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El Bilali H, Ben Hassen T. Regional Agriculture and Food Systems Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of the Near East and North Africa Region. Foods 2024; 13:297. [PMID: 38254598 PMCID: PMC10815245 DOI: 10.3390/foods13020297] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic affected agri-food systems worldwide. However, while the impacts differed from one country/region to another, the scholarly literature seems to focus on developed countries in the Global North. Consequently, this review scrutinizes the literature on the pandemic's impacts in the Near East and North Africa (NENA) region. A search on the Web of Science in March 2023 generated 334 documents, of which 151 were eligible for inclusion in the systematic review. According to the bibliometric analysis, the most active nations are Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Lebanon. In general, the coverage of studies is better in the Gulf region than in the less developed countries of North Africa and those suffering from wars (cf. Libya, Syria, and Yemen). Studies generally focus on crop production and the downstream food chain (cf. distribution and consumption). While the pandemic influenced every pillar of food security, this research concentrates on access and utilization. Meanwhile, the lion's share of the literature deals with the pandemic's socio-economic effects, especially those linked to food (in)security and health. The pandemic, which laid bare the agri-food system vulnerabilities, should be seized to foster the transition towards more resilient agri-food systems in the NENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid El Bilali
- International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, 70010 Valenzano, Bari, Italy;
| | - Tarek Ben Hassen
- Program of Policy, Planning, and Development, Department of International Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
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Kalinda C, Qambayot MA, Ishimwe SMC, Regnier D, Bazimya D, Uwizeyimana T, Desie S, Rudert C, Gebremariam A, Brennan E, Karumba S, Wong R, Bekele A. Leveraging multisectoral approach to understand the determinants of childhood stunting in Rwanda: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Syst Rev 2024; 13:16. [PMID: 38183064 PMCID: PMC10768136 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02438-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing childhood stunting is a priority and an important step in the attainment of Global Nutrition Targets for 2025 and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Rwanda, the prevalence of child stunting remains high despite concerted efforts to reduce it. METHODS Utilizing the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) framework on maternal and child nutrition, this study systematically evaluated the determinants of child stunting in Rwanda and identified available gaps. Twenty-five peer-reviewed papers and five Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) reports were included in the final selection of our review, which allowed us to identify determinants such as governance and norms including wealth index, marital status, and maternal education, while underlying determinants were maternal health and nutrition factors, early initiation of breastfeeding, water treatment and sanitation, and immediate factors included infections. RESULTS A total of 75% of the overall inequality in stunting was due to the difference in the social determinants of stunting between poor and nonpoor households. Maternal education (17%) and intergenerational transfer (31%) accounted for most of the inequalities in stunting, and an increase in gross domestic product per capita contributed to a reduction in its prevalence. There is a paucity of information on the impact of sociocultural norms, early life exposures, maternal health and nutrition, and Rwandan topography. CONCLUSION The findings of this study suggest that improving women's status, particularly maternal education and health; access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene-related factors; and the socioeconomic status of communities, especially those in rural areas, will lay a sound foundation for reducing stunting among under-5 children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester Kalinda
- Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda.
| | - Maria Albin Qambayot
- Centre for One Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Sage Marie C Ishimwe
- Institute of Global Health Equity Research (IGHER), University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Denis Regnier
- School of Medicine, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Darius Bazimya
- Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Theogene Uwizeyimana
- Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Samson Desie
- UNICEF Kigali Office, P.O. Box 381, Kigali, Rwanda
| | | | - Alemayehu Gebremariam
- Health Office, US Agency For International Development (USAID), Rwanda Office, KG 7 Avenue, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Elizabeth Brennan
- Catholic Relief Services, Rwanda Country Program, Chadel Building, P.O. Box 65, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Silver Karumba
- Catholic Relief Services, Rwanda Country Program, Chadel Building, P.O. Box 65, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Rex Wong
- Bill and Joyce Cummings Institute of Global Health, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Abebe Bekele
- School of Medicine, University of Global Health Equity, Kigali Heights, Plot 772 KG 7 Ave, PO Box 6955, Kigali, Rwanda
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Anemia among Syrian Refugee Children Aged 6 to 23 Months Living in Greater Beirut, Lebanon, including the Voices of Mothers' and Local Healthcare Staff: A Mixed-Methods Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030700. [PMID: 36771406 PMCID: PMC9920708 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the prevalence of anemia among children during the period of complementary feeding is high. A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was conducted to examine the main determinants of anemia among Syrian refugee children aged 6 to 23 months (n = 215) and to illuminate the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of their mothers and Lebanese healthcare staff on its causes and available treatment options. 42% of the children and 20% of their mothers were anemic. Determinants of child anemia were the mother having anemia or not knowing that fish/seafood is a source of iron; the child having been acutely ill the last two weeks or receiving cow's milk, but not consuming iron-rich infant formula, added fats/oils, or fruits in the previous 24 hours. Several Syrian mothers knew some causes of anemia and named dizziness as a leading symptom but did not mention flesh foods as a key source of heme iron. They reported financial constraints in accessing iron-rich foods and supplements. Lebanese doctors largely gave appropriate dietary advice and prescribed iron supplements as treatment. Multisectoral interventions are needed that combine medical and financial support with nutrition counseling for mothers to reduce the high burden of anemia among young children living in a multiple crises situation.
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Yunitasari E, Lee BO, Krisnana I, Lugina R, Solikhah FK, Aditya RS. Determining the Factors That Influence Stunting during Pandemic in Rural Indonesia: A Mixed Method. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1189. [PMID: 36010079 PMCID: PMC9406632 DOI: 10.3390/children9081189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pandemic causes an increase in the poverty rate. The consequences will be many, including the birth of stunting babies. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on stunting. Analyzing the factors that cause stunting during a pandemic will provide suggestions for effective stunting prevention strategies at the national, regional, community, and household levels. This study aims to determine the factors that influence stunting during the pandemic. METHOD We use mixed methods. The respondents of this study were 152 mothers of the Maternal and Child Nutrition Security project, and the sampling technique is Cluster Sampling. Quantitatively using a baseline survey whose analysis uses multiple logistic regression to determine the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio. The qualitative data used focus group discussions which were analyzed using Nvivo 12 with a questionnaire, and anthropometric measurements of children from surveyed households. RESULTS This study summarizes the multivariate analysis of stunting determinants in the pandemic era, revealing statistically significant interactions between household sanitation facilities and household water treatment. Significant risk factors for severe stunting during the pandemic were male gender, older child age, coming from a low socioeconomic quintile, not participating in prenatal care at a health facility, and mother's involvement in choices about what to prepare for Community House. The FGDs identified misinformation about childcare and consumption of sweetened condensed milk as significant contributors to child malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS Lack of sanitation facilities and untreated water are contributing factors. Water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives must be included into Indonesian policies and programs to combat child stunting during a pandemic. The need for further research related to government assistance for improving toddler nutrition, as well as the relationship between WASH and linear development in early infancy should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esti Yunitasari
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Bih O. Lee
- Nursing Department, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan
| | - Ilya Krisnana
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | - Rayi Lugina
- Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya 60115, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
| | | | - Ronal Surya Aditya
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Sports Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145, Jawa Timur, Indonesia
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Hoteit M, Ibrahim C, Saadeh D, Al-Jaafari M, Atwi M, Alasmar S, Najm J, Sacre Y, Hanna-Wakim L, Al-Jawaldeh A. Correlates of Sub-Optimal Feeding Practices among under-5 Children amid Escalating Crises in Lebanon: A National Representative Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:817. [PMID: 35740754 PMCID: PMC9221782 DOI: 10.3390/children9060817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sub-optimal feeding practices among under-5 children are the major drivers of malnutrition. This study aims to assess the prevalence of malnutrition and the factors affecting exclusive breastfeeding, bottle feeding, and complementary feeding practices among under 5 children amid the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the economic and the political crises in Lebanon. A nationally representative stratified random sample of mother-child dyads (n = 511) was collected from households using a stratified cluster sampling design. The survey inquired about infant's feeding and complementary feeding practices using a valid questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of the mother and child were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to explore the determinants associated with under-5 children's practices. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, wasting, overweight and obese children was 0.5%, 8.4%, 6.7%, 16.8% and 8.9%, respectively. In total, among under-5 children, the prevalence of ever breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and bottle feeding at birth was 95.1%, 59.1% and 25.8%, respectively. Half the children in this study started solid foods between 4 and 6 months. Regression analysis showed that supporting breastfeeding at hospital (aOR = 8.20, 95% CI (3.03-22.17)) and husband's support (aOR = 3.07, 95% CI (1.9-4.92)) were associated with increased breastfeeding odds. However, mother's occupation (aOR = 0.18, 95% CI (0.55-0.58)) was inversely associated with breastfeeding practices. Male children (aOR = 2.119, 95% CI (1.37-3.27), mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 (aOR = 0.58, 95% CI (0.35-0.95)), and bottle feeding at hospital (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI (0.32-0.77)) were more likely to induce early initiation of solid foods at 4 months of age. This study demonstrated non-negligible rates of malnutrition, low prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding, and high rates of early introduction of formula feeding and solid foods among Lebanese under-5-children amid escalating crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
| | - Carla Ibrahim
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon;
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Danielle Saadeh
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 2, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon
- INSPECT-LB (National Institute of Public Health, Clinical Epidemiology, and Toxicology), Beirut 00961, Lebanon
| | - Marwa Al-Jaafari
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Marwa Atwi
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Sabine Alasmar
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Jessica Najm
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573, Lebanon; (D.S.); (M.A.-J.); (M.A.); (S.A.); (J.N.)
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Lara Hanna-Wakim
- Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon;
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo 11371, Egypt;
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Abi Khalil H, Hawi M, Hoteit M. Feeding Patterns, Mother-Child Dietary Diversity and Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Under-Five Children in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Retrospective Recall. Front Nutr 2022; 9:815000. [PMID: 35299758 PMCID: PMC8922217 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.815000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite demonstrated benefits, most countries fall short of meeting international targets for breastfeeding patterns, optimal complementary feeding, mother-children's quality diet, and malnutrition among under-five children. Rationale Since mothers usually play the most vital role in the healthcare of their children, research is needed to illuminate maternal factors that might promote a child's health and nutritional status. Aim The purpose of this study is to retrospectively (1) examine the under-five children's (0–59 months) feeding habits including exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, continued breastfeeding, and complementary feedings, (2) investigate the mother-child's dietary diversity, and (3) identify any factors that cause less optimal nutrition due to a lack of food diversity in children aged 6 to 59 months. Moreover, (4) the prevalence of wasting, stunting, underweight, and overweight in the under-five offspring living in households located in the main two provinces in Lebanon (Beirut and Mount Lebanon) was determined. Methods The data for this analysis were collected from a representative sample of 384 households [384 mothers (21–49 years old) and children (0–59 months)] between February 2019 and June 2019. A questionnaire was used to inquire mothers of children ages 0–23 months about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), continuous breastfeeding (CBF), exclusive bottle feeding (EBOT), mixed feeding (MF), and complementary feeding patterns. Moreover, additional questions regarding dietary diversity were asked to mothers of children aged 6 to 59 months. This score was calculated based on the 24 h recall of the mother and her child's consumption of 7 food groups, during the 24 h prior to the survey. Moreover, stunting, wasting, overweight, and underweight were calculated using the z-score for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ), respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the dietary diversity among children (ages 6–59 months) adjusting for covariates at maternal and household levels. Results Around 44% of children (0–59 months) had normal body weight. In addition, 9.3% were underweight (WAZ < -2SD to −3SD), 6.5% were at risk of being overweight, 24.45% were overweight, 9.3% were stunted (HAZ < -2SD to −3SD), and 6.25% (WHZ < -2SD to −3SD) were wasted. In total, among under-five children, the prevalence of EBF at 40 d and 6 months was 27 and 30%, respectively. The prevalence of CBF was 23%. Around 60% of mothers breastfed their offspring between 0 and 6 months and half of them introduced infant formula at earlier stages between 0–6 months. Furthermore, 78.4% of mothers introduced food to their children between 4 and 6 months (of which 40% before 6 months) and 62.5% of them introduced sugary drinks before 6 months. As for dietary diversity (DD), one out of two mothers and one out of three children (ages 6–59 months) had a low DD score (DDS) (46 and 32%, respectively). The children's and mother's DD were strongly found to be correlated (p-value = 0.034). Regression analysis showed that children's DD increased around 2 times [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI (1.042–2.914)] in context of high maternal DDS, and about 12 times [AOR = 11.7; 95% CI (1.2–111)] when a member of the highest-income households. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated low rates of EBF and CBF, high prevalence of EBOT, and early introduction of complementary foods among children ages 0–59 months. Furthermore, for children ages 6–59 months, there was poor mother-child dietary diversity and a high prevalence of overweight and stunted children in the main two Lebanese provinces. This suggests the alarming need for continuous nutrition intervention to improve infant feeding patterns and dietary diversity to reduce the malnutrition rates.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariam Hawi
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public Health Nutrition Program-Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
- *Correspondence: Maha Hoteit
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Alamneh AA, Ketema DB, Simieneh MM, Wubie M, Lamore Y, Tessema MT, Abebaw A, Asmare B, Alemu T, Teym A, Amsalu M. Food hygiene practice and its associated factors among food handlers working in food establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic in East Gojjam and West Gojjam Zones, North West Ethiopia. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221081070. [PMID: 35223034 PMCID: PMC8864280 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221081070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the food hygiene practice and associated
factors among food handlers working in food establishments during the
COVID-19 pandemic in East Gojjam and West Gojjam Zones, North West
Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 845 food handlers
working in 423 selected food establishments of East and West Gojjam Zones
from 22 September to 2 November 2020. The food handlers were categorized as
a cooker and a waiter based on their responsibility. A data collection tool
was adapted from the literature and validated by conducting a pre-test prior
to the study. Binary logistic regression was done to identify the factors
associated with food hygiene practice among food handlers. Results: The prevalence of poor food hygiene practices among food handlers working in
food establishments was 51.2% (95% confidence interval = 47.8, 54.6%). Being
both a cooker and waiter (adjusted odds ratio = 2.98; 95% confidence
interval = 1.02, 8.66), availability of personal protective equipment
(adjusted odds ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval = 1.75, 4.08), presence
of pipe water in the kitchen (adjusted odds ratio = 2.73; 95% confidence
interval = 1.84, 4.06), presence of a supervisor (adjusted odds
ratio = 2.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.41, 3.62), and separate dressing
room (adjusted odds ratio = 2.69; 95% confidence interval = 1.84, 3.93) were
significantly associated with food hygiene practice among food handlers. Conclusion: The prevalence of poor food hygiene practices among food handlers working in
food establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic was high. Therefore,
improving food hygiene practice focusing on availing personal protective
equipment, pipe water in the kitchen, and ensuring the presence of a
supervisor as well as a separate dressing room in the food establishment is
recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alehegn Aderaw Alamneh
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Bekele Ketema
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Muluye Molla Simieneh
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Moges Wubie
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Yonas Lamore
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Mekuanint Taddele Tessema
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Abtie Abebaw
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Biachew Asmare
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tsehay Alemu
- Department of Human Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Teym
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Menichil Amsalu
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Zhu PH, Mhango SN, Vinnakota A, Mansour M, Coss-Bu JA. Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutritional Status, Feeding Practices, and Access to Food Among Infants and Children in Lower and Middle-Income Countries: a Narrative Review. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022; 9:197-206. [PMID: 36249489 PMCID: PMC9549037 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00271-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The COVID-19 pandemic has affected children across the planet and the consequences on their health, nutritional status, and social structure have been more pronounced in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This review will focus on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on infant growth and feeding practices and access to food and obesity prevalence among children in LMICs. An electronic search was performed on MEDLINE and Embase to identify relevant articles in the English language. Recent Findings A higher prevalence of infections by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and a lower mortality rate were found in children in LMICs compared to western countries. In 2020, 22% and 52% of the wasting and deaths in children under 5 years of age in LMICS came from the sub-Saharan Africa region, respectively. Despite the decrease in stunting from 40% in 1990 to 24.2% in 2019, the prevalence remains above 30% in LMICs. Regarding breastfeeding practices in LMICs, many organizations recommend breastfeeding for infants and children born to infected mothers with SARS-CoV-2. This pandemic has resulted in higher food insecurity and disruption to access to health care and nutrition-related programs from schools; this situation has been more detrimental for younger children from LMICs. Summary Given the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the nutritional status, higher food insecurity, and lack of access to health care for infants and children in LMICs, efforts from government, world organizations, and non-for-profit institutions should be implemented to ameliorate the effects of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Hong Zhu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Susan Nita Mhango
- Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Anirudh Vinnakota
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Marwa Mansour
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jorge A. Coss-Bu
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA ,Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX USA
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Dagne H, Azanaw J, Hagos T, Addis K. Food Safety Attitude and Associated Factors Among Mothers of Under 5 Children, Debarq Town: Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study, 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2021; 15:11786302211060149. [PMID: 34819733 PMCID: PMC8606937 DOI: 10.1177/11786302211060149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Food-borne diseases represent a widespread and growing public health problem, both in developed and developing countries. However, this problem has more impact on health and economy in developing countries than in developed countries but reliable data is not available. METHODS A cross-sectional study was done in 2019 at Debarq town, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. A questionnaire prepared in English after adapted from previous studies then translated in to local language Amharic was used in order to collect the data. Data were checked manually for completeness, coded, and entered in to Epi Info version 7.1 and then exported in to SPSS version 26 statistical package for analyze. Descriptive statistics, percentage, frequency, standard deviation, and mean were analyzed. Likewise, bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were done to know the relationship between the independent variables and attitude of food safety among mothers. The variables found having a P-value <.2 in the bivariable analysis were further analyzed in multivariable binary logistic regression. The variables with P-value <.05 were considered as significantly associated with food safety attitude of mothers. RESULTS About 423 mothers of under-5 children were involved in this study. The mean age of the participants was 39.844 ± 11.02. In this study, educational status (primary education (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 2.66; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] [1.42-4.97]), secondary education (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI [3.35-14.05]), and diploma and above (AOR: 4.07; 95% CI [1.65-10.06])), higher income (AOR: 3.58; 95% CI [1.54-8.29]), good food safety knowledge (AOR: 3.08; 95% CI [1.51-6.242]) and good food hygiene practice (AOR: 3.97; 95% CI [2.33-6.75]) were factors associated with food safety attitude in the current study. CONCLUSION Significant proportion of participants in the study area had poor food safety attitude. Educational status, income, food safety knowledge, and food safety practice were significantly associated with food safety attitude among mothers. Food hygiene practice, knowledge, and level of education should be increased in order to improve food safety attitudes among mothers who were responsible in food processing at household level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henok Dagne
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Jember Azanaw
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Hagos
- Ethiopian Environmental Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Anemia and Nutritional Status of Syrian Refugee Mothers and Their Children under Five Years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136894. [PMID: 34199032 PMCID: PMC8297067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to assess the prevalence of anemia and nutritional status of mothers and children under five years among Syrian refugees in Lebanon and to identify nutritional deficiencies among pregnant, lactating, and non-pregnant non-lactating (NPNLM) mothers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian refugee mothers with children under five years in Greater Beirut, Lebanon (n = 433). Data on socio-economic status, maternal health, lifestyle characteristics, dietary intake, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin concentrations were collected. The prevalence of anemia was 21.7% among mothers and 30.5% among children. NPNLM with overweight/obesity and an at-risk waist circumference (WC) had 14.7-times and 10.9-times higher odds of anemia than mothers with normal WC and weight. Children of anemic mothers had 2.7-times and 4.4-times higher odds of total and mild anemia than those of non-anemic. Higher odds of mild anemia were found among children of lactating mothers than of NPNLM. A high percent energy intake of total fat and sugar was found among all mothers. Nutritional inadequacy was identified in higher proportions of lactating and pregnant mothers than NPNLM. Our findings highlighted the co-existence of overnutrition and anemia among Syrian refugee mothers and undernutrition among children from the same household. Culture-specific interventions are needed to support maternal nutrition, to ensure the health and wellbeing of their offspring.
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