Children In Rural Communities Research Articles

Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis, Intestinal Schistosomiasis and Malaria Co-Infections among Children in Rural Communities Around Rwasave and Cyarwa Valleys

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, schistosomiasis and malaria remain a threat in developing countries, especially to people living in rural areas near large water bodies, valleys or swamps whose daily life activities revolve around those areas. In addition, these parasites affect different groups of people especially those in contact with their breeding sites including children mostly due to their developing immunity compared to that of old people. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted in rural communities near the Rwasave and Cyarwa valleys, with 124 school-aged children participating. Stool samples were tested for the presence of STH eggs and intestinal Schistosoma parasites using the Kato Katz technique, and thick blood smears were made to aid in the identification of plasmodium species in blood. The threshold intensity of infection on STHs and Schistosoma sp. was estimated by counting their eggs microscopically, which aided in classifying infections as light, moderate, or heavy according to WHO standards. Furthermore, Plasmodium species were identified by the presence of schizonts, trophozoites, or gametocytes on Giemsa-stained thick blood smears, and parasitic density was calculated as a result. Results: In this study, the highest prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis was 12.7% in Cyarwa valley compared to 12.5% in Rwasave valley. The highest prevalence of Schistosomiasis was 3.2% in Cyarwa valley compared to 1.3% in Rwasave valley. Prevalence of malaria in Cyarwa valley was 3.3% in 63 children. Where children infected were only males falling in 5-8 age group. Conclusion: Results showed high prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis which was 12.7% in Cyarwa compared to 12.5% in Rwasave valley especially in children aged 5-8, this due to poor sanitation (P<0.001) that have assessed. Surprisingly, Cyarwa valley is located nearby town. Whereas malaria, intestinal schistosomiasis was low and there were not significantly associated with their risk factors with p-values 0.4, 0.092 respectively which can show that, preventive measures that have been established by government of Rwanda have positive impacts. Furthermore, there was a low prevalence of soil transmitted helminthiasis, intestinal schistosomiasis and malaria co-infection. Keywords: soil transmitted helminthiasis, intestinal schistosomiasis, malaria.

A brief bout of moderate intensity physical activity improves preadolescent children's behavioral inhibition but does not change their energy intake.

Children in rural communities consume more energy-dense foods relative to their urban peers. Identifying effective interventions for improving energy intake patterns are needed to address these geographic disparities. The primary aim of this study was to harness the benefits of physical activity on children's executive functioning to see if these improvements lead to acute changes in eating behaviors. In a randomized crossover design, 91 preadolescent (8-10y; M age = 9.48 ± 0.85; 50.5% female; 85.7% White, 9.9% Multiracial, 9.9% Hispanic) children (86% rural) completed a 20-minute physical activity condition (moderate intensity walking) and time-matched sedentary condition (reading and/or coloring) ~ 14 days apart. Immediately following each condition, participants completed a behavioral inhibition task and then eating behaviors (total energy intake, relative energy intake, snack intake) were measured during a multi-array buffet test meal. After adjusting for period and order effects, body fat (measured via DXA), and depressive symptoms, participants experienced significant small improvements in their behavioral inhibition following the physical activity versus sedentary condition (p = 0.04, Hedge's g = 0.198). Eating behaviors did not vary by condition, nor did improvements in behavioral inhibition function as a mediator (ps > 0.09). Thus, in preadolescent children, small improvements in behavioral inhibition from physical activity do not produce acute improvements in energy intake. Additional research is needed to clarify whether the duration and/or intensity of physical activity sessions would produce different results in this age group, and whether intervention approaches and corresponding mechanisms of change vary by individual factors, like age and degree of food cue responsivity.

Nutritional status assessment of 6-59 months age children in rural Yadgir, Karnataka state, India

Background: Childhood undernutrition contributes to childhood diseases and is a major cause of child mortality in India. According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 32% under-five children in India were under-weight, and 36% were stunted. In Karnataka, the prevalence of underweight among under-five children was 33% and stunting 35%. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional status of under five-years children in rural communities. Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted among 1887 under-five children from rural Yadgir, Karnataka. Weight and height of children were measured using standard protocols. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software version 3.2.2.1 was used for analyzing data. Children whose Z-scores on weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height indices were below -2SD from the median of the WHO reference population were considered as underweight, stunted, and wasted respectively. Results: The result revealed that 53.6% of children were stunted, 39.4% were underweight and 15.3% were wasted. Severe forms of underweight, stunting and wasting were observed among 9.4%, 24.2% and 4% children respectively. The frequency of being underweight and stunted has increased with age, which was accelerated after 6 months and about 34% and 52% of children were underweight and stunted by the age 12-23 months. While wasting was higher among children aged 6-11 (24.2%) months than their counterparts. Conclusions: Special attention is required to reduce nutrition vulnerability among young children (12-24 months). An appropriate strategy needs to be implemented to educate rural mothers on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic and children’s engagement with learning in rural Sierra Leone

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic caused worldwide educational disruption. This paper addresses a gap in the literature relating to the impact of the pandemic on learning experiences of children in rural communities in the Global South, particularly in earlier years of schooling. Children in these communities are at considerable disadvantage in comparison to their urban peers due to poor school infrastructure and challenges in recruitment and retention of teachers. Drawing on a mixed-methods study of primary school children, their teachers and families in rural Sierra Leone, both during and immediately after school closures, the paper highlights how primary schools and their communities responded to the pandemic and how this influenced children’s engagement with their learning. While national planning focused on pandemic control measures and provision of some remote learning support, findings highlight challenges for poor rural communities in accessing basic learning supports and the consequent disruption to children’s education.

Examining The Fundamental Role of School Gardening Programme and Its Impact on Malnutrition in South African Rural Communities

The notion of malnutrition remains the world’s most serious health problem and the single biggest contributor to child mortality. Although food gardens are not specifically mentioned, they have the potential to provide support for malnourished and sick people including children and adults and potentially provide nutritional diversity to support complementary feeding. This study aims to examine the role of the school gardening Programme and its impact on malnutrition in South African rural communities. Data reveals that many children in the rural communities of South Africa suffer from malnutrition and they are experiencing several health consequences. Moreover, this is common among the children at most primary and secondary schools. Therefore, the lack of economic resources, and absence of information regarding nutrition, and inadequate breastfeeding increase the chances and number of malnourished children in rural communities. This is a conceptual or abstract paper whereby the authors relied merely on secondary data and government documents in writing and achieving the set goals and objectives. The study concludes that school gardening programs have the potential to play a fundamental role in addressing malnutrition in South African rural communities. By providing learners with access to fresh produce, nutrition education, and promoting environmental sustainability, these programs can have a positive impact on the health and well-being of students and their communities.

RISK FACTORS OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTION AMONG UNDER FIVE CHILDREN IN RURAL COMMUNITY OF NORTH DELHI

Introduction: Children are mankinds seeds for the future and God given gift or hope. They deserve the almost care from us. Children are as a clay material. Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a serious public health issue especially in developing nations like India where the majority of people are impoverished, live in slums and exposed to deadly diseases. Children under the age of five are particularly vulnerable to infection at an early stage. So, for the maintenance of best healthy status of children and identification of risk factors of acute respiratory infection among under five children is essential. Aim:To explore risk factors of acute respiratory infection among under five children in rural community of NorthDelhi region Methodology:An exploratory research design was adopted for this study. A total 430 one to five years age of children were selected with the help of consecutive sampling technique in randomly selected villages of North Delhi region. Semi structured interview schedulewas used for data collection. Results: The prevalence of acute respiratory infection was 35% (150 out of 430 children). It was identified that preterm delivery, Low birth weight, birth order of children, overcrowding in the house, indoor smoking, smoky fuel used for cooking, house location near by dusty main road, open drainage system, Family history of respiratory infection leading to cause of occurrence of ARI among children. Conclusion: Multivariate factors are responsible for acute respiratory infection among children which can be modified to prevent morbidity and mortality rate of under five children due to acute respiratory infection.

Parental oral health knowledge and plaque index of their children in rural communities of Armenia

Abstract Background While the prevalence of oral diseases in high-income countries is decreasing, the opposite is true in low and middle-income countries. Parental awareness about oral health has been shown to be an important contributor to children's oral health. This study evaluated the association between parental oral health knowledge and the oral health status of their children aged 6-10 years in two rural communities of Armenia. Methods This cross-sectional study included two main components: telephone survey among parents measuring sociodemographic, oral health knowledge, and behavioral variables, and clinical examination of children's oral health. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify the adjusted association between parental oral health knowledge score and children's oral health measured by plaque index. Results A total of 400 pairs of parents and children participated in the study. The mean plaque index among children was 3.1 (out of the maximum 5.0), demonstrating abundant coverage of teeth with plaque. The mean parental knowledge score was 6.9 (out of the maximum 9.0), indicating above-average oral health awareness. The items with the lowest proportion of correct responses were the belief that caries is preventable, the importance of daily flossing, and using fluoride-added toothpaste/water for preventing caries, with 75.1%, 60.4%, and 59.9% of correct answers respectively. The multivariable analysis found negative association between parental oral health knowledge score and children's plaque index (B= -0.24, p = 0.039), when controlling for other significant variables. Conclusions The study confirmed the importance of parental oral health knowledge for the oral health of their children and highlighted the knowledge gaps that should be addressed. The high prevalence of dental plaque among the children emphasized the need for complex interventions, including educational activities, preventive clinical procedures, and improved access to dental care. Key messages • In two rural communities of Armenia, there was a clear link between parental oral health knowledge and oral health status of their primary schoolchildren measured by plaque index. • Well-focused educational interventions targeting parents of primary schoolchildren combined with children’s better access to dental care are recommended for improving their oral health.

Rural-urban differences in social and emotional protective factors and their association with child health and flourishing.

Children in rural communities experience higher mortality rates and less access to health care services than those in urban communities. Protective factors like social support also vary by geography, but their contribution to differences in child health is understudied. Understanding geographic variation in protective health factors could provide insight into their impact on health and guide future intervention strategies. To examine protective factors' association with child flourishing and child health status in rural and urban communities. Publicly available data from the National Survey of Children's Health, 2018-2021, with nonmissing geographic data (N = 150,493) were used to assess the relationship between protective factors and child flourishing and health by rurality. Multivariate survey-weighted probit models examined these relationships, adjusting for child and caregiver characteristics. More than a third of children were not flourishing, according to parental report. An estimated 62% of rural children were flourishing compared to 66% of urban children (P<0.001). Urban caregivers also were more likely to report better adult mental and physical health status. Nevertheless, rural children were reported to receive more social support than urban children, while their caregivers reported more emotional support and living in supportive and safe neighborhoods (P<0.001). Rural caregivers reported more support from places of worship and less from counselors/other mental health care providers than urban caregivers. Despite higher reported caregiver emotional support and child social support, fewer rural children are flourishing. Health systems and community organizations able to leverage these existing social and emotional protective factors in rural communities could help close this gap.

Unilateral visual impairment: impact on binocular function of school children in rural communities of Saki-East, Southwest Nigeria

PurposeThis study was designed to determine the impact of unilateral visual impairment or blindness on binocular visual function in children. MethodsA multistage, cross-sectional study was conducted among primary and secondary school students in the Saki-East Local Government Area of Oyo State between May and July 2021. Unilateral visual impairment was defined as presenting visual acuity <+0.3 LogMAR. Stereopsis, contrast sensitivity and peripheral visual fields were assessed with the Titmus fly test chart, Mars Contrast sensitivity chart and Lister perimeter respectively. Chi-squared test and Logistic regression were performed to assess the association between the degree of unilateral visual impairment and the other independent variables. ResultsFifty-one of 3671 (1.4%) children had unilateral visual impairment or blindness. The mean age was 10.7 ± 3.6 years. Stereopsis was weak or absent in 38 (74.5%) participants, contrast sensitivity values were impaired in 50 (98%) participants, and 29 (61.7%) participants had constricted peripheral visual fields. The level of stereopsis of participants worsened with increasing severity of the unilateral visual impairment, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.001). ConclusionChildren with unilateral visual impairment had poor binocular function. This correlated with stereopsis, worse in participants with severe visual impairment.

Using Plan, Do, Study, Act Cycles to Improve a Maternal Self-Care Intervention With Audience Input.

Maternal self-care, including healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management behaviors, is influenced by environmental, social, and individual factors. Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Cycling is an effective quality improvement process using rapid cycling to refine interventions to fit audience-specific contexts and to address socioecological influences on behavior change. To refine components of the Healthy EnviROnmentS Self-Care intervention, a mindful self-care program for mothers of preschool-aged children in rural communities, PDSA cycles were used to examine: (A) acceptability of content, (B) suitability of implementation strategies, and (C) feasibility of digital supports across three stages of program development. Stage 1 included a group discussion with an expert panel (n = 8). Stage 2 used brief interviews and group discussion with a convenience sample (n = 5). Stage 3 included in-depth interviews with the focal population (n = 6). In-depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a directed approach, and data were compiled from group discussion notes and assessed for congruence and analyzed for emergent themes. PDSA cycles relating to content led to the addition of activities to introduce mindfulness and foster social support and the revision of handouts. Implementation strategies were refined with respect to workshop duration, activity order, and meeting type. Digital supports resulted in refinement to the study website and tablet applications. Utilization of PDSA cycles allowed for input from the focus population at every point of intervention design and considered socioecological factors that can influence behavior change.

Feasibility of Cassava Semolina (Attiéké) as a Vehicle for Food Fortification: A Survey in Areas of Côte d'Ivoire with High Levels of Childhood Micronutrient Deficiencies

Aims: This study constitutes the first approach to a food program. It was carried out in order to make up a useful database for a nutritional intervention by evaluating the level and practices of consumption of cassava semolina (Attiéké) among school children in rural communities.&#x0D; Study Design: This study was conducted from May 14 to 21, 2021 in elementary school in six villages in an area of Côte d'Ivoire that previously had a high incidence of childhood anemia.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey collected data from first- to sixth-grade school children and aged from five to fifteen years (n = 460). Children provided data on their cassava semolina consumption in response to individual structured interviews conducted in their elementary schools and in the presence of one of their parents.&#x0D; Results: The results suggest that cassava semolina is an accessible, familiar and acceptable vehicle for food fortification to overcome nutritional deficits in children in this area. Cassava semolina is available throughout the year in this area. Children consumed an average of 95.5 g/day of cassava semolina and over three quarters of them (88.5%) had consumed this food on at least one day during the week prior to the survey. Cassava semolina was most often eaten for the midday meal (77.2%) in combination with fish (86.3%) and/or vegetables (79.1%). Finally, although cassava can be grown in this area, most children’s families (75.9%) purchased processed cassava semolina.&#x0D; Conclusion: The fortification of semolina would have high penetration in the population. However, the survey also identified a major challenge to using cassava semolina as a vehicle for micronutrient fortification. This is the shelf life of fresh cassava semolina, which is only 3 to 4 days in the absence of refrigeration.

Active Trachoma Prevalence and Related Variables among Children in a Pastoralist Community in Southern Ethiopia in 2021: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

An estimated 30% of trachoma burden is borne by Ethiopia. Data on the prevalence of active trachoma and related factors in a pastoralist population are currently lacking. Additionally, no research has been conducted in the Oromia, Guji Zone of the Liben District. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 538 children 1-9 years old in the pastoralist community of the Liben District from March 1 to April 30, 2021. A multistage systematic sampling method was applied to choose the sample. A structured questionnaire and WHO's trachoma grading scheme were used to identify active trachoma. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to determine associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated to decide the level of significance: 157 (29.2%) (95% CI: 24.9, 33.1) of children had clinical signs of active trachoma, 103 (66%) had trachomatous follicles, 41 (26%) had trachomatous intense, and 13 (8%) had both. There was an independent relationship between active trachoma and open defecation (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.75; 95% CI: 1.24, 6.09), defecating outside close to a house (AOR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.07, 6.08), not having a latrine (AOR: 3.70; 95% CI: 1.60, 8.60), children who did not wash their faces with soap (AOR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.07), and being in a widowed household (AOR: 3.26; 95% CI: 1.57, 6.63). The study's findings revealed that about one-third of the children had clinical signs of trachoma. Research indicates that trachoma is a major concern for children in rural communities. Therefore, attention to trachoma control with antibiotics, facial hygiene, and environmental sanitation is strongly encouraged.

POVERTY, INCOME, AND EDUCATIONAL LEVEL: A CASE STUDY IN BERA DISTRICT, PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Low levels of education and low income are often associated with communities located in rural areas. This is because rural communities have many constraints in obtaining education, employment opportunities, and earning a high income. This study aims to examine the factors that cause poverty in rural communities and investigate the socio-economic position and level of educational achievement of parents and children in rural communities in Bera District, Pahang, Malaysia. This study used a quantitative method for data collection. Questionnaires were administered to 100 respondents from the community living in the Bera district. Data obtained from respondents were analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software through the Chi-square method. The study found that almost 51 percent of respondents agreed that the factors that drive poverty in rural families are the low education of household heads and the income earned by household heads based on their education level. In addition, a total of 59 respondents agreed with the issue of low education standards affecting the low level of income; 74 respondents agreed with the lack of employment opportunities in rural areas; and 59 respondents agreed that the education of the household heads makes it difficult for the children to get a good and higher education. As a result, the emphasis and opportunities on education, income, and employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, must be increased more precisely.

Predisposing and reinforcing factors of undernutrition among 0- to 59-months-old children in rural communities of central Malawi

BackgroundChild undernutrition is a public health problem in Malawi. In 2015, about 23% of child mortality was linked to the phenomenon. Child undernutrition is more prevalent in rural areas and there is limited data to inform rural-specific programs. The aims of this study are to examine the prevalence and predisposing factors of undernutrition among 0–59 months-old children in rural central Malawi. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 538 child/mother dyads were systematically selected from postnatal clinics. Anthropometric assessment techniques and socio-demographic questionnaire was used to collect data. Child Z-scores for anthropometric data were calculated using Anthro v3.2.2. Logistic regressions were used to determine correlates of undernutrition. ResultsThe rates of stunting, underweight, and wasting were 42%, 11%, and 3%, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, limited access to safe water, and maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) were risk factors of child stunting (OR = 1.72, CI: 1.13–2.61) and (OR = 1.505, CI: 1.001–2.261) respectively. Child deworming, born at a low weight, and food insecurity were some of risk factors of child underweight (OR = 2.14, CI: 1.18–3.89), (OR = 2.41, CI: 1.23–4.71), and (OR = 1.89, CI: 1.01–3.51) respectively. Households that were near domestic water supply had low risk of registering wasted children (OR = 0.18, CI: 0.41–0.79). ConclusionsOnly the prevalence of child stunting is greater in central Malawi compared to national level. This study suggests that child nutrition planners in Dowa district should pay attention to water access, food security, child deworming, childbirth weight, and IPV.

Double burden of malnutrition among mothers and their under five children in rural areas of Oyo State, Nigeria

Background/Objective: Double burden of malnutrition, characterized by undernutrition among poor children and overnutrition among disadvantaged adults coexisting in the same population group or household, is a serious global problem. The objective of this study was to assess double burden of malnutrition among mothers and their under-five children in rural communities of Ibadan, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional and descriptive study adopted a two-stage random sampling to recruit 217 mother-child pairs from 18 rural communities in Ido and Akinyele Local Government Areas of Ibadan. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics and personal characteristics of mothers and their under-five children respectively. Anthropometric characteristics of mothers was obtained and their Body Mass Index (BMI) was determined using WHO classification. Children anthropometry was measured and expressed as stunting (height-for-age), wasting (weight-for-height) and underweight (weight-for-age) using WHO Anthro. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and correlation at 0.05 level of significance.&#x0D; Results: Age of mothers and under-five children were 32.3±6.2 years and 35.3±14.1 months respectively. Household size was 6.3±1.7 and 62.2% had no formal education. Underweight, overweight and obesity among mothers were 9.2%, 15.2% and 3.2%, respectively. Among children, underweight, stunting and wasting were 30.4%, 40.6% and 7.8%, respectively. Household size was significantly associated with stunting. Mothers’ BMI was positively and significantly correlated with height-for-age (r=0.173), weight-for-height (r=0.150) and weight-for-age (r=0.250) in children.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study confirms coexistence of double burden of malnutrition at household level in this rural areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. That is the concurrence of child undernutrition and maternal under and overnutrition in the same household surveyed, which was characterized by a high prevalence of undernutrition particularly stunting early in life. Therefore, a comprehensive nutritional programme that is context-specific targeted at rural women and their children should be implemented.&#x0D; Keywords: Overnutrition, Rural women, Under-five children, Nutritional status, undernutrition

Parenting Pre-teens During COVID-19 in a Rural Midwestern Community: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40653-022-00507-9.

Malaria among under-five children in rural communities of Al-Mahweet governorate, Yemen

BackgroundMalaria burden among under-five children living in endemic areas of Yemen is largely unknown due to the lack of community-based studies. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and risk factors associated with falciparum malaria among under-five children in rural communities of Al-Mahweet governorate, Yemen.MethodsThis community-based, cross-sectional study recruited 400 under-five children from two rural districts of Al-Mahweet governorate in December 2019. Demographic characteristics (gender, age, education and occupation of the child’s parents, and household size) and risk factors associated with malaria were collected through interviews with children’s caregivers using a structured questionnaire. Finger-prick blood was screened for Plasmodium falciparum and non-falciparum species using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and duplicate Giemsa-stained thick and thin blood films were examined for malaria parasites. The density of asexual P. falciparum stages was also estimated. Data were then analysed, and the agreement between the results of thick-film microscopy and RDTs for diagnosing falciparum malaria was assessed using the kappa index. Statistical significance was set at a P-value of < 0.05.ResultsPlasmodium falciparum was prevalent among 9.8% (95% CI 7.0–13.1) of under-five children in the rural communities of Al-Mahweet, with a median asexual parasite density of 763 ± 2606 parasites/μl of blood (range: 132–4280) and low-to-moderate parasitaemia levels. Approximately one-third of microscopy-confirmed cases were gametocyte carriers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis confirmed that age of three years or older (AOR = 5.6, 95% CI 1.6–19.8; P = 0.007), not sleeping under a mosquito net the previous night of the survey (AOR = 8.0, 95% CI 2.4–27.4; P = 0.001), sleeping outdoors at night (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI 2.0–10.0; P < 0.001), and absence of indoor residual spraying (IRS) during the last year (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.4; P < 0.001) were the independent predictors of falciparum malaria among under-five children in the rural communities of Al-Mahweet. The observed percentage agreement between thick-film microscopy and RDTs was 98.5%, with a very good agreement (k-index = 0.9) between the two methods for falciparum malaria diagnosis that was statistically significant.ConclusionApproximately one in ten under-five children in rural communities of Al-Mahweet is infected with P. falciparum based on microscopy and RDTs. Age of three years or older, not sleeping under mosquito nets, sleeping outdoors at night and absence of IRS can independently predict falciparum malaria among them. The very good agreement between thick-film microscopy and RDTs for diagnosing falciparum malaria in children supports the usefulness of using RDTs in such resource-limited rural communities.

Educational intervention and livestock ownership successfully improved the intake of animal source foods in 6-23 months old children in rural communities of Northern Ethiopia: Quasi-experimental study.

Animal source foods (ASFs) are rich in high-quality proteins, including essential amino acids and highly bioavailable micronutrients vital for child growth and cognitive development. But, the daily consumption of ASFs among 6-23 months old children is very low in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of nutrition education intervention to improve the consumption of ASFs among 6-23 months old children from rural communities with strict religious fasting traditions of avoiding intake of ASFs in Northern Ethiopia. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two food insecure districts namely Samre Seharti (intervention) and Tanqua Abergele (comparison). The mother-child pairs in the intervention group (n = 140) received nutrition education based on the barriers and available resources for optimal consumption of ASFs among children and followed up for nine months. The mother-child pairs in the comparison group (n = 153) received routine nutrition education. The data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. The baseline and endline data assessment included interviews on socio-demographic and socio-economic status, dietary intake, and child feeding practices. The effectiveness of the intervention was measured using the difference-in-difference (DID) analysis model. At endline, the consumption of ASFs among children was 19.5 percentage points higher in the intervention group compared with the comparison group (p = 0.008). In addition, there was a significant increase in egg consumption among children in the intervention group (DID of 16.9, p = 0.012) from the comparison group. No child was consuming meat at baseline in both the intervention and comparison arms and it was very low at endline (5.2% vs. 7.9%). Overall, the proportion of children that consumed eggs in the intervention group was higher than in the comparison group in households that owned sheep and goats (4.8% vs. 21.4%, p = 0.050) and chicken (6.3% vs. 43.8%, p = 0.002) after education interventions. However, no statistically significant difference was observed between cow ownership and milk consumption among children (p&gt;0.05). Age-appropriate educational interventions for mothers and owning small livestock in the household can improve the consumption of ASFs and eventually the minimum diet diversity of children in communities with strict religious traditions of avoiding ASFs during the fasting seasons.

Potential contribution of selected wild fish species to the minerals intake of Pregnant and Lactating Women, Children and Adults in Rural Riverine Communities of Edo State: Insights and Outcomes

Fish have become an irreplaceable food source for animal protein particularly among the socioeconomic disadvantaged and rural households in Nigeria. This study determined the nutrient profiles of fish species from Owan River and estimated their nutrients’ potential contribution to the recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for pregnant and lactating women (PLW), adults and children in rural communities along the River. Result of the nutrient composition of Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zillii showed moisture content of 68.00% and 68.75%; protein value of 16.52% and 17.62%; lipid value of 7.18% and 1.75%; and ash content of 3.56% and 4.34% respectively. Mineral contents - calcium (2.25 to 4.67 mg/100 g), iron (4.01 to 8.33 mg/100 g) and zinc (0.87 to 2.52 mg/100 g). Potential contribution to RNIs showed both fish species meet ≥ 25% of the RNI for iron and zinc in PLW, adults and children; and did not meet the ≥ 25% of the RNI for calcium in PLW, adults and children. This indicates that the fishes are significant sources of iron and zinc, but an inadequate source of calcium. There is need for increased dietary diversity among rural community households, particularly with the inclusion of rich sources of calcium. This study has provided information to guide in diet formulation and curtailing the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among rural households in Nigeria.

Geospatial determinants of maternal and child exposure to fine particulate matter in Kintampo, Ghana: Levels within the household and community, by building density and nearby roadways

Background/Aim. Personal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) from household air pollution is well-documented in Sub-Saharan Africa, but spatial patterns of exposure are poorly characterized. Our study aimed to evaluate personal exposure to PM₂.₅ when within the household and community, and during typical hours of cooking, among mothers and children in rural communities near Kintampo, Ghana. We also explored other geographic determinants of exposure. Methods. Our study included 259 sessions of geolocated, gravimetrically-calibrated one-minute PM₂.₅ measurements from participants in the GRAPHS Child Lung Function Study. Household boundaries were defined using a 50-meter buffer around participants’ homes. Community boundaries were developed by applying a spatial clustering algorithm to an open-source dataset of building footprints in Africa. For each GPS location, we estimated building density (500m buffer) and proximity to roadways (100m buffer). We estimated the percentage change in logarithm PM₂.₅ by location (household, community), time of day (morning/evening cooking hours versus nighttime), building density and proximity to roadways using linear mixed effect models. Results. Relative to nighttime household exposures, PM₂.₅ exposure during evening cooking hours increased by 175% (95CI=162-188%) and 75% (95CI=50-105%) in the household and community, respectively. Exposures were elevated in areas with the highest versus lowest quartile of building density (Q1vsQ4=28%, 95CI=14-45%). The effect of building density was strongest when modeled jointly with evening cooking hours, and influenced levels in both the household and community (64% and 82% increase from Q1 to Q4, respectively). Being proximal to a tertiary or trunk roadway increased PM₂.₅ exposure by 44% (95CI=24-67%) and 13% (95CI=4-22%), respectively. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that neighbors’ cooking and other community PM₂.₅ sources contribute substantially to personal PM₂.₅ exposure. Building density may exacerbate community exposures when multiple households are cooking simultaneously. Proximity to tertiary or trunk roadways increase personal PM₂.₅ exposure. Keywords. Air pollution; exposure assessment; spatial statistics