Physical activity and dietary fat as determinants of body mass index in a cross-sectional corelational design.

Overweight/obesity and related disease conditions will constitute a major threat to the economically productive adults and subsequently, will present a huge health-care burden on developing countries in the near future. Suspected determinants include physical activity and dietary fat. The main indicator of overweight/obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI . The purpose of this article is to present the prediction power of physical activity and dietary fat intake on BMI of lecturers within a higher learning institutionalized setting. The studyadopted a cross-sectional correlational design. Proportionate and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 120 lecturers who participated in the study. Data collection was conducted through questionnaires, which had sections including physical activity checklist, 24-hour food recall, anthropometrics measurements mainly weight and height. Analysis of data involved the use of bivariate correlation and linear regression. A significant inverse association occurred between BMI and minutes spent in moderate intense physical activity per day (r=-0322, p<0.01). Physical activity also predicted BMI (R2=0.096, F=13.616, beta=-3.22, t=-3.69, N=120, P<0.01). However, the association between Body Mass Index and dietary fat was not significant (r=0.038, p>0.05). In conclusion, physical activity was a significant predictor to BMI and on the contrary no significant impact was caused by dietary fat intake. Therefore, we still need further investigations on the effect of physical activity and dietary fat on BMI and risk factors associated poor diet should take priority.

Child feeding practices in a rural Western Kenya community

Background: Breastfeeding is nearly universal in Kenya. However; Breast Feeding of breast milk starts too early; thereby exposing the infants to diarrhoea and other infections. Despite the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO) of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) from birth to six months; EB is rare and poorly timed and complementary feeding (CF) practices are still common. The study describes feeding practices of children aged 0 to 24 months in the Mumias Division of the Kakamega district in Kenya. Method: Using a cross-sectional study; 180 mothers of infants/children were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Data on socio-demographic characteristics; feeding practices and sources of information on the same were obtained from the mothers. Results: Whereas 92.1of the children were breastfed; only 12.2of the mothers practiced EB up to 4 to 6 months. Mothers introduced liquids and complementary foods at a mean age of 2.7 months and by the fourth month; more than one-third (34.5) of the mothers had initiated CF. Apart from water; fresh milk; tea; commercial juices; maize-meal/millet porridge; mashed potatoes; bananas and fruits were also introduced. The perceived reasons for introducing these foods included the child being old enough (33.8); another pregnancy (25); insufficient milk (20.3); sickness of the mother or child (10.5) and in order for the child to eat other foods (11.4). Over half (53.3) of the mothers obtained information on BF and CF from friends; neighbours; media advertisements and health workers. Conclusion: Breastfeeding is common; however; mothers do not seem to practice the WHO recommendations. Mothers in this study area and other rural communities need to be empowered with information on the correct BF and CF practices through existing government health services; nongovernmental organisations and other community-based networks; especially in the light of the HIV/AIDS pandemic

Mother's health seeking behaviour during child illness in a rural western Kenya community.

BACKGROUND: In most developing countries, the health of the children is strongly dependant on maternal healthcare behaviour. The study describes the prevalence of illness among preschool children in a rural sugarcane growing community and the mother's health seeking behavior. OBJECTIVES: To document the presence of illness among preschool children at household level in a rural community in Western Kenya and also determine the mother's health seeking behavior during the course of these illnesses. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional community survey using interview schedules, key informants and focus group discussions and Makunga Rural Health Center in Kakamega District western Kenya. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. RESULTS: Fifty two percent of the children had had at least one illness a week prior to the survey. Fever was the most commonly reported symptom with 48% of the cases. A third (32.4%) of the mothers purchased and administered drugs to their sick children without seeking medical attention. The most commonly reported reasons for this behavior were: the government health facilities were at a distance, the services are poor and inability to afford services at the private hospitals and clinics. CONCLUSION: Intervention programmes focusing on diversification of income sources, maternal education and community based mobile clinics are likely to contribute towards improved health of children in this and any other rural sugarcane growing community.