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Seedat F, Tollman SM, Twine W, Cappola AR, Wade AN. Double malnutrition and associated factors in a middle-aged and older, rural South African population. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:84. [PMID: 38858730 PMCID: PMC11163772 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00890-6] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Double malnutrition (co-existing overnutrition and undernutrition) is increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid epidemiological and nutritional transitions. In this region, studies of double malnutrition have largely been conducted at country and household level, with individual-level studies primarily limited to children and women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of individual-level double malnutrition in middle-aged and older adults who constitute an increasing proportion of the sub-Saharan African population. METHODS 250 individuals aged 40-70 years (50% women) and resident in the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, were randomly selected. Double malnutrition was defined as overweight/obesity and anaemia only, overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency, or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (anaemia and/or iodine insufficiency). The Chi-squared goodness of fit test was used to compare the expected and observed numbers of individuals with the type of double malnutrition. Logistic regression was used to investigate determinants of each type of double malnutrition. RESULTS Double malnutrition was present in 22-36% of participants, depending on the definition used. All types of double malnutrition were more common in women than in men (overweight/obesity and anaemia: 34% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.01; overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency: 32% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.01 and overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency: 50.5% vs. 20.4%, p < 0.01). There were no differences between the overall expected and observed numbers of individuals with combinations of overweight and micronutrient deficiencies [overweight/obesity and anaemia (p = 0.28), overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency (p = 0.27) or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (p = 0.99)]. In models adjusted for socio-demographic factors, HIV and antiretroviral drug status, and food security or dietary diversity, men were 84-85% less likely than women to have overweight/obesity and anaemia, 65% less likely to have overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency and 74% less likely to have overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Individual-level double malnutrition is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults in a rural sub-Saharan African community. Interventions to improve nutrition in similar settings should target individuals throughout the life course and a focus on women may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Seedat
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Helen Joseph Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Stephen M Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Wayne Twine
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Anne R Cappola
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alisha N Wade
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Iannotti L, Kleban E, Fracassi P, Oenema S, Lutter C. Evidence for Policies and Practices to Address Global Food Insecurity. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:375-400. [PMID: 38166503 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060922-041451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Food insecurity affects an estimated 691-783 million people globally and is disproportionately high in Africa and Asia. It arises from poverty, armed conflict, and climate change, among other demographic and globalization forces. This review summarizes evidence for policies and practices across five elements of the agrifood system framework and identifies gaps that inform an agenda for future research. Under availability, imbalanced agriculture policies protect primarily staple food producers, and there is limited evidence on food security impacts for smallholder and women food producers. Evidence supports the use of cash transfers and food aid for affordability and school feeding for multiple benefits. Food-based dietary guidelines can improve the nutritional quality of dietary patterns, yet they may not reflect the latest evidence or food supplies. Evidence from the newer food environment elements, promotion and sustainability, while relatively minimal, provides insight into achieving long-term impacts. To eliminate hunger, our global community should embrace integrated approaches and bring evidence-based policies and practices to scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lora Iannotti
- E3 Nutrition Lab, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA;
| | - Eliza Kleban
- E3 Nutrition Lab, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA;
| | - Patrizia Fracassi
- Food and Nutrition Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Stineke Oenema
- UN-Nutrition Secretariat, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Chessa Lutter
- Division of Food Security and Agriculture, RTI International, Washington, DC, USA
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Hasanah A, Kharisma B, Remi SS, Adam AM, Siregar AYM. Food diversity: its relation to children's health and consequent economic burden. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1155. [PMID: 38658917 PMCID: PMC11044496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18530-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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the impact of low food diversity on the health status of children using the Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Dietary Serving Score (DSS) in a sub-district with the highest percentage of poor households. The economic burden of low food diversity was observed by analysing the cost of illness in the children with low food diversity. METHODS Data from 329 children were collected. We determined the impact of DDS and DSS and other factors on the health status of children aged 2-14 years, using a probit model. The cost of illness (e.g., typhus, stomach ulcers, coughs, flu, and fever) due to low food diversity was calculated from medical registration fees, medical action costs, transportation costs, and other costs. RESULTS The results shows that a 1% point increase in DDS or DSS potentially decreases children's health complaints by 10% and 8%, respectively. Given the current 26% prevalence of health complaints among children with low DDS, the annual economic burden reaches US$75.72 per child per household. In addition, the current 41% prevalence of children with low DDS resulted in an annual cost to the government of US$153.45 per child. CONCLUSIONS The effect of inadequate dietary diversity on children's health is potentially high and contributes to the economic burden on households and the government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiah Hasanah
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia.
| | - Bayu Kharisma
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sutyastie S Remi
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Asep Muhammad Adam
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Adiatma Y M Siregar
- Center for Economics and Development Studies, Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia
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Osei-Owusu C, Dhillon S, Luginaah I. The impact of food insecurity on mental health among older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301046. [PMID: 38530847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, food insecurity has been increasing globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, economic downturns and conflict and a number of other intersecting factors. Older adults residing in low- and middle-income countries are more vulnerable to food insecurity. While the impacts of food insecurity on physical health outcomes have been thoroughly researched, the effect on mental health outcomes remains under-researched, especially among older adults. Hence, this systematic review aims to investigate existing literature to assess how food insecurity impacts the mental health of older persons residing in LMICs. A systematic search of six databases and Google for studies was conducted. The search was limited to studies written in English and published between 2000 to the present. We identified 725 studies, out of which 40 studies were selected for a full-text review and 12 studies were included for a final analysis. The significant finding in all the included studies was that food insecurity is associated with the worsening mental health of older adults. We also found a complex interplay of factors such as gender, age, rural/urban and health conditions associated with the aggravation of several mental health outcomes. The findings of this study illuminate the need for improved food programs to improve food security and, consequently, mental health among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Osei-Owusu
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Satveer Dhillon
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Isaac Luginaah
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Sato Y, Khamphithoun S, Saiyachak K, Ando H, Ishizuka T, Saeki S, Miyoshi M. Enhancing child dietary diversity through cooking demonstration and nutritional education in rural Lao PDR. Trop Med Health 2024; 52:8. [PMID: 38191472 PMCID: PMC10773088 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-023-00571-3] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to prevent malnutrition in children under five are crucial for both short-term and long-term impact, especially in resource-constrained low- and middle-income countries, where ensuring minimal food diversity remains an urgent challenge. Our organization implemented initiatives to improve dietary diversity among children under five in rural areas of Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). METHODS We carried out educational and awareness programs directed at caregivers of children aged 6-59 months. These programs were delivered by healthcare professionals and trained community volunteers in specific areas of Xaybouathong District, Khammouane Province. To evaluate the impact of our interventions, we conducted surveys both at the beginning and end of the project. We designated the Individual Dietary Diversity Score IDDS as the objective variable, serving as an indicator of child dietary diversity. Using sociodemographic and economic indicators as explanatory variables, we assessed the impact of the intervention through multivariate analysis with a generalized linear model as well as a bivariate analysis. RESULTS The comparison between 210 children at baseline and 205 children at endline revealed a significant increase in IDDS among children aged 6-23 months (from 3.36 to 4.22) and children aged 24-59 months (from 3.29 to 3.83). Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association between the intervention effect (baseline vs. endline) and the village of residence. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in each food group that constitute IDDS, including vegetables and fruits, eggs, and legumes and nuts. CONCLUSIONS Even in resource-limited settings, such as rural areas of Lao PDR, it is possible to improve child dietary diversity through educational approaches that encourage the utilization of locally available foods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sato
- Our Lady of the Snow St. Mary's Hospital, Tsubuku Honmachi 422, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.
- Non-Profit Organization ISAPH Tokyo Office, OWK Bld. 3F, Shimbashi 3-5-2, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan.
- Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Oaza-Hamatate Mase 58-1, Aomori, Aomori, Japan.
| | | | | | - Hisao Ando
- Our Lady of the Snow St. Mary's Hospital, Tsubuku Honmachi 422, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
- Non-Profit Organization ISAPH Tokyo Office, OWK Bld. 3F, Shimbashi 3-5-2, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ishizuka
- Our Lady of the Snow St. Mary's Hospital, Tsubuku Honmachi 422, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
- Non-Profit Organization ISAPH Tokyo Office, OWK Bld. 3F, Shimbashi 3-5-2, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miki Miyoshi
- Aomori University of Health and Welfare, Oaza-Hamatate Mase 58-1, Aomori, Aomori, Japan
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Ararsa GG, Getachew MT, Diddana TZ, Alemayehu FR. Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months: a cross-sectional analysis from South-East Ethiopia. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e127. [PMID: 38155807 PMCID: PMC10753458 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To meet the 2030 goal to end all types of malnutrition, thoroughly investigating and addressing context-specific factors of undernutrition is crucial. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among children aged 6-23 months in South-East Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 580 randomly sampled mother-child pairs in February 2022. Socio-demographic, dietary intake, household food security (HFS), maternal knowledge and practices of child feeding, and the child's weight and height data were collected. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was done. The prevalence of stunted, wasted, and underweight children was 32⋅1, 7, and 9 %, respectively. Being male (AOR = 1⋅75), not using the growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) service (AOR = 1⋅50), household food insecurity (HFI) (AOR = 1⋅67), lack of improved water (AOR = 2⋅26), and bottle-feeding (AOR = 1⋅54) were significantly associated with stunting. Being male (AOR = 3⋅02), having low maternal knowledge on child-feeding practices (AOR = 3⋅89), not listening to the radio/television (AOR = 3⋅69), having a history of fever (AOR = 3⋅39), bottle-feeding (AOR = 3⋅58), and HFI (AOR = 3⋅77) were significantly predicted wasting. Being male (AOR = 3⋅44), not using GMP service (AOR = 2⋅00), having a history of fever (AOR = 4⋅24), lack of knowledge on optimal breastfeeding duration (AOR = 3⋅58), low maternal knowledge on child feeding (AOR = 2⋅21), HFI (AOR = 2⋅04), and lack of improved water (AOR = 3⋅00) showed significant association with underweight. In conclusion, stunting is alarmingly common while wasting and underweight are sub-optimal. Prevention of infectious disease, providing basic education for fathers, ensuring HFS; enhancing media access, maternal knowledge about IYCFP and improving water access; and GMP service utilisation are crucial to improve child nutrition.
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Key Words
- 6–23 months aged children
- ANC, antenatal care
- AOR, adjusted odds ratio
- ARI, acute respiratory illness
- ASF, animal source food
- BF, breastfeeding
- CF, complementary feeding
- COR, crude odds ratio
- DDS, dietary diversity score
- EDHS, Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey
- GMP, growth monitoring and promotion
- HAZ, height/length-for-age Z-score
- HIFAS, household food insecurity access score
- IYCFP, infant and young child feeding practices
- Lemubilbilo
- MAD, Minimum acceptable diet
- OFSP, orange fleshed sweet potato
- ORS, oral rehydration solution
- PNC, postnatal care
- South-east Ethiopia
- Undernutrition
- WAZ, weight-for-age Z-score
- WHO, World Health Organisation
- WHZ, weight-for-height/length Z-score
- mm, millimeter
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Affiliation(s)
- Gosa Girma Ararsa
- School of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Meheret Tena Getachew
- Ethiopia Civil Society Coalition for Scaling Up Nutrition (ECSC-SUN), Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), Civil Society Network, P.O. Box 384, Ethiopia Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tona Zema Diddana
- School of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Fikadu Reta Alemayehu
- School of Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia
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Ahmed KY, Dadi AF, Ogbo FA, Page A, Agho KE, Akalu TY, Baraki AG, Tesema GA, Teshale AB, Alamneh TS, Tessema ZT, Kabthymer RH, Tamirat KS, Ross AG. Population-Modifiable Risk Factors Associated With Childhood Stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2338321. [PMID: 37851439 PMCID: PMC10585405 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38321] [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: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is imperative for the development of evidence-based interventions and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Objective To evaluate key modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in SSA. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2014-2021) Demographic and Health Surveys data for children younger than 5 years from 25 SSA countries. Exposures Modifiable risk factors included history of diarrhea within 2 weeks, consumption of dairy products, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, antenatal care visits, place of birth, wealth index, type of toilet, and type of cooking fuel. Main Outcomes and Measures Stunting and severe stunting, measured using the height-for-age z score, were the main outcomes. Children who scored below -2.0 SDs or -3.0 SDs were classified as having stunted or severely stunted growth, respectively. Relative risks and 95% CIs were computed using generalized linear latent and mixed models and log-binomial link functions. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated using adjusted relative risks and prevalence estimates for key modifiable risk factors. Results This study included 145 900 children from 25 SSA countries. The mean (SD) age of the children was 29.4 (17.3) months, and 50.6% were male. The highest PAFs of severe childhood stunting were observed for mothers lacking a formal education (PAF, 21.9%; 95% CI, 19.0%-24.8%), children lacking consumption of dairy products (PAF, 20.8%; 95% CI, 16.8%-24.9%), unclean cooking fuel (PAF, 9.5%; 95% CI, 2.6%-16.3%), home birth (PAF, 8.3%; 95% CI, 6.3%-10.0%), and low-income household (PAF, 5.8%; 95% CI, 3.4%-8.0%). These 5 modifiable risk factors were associated with 51.6% (95% CI, 40.5%-60.9%) of the severe childhood stunting in SSA. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study identified 5 modifiable risk factors that were associated with 51.6% of severe childhood stunting in SSA. These factors should be a priority for policy makers when considering future child health interventions to address chronic malnutrition in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abel F. Dadi
- Charles Darwin University, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory, Australia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Felix Akpojene Ogbo
- Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence, Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, South Australia Health, Government of South Australia, Berri, South Australia, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Temesgen Yihunie Akalu
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adhanom Gebreegziabher Baraki
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zemenu Tadesse Tessema
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robel Hussen Kabthymer
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Human Nutrition, School of Public Health, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Koku Sisay Tamirat
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
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Weigel MM, Armijos RX. Association of household food insecurity with developmental delay in preschool children: 2018 Ecuadorian Nutrition and Health National Survey. J Nutr Sci 2023; 12:e89. [PMID: 37587973 PMCID: PMC10425761 DOI: 10.1017/jns.2023.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the association of household food insecurity (HFI) with developmental delays in 36-59-month-old preschool children (n 7005) using cross-sectional data from the 2018 Ecuadorian National Health and Nutrition Survey. HFI was assessed with the Food Insecurity Experience Scale and developmental delays with the Early Childhood Development Index. Log-binomial regression models estimated the association of HFI with global (overall) developmental delay (GDD) and delays in four individual developmental domains, adjusting for covariates. Nearly half of the children lived in households with marginal (24⋅5 %) or moderate-severe HFI (21⋅7 %). Eighteen percent were identified with GDD. Delays in the individual domains of literacy-numeracy, social-emotional, physical and cognitive development were identified for 64, 21⋅5, 3⋅3 and 3⋅1 %, respectively. GDD was more likely among preschool children from households with marginal (aPR = 1⋅29; 95 % C.I. = 1⋅10, 1⋅49) and moderate-severe HFI (aPR = 1⋅30; 95 % C.I. = 1⋅11, 1⋅51). Social-emotional development delays were also more likely among those from households with marginal (aPR = 1⋅36; 95 % C.I. = 1⋅19, 1⋅56) and moderate-severe HFI (aPR = 1⋅33; 95 % C.I. = 1⋅15, 1⋅54) different from the other three domains. Several other potentially modifiable risk (violent discipline, maternal depressive symptoms) and protective factors (adequate child stimulation, higher maternal education, handwashing with soap/detergent) were also independently associated with GDD and/or literacy-numeracy and cognitive delays. Our findings suggest that HFI is an independent risk factor for GDD and social-emotional developmental delays in Ecuadorian preschoolers. They underscore the importance of strengthening and expanding poverty reduction, food security and early childhood development policies and interventions to improve the opportunities for children to achieve their full developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Margaret Weigel
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Global Health Equity, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rodrigo X. Armijos
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Global Environmental Health Research Laboratory, Indiana University-Bloomington School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Indiana University Center for Global Health Equity, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Adequate Dietary Intake and Consumption of Indigenous Fermented Products Are Associated with Improved Nutrition Status among Children Aged 6–23 Months in Zambia. DAIRY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/dairy4010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Agroecological food systems and socioeconomic characteristics are known to influence household food security and food consumption patterns and consequently have an impact on child nutritional status. The present study examined food consumption patterns among children aged 6–23 months in two geographic regions of Zambia, with special focus on consumption of fermented products, and its association with illnesses and nutritional status. The cross-sectional survey enrolled a total of 213 children from Namwala and Mkushi districts of Zambia. A 24 h recall and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) were used to determine the number of food groups consumed and consequently dietary diversity scores and food consumption patterns, respectively. Determinants of child’s linear growth as measured by Height-for-Age Z-scores (HAZ) were assessed via multiple linear regression analysis. In total, 54% of the children met the minimum dietary diversity by consuming food from at least 5+ food groups. Maize meal porridge, Mabisi (fermented milk), Chibwantu and Munkoyo (fermented beverages based on cereals) and groundnuts were among the frequently consumed foods. A higher consumption of fermented beverages was observed in Namwala compared to Mkushi district. A significant association was observed between HAZ score (rho = 0.198, p = 0.004), Weight-for-Age Z-score (WAZ) (rho = 0.142, p = 0.039) and consumption of mabisi. Dietary intake had a positive association with child nutritional status. The frequent consumption of traditional non-alcoholic cereal and milk-based fermented foods underpinned their contribution to the children’s dietary intake. Moreover, the trend would be viewed as an indicator to nutrition and policy actors on possible unoptimized potential of indigenous fermented foods’ influence in nutritional and health status among children at regional and national levels. Although Zambia has a wide range of traditional non-alcoholic fermented food products, their prospects in provision of macro- and micronutrients along with microbiota benefits remain scanty despite global efforts increasingly advocating for the inclusion of such traditional foods in food-based recommendations.
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Wudil AH, Usman M, Rosak-Szyrocka J, Pilař L, Boye M. Reversing Years for Global Food Security: A Review of the Food Security Situation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192214836. [PMID: 36429555 PMCID: PMC9690952 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
All around the world, inequalities persist in the complex web of social, economic, and ecological factors that mediate food security outcomes at different human and institutional scales. There have been rapid and continuous improvements in agricultural productivity and better food security in many regions of the world during the past 50 years due to an expansion in crop area, irrigation, and supportive policy and institutional initiatives. However, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is inverted. Statistics show that food insecurity has risen since 2015 in Sub-Saharan African countries, and the situation has worsened owing to the Ukraine conflict and the ongoing implications of the COVID-19 threat. This review looks into multidimensional challenges to achieving the SDG2 goal of "End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture" in Sub-Saharan Africa and the prosper policy recommendations for action. Findings indicate that weak economic growth, gender inequality, high inflation, low crop productivity, low investment in irrigated agriculture and research, climate change, high population growth, poor policy frameworks, weak infrastructural development, and corruption are the major hurdles in the sustaining food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. Promoting investments in agricultural infrastructure and extension services together with implementing policies targeted at enhancing the households' purchasing power, especially those in rural regions, appear to be essential drivers for improving both food availability and food access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulazeez Hudu Wudil
- Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Federal University Dutse, Dutse 720101, Nigeria
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Joanna Rosak-Szyrocka
- Department of Production Engineering and Safety, Faculty of Management, Czestochowa University of Technology, 42-201 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Ladislav Pilař
- Department of Management, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mortala Boye
- School of Agriculture and Environment Sciences, University of the Gambia, Kanifing P.O. Box 3530, The Gambia
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11
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Harper A, Goudge J, Chirwa E, Rothberg A, Sambu W, Mall S. Dietary diversity, food insecurity and the double burden of malnutrition among children, adolescents and adults in South Africa: Findings from a national survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:948090. [PMID: 36211708 PMCID: PMC9540989 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.948090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood stunting remains a global public health problem. Many stunted children live in the same household as overweight or obese adults (the so-called double burden of malnutrition), evidence that quality as well as quantity of food is important. In recent years, food security measurement has shifted away from anthropometry (e.g., stunting) to experiential measures (e.g., self-reported hunger). However, given the continued problem of stunting, it is important that national surveys identify malnutrition. Objectives To examine the associations between a variety of food security indicators, including dietary diversity, with adult, child (0-4 years) (5-9 years) and adolescent (10-17 years) anthropometry. To estimate the prevalence of double burden households. Methods The study utilized cross-sectional data from the South African National Income Dynamics Survey NIDS (2008). We examined the associations between five food security indicators and anthropometry outcomes. The indicators were adult and child hunger in the household, self-reported household food sufficiency, food expenditure>60% of monthly expenditure and household dietary diversity. Multinomial and logistic regression models were employed to examine the associations with adult BMI categories and children's stunting and BMI. Results The prevalence of stunting was 18.4% and the prevalence of wasting and overweight was 6.8 and 10.4%, respectively. Children <5 and adolescents with medium dietary diversity were significantly more likely to be stunted than children with high dietary diversity. Among children <5, child hunger and medium dietary diversity were significantly associated with wasting. None of the food security indicators were associated with stunting in children aged 5-9. Among stunted children, 70.2% lived with an overweight or obese adult. Among adults, increased dietary diversity increased the risk of overweight and obesity. Conclusion Dietary diversity can be used as a proxy for poor nutritional status among children <5 years and adolescents but the relationship between dietary diversity and adult obesity is more complex. Given the double burden of malnutrition in many low- and middle-income countries, indicators of dietary quality remain important. These tools can be further refined to include an extra category for processed foods. Given the relative simplicity to collect this data, national surveys would be improved by its inclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Harper
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa,*Correspondence: Abigail Harper
| | - Jane Goudge
- Centre for Health Policy, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Division, The South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alan Rothberg
- School of Therapeutic Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Winnie Sambu
- School of Economics, The University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sumaya Mall
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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12
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Oyono MG, Kenmoe S, Abanda NN, Takuissu GR, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kenfack-Momo R, Kengne-Nde C, Mbaga DS, Tchatchouang S, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Lontuo Fogang R, Zeuko’o Menkem E, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Bowo-Ngandji A, Nkie Esemu S, Ndip L. Epidemiology of yellow fever virus in humans, arthropods, and non-human primates in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010610. [PMID: 35867659 PMCID: PMC9307179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Yellow fever (YF) has re-emerged in the last two decades causing several outbreaks in endemic countries and spreading to new receptive regions. This changing epidemiology of YF creates new challenges for global public health efforts. Yellow fever is caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV) that circulates between humans, the mosquito vector, and non-human primates (NHP). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we review and analyse data on the case fatality rate (CFR) and prevalence of YFV in humans, and on the prevalence of YFV in arthropods, and NHP in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Web of Science, African Journal Online, and African Index Medicus databases. We included studies reporting data on the CFR and/or prevalence of YFV. Extracted data was verified and analysed using the random effect meta-analysis. We conducted subgroup, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analyses using the random effect meta-analysis while I2 statistic was employed to determine heterogeneity. This review was registered with PROSPERO under the identification CRD42021242444. The final meta-analysis included 55 studies. The overall case fatality rate due to YFV was 31.1% (18.3–45.4) in humans and pooled prevalence of YFV infection was 9.4% (6.9–12.2) in humans. Only five studies in West and East Africa detected the YFV in mosquito species of the genus Aedes and in Anopheles funestus. In NHP, YFV antibodies were found only in members of the Cercopithecidae family. Our analysis provides evidence on the ongoing circulation of the YFV in humans, Aedes mosquitoes and NHP in SSA. These observations highlight the ongoing transmission of the YFV and its potential to cause large outbreaks in SSA. As such, strategies such as those proposed by the WHO’s Eliminate Yellow Fever Epidemics (EYE) initiative are urgently needed to control and prevent yellow fever outbreaks in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gael Oyono
- Centre for Research on Health and Priority Pathologies, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Parasitology and Ecology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- * E-mail:
| | - Ngu Njei Abanda
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Nde
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
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13
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Militao EMA, Salvador EM, Uthman OA, Vinberg S, Macassa G. Food Insecurity and Health Outcomes Other than Malnutrition in Southern Africa: A Descriptive Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:5082. [PMID: 35564477 PMCID: PMC9100282 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Food insecurity (FI) is one of the major causes of malnutrition and is associated with a range of negative health outcomes in low and middle-income countries. The burden of FI in southern Africa is unknown, although FI continues to be a major public health problem across sub-Saharan Africa as a whole. Therefore, this review sought to identify empirical studies that related FI to health outcomes among adults in southern Africa. Altogether, 14 publications using diverse measures of FI were reviewed. The majority of the studies measured FI using modified versions of the United States Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Survey Module. A wide range in prevalence and severity of FI was reported (18-91%), depending on the measurement tool and population under investigation. Furthermore, FI was mostly associated with hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. Based on the findings, future research is needed, especially in countries with as yet no empirical studies on the subject, to identify and standardize measures of FI suitable for the southern African context and to inform public health policies and appropriate interventions aiming to alleviate FI and potentially improve health outcomes in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias M A Militao
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique
| | - Elsa M Salvador
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Eduardo Mondlane University, 3453 Julius Nyerere Avenue, Maputo 257, Mozambique
| | - Olalekan A Uthman
- Warwick Centre for Global Health, Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Stig Vinberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Gloria Macassa
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Mid Sweden University, Holmgatan 10, 851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Sports Science, Faculty of Occupational and Health Sciences, University of Gävle, Kungsbacksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
- EPI Unit, Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas 135, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
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14
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Determinants of Household Nutrition Security in Countries in Protracted Crisis: Evidence from South Sudan. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Undernutrition is a considerable challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in countries affected by a protracted crisis, but the literature lacks information on the underlying mechanisms influencing micro- and macronutrients, and appropriate analytical tools are needed to assist policymakers and implementers. The paper contributes to filling this gap, focusing on the Western Bahr el Ghazal state in South Sudan and using primary data collected in May–June 2019 for a statistically representative sample of households. The literature typically uses one micro- or macronutrient as a proxy of nutritional status. On the contrary, the study applied a MANCOVA with an artificial dependent variable, including protein, vitamin A, and heme iron, in a single experiment to discover the variables that better explain household nutritional status. Dietary diversity explains the largest proportion of variance in household nutritional status. The importance of the variables in explaining the variance in the specific micro- and macronutrients depends on the explanatory variable. Therefore, the results suggest the possible misinterpretation of undernutrition using one nutrient. Moreover, they highlight the importance of a multisectoral approach to the problem with a central role played by agriculture and the urgency of the reinforcement of the humanitarian–development–peace nexus to improve household nutrition security in South Sudan.
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