Anthropometric Measurements Of Children Research Articles

The double burden of malnutrition in a rural health and demographic surveillance system site in South Africa: a study of primary schoolchildren and their mothers

BackgroundIn South Africa, the occurrence of the double burden of malnutrition is on the rise at a household level predisposing children and their mothers to negative health outcomes. However, few studies have been conducted at a household level. Therefore, we studied a double burden of malnutrition using child-mother pairs in a rural setting.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among 508 child-mother pairs selected from primary schools using a multistage sampling in a rural Dikgale Health and Demographic Site in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Anthropometric measurements of children and mothers, and socio-demographic data were collected. WHO AnthroPlus was used to generate body-mass-index z-scores of children and the BMI was used to indicate overweight and obesity among the mothers. Mann Whitney test was used to compare the means of variables between sexes and age groups, while the prevalence of thinness and overweight/obesity were compared using a chi-square. Multivariate logistic regression with a stepwise backward elimination procedure, controlling for confounding, was used to determine the association between the thinness and overweight/obesity and the covariates.ResultsTwenty five percent (25%) of the children were thin, 4% were overweight and 1% obese, while mothers were overweight (27.4%) and 42.3% obesity (42.3%) were observed among the mothers. The odds of being thin were higher in boys than in girls (AOR = 1.53, 95%CI: 1.01–2.35). Overweight/obese mothers were more likely to have thin children (AOR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.01–2.18) and less likely to have overweight/obese children (AOR = 0.18, 95%CI: 0.07–0.46).ConclusionA double burden of malnutrition was observed on a household level with thinness among children and overweight/obesity among mothers. A need to address the dual problems of undernutrition and rapidly rising trends of overweight/obesity cannot be over-emphasized.

Experiencia de voluntariado internacional y trabajo fin de grado de estudiantes de Medicina

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to evaluate the volunteering experience in medical students in a developing country and to determine the possibility of performing a final degree project (FDP), such as analysing the nutritional status and the factors related to child malnutrition in Ethiopia. Material and methodsThe activities of volunteering experience were recorded. A survey was carried out to evaluate the volunteer experience. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a nutritional survey and anthropometric measurements in children from a rural area of Ethiopia. The type and degree of malnourishment was assessed by calculating the Waterloo weight (IWp) and height (IWt) indices, and their association with socio-demographic and family factors, disease history, and nutrition. ResultsAll aspects of the quality assessment survey of the volunteer experience were positively assessed (score equal to or higher than 3 out of 5) by the participants. Students were able to perform the FDP during the volunteer period. A total of 58 children (50% males) with a median age of 16 months were studied, of which 39.6% suffered from acute malnutrition and 51.6% chronic malnutrition. The IWp was higher in children under one year of age (P=.002). ConclusionsVolunteer activities are useful, both for professional training and the personal development of medical students, with participating being very well valued. The volunteer experience can be used to perform the Medicine FDP. The results of the study show a high prevalence of infant malnutrition in the rural area of Ethiopia.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Nonclassic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Objective: Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) is a late-onset milder form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia that differs dramatically from the classic form. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in pediatric patients with the sole diagnosis of NCCAH has not been determined; therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine whether HRQOL is compromised in comparison to the general population. Methods: Single-center, cross-sectional, case-control study. Twenty-three hydrocortisone-treated children and adolescents (7 males) diagnosed with NCCAH by cosyntropin stimulation test and CYP21A2 gene mutation analysis were recruited to this study; 6 healthy siblings were also recruited. HRQOL was assessed by the child and parent-proxy PedsQL Inventory and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. HRQOL scores of NCCAH subjects were compared with known standards from the U.S. and Israeli general healthy populations. Anthropometric measurements of children and parents were performed and compared between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated. Results: HRQOL scores of the participants and parents did not differ between NCCAH subjects and healthy siblings. The HRQOL emotional domain scores of the NCCAH patients and parent were significantly lower than the healthy U.S. pediatric population (P = .046) but not different from established standards of the healthy Israeli population (P = .583). Anthropometric measurements were within the normal range and did not differ between NCCAH subjects and their siblings. Total, school functioning, and psychosocial HRQOL domain scores were positively correlated with body mass index-standard deviation score in NCCAH subjects. Conclusion: HRQOL was not adversely affected by NCCAH among adequately treated children and adolescents. Abbreviations: BMI = body mass index; CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia; HRQOL = health-related quality of life; NCCAH = nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia; PedsQL = Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; SDS = standard deviation score.

Clinical Features of Girls with Turner Syndrome in a Single Centre in Malaysia.

ObjectivesDiagnosis of Turner syndrome in Malaysia is often late. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the wide clinical variability in this condition. In our study, we aim to examine the clinical features of all our Turner patients during the study period and at presentation.MethodologyThis was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-four (34) Turner patients were examined for Turner-specific clinical features. The karyotype, clinical features at presentation, age at diagnosis and physiologic features were retrieved from their medical records.ResultsPatients with 45,X presented at a median age of 1 month old with predominantly lymphoedema and webbed neck. Patients with chromosome mosaicism or structural X abnormalities presented at a median age of 11 years old with a broader clinical spectrum, short stature being the most common presenting clinical feature. Cubitus valgus deformity, nail dysplasia and short 4th/5th metacarpals or metatarsals were common clinical features occurring in 85.3%-94.1% of all Turner patients. Almost all patients aged ≥2 years were short irrespective of karyotype.ConclusionAlthough short stature is a universal finding in Turner patients, it is usually unrecognised till late. Unlike the 45,X karyotype, non-classic Turner syndrome has clinical features which may be subtle and difficult to discern. Our findings underscore the importance of proper serial anthropometric measurements in children. Awareness for the wide spectrum of presenting features and careful examination for Turner specific clinical features is crucial in all short girls to prevent a delay in diagnosis.

Peer Counseling Promotes Appropriate Infant Feeding Practices and Improves Infant Growth and Development in an Urban Slum in Bangladesh: A Community-Based Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACTBackgroundUndernutrition and poor cognitive development affect many children in developing countries. Good nutrition and health care are essential for optimal child development and growth.ObjectivesWe assessed the impact of peer counseling combined with psychosocial stimulation on feeding practices and child growth and development in slums in Bangladesh.MethodsWe performed a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial in selected slums; 350 mother–infant pairs were allocated to receive peer counseling on feeding practices plus psychosocial stimulation (PC + PCS; n = 175) or usual health messages (control; n = 175) using restricted randomization. Data were collected at enrollment and 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 12 mo after delivery. We collected data on infant and young child feeding practices and anthropometric measurements from birth until 12 mo to assess the main outcomes, including feeding practices and growth. We used the Bayley Scale III at 12 mo to assess child development. The effects of the PC + PCS intervention were assessed by using regression models.ResultsMore mothers in the PC + PCS group than in the control group reported early initiation of breastfeeding (in the first hour: 89% compared with 78%, respectively; P < 0.05) and exclusive breastfeeding at 5 mo (73% compared with 27%, respectively; P < 0.001). Peer counseling had positively impacted infant length gain at 12 mo (P < 0.005). Children in the PC + PCS group were found to be more socially and emotionally active compared with controls at 12 mo (standardized score: 0.165 compared with −0.219, respectively; P < 0.05).ConclusionCombining peer counseling with psychosocial stimulation had positive effects on infant feeding practices and growth at 12 mo and on the social–emotional development of young children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrial.gov as NCT03040375.

Relationships of maternal body mass index and plasma biomarkers with childhood body mass index and adiposity at 6years: The Children of SCOPE study.

Maternal obesity has been implicated in the origins of childhood obesity through a suboptimal environment in-utero. We examined relationships of maternal early pregnancy body mass index (BMI), overweight/obesity, and plasma biomarkers of obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance, and placental function with measures of childhood BMI and adiposity. BMI z-score, sum of skinfold thicknesses (SST), body fat percentage (BFP, by bioelectrical impedance), and waist, arm, and hip circumferences were measured in 1173 6-year-old children of nulliparous pregnant women in the Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study, New Zealand. Relationships of maternal early pregnancy (15weeks' gestation) BMI and biomarkers with these childhood anthropometric measures were assessed by linear regression, with appropriate adjustment. 28.1% of mothers were classified as overweight and 10.1% with obesity; compared with normal weight mothers, the BFP of their children were 5.3% higher (0.16 SD [95% CI, 0.04-0.29] p=.01) and 7.8% higher (0.27 [0.08-0.47] p=.006) with comparable values for BMI z-score and arm, waist, and hip circumferences. Early pregnancy maternal BMI and plasma placental growth factor (PlGF) were associated with higher child's SST, BMI z-score, hip circumference, and BFP. None of the metabolic or inflammatory maternal biomarkers were associated with childhood obesity. In this contemporary large prospective cohort study with extensive maternal/childhood phenotyping and a high prevalence of maternal overweight/obesity, we found independent relationships of maternal early pregnancy BMI with childhood BMI and adiposity; similar associations were observed with PlGF, which may imply a role for placenta function in the developmental programming of childhood obesity risk.

Change of Stunting, Wasting and Overweight Among Children Under 5 in China During 2000–2010 (P11-099-19)

ObjectivesTo describe the change of children under 5 years old that are stunted, wasted or overweight without overlapping status in China during 2000–2010. MethodsData from 2000, 2005, and 2010 were sourced from the National Food and Nutrition Surveillance System. About 16 000 children under 5 years old were selected using a stratified random cluster method from 40 surveillance sites. Anthropometric measurements for children under 5 were conducted. Nutritional status was determined according to WHO child growth standards (2006). Stunting, wasting and overweight is defined as HAZ < -2 SD, WHZ < -2 SD and WHZ > + 2SD respectively. ResultsThe prevalence of wasting only remained less than 3%(2.05%, 2.55%, and 2.03%); the prevalence of stunting only declined from 18.70% in 2000 to 8.77% in 2010; the prevalence of overweight only increased from 2.56% in 2000 to 5.62% in 2010; the prevalence of stunting, wasting or overweight declined from 24.55% in 2000 to 17.60% in 2010; the same trends were found in urban and rural areas during 2000–2010. ConclusionsThe prevalence of stunting is decreasing, and childhood overweight has increased dramatically in China that need for effective interventions. Funding SourcesUnicef China Office; Ministry of Science and Technology, Special survey of basic science and technology resources 2017FY101107.

1356-P: Comparison of Serum Adipokines and Anthropometric Measures in Children with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and Obesity

Obesity or overweight occur in 40% of U.S. youth with T1D. While BMI is used to define obesity, it may not accurately reflect excess adiposity, which correlates better with metabolic dysfunction. However, it is difficult to measure adiposity without a research setting. In contrast, adipokines, which are produced by the adipose tissue, can be measured in serum. We aimed to analyze, in youth with T1D and obesity, the relationships of serum adipokines with measures of adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors. We studied participants in the T1D Exchange Metformin Study with a serum sample obtained before randomization (n=61, mean age=8.0 years [SD=3.0], 27.9% male, 82.0% non-Hispanic white, mean BMI percentile=99.0 ([SD=1.0], mean BMI Z-score=2.7 [SD=0.78], mean % of the 95th BMI percentile (%95th BMI pctle)=134.6 [SD=20.0]). We measured serum levels of adipokines and inflammatory markers. We studied the correlations between DEXA scan-derived measures of adiposity (e.g., % body fat) with adipokines (e.g., leptin, adiponectin) or anthropometric measures (e.g., % 95th BMI pctle [recommended measure for extreme obesity], BMI-Z score). DEXA % body fat was significantly correlated with % 95th BMI pctle (r=0.494, p&amp;lt;0.0001) or leptin (r=0.467, p=0.0002), without statistical difference between these two correlations (p = 0.857). The correlation between % body fat and BMI Z-score was weaker (r=0.29, p=0.0270). Higher adiponectin was correlated with cardiovascular protective factors, such as lower systolic blood pressure (p=0.039) and higher HDL cholesterol (p=0.001), while neither % 95th BMI pctle nor BMI Z-score were. Children with high adiponectin (&amp;gt;26.5 mg/L, distribution mean) were less likely to have high CRP &amp;gt;6 mg/L (1.6%) vs. children with low adiponectin (23.0%, p&amp;lt;0.05). Serum adipokines levels could be used as more convenient markers of adiposity than BMI measures, and potentially become therapeutic targets to improve clinical outcomes in children with T1D and obesity. Disclosure M.J. Redondo: None. X. Gu: None. S. Sisley: Advisory Panel; Self; Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, Inc. M. Tosur: None. A.F. Siller: None. M. Bondy: None. S. Devaraj: None.

A Seven Day Healthy Summer Camp Improved Body Composition And Lipid Profile In Obese Children

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of lipid profile and anthropometric measures in obese children based on a seven day participation at a health education camp (KIDS). METHODS: Twenty children were enrolled in the KIDS (12 girls; 8 boys; 9.97±1.27 yrs.; 52.5±10.3 kg; 143.6±10.94 cm). The KIDS team was composed by a Physical Educator, Nutritionist, Psychologist, Physiologist and a Pedagogue which developed the multidisciplinary activities for parents and children. The parents attended the KIDS on the first two days to raise awareness about the healthy habits for the whole family. The children stayed for another five days. The blood sample for lipid profile and anthropometric data were collected before and after KIDS. The Student t test was applied to compare pre and post KIDS data. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The results are presented at table 1.Table 1: - Anthropometric data and lipids profile (Mean±SD) before and after seven-day KIDS (n=20).CONCLUSIONS: A seven-day health educational summer camp with multidisciplinary team and parent involvement induced a significant improvement in the lipid profile and anthropometric data of obese children. Financial support: CNPq # 430012/2016-0

Seasonal variations in household food insecurity and dietary diversity and their association with maternal and child nutritional status in rural Ethiopia

Food availability and access are strongly affected by seasonality in rural households in Ethiopia. However, relationships between household food insecurity indicators and dietary diversity and nutritional status of reproductive age mothers and their young children are unclear. A longitudinal study was conducted among 800 farming households in lowland and midland agro-ecological zones of rural Ethiopia in pre and post-harvest seasons. A structured interview, which included measures of three food access indicators − household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS), household dietary diversity score (HDDS) and household food consumption score (HFCS) − was conducted. Additionally, a subset of 183 households was selected for assessment of indicators of nutritional status including maternal and child dietary diversity and anthropometric measurements for children 6–23 months of age. Magnitudes of household food insecurity indices were high by international standards, particularly during the lean season (pre-harvest). Using correlation, Chi square and multivariable regression models, HFCS in both seasons was related to maternal body mass index and haemoglobin, and weight-for-length of their children. HDDS was associated in the post-harvest season with haemoglobin level of the mothers, and weight-for-length of their children. HFCS was a better predictor of nutritional status of mothers and children in both the food surplus and lean seasons, while HDDS was a better predictor of maternal and child nutritional status post-harvest. It is recommended that nutritional interventions should therefore focus on household food insecurity as well as targeting the individual nutritional status of mothers and children.

Diferencias antropométricas de escolares de 5 y 6 años en colegio público y privado, Chile 2015

Introducción: La obesidad infantil representa un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Chile presenta una de las tasas más altas de prevalencia de obesidad infantil de Latinoamérica. Localmente, hay pocos estudios que muestran las diferencias entre colegios públicos y privados en relación a parámetros de peso, talla y perímetro de cintura en escolares. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar si existen diferencias antropométricas de niños de 5 y 6 años según el tipo de colegio.Material y métodos: Se realizó una investigación cuantitativa, descriptiva y transversal. Se constituyó una muestra no probabilística de 195 niños de 5 y 6 años, los cuales 55 corresponden a colegio público y 140 a colegio privado. Resultados: En la valoración antropométrica de niños entre 5 y 6 años de colegios públicos y privados, los escolares en peso y talla en ambas edades no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p&gt;0,05), sin embargo, la población en conjunto, sin diferenciar en edades, fueron estadísticamente significativas en la talla (p&lt;0,05). Los valores de IMC para 5 y 6 años se encuentran bajo los puntos de corte de obesidad definidos internacionalmente y fueron estadísticamente significativas entre colegio público y privado (p&lt;0,05). En perímetro de cintura, los escolares de colegios públicos tuvieron más escolares sobre el Percentil 90, catalogado como obesidad abdominal. Sin embargo, estas diferencias encontradas no fueron estadísticamente significativas (p&gt;0,05). Conclusiones: Se evidenció menor talla (p&lt;0,05), mayor peso y mayor perímetro de cintura en escolares de colegio público en relación a privado, sin embrago dado la baja participación de colegios y diferencia de tamaño muestreal en ambos grupos, estas diferencias deben ser interpretadas con cautela.

Anthropometric measures at age 3 years in associations with prenatal and postnatal exposures to chlorophenols

BackgroundChlorophenols (CPs), suspected as endocrine disrupting chemicals, exposure during early life may contribute to body size. However, limited human data with inconsistent findings have examined the developmental effects of CPs exposure. ObjectiveTo explore associations between prenatal and postnatal CPs exposure and anthropometric parameters in children aged 3 years. MethodsA subset of 377 mother-child pairs with urinary five CP concentrations were enrolled from a prospective birth cohort. Generalized linear models were conducted to evaluate associations of CPs exposure with children's anthropometric measures. ResultsMaternal urinary 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) concentrations were significantly negatively associated with weight z scores [regression coefficient (β) = −0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.96, −0.05; p = 0.01], weight for height z scores (β = −0.54, 95% CI: -1.02, −0.06; p = 0.01) and body mass index (BMI) z scores (β = −0.53, 95% CI: -1.03, −0.03; p = 0.01) of children aged 3 years, after adjustment for potential confounders and postnatal CPs exposure. In the sex-stratified analyses, these inverse associations remained among boys, while in girls, positive associations of prenatal 2,4,6-TCP exposure with weight for height z scores and BMI z scores were observed. Postnatal exposure to 2,5-diclorophenol (2,5-DCP) was positively associated with weight z scores (β = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.50; p = 0.04), after controlling for possible confounders and maternal CPs exposure during pregnancy. Considering potential sex-specific effects, these associations were only observed in girls. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that prenatal 2,4,6-TCP exposure and postnatal 2,5-DCP exposure may have adverse and sex-specific effects on children's physical development.

Gaps in food security, food consumption and malnutrition in households residing along the baobab belt in Kenya

PurposeThis paper aims to describe food insecurity status, food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kitui and Kilifi counties of Kenya. It also explores associations between these and household socio-demographic characteristics.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study design was performed with a sample of 216 caregiver/child pairs interviewed. Tablet-based semi-structured questions were used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics of children (6-13 years) and caregivers. Food insecurity status was assessed using the household food insecurity experience scale. Information on food consumption was obtained from qualitative 24-h recall as a basis for calculating a household dietary diversity score. Data were also obtained from a non-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements of children and caregivers’ height and weight were taken to assess their nutritional status. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 24 and WHO AnthroPlus 1.0.4.FindingsThe majority (98.2 per cent) of the households were food insecurity despite 81.5 and 57.4 per cent in Kitui and Kilifi counties, respectively, owning baobab trees. About 32.1 per cent of the households had poor dietary diversity scores (< 4). The prevalence of stunting (28.6 per cent), wasting (11.6 per cent) and underweight (25 per cent) rates among children were high. A significant association was observed between the children stunting rates with their age (p = 0.027), and also with household’s food security status (p < 0.001). Of the caregivers, 14.8 per cent were underweight, 18.1 per cent were overweight and 8.8 per cent were obese. There was significant association between the nutrition status of the caregivers and gender of the children (p < 0.001) and also with stunting rates of children (p = 0.047).Originality/valueThe study provides data on the current food security status and food consumption patterns of households and nutritional status of families residing along the baobab belt in Kenya which are mostly areas of marginal agricultural potential. The findings indicate a need for appropriate dietary improvements.

Impact of omega-3 fatty acids on calorie intake and certain anthropometric measurements in children with sickle cell disease in Saudi Arabia.

The nutritional status and growth in children with sickle cell disease is compromised due to intake of diet that is low in calories as well as deficient in nutrients. Growth stunting and a low body mass index have been observed in these children. Some children exhibit pica, which is an abnormal eating pattern by ingesting things other than food, like paper, wood etc. This also was found to correlate to lower hemoglobin values. Interventions with certain essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit these children in terms of lowering their complications due to the disease. We therefore wished to see if omega-3 fatty acids exhibit positive effects on their nutritional intake and growth parameters too. Hence, we supplemented these children with omega-3 fatty acids for a period of six months. Both the male and female children with the disease significantly improved their calorific intake as well as body mass index. Also a lowering of pica status was distinctly observed.

Association between Body Mass Index, Dental Caries (DMFT&amp; PUFA) And Socioeconomic Status in 12 to 15 Year Old School Children

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between body mass index, dental caries (DMFT), untreated dental caries (PUFA) and socioeconomic status in 12 to 15 year old school children.&#x0D; Material and methods: The study sample consisted of 800 children aged 12 to 15 years, who were selected from 8 schools located in the district-Panchkula (Haryana). Intraoral examination was done for assessment of dental caries by using DMFT index (WHO, 2013).The clinical manifestations of untreated dental caries were assessed visually by using the PUFA index (2010). Socioeconomic status of children was assessed by using Kuppuswami’s socioeconomic scale 2016. After one week, anthropometric measurements of children were taken to calculate the body mass index (BMI) of children.&#x0D; Results: Among 800 school children, 503 (62.9%) children had dental caries. The body mass index (BMI) of children was weakly correlated with DMFT (r=0.285) and PUFA (r=0.109) whereas average correlation was found between BMI and SES (r= 0.424). On applying chi-square test, a statistical significant correlation was found between BMI and DMFT (p&lt;0.01), BMI and PUFA (p&lt;0.01) and BMI and SES (p&lt;0.01). SES of children was weakly correlated with DMFT (r= 0.216) but no correlation was found between SES and PUFA (r=0.052, p=0.145).&#x0D; Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant but weak positive correlation was seen between dental caries and BMI. A significantly positive correlation was found between PUFA and BMI. The severity of dental caries increased with increase in BMI. No correlation was found between PUFA and SES.

Nutritional status of children 7\u201336\u2009months old from millet consuming communities of Masindi District, Western Uganda

BackgroundSeveral national reports have indicated poor nutritional status among children from Western Uganda where millet porridge is a predominant complementary food. However, little is known about the nutritional status of 7–36 months old children from millet consuming communities of Western Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Bujenje County of Masindi District. A total of 636 children from 23 villages within Bwijanga and Budongo sub counties were randomly selected. Anthropometric measurements of children were taken. Data on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of children’s households, their dietary practices and morbidity patterns was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Emergency Nutritional Assessment (ENA) Software Version 2010 were used for analysing data. The relationship between demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of households and children’s nutritional status was determined using Chi-square tests. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between children’s nutritional status and the amount of millet porridge consumed. A p-value of < 0.05 indicated statistical significance.ResultsA proportion of 30.5% children were stunted, 11.6% underweight and 7.4% wasted. Underweight and wasting were significantly high in Budongo sub county at p = 0.044 and p = 0.005 respectively. Stunting and underweight were highest between 12 and 23 months at p = 0.005 and 0.020 respectively. Although millet porridges formed the bulk of children’s meals, they could only cater for < 60% of the recommended daily nutrient intake. Children with diarrhoea were 1.4 and 2 times likely to become stunted and underweight at p = 0.025 and 0.007 respectively. Feeding practices for children with diarrhoea were contrary to World Health Organisation’s recommendations in more than 50% of the studied children. There was a significant association between Height-for-Age Z scores, Weight-for-Height Z scores and the amount of millet porridge consumed by children (r = − 0.20, p < 0.001 and r = 0.14, p < 0.001 respectively).ConclusionsResults showed slightly higher percentages of stunted, underweight and wasted children compared to national figures. This was attributed to high incidences of diarrhoea and inadequate feeding practices especially for children 12–36 months old.

Vegetable Business and Smallholders’ Food Security: Empirical Findings from Northern Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, there have been increased efforts to promote market-oriented vegetable production. Given that food security is a crucial issue in Ethiopia, the question is whether market-oriented vegetable production will actually help farmers to become more food secure. Using a mixed methods approach, the present research gathered empirical evidence on the determinants of participation in the vegetable business and its food security impacts in the Raya Azebo district. The Heckman two-stage selection model was used to identify factors affecting participation in the vegetable business and its effects on several food security outcomes. A thematic analysis was applied to the qualitative data. The results show that a farmer’s participation in the vegetable business increased significantly with adequate household productive resources (e.g., land size and access to irrigation), cooperative memberships and access to extension services. On the other hand, the age of the head of household, the market distance and risk perceptions significantly decreased participation. Additionally, the results indicate participation in the vegetable business results not only in higher food availability and access but also in lower food variety and diet diversity scores. Participation has less of an impact on per capita kilocalorie consumption and child anthropometric measures of food security. The policy implication is that, while Ethiopia is going ahead with inclusive market-driven approaches to food security, alternative mechanisms must be put in place to address the negative impacts and to empower those living in the most vulnerable conditions.

Dental caries experience in relation to body mass index and anthropometric measurements of rural children of Nellore district: A cross-sectional study.

The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries consists of multiple contributing factors. There have been no studies documented in the literature in this part of rural India assessing the prevalence of dental caries in relation to BMI. Hence, an attempt was made to study dental caries in relation to BMI and anthropometric measurements. The aims were to study dental caries experience in relation to BMI and anthropometric measurements of rural children in Nellore district. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in Nellore city. A total of 1500 6- and 12-year-old children were examined. Dental caries was examined using the WHO dentition status criteria (1997) and 1-day diet chart was collected from each child followed by collection of anthropometric data. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's correlation test. In the present study, out of all the participants, 59.2% of low weight children, 41.3% of normal weight children, and 25.7% of overweight-obese children were having dental caries. Dental caries was more among low weight children compared to normal weight and overweight-obese children and was statistically significant. All the anthropometric measurements were positively correlated with dental caries except height for age and BMI for age. There was an inverse graded association between the height for age and BMI for age with dental caries in 6- and 12-year-old children.

Engagement in Agriculture Protects Against Food Insecurity and Malnutrition in Peri-Urban Nepal

BackgroundUrbanization is occurring rapidly in many low- and middle-income countries, which may affect households’ livelihoods, diet, and food security and nutritional outcomes. ObjectiveThe main objective of our study was to explore whether agricultural activity among a peri-urban population in Nepal was associated with better or worse food household security, household and maternal dietary diversity, and nutritional outcomes for children and women. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was administered to 344 mother–child pairs in Bhaktapur district, Nepal, including data on household agricultural practices, livestock ownership, food security, dietary diversity and expenditures, anthropometric measurements of children (aged 5–6 y), maternal body mass index (BMI), and maternal anemia. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and unadjusted odds ratios were calculated using logistic regression. ResultsOur findings suggest that in this sample, cultivation of land was associated with lower odds of child stunting (AOR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.93) and household food insecurity (AOR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.63), but not low (or high) maternal BMI or anemia. Livestock ownership (mostly chickens) was associated with lower food insecurity (AOR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.73) but not with nutrition outcomes. Women in farming households were significantly more likely to eat green leafy vegetables than were women in nonfarming households, and children living in households that grew vegetables had a lower odds of stunting than children in households that cultivated land but did not grow vegetables (AOR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.98). ConclusionsOur study suggests that households involved in cultivation of land in peri-urban Bhaktapur had lower odds of children’s stunting and of food insecurity than noncultivating households, and that vegetable consumption is higher among those households. Given Nepal’s rapid urbanization rate, more attention is needed on the potential role of peri-urban agriculture in shaping diets and nutrition.

Intra-observer reliability of the anthropometric measurements in South American children and adolescents: the SAYCARE Study

Introduction: the South American Youth/Child Cardiovascular and Environmental (SAYCARE) feasibility study aims to develop valid and reliable indicators to investigate health-related behavior and nutritional status in children and adolescents. Anthropometric measurements are one of the evaluated indicators in the study. The accuracy of the anthropometric data is very important and relies in the quality of the measurements. Objective: to describe the intra-observer reliability of ten anthropometric measurements: weight, height, circumferences (neck, arm, waist, hip) and skinfolds (triceps, subscapular, biceps and suprailiac) of children and adolescents from six South American cities: Lima, Medellin, Montevideo, Santiago, San Pablo and Teresina. Methods: prior to the study, fieldworkers from the seven centers participated in central training to ensure the application of standardized procedures in the anthropometric measurements. Intra-observer precision, technical error of measurement (TEM) and coefficient of reliability (R) were estimated for each measurement. Results: reliability of weight and height was above 99% in almost all cities. TEM for skinfold thickness was below 1.4 mm in children and 2.13 mm in adolescents, while reliability was above 95% in most of the skinfold measurements. TEM for circumferences was below 1.8 cm in children and 0.64 cm in adolescents, while reliability was above 99% in almost all circumferences. Conclusions: reliability of the anthropometric measurements in this study was high. In comparison with similar European or American studies, the reliability of the measurements taken in our study was, in most cases, similar or even higher.