Iron-rich Foods Research Articles

Knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) towards anaemia among female university students in Malaysia: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction: Anaemia is a common health problem in Malaysia, most common being iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, practices (KAP), and health-seeking behaviour (HSB) towards anaemia among undergraduate female students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 female university students from a medical university in Malaysia. Data were collected using an online questionnaire comprising KAP and HSB. SPSS version 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Most participants (60%) had an appropriate level of knowledge about anaemia. A positive attitude was shown with adequate awareness of anaemia. A total of 55.5% of participants reported having good health practices. However, 52.9% of the participants consumed less iron-rich foods and 81.7% reported skipping meals. The overall observed healthseeking behaviour was good. A statistically significant relationship was found between knowledge with attitude (p=0.003) and practice (p=0.005). This study observed that the study population had poor nutritional status, long menstrual duration, and vegetarianism. Moreover, infrequent consumption of vitamin C-rich fruits and low iron-folate supplementation were also observed. Conclusion: A good level of knowledge on IDA among students was noted. However, most of the students showed a lack of positive attitude and good practices towards preventing anaemia. University students are prone to IDA due to a lack of KAP, which can significantly affect health-seeking behaviour. This issue should not be neglected; therefore, implementing intervention programmes to educate students on the preventive measures against the risk factors of IDA is recommended.

A STUDY ON THE MANAGEMENT OF ANAEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Anaemia is a common complication for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and is associated with cardiovascular comorbidities and reduced Quality of Life. Susceptibility may change depending upon the stage of chronic kidney disease, age, and social habits. A Prospective and Observational study was designed to assess the demographics of patients and variables in Anaemia along with the management of Anaemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. The suspected patient’s blood samples were tested for their Haemoglobin, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, and Packed Cell Volume analysed. Among 115 patients, 79 were males, and 36 were females. 58 patients (50.43%) were identified in the age group >60 years due to diabetes, hypertension and other comorbidities. The patients were given Epoetin Alpha (9.6%) and Iron Sucrose (2.3%) along with Ferrous ascorbate and folic acid (2.7%). In 113 patients (98.3%) and 109 patients (94.78%), the Haemoglobin and Packed Cell Volume were increased due to reduced immune response, comorbidity and severity of Chronic Kidney Disease. Non-pharmacotherapy was provided, and the most common was exercise, meditation (25%), Iron-rich food (2.17%) and a renal low salt diet (1.73%). Follow-up was conducted to check the improvement and found that 95.6% of patients recovered.

Antenatal Iron-Rich Food Intervention Prevents Iron-Deficiency Anemia but Does Not Affect Serum Hepcidin in Pregnant Women

BackgroundLimited evidence supports the efficacy of iron-rich foods (IRFs) in improving iron status during pregnancy. ObjectivesThe study aims to evaluate the effect of IRFs on iron status and biomarkers of iron metabolism in the third trimester of pregnancy. MethodsA total of 240 pregnant women at 11–13 wk of gestation without iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in South China were recruited to this single-blind clinical trial [non-IDA referred to both hemoglobin (Hb) ≥110g/L and serum ferritin (SF) ≥15ng/mL], randomly assigned to 1) control, 2) IRFs containing 20 mg iron/d (IRF-20), or 3) IRFs containing 40 mg iron/d (IRF-40). The IRFs were consumed 3 days a week, including pork liver, chicken/duck blood, soybean, and agaric. The IRFs started at recruitment and ended in the predelivery room. Primary outcome included anemia (Hb <110 g/L), iron deficiency (ID, definition 1: SF <15 ng/mL; definition 2: SF <12 ng/mL), and IDA (ID and Hb <110 g/L). Secondary outcome was plasma Hb and iron indices, including SF, serum hepcidin, and iron. ResultsAll participants who completed the trial with full data (n = 170) were included in the analysis. At the endline, both intervention groups showed lower ID and IDA rates than control. Specifically, IRF-40 showed a lower ID (SF <12 ng/mL) rate than control (9.0% compared with 22.8%, P = 0.022). For IDA by definition 1, the incidence in IRF-40 was lower than that in control (1.9% compared with 8.9%, P = 0.045). For IDA by definition 2, the incidence in IRF-20 was lower than that in control (3.9% compared with 17.9%, P = 0.049). Moreover, IRF-20 showed higher SF concentrations than control (P = 0.039). No effects of IRFs on anemia (P = 0.856), plasma Hb (P = 0.697), serum hepcidin (P = 0.311), and iron (P = 0.253) concentrations were observed. The assessed iron intakes were 22.2 mg/d in IRF-20 and 25.0 mg/d in IRF-40, respectively. ConclusionsAntenatal IRFs reduce the risk of ID and IDA in late pregnancy, although the present results are inadequate to confirm an ideal dosage (No. ChiCTR1800017574).

Participatory Video Intervention Increased Critical Nutrition Literacy of Ghanaian Adolescent Girls: A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

ObjectivesThis study assessed the influence of a participatory video nutrition education intervention on Ghanaian adolescent girls’ critical nutrition literacy (CNL), food knowledge, and dietary behaviours.MethodsA 2018–19 cluster randomized control trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03704649) selected 20 schools (10 intervention, 10 control) in one Ghanaian rural district and enrolled 351 girls, 13–16 years of age. All schools received a nutrition curriculum for their girls’ clubs. The intervention schools also received two participatory video workshops where adolescents identified the most pressing challenges they faced to getting (i) a balanced diet and (ii) iron-rich foods. The adolescents devised solutions to each challenge and then planned, acted, filmed, and screened an educational video on each topic with their classmates. Participants completed baseline and endline surveys that measured English literacy, nutrition and health literacy, food purchasing habits, and dietary intake through a food frequency questionnaire. Critical nutrition literacy, the capability to critically analyze and apply nutrition information to influence personal behaviours and environment was the primary outcome. An intent-to-treat analysis assessed the intervention effect on CNL and the secondary outcomes using general linear mixed models with cluster-level random effects (CIETmap 2.2 software).ResultsExposure to the participatory video nutrition education program led to a 4-fold increase in CNL (aOR = 4.39; 95% CI: 2.22, 8.70). There was a significant increase in food knowledge (OR = 6.62; 95% CI: 6.59, 6.66) and in adolescent food purchases for themselves. Exposure to the intervention led to 12-fold increase in intervention participants choosing iron-rich foods (beans, cocoyam leaf, and animal foods) when buying a meal for themselves. Dietary intakes measured with the FFQ showed no change.ConclusionsA participatory video intervention promoted critical nutrition literacy among low literacy adolescents. It improved food knowledge and food choices.Funding SourcesThe Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships (QES) is managed through a unique partnership of Universities Canada, RHF, CFC, and Canadian universities. The QES-AS is made possible with financial support from IDRC and SSHRC.

Consumption of Iron Rich Food, Supplement Intake and Prevalence of Anaemia Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinical in Selected Hospitals in Enugu State

ObjectivesIncrease prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy in spite consumption of iron rich foods and micronutrient supplementation is worrisome. Hence, this study investigated the consumption of iron rich food, supplement intake and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in selected hospitals in Enugu State.MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional study design with multistage random selection of 449 pregnant women (PW) attending antenatal clinic in health facilities in Enugu State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and biochemical test for Haemoglobim level using a standard procedure. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square and Pearson correlation to establish the relationship between variables. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.ResultsThe result shows that about 42.1% of the pregnant women were between the age group 26–35years and 30.4% earned < N20,000 ($50) monthly. Less than half of the PW consumed vegetable, fruits, beef and fish ≥ 4 times weekly. Less than half took folic acid, B-complex vitamins and ferrous sulphate twice daily, 36.9% had Anaemia (27.8% mild; 5.3% moderate; and 3.8% severe anaemia) and 76.8% had malaria. There was significant relationships between iron rich consumption, supplement intake especially iron supplement and prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in this study (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe study revealed poor consumption of iron rich food and poor compliance to supplements intake among pregnant women which accounted for the high prevalence of anaemia in the study population.Funding SourcesThe research is self funded.

Impact of a Homestead Food Production Intervention on Infant and Young Child Feeding and Home Environment in Bangladesh

Abstract Objectives Optimal child growth and development depend on many factors including proper nutrition and feeding practices as well as a stimulating home environment. We aimed to assess the impact of a Homestead Food Production (HFP) program on infant and child feeding as well as child stimulation practices as part of the Food and Agricultural Approaches to Reducing Malnutrition (FAARM) cluster-randomized trial in rural Bangladesh. Methods The HFP program promoted increased dietary diversity and improved child feeding practices based on the WHO's Essential Nutrition Actions, including responsive feeding and the importance of vitamin A capsules. Practices for child stimulation were not promoted although both intervention and control groups received toys (e.g., finger puppets, balls, etc.) during data collection. The 2019–20 FAARM endline survey included measures on infant and young child feeding (IYCF), responsive feeding, and family care indicators. Data were collected on 1,142 children (0–39 months of age) and sub-samples were analyzed based on age restrictions for IYCF (6–23m) and responsive feeding (6–39m). We used multilevel linear and logistic regression to assess intervention impact, adjusting for child age and cluster. Results Children in the FAARM intervention group were more likely to have achieved minimum dietary diversity (OR (95% CI): 1.9 (1.3, 2.7)), minimum adequate diet (OR (95% CI): 1.9 (1.3, 2.7)), and more likely to have received a vitamin A capsule in the last six months (OR (95% CI): 1.6 (1.2, 2.1)). In their home environment, children in the intervention group had toys from a greater number of sources and were more likely to have toys for pretending. No differences were seen in exclusive breastfeeding, iron-rich food consumption, or responsive feeding indicators. Conclusions The FAARM intervention was able to improve children's diets and selected aspects of child stimulation. Funding Sources The Federal German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) is the primary funder of the FAARM trial and its HFP intervention.

Prevalence of anemia in pre-school tribal children with reference to parasitic infections and nutritional impact

ObjectivesAnemia is a global health problem and has very high prevalence in developing as well as developed countries, particularly in children and women. The present study evaluates hematological predictors, nutrition deficiency, parasitic infections and their association with the prevalence of anemia. This analysis will help to identify the anemic status of tribal preschool children. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted in 300 children (age: 6 months to 5 years) in Santrampur village, Gujarat. Blood was collected and used to determine complete blood count (CBC); we also performed ELISA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) for the estimation of ferritin, transferrin, sTfR (soluble transferrin receptor), vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (folate). Stool samples were also collected and assessed by ELISA for Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum. Microscopy was used to screen samples for malaria. ResultsOf the 300 children analyzed, 87.7% were anemic, 239 children were mildly anemic, 20 were moderately anemic and 4 were severely anemic. Mean Hb level was 9.49 ± 1.47 g/dL; males and females had an Hb level of 9.39 ± 1.59 g/dL and 9.58 ± 1.34 g/dL, respectively. Twenty-six children had sickle cell anemia and five had thalassemia. Over 50% of the children had vitamin B12 and B9 deficiency and 16% had abnormalities in CRP (C-reactive protein) levels. Parasitic infection by C. parvum was positively associated the anemia followed by the prevalence of G. lamblia and E. histolytica. ConclusionAn increased awareness of parents in the improvement of sanitary facilities and nutritional counselling with regards to iron-rich food consumption is recommended to if we are to prevent anemia among pre-school children. To reduce parasitic infestation, effective periodic deworming measures are also recommended

Socio-Economic Factors Associated with Anaemia Management among Children under Five in Kisumu County Hospital, Kenya

Background: High burden of anaemia due to high prevalence and its impacts in children's health especially in growth and development especially, makes anaemia an important public health concern. The difficulty in implementing effective measures for controlling anaemia remains a concern, World Health Organization (WHO) is implementing new strategies for the integrated management of the sick child in the primary care set ups, these includes algorithms based on clinical signs observed by health care workers. We aimed to assess the healthcare-seeking behaviour, economic, and social factors affecting anaemia management among caregivers of sick children who had severe anaemia and are five years and below in Western Kenya. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. Systematic random sampling was used in selection of study subjects. Data on factors associated with anaemia management in Kisumu County hospitals was collected using a structured questionnaire and clinician desk review charts. Association of factors measured using a Chi-Square test of association and odds ratio used for likelihood tests. Results: Results revealed that Anaemia factors, Number of children &lt;5 years of age, and type of food were major determinants for anaemia management. Children fed on non-rich iron foods were less likely to practice good anaemia management as compared to those who eat iron-rich food and prone to increase likelihood of developing anaemia. Conclusions: Anaemia management in Kisumu County Hospital is satisfactory. However, there is a need to address finding gaps and as well conduct further studies on home and hospital management outcomes to inform policy.

The Dietary Pattern and Hemoglobin Status of School-Age Children in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State in Nigeria

Iron deficiency is the most common case of micronutrient deficiency in the world and widely known to cause anemia. School-age children are at high risk of micronutrient deficiency due to increased energy expenditure, combined with decreased meal frequency and insufficient maternal attention as well as parasitic infections. This study assessed the dietary pattern and hemoglobin status of school-age children in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State in Nigeria. Two-hundred-and-twenty-seven (227) children from two schools were recruited for the study. Data on the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents and consumption pattern were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements (height and weight) of the children were determined using standard anthropometric procedures, while anthropometric indices were measured against WHO growth standard. Blood samples of the subjects were collected and analysed for haematological variables (haemoglobin, serum transferrin, and serum ferritin). Data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, and mean. Research results have revealed that regular consumption of fruits is generally low (6.8%) among respondents. Most of the respondents (61.0%) consume green leafy vegetables on a regular basis, while 54.3% and 46.3% consume meat and fish more than 4 times per week, respectively. The anthropometric measurement of the subjects at baseline shows that 17.2% are severely stunted (HAZ-3SD), 19.5% are moderately stunted (-3SD&lt;HAZ&lt;-1SD), and 39.4% are mildly stunted (‐2 SD &lt; HAZ &lt;‐1 SD). The BAZ status record that 14.1% are underweight (BAZ&lt;-2SD), 1.4% are overweight (2 SD &gt; BAZ &gt;1 SD), and 0.8% are identified with obesity (BAZ &gt;2 SD). Biochemical status shows that 54.9% are anemic, while all (100.0%) of the children have adequate ferritin and transferrin status. This study has acknowledged that school-age children in Odeda local government face serious prevalence of anemia associated with causes beyond the lack of iron-rich food sources.

Complementary feeding pattern and its determinants among mothers in selected primary health centers in the urban metropolis of Ekiti State, Nigeria

The incidence of malnutrition in the first two years of life has been directly linked with inappropriate complementary feeding practices along with high infectious disease levels. This study was therefore aimed to assess the complementary feeding pattern among mothers of children aged zero to two years in selected health centres in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study was cross-sectional in design. One hundred and thirty-five mothers were selected from two health centres within Ado-Ekiti for this study. A semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from the mothers. The questionnaire included questions that assessed the mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics and complementary feeding pattern. Most (62.5%) infants were introduced to complementary foods at 3–5 months old and water (43.3%) at 3 months of age. The main food item given to the infants on commencement of complementary feeding was formula food (45.9%) followed by fermented cereal gruel (37%). The timing of introduction for different food items revealed that in contrast to the use of fermented cereal gruel (23.8%), fewer children were introduced to iron-rich foods (15.1%) and fruits (11%) at 6 months to a year old. Mother’s knowledge of ideal age for the introduction of complementary feeding ({chi }^{2}= 20.547; p < 0.001) associated significantly with the age of introduction of complementary feeding. More than three-fifth (62.5%) of the respondents had commenced complementary feeding to their infants between 3 and 5 months while an excess of two-fifth (43.3%) of the respondents started giving their children water to drink at 3 months of age. Nurses and nutritionists in primary health care centers should take the lead role in educating mothers about the need for exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and appropriate complementary feeding for ages 6–24 months.

Prevalence of Anaemia in Adolescence Females between Ages of 18-21 in Tamilnadu

Background: Anaemia is major problem faced by women now a days. The school students and collegesstudents under the age of 21 is highly affected by anaemia. This may due to improper nutritionalsupplements, diet system and physiological system. Care must be taken to control it at earlier state andit is also important to provide a healthy growth in adolescent so as to avoid any other complication infuture.Method: This study conducted for 35 adolescent college girls aging under the age of 21 with theirparent and individual permission. Information including the symptoms, signs and diet system weregathered. Blood sample collected and Hb determined by Sahli’s method.Result: The prevalence of anaemia was found to be 66% which includes 22.8% of mild anaemia,28.5% of moderate and 14% of severe anaemia. 70.5% of which anaemic patient followed vegetarianfood. 65% of anaemic patient found non-vegetarian food. Hungriness (60.7%), tiredness (65.1%) anddizziness (52%) were found to more in anaemic patient.Conclusion: Anaemia is seen more in girls between the ages of 18-21. Their diet system majorly affectstheir healthy state. The most of them experience the tiredness, dizziness and hungriness as the sign ofanaemia. Iron rich food may be recommended to over the condition.

Prevalence and maternal determinants of early and late introduction of complementary foods: results from the Growing Up in New Zealand cohort study.

A nationally generalisable cohort (n 5770) was used to determine the prevalence of non-timely (early/late) introduction of complementary food and core food groups and associations with maternal sociodemographic and health behaviours in New Zealand (NZ). Variables describing maternal characteristics and infant food introduction were sourced, respectively, from interviews completed antenatally and during late infancy. The NZ Infant Feeding Guidelines were used to define early (≤ 4 months) and late (≥ 7 months) introduction. Associations were examined using multivariable multinomial regression, presented as adjusted relative risk ratios and 95 % confidence intervals (RRR; 95% CI). Complementary food introduction was early for 40·2 % and late for 3·2 %. The prevalence of early food group introduction were fruit/vegetables (23·8 %), breads/cereals (36·3 %), iron-rich foods (34·1 %) and of late were meat/meat alternatives (45·9 %), dairy products (46·2 %) and fruits/vegetables (9·9 %). Compared with infants with timely food introduction, risk of early food introduction was increased for infants: breastfed < 6months (2·52; 2·19-2·90), whose mothers were < 30 years old (1·69; 1·46-1·94), had a diploma/trade certificate v. tertiary education (1·39; 1·1-1·70), of Māori v. European ethnicity (1·40; 1·12-1·75) or smoked during pregnancy (1·88; 1·44-2·46). Risk of late food introduction decreased for infants breastfed < 6 months (0·47; 0.27-0·80) and increased for infants whose mothers had secondary v. tertiary education (2·04; 1·16-3·60) were of Asian v. European ethnicity (2·22; 1·35, 3·63) or did not attend childbirth preparation classes (2·23; 1·24-4·01). Non-timely food introduction, specifically early food introduction, is prevalent in NZ. Interventions to improve food introduction timeliness should be ethnic-specific and support longer breast-feeding.

Impact of nutritional education on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding anemia among school children in Belgaum, India

BackgroundAnemia is a common public health problem throughout the globe with its main effect not only on health of people but also impact on socioeconomic development. A high prevalence of anemia among school children is an indication of a severe problem highlighting the necessity of proper action to prevent further deterioration. This study sought to study the impact of nutritional education on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding anemia among school children. MethodsThis is an interventional study among school children of Kendriye Vidyalaya, No. 2 Belgaum district, India. Structured and self-administered questionnaires were used to know the knowledge, attitude and practice of student anemia. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and McNemar test. ResultsThere was significant increment in the mean knowledge and attitude scores of the school children at the post-test evaluation. Overall increase of 51.2% in mean score of knowledge and overall increase of 20.7% in mean score of attitudes was found (P < 0.05). Increase in frequency of consumption pattern of iron rich foods especially ragi, jaggery, green leafy vegetables and sprouted grains was reported. ConclusionThe nutritional education resulted in improvement of knowledge and change in attitude regarding anemia as well as increase in consumption of foods rich in Iron. Therefore, nutritional education is one of the cost-effective and sustainable method for lowering the cases of anemia.

Association between Mother's Education and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in South Asia.

The association between mother’s education and the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) eight Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) core indicators has yet to be explored in South Asia (SA). This study aimed to explore the association between mother’s education and the WHO’s eight IYCF core indicators in SA. We analyzed data from the most recent nationally representative Demographic and Health Surveys of six South Asian Countries (SACs)—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, and Pakistan. We found significantly higher odds (adjusted odds ratio, AOR, 1.13 to 1.47) among mothers who completed secondary or higher education than among mothers with education levels below secondary for the following seven IYCF indicators: early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF), exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months (EBF), the introduction of solid, semisolid or soft foods (ISSSF), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), minimum acceptable diet (MAD), and consumption of iron-rich or iron-fortified foods (CIRF); the exception was for the indicator of continued breastfeeding at one year. Country-specific analyses revealed significantly higher odds in EIBF (AOR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.18) and EBF (AOR 1.27; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.34) among mothers with secondary or higher education levels in India. In contrast, the odds were lower for EIBF in Bangladesh and for EBF in Pakistan among mothers with secondary or higher education levels. For country-specific analyses for complementary feeding indicators such as ISSSF, MDD, MMF, MAD, and CIRF, significantly higher odds (AOR, 1.15 to 2.34) were also observed among mothers with secondary or higher education levels. These findings demonstrate a strong positive association between mother’s education and IYCF indicators. Strengthening national policies to educate women at least to the secondary level in SACs might be a cost-effective intervention for improving IYCF practices.

PREVALENCE OF ANEMIA IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Background: Anaemia is defined as a medical condition in which the red blood count or haemoglobin is lower than normal levels. Deficiency of haemoglobin can be due to lack of vitamin B12, folic acid and iron, extreme blood loss or nutrient-deficit diet. Anaemia during pregnancy is harmful both to mother and foetus. It can cause pre-mature delivery and birth defects. Iron supplementation is often recommended to pregnant women. The aim of study was to find out prevalence of anaemia in pregnant women. Methods: The study was carried out using quantitative methods. A sample of 300 participants was taken using purposive sampling technique. Socio-demographic data was collected from participants after informed consent. Haemoglobin levels were recorded for each participant using Blood Complete Picture already available with them. Results: There exists high prevalence (74.6%) of anaemia in pregnant women. The prevalence is much higher (80.3%) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Low intake of meat was observed in 73% of the anaemic women. Low intake of other iron rich food was also observed in more than 50% of the participants. Only 93 participants had their MCV reports with them (53.7% among them had low MCV). This high rate of prevalence is associated with iron-deficient diet and unawareness about seriousness of the problem. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women associated with iron-deficient diet and lack of awareness. Introducing screening tests for anaemia, raising public awareness, and educating females about importance of nutrition diet are recommended. Pak J Physiol 2021;18(1):16?9

KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF ANEMIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

BACKGROUND: Anemia is one among serious public health problems, particularly, in a developing nation like India. To find out situation analysis of any public health condition or to assess effectiveness of implemented public health program, study of gap analysis has significant role. Nutritional knowledge related gap is one among major causes for nutritional problems. Moreover, intergenerational impact results due to uptake of improper practices. OBJECTIVES: To assess the burden of anemia and to study knowledge, attitude and practice among young women for the use of Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets relate to anemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Gujarat region. A total of 1000 young women were included in this study. A predesigned, pretested, questionnaire was used to assess objective of the study. RESULTS: According to NFHS-V, 2019-20, prevalence of anemia among non-pregnant women is 65.1 % in Gujarat. The present study found that 40-60% of respondents could identify the major symptoms, causes and consequences of anemia. Least knowledge was found about inhibitors and enhancers. 54% of respondents like to consume iron-rich food. Only 32.6% of respondents had a positive attitude towards IFA tablets. 39% knew the importance of complementary food along breastfeeding. 32% of respondents used to consume citric food. 28.7% of school going girls used to consume IFA tablets weekly and only 26% of girls used to go for deworming annually. In non-going school girls, only 16% of young women used to consume IFA tablets. Only 10.4% of respondents used to/preferred to consume iron enhancers with IFA tablet. CONCLUSION: Young women depicted intermediate knowledge towards anemia but not adequate attitude and practice. Initial uptake and adherence to IFA tablets is extremely low among young women. Along with KAP, social and environmental factors need to address to disseminate misperceptions around IFA use and low-risk perception.

Diet and Weight Management in Adolescent Girls.

Dietary behaviors established in adolescence usually lead to long-term health consequences. Consuming foods high in fat and sugar on one side and adopting sedentary lifestyle on the other side are responsible for overweight and obesity in adolescent girls which increases the risk of diabetes and hypertension in adult life. Meal convenience is important to many adolescents. In the bargain, they may eat too much of wrong types of food. Teenagers should be taught about the five healthy groups i.e., Grains, proteins, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. Food items with different colors, textures and tastes, both fresh and cooked should be included at every meal and for snacks. The healthiest and the cheapest drink is nothing else but clean water. Adolescent girls need iron-rich food to compensate for monthly period blood loss. Adolescence is not a good time for crash diets as girls will not get enough nutrients to reach their full potential.

An exploration of cultural influencing factors on dietary diversity in Malagasy children aged 6\u201359\u2009months

BackgroundMore than 1.7 million children in Madagascar are stunted, with low dietary diversity being a determinant. Although diverse crops are produced in the Vakinankaratra region, it registers the highest stunting prevalence rate nationally. While children’s diets may be influenced by region-specific cultural factors, little is known about this link so far. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of cultural habits on dietary diversity in children between 6 to 59 months in the Vakinankaratra region.MethodsA mixed method design with a qualitative lead approach was used, including three transect walks, six focus group discussions and 51 semi-structured interviews with caregivers. The interviews contained a quantitative part to assess the four feeding indicators: ‘minimum meal frequency’, ‘minimum dietary diversity’, ‘minimum acceptable diet’ and the consumption of iron-rich foods. Participants were selected by convenience sampling. Data was collected in November 2019 in three communities displaying maximal possible variation.ResultsSubsistence farming with diverse crops and livestock was found to be a common practice. Minimum meal frequency was achieved by 78% of the sixty included children. In total, 45% attained minimum dietary diversity and 40% consumed a minimum acceptable diet. Across the three communities, the range of children attaining a minimum acceptable diet was 25–60%. Older, no longer breastfed children were prone to not achieving a minimum acceptable diet. Although caregivers had a basic idea of important foods for child development, these were often not available to or affordable for them. An effect of cultural events on diet, especially diversity, was found. Whilst for annual events this effect was short-term, the region-specific ceremony of reburying the dead (Famadihana) was found to have a long-term influence on the diet of certain families.ConclusionsThe dietary diversity of children under five in the Vakinankaratra region is influenced by cultural factors like agricultural practices, caregivers’ knowledge of child nutrition, food taboos and a region-specific cultural event. Cultural determinants, especially important traditions that result in significant expenditures, may thus influence the quality of children’s diet and should therefore be considered in future nutrition programmes and research on child malnutrition and stunting.

To asses the practices and attitude regarding iron deficiency anemia in adolescence girls of Amreli

The study was conducted in purposively selected Amreli city of Gujarat State. Five Higher Secondary School were purposively selected from Amreli city i.e., Municipal Girls High School, Ji Ji Ben Forward High School , Smt. S.S. Ajmera School, Smt. Shantaben Haribhai Gajera Sankul and B.N. Virani Higher School having maximum number of adolescence who were willing to participate in this study and were available during the period of data collection. Out of five higher secondary school 30 adolescences girls were randomly selected constituting the total sample of 150 adolescences girls for the present study. Data were collected with the help of structured interview schedule. Frequencies, Percentage and mean per cent score were used for analyzing the data statistically. out that 56.6 per cent of the respondents were from medium socio- economic status whereas 43.3 per cent of the respondents were in low socio-economic status. None of the respondents had high socio-economic status. Nearly half of the respondents (46.7 %) taking IFA (Iron folic acid), 73.3 per cent of the respondents know its benefits and none of the respondents feel any side effect after taking IFA tablets. More than half of the respondents (57.3%) feel weakness, (50.0 %) feel easily tired, feel breathless (13.3%) while doing routing work due to the deficiency of iron. Most of the respondents (70.0 MPS) feel fatigue, dizziness and leg cramps. Majority of the respondents (80.0 %) know that diet make a difference in anemia prevention, inclusion of iron-rich food in daily diet (80.0 %) and green leafy veg nutrition helps in improving iron level (80.0 %), with mean per cent score 70.0.

Anaemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia

Background/Aims Anaemia is a common health problem that has devastating consequences for women of reproductive age. Studies have indicated that anaemia among women of reproductive age contributes to a higher risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight and mental impairment. The aetiology of anaemia in Ethiopia is not well established and there is a lack of evidence, particularly in the case of non-pregnant women. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anaemia and associated factors among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Methods The dataset from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey was used with the authorisation and permission of the Ethiopia Central Statistics Authority. A total of 13 436 non-pregnant women were included. Data were processed and analysed using STATA-14 format. Multilevel logistic regressions were used to determine anaemia's association with different predictors. Variables with P&lt;0.25 in bivariate analysis were selected as candidate variables for the final model to control for confounding variables. The odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistical significance at P&lt;0.05. Results The prevalence of anaemia among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in Ethiopia was 26.3%. Locally, the highest (59.2%) and lowest (15.8%) prevalences of anaemia were recorded in Somali and Addis Ababa respectively and a quarter (25.0%) of rural residents were anaemic. Multivariate analysis showed that anaemia was negatively associated with being a from high- or middle-income family (P=0.001), having a job (P=0.001), using hormonal methods of family planning (P=0.001) and having a normal body mass index (P=0.009). However, being married (P=0.001), having had at least one child (P&lt;0.05) and living in a rural residence (P=0.022) were positively associated with anaemia. Conclusions Anaemia is a common public health problem among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Economic status, place of residence, birth frequency and household size were significantly associated with anaemia among the participants. Therefore, to reduce anaemia prevalence among women of reproductive age in a sustainable manner in Ethiopia, different strategies and interventions methods such as iron-folic supplementation before pregnancy and nutrition education on iron-rich food and environmental hygiene should be strengthened.