Dietary Diversity Research Articles

Dietary outcomes of moderately wasted children treated in a food voucher program in Cameroon’s Far North: a three-month longitudinal study

BackgroundMany interventions in Cameroon focus on addressing severe wasting rather than targeting moderate wasting, although the latter is more prevalent. The objective of the study was to evaluate dietary outcomes in a program designed to treat moderate wasting using a food voucher program (FVP) tested in the Far North, examining the factors associated with dietary outcomes.MethodsA three-month longitudinal study was carried out by an independent team of researchers within the context of a one-year humanitarian project designed to treat children with moderate wasting (middle-upper arm circumference [MUAC] measures 115–125 mm) by providing caretakers with a bi-weekly voucher to redeem for a predefined basket of foods together with essential hygiene and nutrition education. A sample of 474 children were randomly selected from the cohort enrolled in the program for inclusion in the study. Using a pre/post-test design, we evaluate the effect of the receipt of food vouchers on dietary outcomes using as indicators minimum dietary diversity (MDD) for children aged 6–23 months and dietary diversity scores (DDS) for children aged 24–53 months. Mixed logistic and linear regressions were used to identify factors from socio-demographic data and program activities (cooking demonstrations and nutrition education, perception of food safety, food basket sharing, and lasting) associated with these variables. Life table analysis was employed to assess the likelihood of achieving MDD among children aged 6–23 months.ResultsThe likelihood of children aged 6–23 months meeting MDD increased from 19.9% at the beginning of the study to 100% after 12 weeks. Among older children, average DDS increased from 3.2 at entry to 5.1 at the two-week mark and remained constant for the duration of the study. A negative perception among caregivers of the safety of redeemed food items was negatively associated with achieving MDD (adjusted RR = 0.50, p = 0.012). The consumption of food basket contents by other family members was negatively associated with DDS (adjusted coef. = 0.33, p = 0.047).ConclusionThe FVP was effective in improving the dietary diversity of MAM children aged between 6 and 59 months in Cameroon’s Far North.

Rare carnivorous mammals from a diverse fossil assemblage from the Middle Siwaliks of Haritalyangar area, Himachal Pradesh, North India

Newly collected fossil carnivoran material from the Haritalyangar and Nurpur Middle Siwalik sequences of Himachal Pradesh (India) include at least five taxa and two new species including Mustelidae (‘Martes’ lydekkeri, Circamustela bhapralensis sp. nov., Mustelidae indet.), Viverridae (Vishnuictis plectilodous sp. nov.), and Felidae (indeterminate basal Felinae). These findings include the first upper jaw material of ‘Martes’ lydekkeri, a rare mustelid known only from lower jaw specimens, suggesting potentially closer relationships with European mustelids. Additionally, we report the first identification of Circamustela from the Siwaliks of the Indian subcontinent, despite nearly two centuries of fossil collection in the region. This material represents a new species Circamustela bhapralensis sp. nov. Circamustela, originating in Europe, eventually migrated to the Indian subcontinent before its extinction, and the smaller body size of the new species may suggest a trend toward decreasing body size in this taxon. Fossil viverrid material also represents a new species, Vishnuictis plectilodous sp. nov., the youngest species yet known for the genus. This new material implies an increase in morphological complexity in the m1 of these viverrids, potentially also suggesting an increase in dietary diversity within this lineage. The new viverrid species may also represent the largest viverrid yet known. Mandibular material of a feline is also described, providing further information on the biodiversity of the fossil carnivorans in the region. These new specimens add important information to our knowledge of the ancient biodiversity of the region, the evolutionary history of several carnivoran mammals, and the carnivoran guild of southern Asia.

Minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among children of 6–23 months in rural Ethiopia 2023

Dietary diversity is a useful proxy indicator of diet quality and nutrient adequacy, which plays an important role in children’s growth and development. Meeting the standard of dietary diversity remains a challenge in developing countries. In Ethiopia, including the study area, there is limited evidence on dietary diversity and associated factors in children aged 6–23 months. Minimum dietary diversity and its associated factors among children of 6–23 months. A Community -based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April 11, 2023 to May 20, 2023 among 597 study participants. Nutrition counseling was measured through various metrics such as attendance rates, client satisfaction and feedback, the number of sessions per month or year, and the duration of each session. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by structured questionnaire, and the data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 software. Later, IBM SPSS version 27 was used to perform bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. To check for multicollinearity, the variance inflation factors (VIF) were used. The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness of fit test was used to assess model fitness. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to identify statistically significant factors at P values 0.05. The results showed that the prevalence of acceptable dietary diversity was 35.5% [95% CI 31.5, 39.7]. The study also found that factors such as equal decision-making power (AOR: 2.46, 95% CI (1, 24, 4.9)), participation in cooking demonstrations (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI (1.10, 2.363), attendance at ANC follow-ups (AOR = 5.027, 95% CI (2.02, 12.46)), have nutrition counseling (AOR = 2.450, 95% CI (1.32), 4.54), food secured family (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.8, 4.06), and child growth and development-monitoring behavior (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.24, 2.6) were significantly associated with unacceptable dietary diversity. The study found that factors such as equal decision-making power, participation in cooking demonstrations, ANC follow-ups, nutrition counseling, food security, and monitoring child growth significantly influence dietary diversity. It recommends implementing strategies to promote dietary diversity and health for children aged 6–23 months, providing nutritional information to lactating mothers, and empowering mothers to alleviate food insecurity through home gardening.

Caregiver Feeding Practices in Guinea: Implications for Infant Dietary Diversity.

The aim of this study was to assess the extent to which specific feeding styles may be associated with the diets of infants aged 6-9 months in Guinea. This study was designed to have multiple, iterative phases with methodological triangulation. During Phase 1 of data collection, direct observations (n = 10) were used to develop a tailored tool for Phase 2, during which 72 meal observations were conducted among infants aged 6-9 months to define caregiver feeding styles. Specific behaviours underlying established feeding styles were recorded at the level of the intended bite. Following each observation, infant diet diversity scores (DDS), or the number of food groups consumed in the previous 24 h, were collected. During Phase 3, we interviewed 34 caregivers to understand the drivers of their feeding styles. Caregiver feeding styles were determined using cluster analysis of observed behaviours and a linear regression was used to explore the relationship between feeding style and infant DDS. Textual data from interviews were thematically analysed to explain the drivers of feeding style. Caregivers were characterized as those using forceful (n = 12), responsive (n = 52) or uninvolved (n = 8) feeding styles. Our study found that responsive feeding was not associated with a higher DDS when controlling for child age in months. The most salient factors shaping feeding style in this setting included perception around infant and young child developmental stage, food refusals and trust in infant cues. Overall, food insecurity may need to be addressed in addition to feeding styles to improve DDS.

Recovery of the original nutritional and nutraceutical quality of different vegetables for human nutrition and health security

Vegetables are essential components of a balanced diet, providing vital nutrients and bioactive compounds that support human health and well-being. They are rich sources of vitamins, protein, minerals, dietary fiber, secondary metabolites, enzymes, and antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and polyphenols. However, modern agricultural practices, soil fertility depletion, and prolonged use of nitrogen-dominated chemical fertilizers have led to a decline in the nutritional, nutraceutical, and organoleptic quality of many vegetables. There is an urgent need to restore their original nutrient density to ensure optimal human nutrition and health security. This study examined the effects of different ratios of chemical fertilizers and organic nutrient sources, in combination with Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPMs), on the nutritional and organoleptic quality of cultivated vegetables. The results showed that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic sources in the presence of PGPMs significantly enhances nutritional and sensory attributes. Notable improvements include increased crude fat, ash, crude fiber, total sugars, calcium, iron, zinc, and manganese, along with a higher organoleptic score and antioxidant content. In conclusion, integrating organic nutrient sources with PGPMs leads to substantial improvements in nutritional density, organoleptic properties, and nutraceutical value, with a significant boost in antioxidant content. These strategies not only enhance vegetable quality but also contribute to dietary diversity and reduce nutrient deficiencies, ultimately promoting global health and food security.

Food production diversity based on food groups is associated with minimum dietary diversity and dietary diversity among lactating mothers residing in subsistence farming households in rural Kyankwanzi district, Uganda

BackgroundConsuming a variety of food groups is a proxy indicator of micronutrient adequacy among women of reproductive age (WRA). This study examined the association between minimum food group production diversity (MFGPD) and minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W); and the correlation between food group production diversity (FGPD) and women’s dietary diversity (WDD) among lactating mothers in rural Kyankwanzi district, central Uganda.MethodLactating mothers residing in subsistence farming households (HH) were recruited by systematic sampling. The outcome variables were WDD and MDD-W. A respondent scored either “1” or “0” if she consumed or did not consume any of the 10 food groups in the previous 24 h, respectively. The WDD was calculated as the total of all food group scores. The respondent was considered to have achieved MDD-W if she consumed ≥ 5 out of the 10 food groups. The main exposure variables were FGPD and MFGPD. The food groups used to classify foods on the farm were the same as the 10 food group classifications used in the MDD-W. The FGPD was calculated as the total of all food group scores on the farm. The MFGPD was achieved if the farm had ≥ 5 of the 10 food groups. The association between FGPD and WDD was tested by Poisson regression analysis. The association between MFGPD and MDD-W was tested by logistic regression analysis. A test was significant at 95% confidence interval(CI) and P value < 0.05.ResultsThere was a positive correlation between WDD and FGPD, adjusted β:0.15 (95%CI 0.13–0.16, P < 0.0001). Lactating mothers who achieved MFGPD were more likely to achieve MDD-W, adjusted odds ratio (AOR): of 8.6 (95% CI: 5.6–13.0, P < 0.0001).ConclusionThe MFGPD is positively associated with MDD-W, while WDD increases as FGPD increases among lactating mothers in the study area. Promoting food production diversity based on food groups has the potential to improve WDD and achieve MDD-W among lactating mothers in the study area.

Avian cranial kinesis is the result of increased encephalization during the origin of birds

The origin of birds represents a pivotal transition in vertebrate evolution, marked by significant changes in both brain size and feeding biomechanics. The evolution of the avian skull involved dramatic modifications, such as a segmented palate and the development of powered cranial kinesis in neognath birds. Powered kinesis, the ability to move parts of the skull independently, is considered a key innovation behind the dietary diversity and evolutionary success of birds. However, the processes driving the emergence of avian kinesis have remained unclear until recently. By analyzing data from Mesozoic birds, including reinterpretations of palate homology, 3D jaw muscle biomechanics, and linkage analysis, researchers have quantified changes in muscle forces and their effects on palate mechanics during the transition from theropods to birds. As the neurocranium expanded in non-avian theropods, temporal muscles shifted to more rostrocaudal positions in birds, aiding in the segmentation of the pterygoid. This musculoskeletal transformation increased fore-aft muscle force in neognaths, enabling powered cranial kinesis. A critical change was the separation of the epipterygoid ossification from the braincase, leading to the breakdown of primitive kinematic linkages and the development of a new basicranial joint, which allowed for greater cranial flexibility. These findings shed light on how the neurosensory and feeding systems coevolved during bird origins and offer new methods for identifying cranial kinesis in extinct vertebrates.

Comparative Diets of Invasive Blue Catfish: Differences Across Rivers and Ontogenetic Stages

ABSTRACTBlue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) are an invasive species with expanding populations in freshwater systems, posing significant ecological challenges to native fauna. To assess their potential impacts in diverse aquatic ecosystems, we examined and compared the diets of non‐native Blue Catfish from four rivers in Georgia, USA, two of which drain into the Atlantic Ocean. A total of 936 Blue Catfish were collected from the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, Oconee, and Satilla rivers, with 90.38% of stomachs containing identifiable prey. Stomach content analysis revealed that Asian Clam (Corbicula fluminea) dominated their diet in terms of number (96.76%), weight (69.33%), and to a lesser degree, frequency (36.96%). Across rivers, smaller Blue Catfish (≤ 300 mm TL) had diets with a higher relative importance of insects and vegetation. Ontogenetic dietary trends showed increasing consumption of fishes and crustaceans as fish size increased in the Altamaha, Ocmulgee, and Oconee rivers. In contrast, the Satilla River population exhibited broader dietary diversity and distinct ontogenetic shifts. Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) revealed significant differences between Blue Catfish from the Altamaha and Satilla rivers, underscoring their opportunistic feeding strategies in varying habitats. Bayesian niche overlap analysis indicated that size classes within the Altamaha and Satilla rivers had substantial intraspecific overlap, with Satilla subadults exhibiting the broadest niche (SEAB: 3.83). Factors such as prey availability, density dependence, and environmental conditions likely influence prey selection and feeding strategies in these systems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing the ecological impacts of invasive Blue Catfish in freshwater systems of North America.

Effect of social assistance and coping mechanisms on dietary diversity in rural Chad during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This paper analyzed the effects of social protection and households’ coping methods on households’ dietary diversity (HDD) in rural Chad during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in two waves from 5396 households. The results showed that majority of the households consumed cereals and 5–7 food groups. The Poisson regression showed that among other variables, receipt of food assistance, borrowed food and credit significantly (p < .05) reduced HDD, while migration and livestock sale increased it. It was concluded that social protection did not protect rural households against nutritional deficiencies during the pandemic.

Evaluation of caries experience among schoolchildren in Central African Republic

The Central African Republic, one of the world’s most fragile nations with a critically human development index, is facing escalating rates of noncommunicable diseases, including oral diseases. This study aims to comprehensively assess the oral health status of schoolchildren in Bangui, the capital city. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted during November–December 2023 on 556 schoolchildren aged 5 to 13 years old, (41.5% female and 58.5% male). Data were collected under standardized conditions (using dental mirrors, CPI probes, and headlamps) and oral health status was assessed using WHO dmft/DMFT indices. A questionnaire captured socio-economic indicators, including sex, age, school, district, household composition, parental occupation, oral hygiene, and dietary habits. Logistic regression in STATA18® identified determinants of caries experience (dmft/DMFT > 0). Schoolchildren in Bangui displayed a moderate prevalence of dental caries with a mean DMFT of 0.58 ± 1.3 and dmft of 1.92 ± 2.7. Females had lower odds of caries in deciduous teeth (OR 0.47 95%CI 0.33, 0.67). Diverse breakfast diets reduced the risk (OR 0.58 95%CI 0.42, 0.82), while snack consumption increased it (OR 1.41 95%CI 1.10, 1.80). Females had a higher prevalence of caries in permanent teeth (OR 1.47 95%CI 0.88, 2.25), and poor brushing correlated with increased caries prevalence (OR 1.33 95%CI 0.97, 1.77). The study underscores the association between caries experience and modifiable behaviours, emphasizing the vulnerability of specific populations, such as males with high snack consumption. Targeted interventions addressing these behaviours could yield significant long-term benefits. The absence of dental treatment history raises concerns about the consequences of untreated dental diseases in children.

Dietary diversity status and asset accumulation of farm households: Insights from market orientation contexts in Ethiopia

Dietary diversity status and asset accumulation of farm households: Insights from market orientation contexts in Ethiopia

The association between the dietary index for gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis: evidence from NHANES 2017–2020

BackgroundImbalance in the gut microbiota is a key factor in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis. The Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) integrates the potential relationship between diet and gut microbiota diversity. This study aims to investigate the association between DI-GM and the risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis, providing theoretical support for dietary intervention strategies.MethodsThis study utilized data from NHANES 2017–2020, including 6,181 eligible adult participants. The relationship between DI-GM and the risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis was assessed using DI-GM quartiles, multivariate logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis. Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the predictive role of DI-GM in different populations. All analyses were weighted to ensure the representativeness of the results.ResultsDI-GM was negatively associated with the risks of NAFLD and liver fibrosis. As DI-GM scores increased, the risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis significantly decreased (52.81%, 43.16%, 40.40%, and 31.98%, p < 0.05; 17.52%, 9.04%, 7.21%, and 6.78%, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that, in the unadjusted model (Model 1), for each unit increase in DI-GM, the risk of NAFLD decreased by 6.9% (OR = 0.931, 95% CI: 0.886–0.979, p < 0.001), while the risk of liver fibrosis decreased by 15.6% (OR = 0.844, 95% CI: 0.757–0.941, p < 0.05). In the quartile analysis, individuals in the highest DI-GM quartile (Q4) had a 58% lower risk of NAFLD compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1) (OR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.219–0.806, p < 0.001). The results remained significant even after adjusting for covariates. RCS analysis showed that DI-GM had a nonlinear relationship with the risks of NAFLD and liver fibrosis, with inflection points at scores of 2 and 5, indicating enhanced protective effects.ConclusionThis study reveals a negative association between DI-GM and the risk of NAFLD and liver fibrosis, highlighting the potential role of healthy dietary patterns in the prevention and management of NAFLD and liver fibrosis through gut microbiota modulation, providing a theoretical basis for dietary interventions.

Generalized structural equation modeling of direct and indirect determinants of chronic undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia: further analysis of the 2019 mini Ethiopian demographic and health survey

BackgroundDespite the global efforts and target to improve child nutrition and eliminate all forms of malnutrition by 2030, chronic undernutrition among under-five children is a major public health challenge in Ethiopia and it was 38%. The evidence of direct and indirect determinants based on the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) conceptual framework is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the direct, indirect, and total effects of determinants on chronic undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia.MethodThe study used the nationally representative weighted samples of 4,917 under-five children from the 2019 rounds of the DHS. A generalized structural equation model was used to determine the direct, indirect, and total effects of determinants on chronic undernutrition. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05.ResultThe results indicated that children whose mothers had education have a 14% low odds of chronic undernutrition (AOR = 0.96, 95% CI; 0.7, 0.99). Those in urban residences had a 20% lower odds (AOR = 0.8, 95% CI; 0.49, 0.89), and children from better wealth index had a 10% lower odds (AOR = 0.9, 95% CI; 0.63, 0.98) of chronic undernutrition. In contrast, children with deprived living standards 2.7 (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI; 2.3, 3.1), and those with inadequate minimum dietary diversity (MDD) 1.69 (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI; 1.27, 2.3) times more likely to experience chronic undernutrition. Living standards through inadequate MDD (AOR = 1.04, 95% CI; 1.001, 1.25, residence through inadequate MDD (AOR = 1.04, 95% CI; 1.006, 1.1), wealth index via inadequate MDD (AOR = 1.01, 95% CI; 1.005, 1.02), and maternal education through antenatal care (ANC) (AOR = 0.88, 95%CI; 0.67, 0.99) had indirect effects on chronic undernutrition.ConclusionThe study found out determinants like maternal education, urban residence, and better wealth index were directly reducing the likelihood of chronic undernutrition. Conversely, deprived living standards and inadequate MDD directly raised the odds of chronic undernutrition. Determinants such as deprived living standards, residence, wealth index, and maternal education indirectly affected chronic undernutrition through inadequate MDD and ANC. Therefore, the finding suggests that interventions should adopt a holistic approach that includes maternal education, wealth index, living standard, dietary diversity, and ANC for reducing chronic undernutrition among under-five children in Ethiopia.

Metabarcoding reveals striking dietary variation in a reintroduced mesocarnivore

Abstract Carnivore populations are often limited by prey availability, so knowledge of their foraging ecology is required for successful recovery efforts. Limited availability of energy-efficient, or optimal, prey can be a key determinant of the conservation status of mesocarnivores—thus investigating diet habits during reintroduction efforts can provide insights into the trajectory of a reestablishing population. The reintroduction of fishers (Pekania pennanti) in Washington state, United States, offers an opportunity to assess diet variation across reintroduction areas using high-resolution DNA metabarcoding methods. We assessed Fisher diet in 2 reintroduction sites in the Cascade Mountains of Washington (the South Cascades and the North Cascades) where fishers performed differently across multiple metrics used to measure initial reintroduction success. We had the rare opportunity to test correlations between metabarcoding relative read abundance and prey biomass consumption while fishers were fed a known diet while in captivity. We found a moderately positive, though highly variable, correlation (r = 0.47) between approximate biomass consumption of food items and relative read abundance within individual diet samples; however, we detected a strong, though statistically insignificant, correlation between relative read abundance and prey biomass when looking at the relative importance of prey groups in aggregated diet profiles (r = 0.72). We collected 300 Fisher scats and gastrointestinal tracts using telemetry and scat detection dog teams to characterize diet profiles. We found strong, positive correlations between relative read abundance and frequency of occurrence metabarcoding summaries. Hares and rabbits (Lepus americanus and Sylvilagus floridanus) were the most prevalent prey in both populations (North Cascades = 17%, South Cascades = 68%), but there were significant compositional differences between diets of the reintroduced populations. South Cascades fishers had limited prey diversity (n = 19 taxa), whereas 71 taxa were represented in the North Cascades Fisher diet. The diet composition of fishers in the South Cascades was akin to populations in the central and eastern United States, where range expansions are facilitated by access to optimally sized (&amp;gt;250 g) prey. In contrast, the diverse diet of North Cascades fishers was more similar to populations at the southernmost extent of their range (Oregon and California), where optimally sized prey is scarce and population recovery is stunted. The surprisingly high levels of dietary variation among adjacent reintroduction sites highlight the utility of diet studies in evaluating whether translocated populations are obtaining adequate resources to support population establishment and thus informing subsequent management interventions.

Emerging concepts in introducing foods for food allergy prevention.

This review focuses on the latest information regarding the role of complementary feeding practices and food allergen introduction in the prevention of food allergies. Early introduction of food allergens for food allergy prevention is recommended by food allergy prevention guidelines and is supported by the latest randomized controlled trials. Diet diversity is recommended, supported by the latest studies from Asia. A European study indicated that diet diversity after the first year of life may still be important for food allergy prevention. The latest systematic reviews indicate there may be an association between ultra-processed food intake and food allergy development. Plant based foods and fiber play an important role in modulating the gut microbiome which has been associated with reduced food allergy outcomes. However, increased intake of food allergens within a diverse diet raises questions about excessive calorie and protein intake but can be managed by focusing on infant satiety cues. The latest studies clearly indicate and further supports that introduction of food allergies should not be delayed once complementary feeding is commenced. A diverse diet is recommended to further support the prevention of food allergies.

Impact of Food Security on Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Intake Among Pregnant Women in Low-Resource Settings

Impact of Food Security on Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Intake Among Pregnant Women in Low-Resource Settings

Dietary plant diversity predicts early life microbiome maturation.

Between birth and adulthood, the human gut is colonized by a complex microbial community. Despite established links between the infant gut microbiome and health, knowledge is limited for how complementary feeding influences colonization. Using FoodSeq, an objective DNA-based dietary assessment technique, we analyzed 1,036 fecal samples from 729 children aged 0-3 years across countries in North America, Central America, Africa, and Asia. We detected a wide diversity of 199 unique plant food sequences, of which only eight staple foods were consistently present across all countries. Despite this variation in global diet, we identified universal trajectories in early life dietary exposure: weaning stage, which tracked with dietary diversity, emerged as the dominant dietary signature across populations. Still, dietary diversity did not correlate with gut microbial diversity. Instead, dietary diversity and weaning stage specifically predicted the abundance of adult-like bacterial taxa, including known fiber-degrading taxa, which colonized after age 1. Our findings support a two-stage model of microbiome maturation: an early phase dominated by milk-adapted taxa independent of complementary feeding, followed by a maturation phase where diet shapes adult-like microbiota colonization. This model suggests that tracking and promoting plant dietary diversity may support the timely emergence of an adult-like microbiome.

Consumption pattern and determinants of household dietary diversity through farming systems approach

Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) is a sustainable agricultural model integrating enterprises such as crops, livestock, fisheries, poultry and agroforestry. This model aims to maximize resource use efficiency, boost productivity, diversify income sources and reduce environmental impacts. By promoting the cultivation of diverse crops and rearing of livestock, this IFS model enables farm households to access a wide range of dietary options. This diversity contributes to improved nutrition, fostering balanced diets and enhancing human well-being. The present stury was carried out during 2022–23 to examine IFS interventions under state schemes in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, collecting 412 sample observations through simple random sampling. Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) and their determinants were analyzed using multinomial logit regression. The results identified four dominant farming systems, viz. crop-based, vegetable- based, livestock-based, and fisheries-based, with livestock-based systems achieving the highest DDS. Conversely, low DDS groups had significantly lower consumption of meat, fruits, and fish. Factors such as education, intercropping, crop rotation, and net income positively influenced dietary diversity, favouring higher DDS. The study underscores the critical role of intercropping and crop rotation in enhancing dietary diversity and recommends policymakers focus on their widespread adoption. Additionally, improving livestock systems is essential to ensure better access to diverse food groups for farm households.

Minimum dietary diversity and its determinants among lactating mothers in five Sub-Saharan African countries: A multilevel analysis.

Ensuring minimum dietary diversity is crucial for lactating mothers. It allows them to consume a variety of foods from different groups, meeting their nutritional needs and supporting maternal and infant health. Despite the global impact of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, the prevalence and determinants of minimum dietary diversity during lactation remain poorly recognized in developing countries. This research aims to assess minimum dietary diversity and its determinants among lactating mothers in five Sub-Saharan African countries. Data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys, which covered five Sub-Saharan African countries between 2021 and 2023, were used to execute secondary data analysis. This study included 19,917 lactating mothers in total. Using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model, the variables associated to the minimum dietary diversity were established. Significant factors associated with the minimum dietary diversity were found at p-values < 0.05. The adjusted odds ratio and 95% CI were used to interpret the result. The model with the highest loglikelihood ratio and lowest deviance was declared to be the best fit. The magnitude of minimum dietary diversity among lactating mothers in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania was 25.66% (95% CI: 24.47, 25.75). Factors such as secondary and above educational level (AOR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.61), employed mothers (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.56), distance which was not a big problem to access health facilities (AOR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.51), health facility delivery (AOR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.45), rich wealth status (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.60, 2.17), high community ANC utilization (AOR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.35), and reside in Ghana (AOR = 4.21, 95% CI: 3.60, 4.94) had higher odds of minimum dietary diversity. This study reveals that lactating mothers have low dietary diversity. Both community-level and individual-level factors impact this diversity. Consequently, health ministries in Burkina Faso, Kenya, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania should prioritize women who underutilize antenatal services and those without formal education when designing strategies and policies.

Morphological and Genetic Assessments of Coyote Diet in Qualla Boundary, North Carolina, Show Interaction with Humans

Throughout the 20th century, coyotes (Canis latrans) expanded from their historical geographic range west of the Mississippi River to a current range of almost all of North America. Over the course of this expansion, coyotes have demonstrated diverse and variable omnivorous diets that change with the food resources available. This study examined the stomach contents of 25 coyotes in an area where they are relatively new, the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina, to better understand the diets of coyotes in this area. A combination of morphological identification and DNA barcoding was used to characterize the stomach contents of coyotes. Both plant and animal material were identified from anthropogenic and natural sources, the latter including native mammals. This study provides one example of the breadth and flexibility of coyote diets and helps build an understanding of how coyotes can adapt to new conditions.