Pratiques alimentaires et état nutritionnel des nourrissons exposés au VIH dans un centre de santé à Abidjan / Feeding practices and nutritional satus of infants exposed to HIV in a health center in Abidjan

Introduction. L'objectif de notre étude était de décrire les pratiques alimentaires des nourrissons nés de mères infectées par le VIH ainsi que leur état nutritionnel. Méthodes. Il s'agit d'une étude transversale à visée descriptive et analytique sur une période de 2 mois (01 juin au 03 Août 2016) portant sur 101 nourrissons nés de mères séropositives âgés de 6 à 24 mois au moment de l'enquête. Des informations sur les pratiques alimentaires et l'état nutritionnel des nourrissons ont été recueillies. Résultats. L'âge moyen des nourrissons était de 14,5 mois et le sex ratio de 0,71. Plus de 3/4 des nourrissons étaient eutrophiques à la naissance (77,2%). Le budget alimentaire des ménages était compris entre 2000 f/CFA et 3000 f/CFA (45,54 %). L'allaitement maternel a été réalisé chez 73,3% des nourrissons. La prévalence de l'AME était de 65,4%. L'âge à l'arrêt de l'allaitement était de 6 mois chez plus de la moitié (52,7%) des nourrissons. la majorité des nourrissons (99,0%) avait une fréquence de repas adaptée à leur âge. L'âge d'introduction d'aliments de complément était inadapté chez un tiers des nourrissons (30,6%), l'âge d'introduction au repas familial était inapproprié chez 64,9 % des nourrissons et plus de la moitié des nourrissons (53,3%) avait une fréquence de repas lactés inadaptée. le score de diversifi cation alimentaire était ≥ 4 aliments chez 18,8% des cas. Les céréales et les tubercules ont été le plus souvent consommés par les nourrissons (97 %) contrairement aux fruits et légumes riches en vitamines A (20%) et aux œufs (14%). Une émaciation a été relevée dans 9,9% des cas. Les pratiques alimentaires associés à la malnutrition étaient l'âge d'introduction d'aliments solides, semis liquides et mous inadapté p=0,001, l'âge d'introduction au repas familial inadapté p=0,015, la fréquence alimentaire minimale inadaptée p=0,001 et le minimum alimentaire acceptable insuffi sant p=0,012. La prévalence du VIH était de 5,9% Conclusion. Les nourrissons nés de mères séropositives sont vulnérables à la malnutrition. Les acteurs des services de PTME doivent insister dans leurs pratiques sur la prise en charge nutritionnelle de ces nourrissons.

Dietary habits, physical activity and sleep pattern among in-school adolescents in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: Overnutrition has been documented at epidemic levels in children and adults. The associated risk factors may include poor dietary habits, sedentary behaviour, inadequate sleep and low parental education. Objective: To describe dietary habits, physical activity and sleep patterns among secondary school adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 1,120 adolescents recruited from public and private secondary schools in Lagos, Nigeria, was carried out to study the dietary habits, sleep patterns and physical activity in relation to nutritional status. Results: Ten per cent of the adolescents skipped breakfast, while 28% had fruits on up to five days of the week. Eleven per cent had a sweetened drink every day, while 20 % had a sweetened drink on most days of the week. One out of four (26%) adolescents had more than two hours of screen time daily, and only 5% engaged in sporting activities up to five times weekly. One-third of the students slept for less than six hours daily and experienced sleeping difficulties. Multivariate analysis showed that females were twice as likely not to participate in sports (OR = 2.38, CI = 1.3-4.37, p = 0.002 and to have a higher intake of confectionaries (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.07-2.04, p = 0.01. Conclusion: Poor dietary habits, inadequate physical activity and insufficient sleep were observed among secondary school adolescents. A multi-pronged approach to improve these behaviours is recommended

Nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status of diabetic patients attending teaching hospitals in Lagos, Nigeria

Background: This study assessed the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and nutritional status of adult diabetic patients attending teaching hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult diabetic patients attending the out-patient clinics of the two Teaching Hospitals in Lagos. Respondents were recruited from the clinics consecutively until the desired sample size (342) was obtained. A pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Dietary habits were assessed using food frequency questionnaire and BMI was assessed following standard procedure and compared with the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS (Version 20). Chi-square and fisher's exact probability test were used to determine the association between variables. The level of significance was set at p-value less than 5%. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 59.6 + 13.0 years. Only 125 (37%) of the respondents had good nutritional knowledge. Majority ate three meals every day, 237 (69.3%) and have had dietary counseling, 255 (74.6%). More than half of the respondents, 202 (59.1%) skipped meals, 80 (23.4%) consumed alcohol while only 42 (12.3%) ate fruits and vegetables daily. The commonest food consumed was processed cereals. Majority of the respondents were overweight or obese (74%). Obesity was associated with being female and not having dietary counseling. Conclusion: Nutritional knowledge and dietary habits were poor while overweight and obesity were high. Dietary counseling will be necessary to improve the dietary pattern and nutritional status of the diabetic patients

Facteurs déterminants la prévalence de la carie dentaire chez les patients consultant au service d'odontologie du centre hospitalier régional de Tenkodogo, Burkina Faso

La carie dentaire est une maladie universelle répandue à travers le monde depuis des millénaires. C'est une maladie multifactorielle non transmissible évitable. Afin de réduire son impact, la présente étude a eu pour objectif de rechercher les facteurs déterminant la prévalence de la carie dentaire au service d'odontologie du Centre Hospitalier Régional (CHR) de Tenkodogo au Burkina Faso. Méthodologie. Il s'est agi d'une étude transversale descriptive qui s'est déroulée du 11 mars au 11 avril 2015. Un guide d'entretien individuel adressé aux patients a servi à la collecte des données. Le profil socio-économique, le niveau de connaissance sur l'hygiène bucco-dentaire, les pratiques en matière d'hygiène buccale, le mode alimentaire et le niveau de connaissance sur la carie dentaire ont été les variables recueillies. Résultats. Cent quarante patients dont 62,1 % de sexe féminin ont participé à l'étude. L'âge moyen était de 33,1 ans. La prévalence carieuse était de 97,1 % avec un indice DCAO moyen de 3,68 %. Un tiers des patients avait un niveau de connaissance suffisant sur l'hygiène buccale. La consommation quotidienne d'aliments sucrés était retrouvée chez 69,3 % et la pratique du grignotage chez 62,1%. La douleur était le motif de première consultation (57,1%). La visite préventive au cabinet dentaire était méconnue par 93,6 % des patients. Conclusion. Les résultats ont montré une insuffisance de connaissance de la maladie carieuse. Seule la sensibilisation pourrait aider à la réduction de la prévalence de la carie au sein de la communauté

Feeding patterns of infants admitted with lower respiratory tract infections in an HIV-endemic area

Background. Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) remain a major cause of mortality and morbidity in infants in South Africa (SA).Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to decrease mortality and morbidity in infants with LRTIs, especially in the context of HIV/AIDS.Major effort has been put into educating HIV-positive mothers on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding within effective prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes.Objectives. To determine the feeding practices among infants admitted with LRTIs in an HIV-endemic area.Methodology. The study was a retrospective chart review of all infants admitted with a diagnosis of LRTI between 1 January 2015 and 31December 2015 at King Edward VIII Hospital, Durban, SA. Data on feeding patterns, socioeconomic status, maternal HIV status and clinical outcomes of LRTI admissions were collected.Results. Of the 308 infants enrolled, 63% were male. Exclusive breastfeeding rates of those aged <6 months with LRTIs were higher thant hose found in previous studies; however, these feeding patterns were significantly associated with the HIV status of the mother(p=0.003).Mothers who were HIV-negative were twice as likely to breastfeed as those who were HIV-positive (odds ratio 2.25; 95% confidence interval 1.32- 3.88). There was no association between the type of feeding and the clinical outcomes for LRTIs.Conclusion. Maternal HIV status influenced the feeding patterns of infants admitted with LRTIs with lower exclusive breastfeeding rates in the HIV-exposed group. Despite extensive efforts to promote breastfeeding within effective PMTCT programmes, HIV-positive mothers are still not harnessing the benefits that exclusive breastfeeding provides

Les nutrithérapies sont-elles efficaces contre les maladies du cancer ?

Le cancer est une maladie complexe dont les facteurs de risque sont multiples, les stades évolutifs sont très variés et les mécanismes de transformation sont extrêmement interconnectés et désormais déchiffrés. La complexité résulte de l'altération de l'expression des séquences oncogéniques et des gènes suppresseurs de tumeurs. La transformation tumorale a besoin du passage d'une cellule d'un état somatique ou germinal à un état anarchique dont leur division devient incontrôlable. Le développement des thérapies ne permettrait désormais de cibler spécifiquement les cellules cancéreuses sans altérer d'autres cellules normales. Les composés d'origines naturelles sont montrés capables de surmonter ces échecs thérapeutiques

Evolution des pratiques alimentaires au Maroc

Le Maroc connaît une transition alimentaire qui touche le milieu urbain et rural. L'urbanisation, le développement économique et la mondialisation sont à l'origine de modifications des habitudes alimentaires. Le régime alimentaire marocain, de type méditerranéen, est basé sur une large consommation de céréales et de fruits et légumes. L'alimentation se diversifie progressivement, surtout pour les ménages urbains et les classes plus aisées. Elle comprend davantage d'aliments riches en micronutriments, mais la consommation de produits d'origine animale reste très limitée alors que les ressources du pays, en poisson notamment, sont très importantes. Les aliments prêts à consommer et la restauration hors domicile deviennent plus courants en milieu urbain favorisant la consommation d'aliments riches en sucre et en graisse. Cette évolution témoigne de la transition nutritionnelle en cours en milieu rural aussi bien qu'urbain. Couplées à une réduction de l'activité physique, ces modifications sont à l'origine de la progression du surpoids et de l'obésité dans la population adulte

The barriers that women face when choosing food for their primary school children: A case study in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Background. Unhealthy food choices made by mothers can impact negatively on child health and may lead to unhealthy eating behaviours that persist into adulthood. Choosing food is a complex process influenced by many factors. Objectives. To determine the factors that influence mothers' food choices and to investigate barriers to purchasing healthy food.Methods. A cross-sectional, descriptive study, with an analytical component, was conducted. Mothers (N=476) were recruited from three randomly selected primary schools, from a low, middle and high quintile. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers. Six focus groups (FG) (two per school) were conducted to investigate the factors that prevent mothers from making healthy dietary decisions.Results. The mean nutrition knowledge score for the group was 68.6%. Nutrition knowledge was significantly lower (p<0.01) in mothers from the lower quintile school (64.0%). Primary factors influencing food purchases were cost (60%), nutritional value (37%) and time constraints (29%). Primary sources of nutrition information included magazines and health professionals at 62% and 44%, respectively. Time constraints resulted in mothers purchasing convenience foods more often (p=0.001). The main barriers identified were mixed media messages, the school environments and supermarket layouts.Conclusion. Nutrition education campaigns should include practical advice, e.g. the preparation of economical, wholesome meals. Policymakers should monitor increasing prices of healthy foods. School and supermarket environments, as well as the food industry, can play a pivotal role in facilitating mothers to make healthy food choices

"Mifana" : pratique traditionnelle après accouchement et état nutritionnel des mères à Madagascar

Introduction : Résoudre le problème de malnutrition par approche contextuelle nécessite l'identification des déterminants spécifiques qui implique des stratégies adaptées à chaque situation. La présente étude a pour but de comprendre les rôles de pratique traditionnelle malgache appelés "mifana" après l'accouchement sur l'état nutritionnel des femmes.Matériels et méthode : Une étude transversale rétrospective a été réalisée dans le district sanitaire d'Antsiranana-I. Cent soixante-quatorze femmes allaitantes ayant un enfant âgé de 2 à 4 mois ont été recrutées. La collecte des données a été effectuée par une enquête et une mesure anthropométrique auprès des mères. L'état nutritionnel a été estimé à partir de l'Indice de Masse Corporelle (IMC).Résultats : Les résultats ont montré que 63,8% des mères étaient en bon état nutritionnel (18,5 < IMC < 25), 31,6% en surpoids (25 ≤ IMC < 30) et 4,6% obèses (IMC ≥ 30). Quarante-neuf femmes (28,2%) n'ont pas pratiqué la tradition "mifana", 59 (33,9%) l'ont pratiqué avec une durée de 1 à 3 semaines et 37,9% pour une durée de 4 semaines et plus. Une association significative entre l'état nutritionnel des mères et la pratique traditionnelle "mifana" est observée. En analyse multivariée, les mères ayant pratiqué la tradition "mifana" pendant 4 semaines ou plus est significativement plus fréquente parmi les obèses ou en surpoids OR [IC95%] = 5,8 [2, 9-11, 7].Conclusion : La présente étude a un intérêt dans un pays comme Madagascar où les communautés respectent encore les pratiques traditionnelles et où la prévalence de la dénutrition chez les femmes reste élevée. La promotion de ces pratiques traditionnelles ne serait-il pas envisageable comme une stratégie d'amélioration de l'état nutritionnel des femmes ?

State of dietetics practice in Ghana

Objective: Prevalence of obesity and related diseases has increased in Ghana. Dietitians have essential skills to prevent and manage dietary diseases. However; little is known about dietetic practice in Ghana. This paper describes the history and current state of dietetics practice in Ghana. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 13 dietitians and six dietetic interns in February 2012. The questionnaire collected data on perceptions about dietetics practice; career progression; and challenges in dietetics practice in Ghana. Key informant interviews (KII) on history of dietetics in Ghana were also held with four retired dietitians; and two dietetics educators. Additional KII were conducted with the Chief dietitian; two officers of the Ghana Dietetic Association; and three other dietitians. Most KII were conducted faceto-face but a few were only possible via telephone. Some of the KII were audio-recorded; in addition to handwritten notes. Following transcription of audiorecorded interviews; all data were subjected to content analysis. Results: Dietetic practice in Ghana has evolved from low-skilled cadre (catering officers) offering hospitalbased meal services to the current era of available trained dietitians providing diet therapy in diverse settings. However; 80 of the 35 dietitians identified are working in Accra. In three regions of Ghana; there are no dietitians. There remain limited opportunities for continuous learning and professional career advancement. Additionally; there are many unqualified dietitians in practice. Conclusion: A huge unmet need for dietitians exists in all regions of Ghana; except Greater Accra. Bridging this gap is essential to increase access to dietetic care throughout Ghana

Contribution of School Lunchboxes to the Daily Food Intake of Adolescent girls in Durban

Objective. To determine the contribution of school lunchboxes to the daily food intake of adolescent girls in a school in an informal settlement in Durban; South Africa.Methods. The study was conducted among a group of 61 secondary schoolgirls aged 13 - 18 years. Two 24-hour recall questionnaires were completed during an interview with participants to gather data on dietary patterns over a period of two consecutive days. The researcher weighed and recorded the contents of randomly selected lunchboxes.Results. The lunchboxes contributed one-third of the daily nutrient intake of the children. The 24-hour recall and lunchbox content data revealed an energy-dense; carbohydrate-based diet. The contribution of total fat (34.04) to the total energy intake of the girls was higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of 15 - 30. The daily fruit and vegetable intake (87.95 g and 83.97 g according to 24-hour recall and lunchbox analysis; respectively) was insufficient compared with the WHO-recommended intake of 400 g/day. Although the mean intake of most of the nutrients was sufficient; a large number of the girls did not receive the daily requirements for this age group.Conclusion. The results of the study indicated a high-fat diet low in fruits and vegetables. The majority of respondents consumed carbohydrate-based food items and their lunchbox contents did not meet the basic requirements of a balanced diet. Although increased dietary needs are seldom met in adolescents; overweight is an emerging problem among young people in both low- and high-income countries. Nutrition education in this age group should concentrate on healthy food choices in school lunchboxes; as school children can spend up to 8 hours a day at school

Added Sugar and Dietary Sodium Intake from Purchased Fast Food; Confectionery; Sweetened Beverages and Snacks among Sowetan Adolescents

Background. Greater availability and accessibility of fast foods; sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks in urban South Africa may be contributing to the burgeoning obesity epidemic in adolescents. Objectives. To determine the consumption of purchased foods and drinks among a cohort of urban adolescents; and to estimate the added sugar and dietary sodium intake from these foods and beverages.Methods. Participants (N=1 451; 49.6 male; mean 17.7 years of age) completed interviewer-assisted questionnaires on dietary intake practices pertaining to food choices in the home; school and community. The consumption of fast foods; sugar-sweetened beverages and snacks was determined and the average added sugar and sodium intakes were estimated.Results. The median (interquartile range) intake of fast foods was 11 (7 - 16) items/week in both sexes. Sweetened beverages were consumed 8 (5 - 11) and 10 (6 - 11) times/week by males and females; respectively (p0.02). Females consumed confectionery more often than males (13 (9 - 17) and 11 (8 - 15) items/week; respectively; p0.01). Seven (5 - 10) salty snack items/week were consumed by both sexes. Overall; mean added sugar intake from these purchased food items was estimated at 561.6 g/week for males and 485.3 g/week for females; respectively (p0.05). Conclusion. In this study; males and females consumed on average three times the recommended daily intake of added sugar; and more than half of the recommended daily salt intake from these purchased foods alone. These dietary patterns during adolescence may exacerbate the risk of obesity and hypertension in later adult life

Analyse des habitudes alimentaires des patients souffrant d'ulcère gastro-duodénal en consultation à l'Hôpital National de Niamey

Il a été procédé par une étude du type descriptive prospective du 1er novembre 2014 au 31 décembre 2014 sur l'analyse des habitudes alimentaires des personnes souffrant d'ulcère gastro-duodénal. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de dégager les habitudes alimentaires des malades ulcéreux, les facteurs favorisant le développement de l'ulcère liés à l'habitude de vie et aux services de santé. L'ulcère gastro-duodénal connait depuis quelques années une fréquence importante parmi les maladies digestives et le nombre de cas de cette pathologie est en augmentation durant ces trois (3) dernières années au Niger (données S.N.I.S). Les facteurs de risque de la maladie ulcéreuse sont liés aux conditions hygiéno-diététiques des personnes, au stress et à l'infection d'Helicobacter pylori. Dans notre population, les conditions hygiéno-diététiques acceptables ne sont pas assurées. Aucune étude sur les ulcères gastro-duodénaux n'a été faite depuis 1985 au Niger, sauf en 2007 par Mahaman Issiakou c'est compte tenu de ces raisons que nous avons choisi de mener cette étude. L'étude a porté sur un échantillon de 90 malades ulcéreux sans limite d'âge ayant effectués l'examen de fibroscopie et 10 agents de santé. Les techniques de collecte de données utilisées étaient l'entretien avec les malades ulcéreux et l'administration du questionnaire aux agents de santé. Des résultats de cette étude, il ressort que les femmes sont plus touchées que les hommes avec 66,66 % des patients ulcéreux de sexe féminin et 33, 34 % de sexe masculin. 77,77% de nos malades ulcéreux sont des consommateurs d'excitants et que ces excitants constituent un facteur d'agression de la couche protectrice de la muqueuse. 17% de ces patients prennent la cola. Les excitants sont des facteurs de risque de la maladie ulcéreuse. Plus de la moitié des ulcéreux consomment des Antiinflammatoires Non Stéroïdiens (A.I.N.S), et ils font aussi recours au traitement traditionnel en cas des maladies. 77% des patients ont entendu parler de l'ulcère, c'est donc une maladie connue. Ces ulcéreux consomment des repas épicés, consomment des aliments aigres et en mangent des aliments graissés. Nos patients mangent des aliments favorisant l'apparition de l'ulcère. La majorité de nos ulcéreux sont stressés. Plus de la moitié consultent dans les formations sanitaires plus d'un an. Nos malades ont des manifestations typiques ulcéreuses. L'épigastralgie est plus fréquente parmi les signes des manifestations cliniques d'ulcère. 8 malades ont eu à faire leur contrôle durant notre étude ; parmi eux, 77,77% étaient satisfaits de la prise en charge. L'ulcère duodénal domine sur l'ulcère gastrique. Leur rapport est 2,77 à l'avantage de l'ulcère duodénal. Néanmoins, l'ulcère gastrique est plus fréquent chez la femme que chez l'homme avec un rapport de 1,08. Pour prévenir l'ulcère, nous formulons quelques recommandations : -Mener une politique de sensibilisation de la population sur les dangers de la prise excessive de certains excitants et sur la nécessité d'une consultation médicale le plus tôt possible en cas de manifestation clinique ulcéreuse. -Former les spécialistes en matière de gastro-entérologie qui assureront la bonne fonctionnalité du service. -Faire un traitement précoce de l'ulcère par l'éradication d'Hélicobacter Pylori qui est un facteur très important de l'ulcère. -Equiper le service de la médecine B3 par une nouvelle fibroscopie pour rendre plus accessibles les services à la population, et réparer l'ancienne

Body weight, eating practices and nutritional knowledge amongst university nursing students, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Background: Health care workers need to be equipped to deal with the increasing obesity and obesity-related morbidity occurring in developing countries. Objectives: To assess weight status; eating practices and nutritional knowledge amongst nursing students at the University of Fort Hare; Eastern Cape. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted on 161 undergraduate (51 male and 110 female) students of the Department of Nursing Sciences at the University of Fort Hare. Body mass index; waist and hip circumferences and waist hip ratio were determined. Nutritional knowledge and eating practices were investigated by structured intervieweradministered questionnaires. Results: Statically; 49.7were overweight or obese (58.2of the females; 31.4of the males) and 65.2had waist circumferences putting them at risk for non-communicable diseases. Most did not meet the recommendations for intakes from the vegetable group (97.5ate 3 servings per day); the fruit group (42.2ate 2 servings per day); and the dairy group (92.6ate 2 servings per day); whilst 78.3ate ?4 serving per day of sugar or sweets. Most consumed margarine; oil or fat (68.3); sugar (59.0) and bread (55.9) daily; but few reported daily intakes of vegetables (12.4); fruit (23.6); fruit juice (21.2) and milk (15.6). Fewer than 50knew the recommended intakes for vegetables; fruit; dairy; starchy foods and meat or meat alternatives. Conclusions: These nursing students had a high prevalence of overweight and obesity; poor eating habits and inadequate knowledge on key nutrition issues; which may impact negatively on their efficacy as future health ambassadors to the public

The Impact of a Nutrition Programme on the Dietary Intake Patterns of Primary School Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the dietary intake patterns and food choices of children aged 9-13 years in a periurban community. Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from within this periurban community. A nutrition education programme was implemented over one school term; with the testing of nutrition knowledge occurring pre- and post-intervention; and in the long term; with the experimental group only. A validated 24-hour recall questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention by both the control (n = 91) and experimental groups (n = 81); and in the long term; by the experimental group. Food models were used to assist in the estimation of portion sizes and identification of food items. The questionnaire was analysed using the computer software programme FoodFinder 3; with means and standard deviations calculated for macro- and micronutrients; and comparisons made with dietary reference intakes for specific age groups. A list was drawn up of the 20 most commonly consumed food items; based on weights consumed. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess significance in dietary intake and food choices after the intervention. Correlations between knowledge and dietary choices were determined among the experimental group in the long-term measurements. Results: Correlations linked protein intake to knowledge of proteins; and vitamin C intake to knowledge of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable intake remained very low. Refined sugars and fat were still consumed among the experimental group. The diet for both groups was based on carbohydrates. Conclusions: The objective of changing the dietary intake patterns of the children was not achieved. The intake of legumes; fruit and vegetables remained low. The lack of variety in intake results in a diet that does not meet the daily requirements of children

The Impact of a Nutrition Programme on the Dietary Intake Patterns of Primary School Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the dietary intake patterns and food choices of children aged 9-13 years in a periurban community. Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from within this periurban community. A nutrition education programme was implemented over one school term; with the testing of nutrition knowledge occurring pre- and post-intervention; and in the long term; with the experimental group only. A validated 24-hour recall questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention by both the control (n = 91) and experimental groups (n = 81); and in the long term; by the experimental group. Food models were used to assist in the estimation of portion sizes and identification of food items. The questionnaire was analysed using the computer software programme FoodFinder 3; with means and standard deviations calculated for macro- and micronutrients; and comparisons made with dietary reference intakes for specific age groups. A list was drawn up of the 20 most commonly consumed food items; based on weights consumed. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess significance in dietary intake and food choices after the intervention. Correlations between knowledge and dietary choices were determined among the experimental group in the long-term measurements. Results: Correlations linked protein intake to knowledge of proteins; and vitamin C intake to knowledge of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable intake remained very low. Refined sugars and fat were still consumed among the experimental group. The diet for both groups was based on carbohydrates. Conclusions: The objective of changing the dietary intake patterns of the children was not achieved. The intake of legumes; fruit and vegetables remained low. The lack of variety in intake results in a diet that does not meet the daily requirements of children

The Impact of a Nutrition Programme on the Dietary Intake Patterns of Primary School Children

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the dietary intake patterns and food choices of children aged 9-13 years in a periurban community.Methods: Two schools were randomly selected from within this periurban community. A nutrition education programme was implemented over one school term; with the testing of nutrition knowledge occurring pre- and post-intervention; and in the long term; with the experimental group only. A validated 24-hour recall questionnaire was completed pre- and post-intervention by both the control (n = 91) and experimental groups (n = 81); and in the long term; by the experimental group. Food models were used to assist in the estimation of portion sizes and identification of food items. The questionnaire was analysed using the computer software programme FoodFinder 3; with means and standard deviations calculated for macro- and micronutrients; and comparisons made with dietary reference intakes for specific age groups. A list was drawn up of the 20 most commonly consumed food items; based on weights consumed. Paired t-tests were conducted to assess significance in dietary intake and food choices after the intervention. Correlations between knowledge and dietary choices were determined among the experimental group in the long-term measurements.Results: Correlations linked protein intake to knowledge of proteins; and vitamin C intake to knowledge of fruit and vegetables. Fruit and vegetable intake remained very low. Refined sugars and fat were still consumed among the experimental group. The diet for both groups was based on carbohydrates.Conclusions: The objective of changing the dietary intake patterns of the children was not achieved. The intake of legumes; fruit and vegetables remained low. The lack of variety in intake results in a diet that does not meet the daily requirements of children

Nutrition Education to Improve Dietary Intake and Micronutrient Nutriture among Children in Less-Resourced Areas: a Randomised Controlled Intervention in Kabarole District; Western Uganda

Objective: To determine whether nutrition education targeting the child-feeding practices of low- income rural caregivers will reduce anaemia and improve vitamin A nutriture of the young children in their care.Design: A controlled intervention trial; based on experiential learning theory. Forty-six women completed a nine-session nutrition education programme; while controls (n = 43) concurrently engaged in sewing classes.Setting: Two rural farming communities in the Kabarole district; western Uganda.Subjects: Less literate; low-income rural female caregivers and the children in their care (6-48 months).Outcome measures: Caregivers' child-feeding practices and the children's nutritional status were assessed at baseline; one month after intervention (Follow-up 1) and one year from baseline (Follow-up 2).Results: Caregivers in the intervention group reported improved child snacking patterns; food-selection practices; meal adequacy; and food variety. Children in the intervention group recorded lower haemoglobin levels at baseline (9.86 vs. 10.70 g/dl) and caught up with controls at Follow-up 1 (10.06 vs. 10.78 g/dl). However; changes were not sustained. Mean retinol-binding protein improved from 0.68 ?mol/l (95 CI: 0.57-0.78) to 0.91 ?mol/l (95 CI: 0.78-1.03) among intervention children; but remained approximately the same in controls. Vitamin A nutriture was influenced by infections.Conclusion: Nutrition education significantly improved feeding practices and children's nutritional status. The effectiveness and sustainability of this programme can be enhanced if nutrition education is integrated into other food-production and public health programmes

Ethnic Differences in Age of Onset and Prevalence of Disordered Eating Attitudes and Behaviours: a School-Based South African Study

Objectives: To determine the age of onset and prevalence figures for disordered eating for diverse ethnic groups among a sample of South African schoolgirls.Method: A cross-sectional design was implemented. Two questionnaires were used to elicit prevalence figures and attitudes towards eating.Results: The study population (n = 418) consisted of black and white schoolgirls in various educational phases. Black students were found to experience a significant increase in reported bulimia-associated behaviours in grades seven to nine (mean age 13.7 years) but did not report any significant increases in drive for thinness; body dissatisfaction or poor eating attitudes across the different phases. White students reported significant increases in all measured disordered eating attitudes and behaviours in grades 10-12 (mean age 16.7 years). In grades four to six; black and white students did not differ with respect to their reported disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. However; in grades seven to nine; black students were more likely to report bulimia-associated behaviours than their white counterparts. The most apparent differences emerged in grades 10-12. White students reported significantly higher drive for thinness; greater body dissatisfaction and poorer eating attitudes than their black counterparts. Furthermore; the ethnic differences that emerged during grades seven to nine with respect to bulimia disappeared in grades 10-12.Conclusion: This study fills the hiatus in the existing South African literature with respect to age of onset and prevalence of disordered eating attitudes and behaviours across ethnic boundaries. Furthermore; it creates a foundation for developing appropriate strategies to address eating disorders in the multicultural South African context