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Long KZ, Beckmann J, Lang C, Seelig H, Nqweniso S, Probst-Hensch N, Pühse U, Steinmann P, Randt RD, Walter C, Utzinger J, Gerber M. Randomized Trial to Improve Body Composition and Micronutrient Status Among South African Children. Am J Prev Med 2024; 66:1078-1088. [PMID: 38309672 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical activity (PA) promotion combined with multimicronutrient supplementation (MMNS) among school-age children may reduce fat mass accrual and increase muscle mass through different mechanisms and so benefit child health. This study determined the efficacy of combined interventions on body composition among South African schoolchildren and determined if micronutrients mediate these effects. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial of children followed from 2019 to 2021. Statistical analyses carried from 2022 to 2023. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS A total of 1,304 children 6-12 years of age recruited from public schools in Gqeberha, South Africa. INTERVENTION Children were randomized by classes to either: (a) a physical activity group (PA); (b) a MMNS group; (c) a physical activity + multimicronutrient supplementation group (PA + MMNS); and (d) a placebo control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Trajectories of overall and truncal fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) estimates in modeled at 9 and 21 months using latent growth curve models (LGCM). Changes in micronutrient concentrations at 9 months from baseline. RESULTS An increased FFM trajectory was found among children in the MMNS arm at 9 months (Beta 0.16, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.31). The PA and MMNS arms both had positive indirect effects on this trajectory at 9 months (Beta 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.88 and Beta 0.32 95% CI = 0.1 0.5, respectively) and similarly at 21 months when mediated by zinc concentration changes. A reduced FM trajectory was found among children in the PA promotion arm at 9 months when using this collection point as the referent intercept. This arm was inversely associated with the FM trajectory at 9 months when mediated by zinc changes. CONCLUSIONS PA and MMNS promotion in school-based interventions directly contributed to reductions in FM and increased FFM among South African children and indirectly through changes in micronutrient status. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN, ISRCTN29534081. Registered on August 9, 2018 Institutional review board: Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz" (EKNZ, project number: Req-2018-00608). Date of approval: 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Z Long
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Harald Seelig
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Siphesihle Nqweniso
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosa du Randt
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Minja EG, Mrimi EC, Mponzi WP, Mollel GJ, Lang C, Beckmann J, Gerber M, Pühse U, Long KZ, Masanja H, Okumu FO, Finda MF, Utzinger J. Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition in Schoolchildren in the Kilombero District, South-Eastern Tanzania. Trop Med Infect Dis 2024; 9:96. [PMID: 38787029 PMCID: PMC11125975 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed9050096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood undernutrition is a major issue in low- and middle-income countries, affecting the health, well-being, and educational outcomes of schoolchildren. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting, wasting, and underweight among schoolchildren in peri-urban areas in the south-eastern part of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 930 children aged 6-12 years from four primary schools from July to August 2019. The WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer was employed to estimate the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight, while logistic regression analyses examined sociodemographic background, malaria infection, anaemia, anthropometric measures, and dietary diversity score as potential factors. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight, and obesity was 11.8%, 4.3%, 3.9%, 11.1%, and 2.0%, respectively. Overall, 1.5% of the children had malaria, as determined by rapid diagnostic tests, and 0.4% had severe anaemia. Univariate analysis indicated higher odds of undernutrition among children aged 9-12 compared to their younger peers. Stunting was more common among children with low and medium dietary diversity. Anaemia was found in 11.2% of schoolchildren, and severe anaemia was associated with wasting. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and low dietary diversity were significantly associated with undernutrition. These findings emphasise the need for school-based health and nutrition programmes targeting children beyond the age of 5 to improve their nutritional status and mitigate potential adverse effects on health, cognition, and academic achievement. Regular assessment of the nutritional status of schoolchildren is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elihaika G. Minja
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (J.U.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Emmanuel C. Mrimi
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (J.U.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Winfrida P. Mponzi
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Getrud J. Mollel
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam P.O. Box 65001, Tanzania
| | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland; (C.L.); (J.B.); (M.G.); (U.P.)
| | - Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland; (C.L.); (J.B.); (M.G.); (U.P.)
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland; (C.L.); (J.B.); (M.G.); (U.P.)
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland; (C.L.); (J.B.); (M.G.); (U.P.)
| | - Kurt Z. Long
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (J.U.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Honorati Masanja
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
| | - Fredros O. Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science & Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania
| | - Marceline F. Finda
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania; (E.C.M.); (W.P.M.); (G.J.M.); (H.M.); (F.O.O.); (M.F.F.)
- School of Life Science and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science & Technology, Arusha P.O. Box 447, Tanzania
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (J.U.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
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Mukoma G, Bosire EN, Klingberg S, Norris SA. Healthy eating and physical activity: Analysing Soweto's young adults' perspectives with an intersectionality lens. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001429. [PMID: 37467201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are taking a toll on Africa's youth at younger ages than in other regions. These are attributed to risk factors that usually advance in adolescence, such as unhealthy diets and reduced physical activity. Young adults in South Africa, particularly women, tend to be sedentary, consume energy-dense diets low in micronutrients, and are more likely to develop NCDs much earlier in life than those in high-income countries. With an intersectionality perspective, this study explored young adults' barriers and solutions to addressing these risk factors in Soweto. SETTING Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the most well-known historically disadvantaged townships known for its established communities, and socioeconomic and cultural diversity. Design: A qualitative investigation utilising focus group discussions (FGDs) with a topic guide. FGDs were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches. PARTICIPANTS 15 Men and 15 women 18-24 years of age living in Soweto (n = 30). Results: South African young adults have a basic understanding of the significance of nutrition, exercise, and their ties to health. However, numerous barriers (like taste, affordability and crime) to such behaviours were reported, arising from the participants' personal, domestic, social, and local community levels. Young women experienced sexism and had safety concerns while exercising in the streets, while young men tended to describe themselves as lazy to engage in exercise as they find it boring. CONCLUSIONS Young adults face a multitude of intersecting barriers, making it difficult to adopt or sustain health-promoting behaviours. It is important that potential solutions focus on the intersections of barriers to healthy eating and physical activity in order to provide more realistic support for such behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gudani Mukoma
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biokinetics, Recreation and Sports Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Edna N Bosire
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sonja Klingberg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shane A Norris
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, SAMRC/Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Gerber M, Lang C, Beckmann J, du Randt R, Long KZ, Müller I, Nienaber M, Probst-Hensch N, Steinmann P, Pühse U, Utzinger J, Nqweniso S, Walter C. Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Weight Status, and Body Composition among South African Primary Schoolchildren. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191811836. [PMID: 36142108 PMCID: PMC9517541 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Over the past decades, childhood overweight has increased in many African countries. We examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body composition in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings. Methods: MVPA was measured via 7-day accelerometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis in 1090 learners (49.2% girls, Mage = 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The relationships between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with the various body composition indicators (body fat and fat-free mass [total, truncal, arms, and legs], bone mass, muscle mass, and body water) were tested with mixed linear regressions. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 6.6%, respectively; 77.1% of the children engaged in ≥60 min of MVPA/day. Girls were more likely to be overweight/obese, to accumulate less than 60 min of MVPA/day, and had significantly higher relative body fat than boys (ps < 0.001). Lower MVPA was associated with a higher likelihood of being overweight/obese, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water (ps < 0.001). For lower sedentary behaviour, the associations with body composition pointed in the opposite direction. Conclusions: In this South African setting, girls are a particularly relevant target group for future physical activity interventions to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +41-61-207-4783
| | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rosa du Randt
- Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
| | - Kurt Z. Long
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Müller
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Madeleine Nienaber
- Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
| | - Nicole Probst-Hensch
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Grosse Allee 6, CH-4052 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Kreuzstrasse 2, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Siphesihle Nqweniso
- Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, P.O. Box 7700, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa
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Beckmann J, Nqweniso S, Ludyga S, du Randt R, Gresse A, Long KZ, Nienaber M, Seelig H, Pühse U, Steinmann P, Utzinger J, Walter C, Gerber M, Lang C. Evaluation of a Physical Activity and Multi-Micronutrient Intervention on Cognitive and Academic Performance in South African Primary Schoolchildren. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132609. [PMID: 35807790 PMCID: PMC9268611 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Executive functions (EFs) are essential for optimal academic development. Appropriate nutrition and physical activity (PA) have been shown to facilitate optimal cognitive development. Therefore, this study examined whether a 12-week school-based PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) intervention would improve cognitive and academic performance. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Children from four schools located in a peri-urban area of South Africa were randomly assigned to (i) PA + MMNS, (ii) PA + placebo, (iii) MMNS or (iv) placebo. Information processing and inhibitory control were measured with a computerized Flanker task. End-of-year results provided insight into academic achievement. Anthropometric measures were used to determine nutritional status. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-models, adjusting for baseline scores, school classes and age; 932 children (458 girls (49.1%), Mage (mean age) = 8.42 ± 1.94 years) completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. Cognitive performance improved among all four groups, with no significant group × time effects. For academic achievement, there was no significant interaction effect between the combined intervention group and placebo. We encourage future studies in this neglected area in order to determine the most optimal design of school-based nutrition and PA programs to enhance overall cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Beckmann
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Siphesihle Nqweniso
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6011, South Africa; (S.N.); (R.d.R.); (M.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Sebastian Ludyga
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Rosa du Randt
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6011, South Africa; (S.N.); (R.d.R.); (M.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Annelie Gresse
- Department of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6031, South Africa;
| | - Kurt Z. Long
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (P.S.); (J.U.)
| | - Madeleine Nienaber
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6011, South Africa; (S.N.); (R.d.R.); (M.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Harald Seelig
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Uwe Pühse
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Peter Steinmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (P.S.); (J.U.)
| | - Jürg Utzinger
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, 4123 Allschwil, Switzerland; (K.Z.L.); (P.S.); (J.U.)
| | - Cheryl Walter
- Department of Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha 6011, South Africa; (S.N.); (R.d.R.); (M.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Markus Gerber
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Christin Lang
- Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, 4052 Basel, Switzerland; (S.L.); (H.S.); (U.P.); (M.G.); (C.L.)
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