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Adam SM, Teshoma MS, Ahmed ASD, Tamiru D. Household food insecurity and its association with academic performance among primary school adolescents in Hargeisa City, Somaliland. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303034. [PMID: 38995972 PMCID: PMC11244796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Academic achievement is crucial for the social and economic development of young people and determines the quality of education of a nation. According to different studies, food insecurity adversely affects children's health, nutrition, and subsequent decline in academic performance by impairing students' ability to learn and therefore affects the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. To provide evidence on the association of food insecurity with academic performance is necessary. The current study assessed household food insecurity and its association with academic performance among primary school adolescents in Hargeisa City, Somaliland. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 630 primary school adolescents from December 2021 to March 2022. Students were selected using a multistage sampling technique. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on household food security and socio-demographic variables and entered into Epi data version 3.1. The data was exported to SPSS version 26 for descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals together with p <0.05 were utilized to declare statistical significance. RESULTS The prevalence of food insecurity among school adolescents was 59.21%. The majority (55.40%) of the school adolescents were poor academic performers. The frequency of adolescents' poor academic performance was significantly high (71.05%) among food insecure households (P < 0.001) as compared to their counterparts whose households were food secure (32.68%). On multivariable analysis, household food insecurity (AOR = 5.24, 95%CI = 3.17-8.65), school absenteeism (AOR = 3.49, 95%CI = 2.20-5.53), spending >2h/day watching TV / screen media use (AOR = 9.08, 95%CI = 4.81-17.13), high and middle wealth households (AOR = 0.51, 95%CI = 0.30-0.88) (AOR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.21-0.76) and habitual breakfast consumption (AOR = 0.08, 95%CI = 0.03-0.20) had shown statistically significant association with academic performance among primary school adolescents. CONCLUSION The present study revealed that household food insecurity has a high association with adolescents' academic performance. The prevalence of food insecurity is moderate, based on the household food insecurity access scale. The results indicate the need for policies and programs intended to improve household income by developing income-generation programs for lower-income families and enhance feeding programs such as national school lunch and school feeding across schools in the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagal Mohamed Adam
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Melese Sinaga Teshoma
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Awale Sh. Dahir Ahmed
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Dessalegn Tamiru
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Public Health, Health Institute, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Frongillo EA, Bethancourt HJ, Norcini Pala A, Maya S, Wu KC, Kizer JR, Tien PC, Kempf MC, Hanna DB, Appleton AA, Merenstein D, D'Souza G, Ofotokun I, Konkle-Parker D, Michos ED, Krier S, Stosor V, Turan B, Weiser SD. Complementing the United States Household Food Security Survey Module with Items Reflecting Social Unacceptability. J Nutr 2024; 154:1428-1439. [PMID: 38408732 PMCID: PMC11007734 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjnut.2024.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social unacceptability of food access is part of the lived experience of food insecurity but is not assessed as part of the United States Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM). OBJECTIVES The objectives were as follows: 1) to determine the psychometric properties of 2 additional items on social unacceptability in relation to the HFSSM items and 2) to test whether these 2 items provided added predictive accuracy to that of the HFSSM items for mental health outcomes. METHODS Cross-sectional data used were from the Intersection of Material-Need Insecurities and HIV and Cardiovascular Health substudy of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study/Women's Interagency HIV Study Combined Cohort Study. Data on the 10-item HFSSM and 2 new items reflecting social unacceptability were collected between Fall 2020 and Fall 2021 from 1342 participants from 10 United States cities. The 2 social unacceptability items were examined psychometrically in relation to the HFSSM-10 items using models from item response theory. Linear and logistic regression was used to examine prediction of mental health measured by the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. RESULTS The social unacceptability items were affirmed throughout the range of severity of food insecurity but with increasing frequency at higher severity of food insecurity. From item response theory models, the subconstructs reflected in the HFSSM-10 and the subconstruct of social unacceptability were distinct, not falling into one dimension. Regression models confirmed that social unacceptability was distinct from the subconstructs reflected in the HFSSM-10. The social unacceptability items as a separate scale explained more (∼1%) variation in mental health than when combined with the HFSSM-10 items in a single scale, and the social unacceptability subconstruct explained more (∼1%) variation in mental health not explained by the HFSSM-10. CONCLUSIONS Two social unacceptability items used as a separate scale along with the HFSSM-10 predicted mental health more accurately than did the HFSSM-10 alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.
| | - Hilary J Bethancourt
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Franciso, CA, United States
| | | | - Sigal Maya
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Franciso, CA, United States
| | - Katherine C Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jorge R Kizer
- Department of Medicine, Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Cardiology Section, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health System, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Phyllis C Tien
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Franciso, CA, United States; Infectious Diseases Section, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health System, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mirjam-Colette Kempf
- Schools of Nursing and Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - David B Hanna
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Allison A Appleton
- Epidemiology & Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Merenstein
- Department of Family Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Gypsyamber D'Souza
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- Schools of Nursing, Medicine, and Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Erin D Michos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah Krier
- Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Valentina Stosor
- School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Bulent Turan
- Department of Psychology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Sheri D Weiser
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Franciso, CA, United States
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Chen YC, Lo YTC, Wu HY, Huang YC. Adherence to dietary guidelines associated with lower medical service utilization in preschoolers: a longitudinal study. Nutr Diabetes 2024; 14:11. [PMID: 38519466 PMCID: PMC10959943 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00270-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to evaluate the association between dietary guideline adherence and overall, outpatient, and emergency medical service utilization in Taiwanese preschoolers. METHODS We selected 614 preschoolers (2-6 years) who had one day of 24-h dietary recall data from the 2013-2016 Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan. The Taiwanese Children Healthy Eating Index (TCHEI) was developed on the basis of Taiwanese Food-Based Dietary Guidelines; it assesses dietary adequacy and eating behavior. Data on the participants' outpatient and emergency medical service utilization were obtained for 2013-2018 from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A multivariable generalized linear model was used to evaluate the association between the TCHEI and medical service utilization for all disease and respiratory diseases. RESULTS After adjustment for confounding factors, children aged 2-3 years in the Tertile (T) 2 and T3 groups of the TCHEI exhibited 25% (95% CI 0.69-0.83) and 16% (95% CI 0.77-0.92) lower overall medical visits, respectively. The same pattern was noted in the outpatient and emergency visits for all diseases and respiratory diseases. The children aged 4-6 years in the T2 group exhibited 15% (95% CI 0.80-0.91) and 11% (95% CI 0.82-0.97) lower overall visits and visits for respiratory diseases, respectively. Moreover, preschoolers in the T2 group exhibited lower overall medical expenditures than did those in the T1 group. CONCLUSIONS TCHEI score was positively correlated with better nutritional status. Optimal dietary intake associated with lower medical service utilization among Taiwan preschoolers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chieh Chen
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun District, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, No. 6, Lugong Rd., Lukang Township, Changhua County, 50544, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ting C Lo
- Department of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, No. 161, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Niehu District, Taipei, 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yun Wu
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun District, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, No. 100, Sec. 1, Jingmao Rd., Beitun District, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
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Kohanmoo A, Hashemzadeh M, Teymouri M, Zare M, Akhlaghi M. Food insecurity is associated with low diet quality and unhealthy cooking and eating habits in Iranian women. JOURNAL OF HEALTH, POPULATION, AND NUTRITION 2024; 43:42. [PMID: 38486251 PMCID: PMC10941397 DOI: 10.1186/s41043-024-00533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food insecurity affects diet and nutrition intakes. We explored the relationship between food insecurity and dietary intakes in a group of Iranian women. METHODS The cross-sectional study was performed on 190 healthy females aged 20-55 years attending primary healthcare centers in Shiraz. Food insecurity was evaluated by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale, which is a validated tool for assessing food insecurity in developing countries. Diet was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. The association of dietary patterns and food insecurity was assessed by linear regression. RESULTS Assessment of dietary intakes revealed that consumption of red meat, poultry, fish, dairy, fruits, non-starchy vegetables, and nuts decreased whereas that of grains, processed meats, potato, and sugary foods increased with increasing food insecurity. Among nutrients, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and magnesium decreased while fat and sodium increased as food insecurity increased. Three major dietary patterns were detected. Healthy dietary patterns showed inverse associations with food insecurity in the crude (β = -0.422 and - 0.435, P < 0.001) and adjusted (adjusted for age, marital status, and educational level) (β = -0.475 and - 0.341, P < 0.001) models of regression analysis but unhealthy pattern did not show an association with food insecurity. Compared to food secure participants, a higher percentage of food insecure individuals indicated unhealthy eating habits, such as skipping breakfast, lower snack ingestion, more fast and fried food consumption, and using unhealthy cooking methods. CONCLUSION Overall, this study showed that food insecurity was associated with less healthy diet and unhealthy cooking and eating habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Kohanmoo
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maral Hashemzadeh
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Teymouri
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Morteza Zare
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Akhlaghi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Jamaluddine Z, Safadi G, Irani A, Salti N, Chaaban J, Abdulrahim S, Thomas A, Ghattas H. Inequalities in Wellbeing in Lebanese Children and Different Refugee Subpopulations: A Multidimensional Child Deprivation Analysis. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2023; 16:1-19. [PMID: 37363705 PMCID: PMC10241607 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-023-10040-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives This study constitutes the first attempt to describe the overlapping deprivations faced by Lebanese children (Lebanese) and that of the three sub-populations of refugees living in Lebanon: Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon, Palestinian refugees from Syria and Syrian refugees. Methods Using data from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Household Survey 2016 (n = 10,555 Lebanese; 7,106 Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon; 2,768 Palestinian refugees from Syria and 5,891 Syrian refugee children aged 2 to 17 years old), we report on single and overlapping deprivations (at least two concurrent deprivations) using indicators related to survival (nutrition, health, water, sanitation and overcrowding), development (education) and protection (labor, exposure to violence and early marriage). Maternal education and geographical correlates of deprivation were explored using multivariable logistic regression models clustering for children in the same households. Main Results In terms of co-occurrence of deprivations, Syrian refugees had the highest prevalence in all age groups (68.5%, 2-4y and 65.7%, 6-17y), followed by Palestinian refugees from Syria (46.2%, 2-4y and 45.5%, 6-17y), Palestinian refugees living in Lebanon (28.9%, 2-4y and 23.7%, 6-17y), with Lebanese children having the lowest prevalence (13.2%, 2-4y and 15.3, 6-17y). About half of Palestinian refugees from Syria and Syrian refugees (6-17y) were deprived in protection and housing. Education deprivation is of primary concern for Syrian children. Higher maternal education was consistently associated with lower odds of co-occurrence of deprivations among children aged 6-17y. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of including refugee populations in reporting frameworks. This analysis additionally generates geographical and socio-economic profiles of the deprived children and identifies key deprivation areas of the affected sub-groups to inform effective policy design especially in light of the prevailing economic crisis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12187-023-10040-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Jamaluddine
- Center for Research On Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gloria Safadi
- Center for Research On Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alexandra Irani
- Applied Economics and Development Research Group, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nisreen Salti
- Applied Economics and Development Research Group, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Economics, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jad Chaaban
- Applied Economics and Development Research Group, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sawsan Abdulrahim
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Alban Thomas
- Paris-Saclay Applied Economics, University of Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Palaiseau, France
- Observatory of Rural Development, INRAE, Toulouse, France
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research On Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC USA
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Hoteit M, Mohsen H, Hanna-Wakim L, Sacre Y. Parent's food literacy and adolescents nutrition literacy influence household's food security and adolescent's malnutrition and anemia: Findings from a national representative cross sectional study. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1053552. [PMID: 36643976 PMCID: PMC9837989 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1053552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Food and nutrition literacy are widely fundamental to improve the food security and reduce the double burden of malnutrition and iron deficiency in low- and middle-income countries. Objectives This study aimed (1) to assess the nutrition literacy (NL) of Lebanese adolescents and their parents' food literacy (FL), (2) to investigate the impacts of adolescents' NL and parental FL on (a) the household food security, (b) the adolescents' self-reported food security, and (c) the adolescents' nutrition status with a focus on malnutrition and anemia. Methods A national representative sample of 450 parent-adolescent dyads [parents: mean age ± standard deviation (SD) = 46.0 ± 7.0, mothers: 59.0%; adolescents: mean age ± SD = 15.0 ± 3.0, girls: 54.6%] were interviewed. Anthropometric and blood hemoglobin measurements were performed for adolescents. The Arab Family Food Security Scale and the Adolescent-Level Food Security Scale were used. Results Around 45.0% of the adolescents were nutritionally illiterate, and nearly half (47.8%) of parents had poor FL. Around 68.2 and 54.0% of the households and adolescents were food insecure, respectively. Moreover, 6.7, 4.7, 32.2, and 16.7% of the adolescents were stunted, thin, overweight/obese, and anemic, respectively. Poor parental FL increased the risk of household food insecurity (FI) by 2.7 times, p < 0.001. Adolescents' nutrition illiteracy increased their FI risk by 60.0% (p = 0.02). The number of offspring, household income, crowding status, and participants' residence also influenced the percentage of FI and malnutrition prevalence among households and adolescents. Conclusion Improvements in FL and NL are promising to mitigate FI malnutrition in Lebanon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Faculty of Public Health, PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- University Medical Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Mohsen
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lara Hanna-Wakim
- Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), Jounieh, Lebanon
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Household Food Insecurity, Anemia, Malnutrition and Unfavorable Dietary Diversity among Adolescents: Quadruple Whammies in the Era of Escalating Crises in Lebanon. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245290. [PMID: 36558449 PMCID: PMC9782497 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a transitional period between childhood and adulthood. Nowadays, adolescents in Lebanon are growing during a time of unprecedented health crises and political instability. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of malnutrition, dietary diversity in adolescents' households, and adolescents' self-reported food insecurity in Lebanon. A national representative sample of 450 parent-adolescent dyads (parents: mean age ± standard deviation (SD) = 46.0 ± 7.0, mothers: 59.0%; adolescents: mean age ± SD = 15.0 ± 3.0, girls: 54.6%) were interviewed. Anthropometric and blood hemoglobin measurements were performed for adolescents. The Food Consumption Score, the Arab Family Food Security Scale and the Adolescent-Level Food-Security Scale were used. The overall prevalence of adolescent stunting, thinness, overweight, obesity and anemia was 6.7%, 4.7%, 19.3%, 12.9% and 16.7%, respectively. Almost 40.4% and 68% of adolescent's households consumed undiversified diets and were food insecure, respectively. Food insecurity (FI) affected 54.0% of adolescents. Adolescents attending schools (vs. university) were eight times more likely to be stunted (p = 0.04). Boys had a 4.3 times higher thinness risk (p = 0.005) compared to girls. Households reporting an income decline since the start of the Lebanese economic crisis were three times more likely to have a thin adolescent (p = 0.01). Parental overweight/obesity (p = 0.002) and lower education level (p = 0.04) nearly doubled the risk of adolescent overweight or obesity. At a time when escalating crises in Lebanon are shifting diets for the youngest generations, the development of adolescent-responsive nutritional policies becomes a must.
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McCall SJ, El Khoury T, Salibi N, Abi Zeid B, El Haddad M, Alawieh MF, Abdulrahim S, Chaaya M, Ghattas H, Sibai AM. Development of a Prediction Model for the Management of Noncommunicable Diseases Among Older Syrian Refugees Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lebanon. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2231633. [PMID: 36227600 PMCID: PMC9561955 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Older Syrian refugees have a high burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and economic vulnerability. OBJECTIVES To develop and internally validate a predictive model to estimate inability to manage NCDs in older Syrian refugees, and to describe barriers to NCD medication adherence. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This nested prognostic cross-sectional study was conducted through telephone surveys between September 2020 and January 2021. All households in Lebanon with Syrian refugees aged 50 years or older and who received humanitarian assistance from a nongovernmental organization were invited to participate. Refugees who self-reported having chronic respiratory disease (CRD), diabetes, history of cardiovascular disease (CVD), or hypertension were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from November 2021 to March 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The main outcome was self-reported inability to manage any NCD (including CRD, CVD, diabetes, or hypertension). Predictors of inability to manage any NCD were assessed using logistic regression models. The model was internally validated using bootstrapping techniques, which gave an estimate of optimism. The optimism-adjusted discrimination is presented using the C statistic, and calibration of the model is presented using calibration slope (C slope). RESULTS Of 3322 older Syrian refugees, 1893 individuals (median [IQR] age, 59 [54-65] years; 1089 [57.5%] women) reported having at least 1 NCD, among whom 351 (10.6% overall; 18.6% of those with ≥1 NCD) had CRD, 781 (23.7% overall; 41.4% of those with ≥1 NCD) had diabetes, 794 (24.1% overall; 42.2% of those with ≥1 NCD) had history of CVD, and 1388 (42.3% overall; 73.6% of those with ≥1 NCD) had hypertension. Among individuals with NCDs, 387 participants (20.4%) were unable to manage at least 1 of their NCDs. Predictors for inability to manage NCDs were age, nonreceipt of cash assistance, household water insecurity, household food insecurity, and having multiple chronic diseases, with an adjusted C statistic of 0.650 (95% CI, 0.620-0.676) and C slope of 0.871 (95% CI, 0.729-1.023). The prevalence of nonadherence to medication was 9.2%, and the main reasons for nonadherence were unaffordability of medication (40.8%; 95% CI, 33.4%-48.5%) and the belief that they no longer required the medication after feeling better (22.4%; 95% CI, 16.4%-29.3%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cross-sectional study, the predictors of inability to manage NCDs among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon were mainly related to financial barriers. Context-appropriate assistance is required to overcome financial barriers and enable equitable access to medication and health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J. McCall
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Tanya El Khoury
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Noura Salibi
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Berthe Abi Zeid
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria El Haddad
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Sawsan Abdulrahim
- Department of Health Promotion and Community Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Monique Chaaya
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Abla M. Sibai
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Associations between children's reports of food insecurity and dietary patterns: findings from the Generation XXI birth cohort. Br J Nutr 2022; 129:1776-1785. [PMID: 35854661 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114522001891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Evidence on the association between children's food insecurity (FI) and dietary patterns (DPs) is scarce. This study assessed the association between children's FI and a priori and a posteriori-defined DPs in a Portuguese population-based sample of children. A cross-sectional study including 2800 children from the 10-year-old follow-up of the Generation XXI birth cohort was performed. Data on food security status, assessed by the Self-administered Food Security Survey Module for children (SAFSSMC), dietary intake and socio-demographics were collected. A previously developed Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was adapted for this study. Using the HEI score and its food groups, linear and logistic regression models were performed. Using latent class analysis, five a posteriori-defined DPs were identified. The DPs names considered an overall picture of the DP. Food security status as a categorical (food security/FI) and continuous variable (SAFSSMC raw score: higher scores representing higher FI) was used. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to assess the association between food security status and DPs. Children's FI (9·4 %) was inversely associated with the HEI score (β=-0·695;95%CI:-1·154,-0·235), representing worse diet quality. A higher SAFSSMC raw score was associated with low fruit and vegetables (OR=1·089;95%CI:1·023,1·159) and seafood and eggs consumption (OR=1·073;95%CI:1·009,1·142) and high consumption of meat and meat products (OR=1·091;95%CI:1·026,1·160), salty snacks (OR=1·067;95%CI:1·003,1·136) and soft drinks (OR=1·097;95%CI:1·031,1·168). The SAFSSMC raw score was positively associated with 'Low consumption' (OR=1·119;95%CI:1·016,1·232), 'Energy-dense foods' (OR=1·155;95%CI:1·028,1·298) and 'Snacking' (OR=1·119;95%CI:1·006,1·245) DPs. FI was associated with worse dietary choices. Intervention strategies targeting food insecure children should be developed to promote healthy dietary habits.
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Doustmohammadian A, Omidvar N, Keshavarz-Mohammadi N, Eini-Zinab H, Amini M, Abdollahi M. The association and mediation role of Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNLIT) with eating behaviors, academic achievement and overweight in 10-12 years old students: a structural equation modeling. Nutr J 2022; 21:45. [PMID: 35778743 PMCID: PMC9248125 DOI: 10.1186/s12937-022-00796-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food and nutrition literacy is a key factor in shaping healthy dietary behaviors and may result in decreasing decrease the prevalence of overweight. Empirical research on food and nutrition literacy and its outcomes is limited, especially among children and adolescents. Thus, this study investigates the link between Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNLIT) with eating behaviors, academic performance, and overweight in 10-12 years old students in Tehran, Iran. METHODS This study was performed through two phases: 1) Proposing a conceptual model of the relationship between FNLIT and its determinants and outcomes, based on the existing evidence and previous models, and 2) Testing the proposed FNLIT model through a cross-sectional study on 803 primary school students (419 boys and 384 girls, from 34 public and 10 private primary schools), aged 10-12 years using structural equation modeling. Demographic, socio-economic, and household food security characteristics were collected by interviewing the students and their mothers/caregivers using a questionnaire. FNLIT was measured by a self-administered, locally designed, and validated questionnaire. RESULTS The fit indices suggested a reasonably adequate fit of the data to the hypothesized model (χ2/df = 2.03, p < 0.001, goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.90, adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.88, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.91, incremental fit index (IFI) = 0.91, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.04, standardized root mean residual (SRMR) = 0.06). SES was directly and positively related to FNLIT and its subscale in students. FNLIT score had a positive direct (non-mediated) relationship with healthy eating behavior and academic performance. This pattern was strongly reversed in unhealthy eating behavior. There was a full mediation relationship between FNLIT and overweight/obesity via healthy eating behaviors. SES predicted academic performance partially through the mediating effect of Food Label Literacy (FLL). The results indicated that despite the direct relationship between SES and academic performance, an indirect but negative relationship existed with food insecurity. The finding also revealed the fully mediating role of Food Choice Literacy (FCL) in the relationship between demographic factors and healthy eating behaviors. Our study also found that Interactive Food and Nutrition Literacy (IFNL) protected unhealthy eating behaviors, and FCL predicted healthy eating behaviors in children. CONCLUSION Our study draws attention to FNLIT, especially the skills domain, including IFNL, FCL, and FLL, as the most important determinant of healthy eating behavior, academic performance, and weight status in school-age children reduces social inequalities in children's development. To ensure an adequate level of FNLIT, educators should assess and plan to enhance food literacy skills in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Doustmohammadian
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasrin Omidvar
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, and National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hassan Eini-Zinab
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, and National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Amini
- Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center), Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Abdollahi
- Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute (WHO Collaborating Center), Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Frongillo EA, Fram MS, Ghattas H, Bernal J, Jamaluddine Z, Kirkpatrick SI, Hammond D, Aurino E, Wolf S, Goudet SM, Nyawo M, Hayashi C. Development, Validity, and Cross-Context Equivalence of the Child Food Insecurity Experiences Scale for Assessing Food Insecurity of School-Age Children and Adolescents. J Nutr 2022; 152:2135-2144. [PMID: 35652807 PMCID: PMC9445849 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children ages 6 to 17 years can accurately assess their own food insecurity, whereas parents are inaccurate reporters of their children's experiences of food insecurity. No globally applicable scale to assess the food insecurity of children has been developed and validated. OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop a globally applicable, experience-based measure of child and adolescent food insecurity and establish the validity and cross-contextual equivalence of the measure. METHODS The 10-item Child Food Insecurity Experiences Scale (CFIES) was based on items previously validated from questionnaires from the United States, Venezuela, and Lebanon. Cognitive interviews were conducted to check understanding of the items. The questionnaire then was administered in 15 surveys in 13 countries. Other items in each survey that assessed the household socioeconomic status, household food security, or child psychological functioning were selected as criterion variables to compare to the scores from the CFIES. To investigate accuracy (i.e., criterion validity), linear regression estimated the associations of the CFIES scores with the criterion variables. To investigate the cross-contextual equivalence (i.e., measurement invariance), the alignment method was used based on classical measurement theory. RESULTS Across the 15 surveys, the mean scale scores for the CFIES ranged from 1.65 to 5.86 (possible range of 0 to 20) and the Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.88 to 0.94. The variance explained by a 1-factor model ranged from 0.92 to 0.99. Accuracy was demonstrated by expected associations with criterion variables. The percentages of equivalent thresholds and loadings across the 15 surveys were 28.0 and 5.33, respectively, for a total percentage of nonequivalent thresholds and loadings of 16.7, well below the guideline of <25%. That is, 83.3% of thresholds and loadings were equivalent across these surveys. CONCLUSIONS The CFIES provides a globally applicable, valid, and cross-contextually equivalent measure of the experiences of food insecurity of school-aged children and adolescents, as reported by them.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryah S Fram
- College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Jennifer Bernal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, CES University, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Zeina Jamaluddine
- Center for Research on Population and Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sharon I Kirkpatrick
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Hammond
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elisabetta Aurino
- Department of Economic History, Institutions, Policy and World Economy, Faculty of Economics, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sharon Wolf
- Graduate School of Education, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sophie M Goudet
- UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mara Nyawo
- UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Nairobi, Kenya
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Does a school snack make a difference? An evaluation of the World Food Programme emergency school feeding programme in Lebanon among Lebanese and Syrian refugee children. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1678-1690. [PMID: 35152929 PMCID: PMC9991733 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of providing a daily healthy school snack on children's nutritional, social and educational outcomes and explore stakeholders' perceptions of an emergency school feeding programme (SFP). DESIGN Convergence triangulation mixed-methods study design. Associations were examined between receiving the school feeding intervention and children's outcomes using multivariable regression models. Quantitative data were complemented with interviews and focus group discussions with parents and staff. SETTING In vulnerable communities in Lebanon, the World Food Programme has implemented an emergency SFP targeting Lebanese (attending morning sessions) and Syrian refugee children (attending afternoon sessions) in public schools. PARTICIPANTS Children from ten intervention schools (morning n 403; afternoon n 379) and ten matched control schools (morning n 399; afternoon n 401), as well as twenty-nine parents and twenty-two school staff members. RESULTS Diet diversity was higher in intervention schools as compared with control with a significantly higher consumption of dairy products, nuts and fruit in both sessions. Child-reported food insecurity experience was lower in children attending the afternoon session of intervention v. control schools. The SFP intervention was associated with higher school engagement and sense of school community in the morning session only. While the SFP was significantly associated with higher attendance for children in afternoon sessions only, it was significantly associated with school retention of children in both sessions. CONCLUSIONS A daily healthy snack potentially acts as an incentive to improve children's nutritional outcomes, school engagement, sense of belonging, equality between students and improvement in children's attendance and retention in public schools.
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Perceptions of School Management on the Relationship between School Nutrition and Development of Non-Communicable Diseases in a Rural South African District: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010432. [PMID: 35010697 PMCID: PMC8744735 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Globally, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 41 million deaths in 2016, with the majority of these occurring in low- and middle-income countries. These diseases are on the rise as a result of unhealthy, low-quality, and unbalanced diets, which have resulted in overweight and obesity. The National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) was created to regulate the foods sold to schoolchildren. The aim of this study was to ascertain school management teams’ perspectives on the relationship between the NSNP and the development of lifestyle diseases. A phenomenological qualitative study using focus group discussions among 16 purposively selected members of the school management teams were conducted in Mt Frere, Eastern Cape in 2016. The narrative data were analyzed using Tesch’s eight-phase thematic analysis approach. The data analysis revealed two themes (NSNP and the vendor system) and six sub-themes. The NSNP was viewed as making a significant contribution to children’s food security, thereby improving academic output. However, reengineering of the NSNP was needed through improved budgeting and inclusion of breakfast in the menu to control NCDs risk factors. The current implementation of the vendor system did not support reduction of NCDs risk factors. Improved implementation of the guide to the vendor system is needed.
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14
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AbuKishk N, Gilbert H, Seita A, Mukherjee J, Rohloff PJ. Under-five malnutrition among Palestine refugee children living in camps in Jordan: a mixed-methods study. BMJ Glob Health 2021; 6:bmjgh-2021-005577. [PMID: 34348932 PMCID: PMC8340287 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Jordan hosts the largest Palestine refugee population in the world. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the primary healthcare provider for Palestine refugees. To better inform UNRWA’s health programme, we conducted this study to assess the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among Palestine refugee children in Jordan and to analyse caregiver perceptions of food insecurity and structural barriers to accessing food. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 405 households, for children under 5 years old in two refugee camps in Jordan, Jerash and Souf. Sociodemographic, food insecurity, diet quality and child anthropometric data were collected. Also, twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with children’s caregivers, along with two focus group discussions with UNRWA staff. Results Out of the 367 participants, the prevalence of stunting was 23.8% in Jerash and 20.4% in Souf (p=0.46), and overweight was 18.2% versus 7.1%, respectively (p=0.008). However, high food insecurity in Jerash was 45.7% and 26.5% in Souf (p=0.001), with no significant difference after multivariable adjustment. Qualitative perspectives saw food insecurity and low-quality children’s diets as largely mediated by job and income insecurity, especially marked in Jerash due to the lack of Jordanian citizenship. Conclusion We found a moderate-to-high prevalence of stunting and overweight levels among Palestine refugee children, which are three times higher than the 2012 Demographic and Health Survey data for Jordanian non-refugee children. High rates of household food insecurity were closely tied to households’ lack of essential civil and economic rights. We call for international collective efforts to expand economic livelihoods for Palestine refugees and to support UNRWA’s ongoing operations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Gilbert
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Joia Mukherjee
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter J Rohloff
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Center for Research in Indigenous Health, Maya Health Alliance Wuqu' Kawoq, Tecpan, Guatemala
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15
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Young SL, Frongillo EA, Jamaluddine Z, Melgar-Quiñonez H, Pérez-Escamilla R, Ringler C, Rosinger AY. Perspective: The Importance of Water Security for Ensuring Food Security, Good Nutrition, and Well-being. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1058-1073. [PMID: 33601407 PMCID: PMC8321834 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Water security is a powerful concept that is still in its early days in the field of nutrition. Given the prevalence and severity of water issues and the many interconnections between water and nutrition, we argue that water security deserves attention commensurate with its importance to human nutrition and health. To this end, we first give a brief introduction to water insecurity and discuss its conceptualization in terms of availability, access, use, and stability. We then lay out the empirical grounding for its assessment. Parallels to the food-security literature are drawn throughout, both because the concepts are analogous and food security is familiar to the nutrition community. Specifically, we review the evolution of scales to measure water and food security and compare select characteristics. We then review the burgeoning evidence for the causes and consequences of water insecurity and conclude with 4 recommendations: 1) collect more water-insecurity data (i.e., on prevalence, causes, consequences, and intervention impacts); 2) collect better data on water insecurity (i.e., measure it concurrently with food security and other nutritional indicators, measure intrahousehold variation, and establish baseline indicators of both water and nutrition before interventions are implemented); 3) consider food and water issues jointly in policy and practice (e.g., establish linkages and possibilities for joint interventions, recognize the environmental footprint of nutritional guidelines, strengthen the nutrition sensitivity of water-management practices, and use experience-based scales for improving governance and regulation across food and water systems); and 4) make findings easily available so that they can be used by the media, community organizations, and other scientists for advocacy and in governance (e.g., tracking progress towards development goals and holding implementers accountable). As recognition of the importance of water security grows, we hope that so too will the prioritization of water in nutrition research, funding, and policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sera L Young
- Department of Anthropology and Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Edward A Frongillo
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Zeina Jamaluddine
- London School of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, England
- American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut
| | | | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Claudia Ringler
- Environment and Production Technology Division, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Asher Y Rosinger
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Department of Anthropology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, USA
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16
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Jamaluddine Z, Choufani J, Masterson AR, Hoteit R, Sahyoun NR, Ghattas H. A Community-Based School Nutrition Intervention Improves Diet Diversity and School Attendance in Palestinian Refugee Schoolchildren in Lebanon. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa164. [PMID: 33274308 PMCID: PMC7695806 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND School feeding programs have the potential to supply children with healthy school food, alleviate short-term hunger, and improve children's educational outcomes. OBJECTIVES We linked community kitchens to a subsidized school snack intervention and assessed the impact of this intervention on nutritional (diet diversity, hemoglobin, and anthropometry) and educational (attendance and academic performance) outcomes of Palestinian refugee schoolchildren. METHODS We collected data from 1362 students (aged 5-15 y) and their parents at baseline, and at an 8-mo follow-up in 2 control and 2 intervention schools. We conducted linear, logistic, and negative binomial regression analyses to assess changes in outcomes of children participating in the intervention schools compared with children in control schools (intention-to-treat). We also assessed the impact of the snack intervention in children who participated ≥50% of the time (HP, high-participation) compared with those who participated <50% (LP, low-participation), or who only received nutrition education (control) (per protocol). All the analyses were adjusted for child age and gender, maternal education, household expenditure, and school-level clustering effect. RESULTS At endline, there were 648 children in the control group, and within the intervention group, 260 children were LP and 454 were HP. There was a significantly greater increase in overall diet diversity score and dairy consumption in the HP group compared with controls. Both LP and HP groups were more likely to consume proteins, and less likely to consume desserts than controls. Furthermore, the HP group had a significant increase in hemoglobin, and both LP and HP groups had a significant decrease in school absenteeism compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This community-based school nutrition intervention had a positive impact on diet diversity, hemoglobin, and school attendance of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Jamaluddine
- Center for Research on Population and Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Reem Hoteit
- Department of Family Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadine R Sahyoun
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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