supplementation with an instant; enriched maize product. Results: Data from 98 patients (mean age 39.7 years; standard deviation 8.9 years) were assessed. Prior to intervention; the median BMI was 20 kg/m2 (range 12.6-29.7 kg/m2); the patients from Kuruman had a greater incidence of underweight compared to the other towns; with a median BMI of 17.9 kg/m2. Of the 87 patients assessed during the final week; 49.4experienced weight gain and 40.2lost weight. Eighteen (20.7) patients gained more than 5of their baseline weight; which was significant. Only eight (9.2) patients lost more than 5of their baseline weight. Twenty-two patients who presented with a BMI 18.5 kg/m2 at baseline had a median weight gain of 1.13 kg during the intervention period; while the group with a BMI 18.5 kg/m2 presented with no change in median weight. Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation; provided according to provincial policy and combined with ARVs; nutritionally benefitted about half of the patients in the ARV programme in the Northern Cape
Subject(s)
Adult , Anti-Retroviral Agents , Dietary Supplements , HIV Infections , Nutritional StatusABSTRACT
Objectives: The study aimed to describe the nutritional status and determine the impact of current nutrition intervention strategies on weight changes in adult HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.Design: A descriptive; prospective trial was performed. Setting: The investigation was conducted at ARV roll-out centres in Kimberley; Upington; Kuruman; Prieska and Springbok in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Subjects: Adult HIV-infected patients receiving ARV therapy were included in the study.Outcome measures: Each participants's body mass index (BMI) was determined before and after a four-month intervention period of nutritional supplementation with an instant; enriched maize product. Results: Data from 98 patients (mean age 39.7 years; standard deviation 8.9 years) were assessed. Prior to intervention; the median BMI was 20 kg/m2 (range 12.6-29.7 kg/m2); the patients from Kuruman had a greater incidence of underweight compared to the other towns; with a median BMI of 17.9 kg/m2. Of the 87 patients assessed during the final week; 49.4experienced weight gain and 40.2lost weight. Eighteen (20.7) patients gained more than 5of their baseline weight; which was significant. Only eight (9.2) patients lost more than 5of their baseline weight. Twenty-two patients who presented with a BMI 18.5 kg/m2 at baseline had a median weight gain of 1.13 kg during the intervention period; while the group with a BMI 18.5 kg/m2 presented with no change in median weight. Conclusions: Nutritional supplementation; provided according to provincial policy and combined with ARVs; nutritionally benefitted about half of the patients in the ARV programme in the Northern Cape
Subject(s)
Adult , Anti-Retroviral Agents , Dietary Supplements , HIV Infections , Nutritional StatusABSTRACT
Background: Vitamin A plays vital role in the physiology of vision and immunity. Globally quarters of a billion children are Vitamin A deficient. Vitamin A supplementation of children and mothers during postpartum period is a key strategy to avert the deficiency. However the effect of Vitamin A supplementation on incidence of childhood illnesses is controversial. Objective: To assess the effect of Vitamin A supplementation on the reduction of common childhood illnesses; and to measure the coverage of vitamin A supplementation among children aged 6-59 months and mothers during postpartum period. Methods: A retrospective cohort study which involves comparison between Vitamin A supplemented and nonsupplemented children was conducted in Feb 2008 in Boloso Sore Woreda; Wolayta Zone; SNNPR. A total of 1601 children aged 6-59 months were selected using Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling technique. Results: Vitamin A supplementation coverage among children (6-59 months) was 83.1and among women (in postpartum period) who had given birth in the preceding 12 months of the survey was 13.2. In comparison with the corresponding level in 2005; the coverage in the area has increased significantly (P0.05). Most of the vitamin A supplementation coverage was achieved through Enhanced Outreach Strategy. Vitamin A supplementation status was not significantly associated with history of Fever [AORCI 0.89-1.77)]; Cough or rapid breathing/difficulty in breathing [AOR=1.15 (95CI 0.77-1.72)]; Eye infection [AOR=1.22 (95CI 0.78-1.89)]; and Diarrhea [AOR=0.98 (95CI 0.64-1.52)]. Recommendations: The effect of Vitamin A supplementation on reduction of childhood illnesses should be assessed through longitudinal studies among Vitamin A deficient children
Subject(s)
Child , Dietary Supplements , Prevalence , Vitamin A DeficiencyABSTRACT
Background: Diarrhoeal disease is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in under five children.Worldwide; there are about 1.3 million under five children deaths attributable to diarrhea. Health status in Ethiopia is one of the lowest in the world with estimated health service coverage of 60; and diarrhoeal disease remains one of the major causes of under five morbidity and mortality. Treatment with ORS does not affect the duration and severity of diarrhoea; hence acceptance of ORS is low and diarrhoea still remains the major cause of child morbidity and mortality. Diarrhoea is a commonly associated problem in children with Zinc deficiency and also leads to excess zinc losses. Objective: To assess variations in the usage of antimicrobial and/or antidiarreals in children with acute watery diarrhoea randomized to receive zinc supplementation as compared to those who do not receive it; and assess the adherence to zinc supplementation given with ORS in the management of an episode of acute watery diarrhoea. Methodology: This is part of a multicentre; multi-disciplinary; randomized and open effectiveness trial conducted in out-patient settings in Addis Ababa; Black Lion Hospital at the Department of Paediatrics. The sample size has been calculated for a two-tailed alpha of 0.05 and power of 0.2. Children aged 2-59 months and who presented with acute watery diarrhoea for less than 7 days were recruited. Results: There were 188 children randomized to the Zinc plus ORS arm and 226 children to the ORS arm. There were 193 (46.6) females and 221 (53.4) males. Fifty two percent of the cases were between 2-11 months of age and decreasing trend of proportion of older children was observed in the study population (P=0.0001). Zinc adherence rate was 95. Seventy three (39.3) patients from Zinc + ORS group and 71 (32.3) patients from ORS group took ORS when they came for the first follow up visit (P-value=0.115). From the total study subjects 16.1took antibiotic or antidiarhael tablets before randomization which was significantly higher than the second follow up visit observation with only 1.7(P=0.0001). Only 3 (1.7) patients from Zinc arm and 4 (1.8) patients from ORS arms took antibiotic/anti diarrhoeal on the second follow up visits. Conclusion: Proper counselling of care takers significantly reduces unnecessary use of antibiotic/anti diarrhoea drugs in the treatment of childhood diarrhoea. Zinc supplementation in the treatment of childhood diarrhoea is well tolerated by patients and there is good compliance of care takers. However; we could not observe any significant difference in antibiotic/antidiarheal drug use between ORS and ORS plus Zinc groups
Subject(s)
Antidiarrheals , Diarrhea , Dietary Supplements , ZincABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to assess consumer acceptability; preference and consumption intent of an instant soy maize porridge; compared to an instant plain maize porri- dge; in order to determine the successful inclusion of the soy maize porridge as a food supplement for HIV subjects in a subsequent nutrition intervention trial; to improve their nutritional status. A 5-point hedonic and food action rating scale was used for this purpose. HIV-positive (n=57) and HIV-negative (n=47) subjects were recruited on a basis of availability and willingness to participate. Long-term acceptability and compliance of HIV-positive consumers (n=9) was assessed after three and five months. Analysis of variance (ANOVA); Tukey's multiple comparison test and T-tests (p=0.05) were performed. Overall; consumers found the soy maize porridge significantly more acceptable; preferred it to; and also intended to consume it more often than the plain maize porridge. There were no significant differences between the HIV-positive and HIV-negative group regarding acceptability; preference and consumption intent. After three and five months; the HIV-positive consumers (n=9) did not find acceptability of the soy maize porridge significantly different from the first evaluation. It therefore had the potential to be included successfully in the nutrition intervention trial. The current study emphasises the need for sensory evaluation of food products prior to including them in intervention studies; to assess consumers' acceptance of them