Low Dietary Diversity Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF FOOD SECURITY AND DIETARY DIVERSITY OF FONIO (Digitaria spp.) FARMING HOUSEHOLDS IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

The study assessed the food security and dietary diversity among Fonio farming households in Jos-South LGA, Plateau state, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 157respondents for the study. Primary data was used for this study through the administration of a well-structured questionnaire aided by interview schedule. The analytical techniques used include descriptive statistics, USDA Food Security model, Dietary Diversity score and Logit Regression model. The results of the socioeconomic characteristics; age, marital status, household size, education, farming experience, farm size, membership of cooperative societies, access to credit and access to extension services were identified and described. The result of household food dietary diversity indicates that 64% of the respondents’ households had high food dietary diversity while 36% accounted for low household food dietary diversity. The result further indicates that 14% of the households consumed cereals, followed by legumes (14.49%), milk had 1.75%, and eggs had 2.47%. Oil/fats, Meats, Vegetables and Roots and Tubers accounted for 13.13%, 9.99%, 7.66% and 6.59% of the respondents’ households respectively. The result of logit regression indicated that the coefficients of age, household size, farm size, cooperative membership, and access to credit were significant. The study recommend that government should make credit accessible through the anchor borrower’s scheme, inputs heavily subsidized easily through the anchor borrower’s scheme and there should be education of farming households on different classes of food for healthy living through the National Orientation Agency

Spatial Differences in Diet Quality and Economic Vulnerability to Food Insecurity in Bangladesh: Results from the 2016 Household Income and Expenditure Survey

The study explored the spatial differences in diet quality and economic vulnerability to food insecurity with the association of sociodemographic characteristics at the household level in Bangladesh. This study was a secondary data analysis of Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) data of 2016. Both statistical and spatial analyses were applied while assessing diet qualities in terms of the household dietary diversity score (HDDS), percentage of food energy from staples (PFES), and percentage of expenditure on food (PEF) as an indicator of the economic vulnerability to food insecurity (EVFI). The study’s findings revealed that the quality of people’s diets worsened as they moved from urban to rural area, and EVFI increased as they moved from the center to the periphery of the country. Nationally, the average HDDS was about 6.3, and the average PFES per household per day was about 70.4%. The spatial distribution of HDDS and PFES showed that rural regions in terms of settlements and the north, northwest and southeast regions had mostly low diet diversity. Besides, the average PEF per household per day was about 54%, with the highest in Mymensingh (57.4%) and the lowest in Dhaka division (50.2%). The average PEF in the households illustrated was highest in rural (55.2%) and lowest in the city (45.7%). Overall, based on the PEF at the sub-district level, the medium level of vulnerability comprised the highest share (69%) in Bangladesh. Age, gender, literacy, educational qualification and religion of the household’s head along with the number of earners, monthly income, area of settlements and divisions were significantly correlated with HDDS, PFES and EVFI. The study findings suggest that targeted interventions, including access to education, women empowerment and employment generation programs should be implemented in peripheral areas (north, northwest and southeast) to increase diet quality and minimize economic vulnerability to achieve sustainable food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.

Dietary diversity and impact of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplemented – Diet on the nutritional status and CD4 cell counts of patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria: A double - Blind randomized trial

BackgroundTo maintain an optimal nutritional status and immunological function in PLHIV, a diet with adequate nutrients is of utmost importance. This is a major challenge among poor populations in developing worlds like Nigeria, where malnutrition and food insecurity are endemic. This study aimed to assess the type of regular diet consumed and assess the impact of supplementation of the diet with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves on the nutritional status and CD4 cell counts of PLHIV that are on ART in Nigeria. MethodA double-blind, randomized trial was conducted. Two hundred consented patients were randomly allocated to either the Moringa oleifera Lam. group (MOG) or the control group (COG). The FAO individual dietary diversity questionnaire was used. The regular diets of participants at baseline and six months were monitored. The measurements of weight, BMI, MUAC, and CD4 cell counts were obtained from baseline to six months of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves supplementation. ResultsOne hundred and seventy-seven patients completed the six-month follow-up (89 MOG versus 88 COG). At both baseline and sixth month, the foods most commonly consumed by the participants in both MOG and COG were cereals, spices and condiments, oils, fats and palm oil, and dark green vegetables. At baseline, significantly higher consumption of legumes, nuts & seeds (p = 0.001) was observed in the MOG and higher consumption of other vegetables (p = 0.024) in COG. Consumption of cereals, roots, and tubers was significantly higher (p = 0.024; 0.045) in the COG in the sixth month. In both groups, participants were in the medium or low dietary diversity tercile. Throughout the study period, all the nutritional status variables observed were not significantly different between the two study groups [(p > 0.0001); weight; p = 0.5556; BMI; p = 0.5145; MUAC; p = 0.6456]. Over the study period, the treatment by time interaction shows a significant difference in CD4 counts by treatment group (p < 0.0001) and an estimate of fixed effects 10.33 folds greater in the MOG than COG. All tests were conducted at 95CI. ConclusionThis study revealed a poor dietary diversity amongst PLHIV. Supplementation of regular diet with Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves did not affect the nutritional status but could improve the immune response of HIV-positive adults attending the antiretroviral treatment centre in the present study area.

Nutritional status of 6\u201359\xa0months of age children is not significantly varied between households with and without home gardening practices in Zege, North West Ethiopia, 2020: community based comparative study

BackgroundMalnutrition is a critical public health issue that has been related to a significant increase in mortality and morbidity rates. Despite the fact that children are expected to benefit from home gardening products, their nutritional condition in Ethiopia, particularly in the planned study region, is not thoroughly monitored. Therefore the purpose of this is to determine the nutritional status of 6–59 months of age children between households with and without home gardening practices at Zege.MethodsA community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among paired mothers with 6–59 month children from February to March 2020. Data were collected using questionnaire and anthropometric measurement tools. Binary logistic regression models were used. A-p-value < 0.05 was used as cutoff point to declare statistically significant variables with the outcome variable.ResultStunting and wasting among children aged 6–59 months was high and did not show significant variation between households practicing home gardening (stunting 46.1%, at 95%, CI: 40.6–51.3 and wasting 9.1%, at 95% CI: 6.2–12.7) and not practiced home gardening (stunting 50.3%, at 95% CI: 44.5–55.8 and wasting 10.1%, 95% CI: 6.8–13.8). Having low dietary diversity (AOR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.9–3.9), Being male (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4–3), feeding frequency < 3/day (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.1–2.4), and presence of diarrhea (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.4–4.6) were predictors of stunting. Unprotected-drinking water (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0–4.2), not fully-immunized (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3–5.1) and being female (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.3–4.6) were predictors for child wasting.Conclusionstunting and wasting are highly prevalent in both home gardening and non- home gardening households’ children of the community. Promoting diversified diet, protected water source, vaccinating children, access to a healthy environment and integrated with the access of nutrition education programs are vital interventions to improve nutrition.

Long-Term High Dietary Diversity Maintains Good Physical Function in Chinese Elderly: A Cohort Study Based on CLHLS from 2011 to 2018.

(1) Objective: This study aimed to explore the correlation between dietary factors and physical function in Chinese elderly. (2) Methods: A cohort study was conducted on the association of long-term dietary intake status with physical function in older people based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2011 to 2018. The physical function of the subjects was judged according to the scores of basic activities of daily living (BADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). The dietary diversity score was established according to the intake frequency of the food groups, and the dietary pattern score was obtained by factor analysis. The associations between dietary factors and functional impairment was investigated by logistic regressions. (3) Results: A total of 2282 subjects were included in our cohort study, 458 and 1439 of whom had BADL limitation and IADL limitation, respectively. The risk of functional impairment decreased in the consistent high dietary diversity groups compared with the consistent low dietary diversity group (p < 0.05). The fruit-egg-milk pattern, vegetable-meat-fish pattern, and condiment and tea pattern reduced the risk of functional impairment (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: Long-term maintenance of high dietary diversity and increasing total dietary intake can help maintain good physical function of Chinese elderly.

Association between Dietary Diversity and All-Cause Mortality: A Multivariable Model in a Mediterranean Population with 18 Years of Follow-Up.

We evaluated the relationship between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and all-cause, CVD and cancer mortality in an adult Mediterranean population. We analyzed the data of 1540 participants from the Valencia Nutrition Survey. The DDS was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire and was categorized into quartiles (Q), where the first quartile indicates the lowest dietary diversity. Deaths were ascertained during an 18-year follow-up period. Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). There were 403 deaths during the follow-up period (40% due to CVD). An inverse association was observed between the DDS and all-cause and CVD mortality. Compared with participants in the lowest DDS quartile (Q1), participants in the highest DDS quartile (Q4) showed 32% and 45% less risk of death for all-cause and CVD mortality, in sex- and age-adjusted models, respectively. Regarding the food groups in the DDS, an inverse association was identified between total vegetable consumption diversity and all-cause and CVD mortality in the highest quartiles, (Q3 vs. Q1, HR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.99) and (Q4 vs. Q1, HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91), respectively. This study suggests that a higher diversity in food intake, particularly in vegetables, may be associated with a lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality. This association should be further investigated in other wider populations.

Ultra-processed foods consumption reduces dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in the Mexican population.

Currently, 30% of the total energy intake in the Mexican diet comes from ultra-processed foods. Although its consumption is associated with high intakes of added sugar and saturated fats and low intakes of dietary fibre, there is no evidence regarding its association with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. The present study evaluated the association between ultra-processed foods consumption with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake in Mexico. Ultra-processed foods items were identified in a 24-h recall from a sample of 10,087 participants aged ≥ 1 year. The minimum dietary diversity (MDD) was established by using the Food and Agriculture Organization 10 food group indicators with unprocessed, minimally processed and processed foods. The study conducted multiple linear regression models to evaluate the association between quintiles of energy contribution of ultra-processed foods with dietary diversity and micronutrient intake. A high consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a low dietary diversity and micronutrients intake. The association between ultra-processed foods and MDD was not linear (47.1%, 57.1%, 52.5%, 45.0% and 28.0% of participants achieved the MDD). On the other hand, the association was linear and negatively associated with: niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin B12 , vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus (p < 0.05). These findings are relevant in the context of the double burden of malnutrition currently faced in Mexico. Increasing dietary diversity and micronutrient intake is essential by discouraging ultra-processed foods consumption. However, other strategies are also needed to promote the dietary diversity and increase the consumption of unprocessed and minimally processed foods.

Dietary diversity practice and its influencing factors among pregnant women in Afar region of Ethiopia: mixed method study

BackgroundPregnancy can aggravate nutritional deficiencies, especially micronutrient deficiencies, which can have major health impact for the fetus and mother. Women in low-income countries are frequently malnourished when they become pregnant. Identifying the magnitude of dietary diversity and its influencing factors among pregnant women in the pastoral region of Afar, where no study has been conducted, is critical for establishing an intervention program in the region.MethodA mixed study comprising 241 pregnant women and six focus group discussions was conducted from October 1 to November 10, 2018. Participants in the quantitative study were selected by a systematic sampling method, whereas those in the focus group discussions were selected by a purposive sampling method. The data were collected using pretested questionnaires administered via face-to-face interviews. Logistic regression determines the association between the dietary diversity practice and its influencing factors. The results were presented by the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. A P-value of < 0.05 is used to declare a statistically significant. A thematic framework was used to analyze the qualitative data.ResultsSeventy-three percent of pregnant women had poor dietary diversity. Dietary diversity was higher in younger pregnant women who were under the age of 20 years (AOR = 5.8; at 95% CI: 1.6–13.5) and aged between 21 and 25 years (AOR = 3.9; at 95% CI: 1.1–12.2) than those pregnant women over the age of 30 years. Those participants with a high average family income (above 4500 birr) had good dietary diversity compared to those with an average family income of less than 1500 birr (AOR = 0.1: 95% CI; 0.02–0.7) and 1500–3000 birr (AOR = 0.05: 95% CI; 0.01–0.2). Pregnant women who had one antenatal care visit had less dietary diversity practice than those who had four or more antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.18: 95% CI; 0.04–0.8). Protein-rich foods (meat and eggs), cereal-based semi-solid foods (porridge and soup), milk, bananas and cabbage, were the most commonly tabooed foods during pregnancy. Protein-rich foods were thought to increase the size of the fetus. Semi-solid foods (porridge and soup), bananas, and cabbage, on the other hand, were thought to stick to the fetus's body.ConclusionMost of the study participants had poor dietary diversity. Older women have lower dietary diversity practices than younger women. Pregnant women with a low family income and only one prenatal care visit were less likely to practice dietary diversity than pregnant women with a high family income and those with four or more antenatal care visits. Pregnant women practiced food taboos due to misconceptions that were producing large babies and attached to the babies’ bodies. A public health campaign emphasizing the necessity of antenatal care follow-ups should be launched. Community nutrition education should be provided to reduce the traditional beliefs about certain foods, especially for older women.

Higher dietary diversity as a protective factor against depression among older adults in China: a cross-sectional study.

Evidence suggests that poor mental health (MH) is a risk factor for the health of older adults. Dietary diversity is considered to be related to healthy aging. However, the relationship between diet and MH is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary diversity score (DDS) and anxiety and depression among centenarians and their offspring and spouses. Our study was observational and cross-sectional. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the dietary frequency questionnaire were used to measure the status of anxiety, depression, and dietary diversity. Data were analyzed by Student's t-test, χ2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, correlational analysis, and univariate or multivariate logistic regression. Among the 288 older adults, 12.8% reported symptoms of depression, and 8.7% reported anxiety. People with a lower dietary diversity had higher rates of anxiety and depression. After controlling for age, place of residence, economic status, alcohol drinking, and physical activity, a lower DDS was found to be a risk factor for depressive symptoms [odds ratio (OR): 2.237; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.009-4.959; P=0.048]. DDS was negatively correlated with depression score in older adults (r=-0.224; P<0.001), especially offspring and their spouses (r=-0.275; P<0.001). However, no significant relationship was observed between DDS and anxiety. In addition, eating legumes (OR: 0.415; 95% CI: 0.188-0.920; P=0.030) and nuts (OR: 0.255; 95% CI: 0.116-0.561; P=0.001) at least once a week can act as protective factors for depression. Eating nuts (OR: 0.405; 95% CI: 0.168-0.978; P=0.044) and meat (OR: 0.396, 95% CI: 0.161-0.975; P=0.044) at least once a week can act as protective factors for anxiety. These results suggest an association between low dietary diversity and a higher incidence of mental disorders. Further, the possibility of reverse causality cannot be ruled out. It is necessary to conduct further prospective studies.

Association of Dietary Diversity with Growth and Development of Children in Multi-ethnic Rural Areas of Sichuan Province

Objective To understand the growth and dietary diversity status of children in multi-ethnic areas of Sichuan province,and to explore the associations of dietary diversity with growth and development indicators. Methods Children of 18-36 months old and their primary caregivers were selected with multi-stage cluster random sampling method from rural areas of Han,Tibetan,and Yi ethnic groups in Sichuan province. The sociodemographic information of children and their caregivers was collected using self-designed questionnaire.The dietary diversity score(DDS)was calculated according to the criteria in the Guidelines for Measuring Household and Individual Dietary Diversity released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.The body height(length)and body weight of each child were measured by standard equipment for anthropological measurement,and the height for age Z score(HAZ),weight for age Z score(WAZ),and weight for height Z score(WHZ) were calculated.Multivariate linear regression was performed to analyze the relationship between dietary diversity and growth indicators of children. Results A total of 1092 children were enrolled in this study,and the prevalence of stunting(HAZ<-2),underweight(WAZ<-2),and wasting(WHZ<-2)was 21.1%,4.9%,and 2.5%,respectively.The children had the mean DDS of 4.8±1.7,and 45.3% of children had poor dietary diversity(DDS≤4).The children of Han ethnic group(5.8±1.4)had higher DDS than those of Tibetan ethnic group(4.9±1.6)and Yi ethnic group(3.9±1.6)(P<0.001).The results of multivariate linear regression indicated that DDS was positively correlated with HAZ(β=0.206,95%CI=0.158-0.254,P<0.001)after adjustment of sex,age,birth weight,preterm birth,and parental body height.After further adjustment of family fixed assets,ethnic group,caregiver's type,and caregiver's education background,the correlation between DDS and HAZ remained significant(β=0.077,95%CI=0.026-0.128, P=0.003). Conclusions The children in the multi-ethnic rural areas of Sichuan province showed troublesome growth and development status and low dietary diversity,which were conspicuously different between ethnic groups,especially in the rural areas of Yi ethnic group.The dietary diversity was positively associated with HAZ.It is recommended to carry out nutrition and health education according to the local dietary characteristics and thus improve the growth and development of children in multi-ethnic rural areas in Sichuan.

Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundAnemia is the reduction of red blood cells in size and numbers and an indicator of both poor nutrition and poor health. It is a major global public health problem. Anemia in adolescents and young adults can have negative effects on their cognitive performance and growth. In Ethiopia, previous studies yielded variable prevalence. This review aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of adolescent girls’ anemia and associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodsWe searched for studies reporting anemia and associated factors among adolescent girls as reported in peer reviews publications in Ethiopia from 1988 to 2021 from PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Worldwide Science database. The search strategy identified 309 cross-sectional studies. After screening for potentially eligible articles, we identified 37 publications for full text review, following which 10 publications were included in the final review. Using data from the review, we performed meta-analysis to produce pooled estimates and assess the prevalence of anemia and associated risk factors. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction format prepared in Microsoft Excel™ and transferred to Stata ™ Version 14.0 for management and further analysis. To identify the source of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis using sample size and study setup was computed, and I2 test was used to declare the presence or absence of significant heterogeneity during subgroup analysis. A random-effect meta-analysis model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of adolescent girls’ anemia. Moreover associated factors for adolescent anemia were assessed too.ResultsThe overall pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls’ in Ethiopia was 23.02% (95% CI: 17.21to 28.84). In the subgroup analysis, studies that have a higher sample size than mean have a higher pooled prevalence (27.35%) (95% CI: 21.42 to 33.28) compared to their counterparts. Age being 15–19 (OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.52 to 2.96), living in rural areas (OR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.66 to 2.54), and low dietary diversity (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.34), were the identified factors associated with anemia among adolescent girls’.ConclusionThe pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia was moderately high. Being in 15–19 years, rural residence, and low dietary diversity score were found to be the significant factors of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia.

Low dietary diversity is associated with linear growth faltering and subsequent adverse child developmental outcomes in rural Democratic Republic of the Congo (REDUCE program).

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between dietary diversity, child growth and child developmental outcomes. This was a prospective cohort study. Developmental outcomes were assessed by communication, fine motor, gross motor, personal social, problem solving and combined developmental scores measured by the Extended Ages and Stages Questionnaire (EASQ) at a 6‐month follow‐up visit. Height and weight were measured at baseline and a 6‐month follow‐up. Baseline minimum dietary diversity (MDD) for children 6–23 months old was defined by consumption of five or more of the following food groups: (1) breast milk; (2) grains, roots and tubers; (3) legumes and nuts; (4) dairy products; (5) flesh foods; (6) eggs; (7) vitamin A‐rich fruits and vegetables and (8) other fruits and vegetables. Participants were 117 children 6–23 months of age. Linear growth faltering was defined as a significant decline (p < 0.05) in length‐for‐age Z‐scores (LAZ) between baseline and follow‐up. Regression models were performed. The study was conducted in rural eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). MDD was positively associated with change in LAZ (coefficient: 0.87 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33, 1.40]), and a reduced odds of stunting (LAZ < −2) (odds ratio: 0.21 [95% CI: 0.07, 0.61]). MDD was also associated with a significantly higher combined EASQ‐Z‐scores (coefficient: 0.34 [95% CI: 0.003, 0.68], higher communication EASQ‐Z‐scores [0.50 {95% CI: 0.14, 0.85}], and higher personal social EASQ‐Z‐scores [0.46 {95% CI: 0.11, 0.82}]). This study provides further evidence demonstrating the need for interventions to improve dietary diversity among young children.

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.

Prevalence of anemia and associated factors among children aged 6–59 months at Mertule-Mariam hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: A hospital-based cross- sectional study

Background: Anemia, which is the most common micronutrient impairment, is the most common cause of affliction of the population and the most common cause of morbidity, and 47.4% of which are under fabrication. The morbidity rate of anemia is in the range of 44 to 56% of Ethiopia. The size is shown in the region with respect to the region. In particular, in developing countries including Ethiopia, it is still an important public health problem. Despite this evidence, the size of the anemia and the associated factors are not schematically studied, and the survey room has limited information or limited evidence. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors associated with the size of anemia 6-59 months at Mertulemariam Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Mertulemariam Hospital Hospital Northwest Ethiopia held a hospital until December 30, September 30th to September 30. Nursing provider. Blood samples and stool tests for intestinal parasites were carried out. Hemoglobin levels were analyzed by a blood cell (HemocueHB 301). The collected data was encoded, deleted, and entered into EPIDATA version 3.1 and analyzed by STATA VERSION 14 software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify candidates and predictors. The significance level was determined with a 95% confidence interval in p-value. 0.05. Results: Of the 341 planned participants, approximately 310 mother-child pairs participated in the survey. This corresponds to a response rate of 91%. Data was collected from children and their parents or legal guardians. In this study, the degree of anemia was 11.9% (95% CI, 8.5, 16.2%). Low dietary diversity (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.12, 5.14), unstable dietary households (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.85, 4.52), initiation of complementary feeding (AOR =) 3.20; 95% CI: 1.23, 6.61), intestinal parasite infection (AOR = 3.20; 95% CI: 1.23, 6.61), and family income (AOR = 2.8795% CI: 1.57, 5.0) are significant for anemia. It turned out to be a factor related to. Conclusion: Overall, anemia is considered to be a child&#39;s hygiene problem for 6 to 59 months old. It participates in the Mertulemariam Hospital based on the Cut-off Point of World Health Organization. Nutritional poor diversity, supplementary feeding time, budget, intestinal parasitic infection and family income were clearly related to childhood anemia. Therefore, after the intervention in public health has been proved, z. Food diversification, cleaning prevention pharmaceutical supply and household safety. In addition, women with diversification of nutrition and nutrition can not only be criticized by the replacement source of the active source of the survey room, but also can be trained.

Anaemia among school-aged adolescent boys in the Sagnarigu District of Northern Ghana

Background: The increased nutritional requirement in pregnancy and that associated with growth spurt in adolescence has skewed nutritional interventions towards pregnant women and girls. Among school-aged adolescents, physical and cognitive development peaks. This affects both males and females but overall nutritional deficiency in males has not been fully described. We assessed prevalence of anaemia and its predictors among school-aged adolescent boys in the Sagnarigu district, Northern Region. Method: We used cross-sectional design with multi-stage sampling involving 349 adolescents in eleven (11) public JHSs. We included adolescent girls for comparison on the prevalence of anaemia and to answer the question whether anaemia in the boys was any different from their female colleagues. We estimated household wealth using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). We assessed Dietary Diversity and food security using 24-hour recall and FANTA-USAID Household Hunger Scale (HHS) module respectively. We analysed capillary blood samples using HaemoCue (Hb-301) to determine anaemia. We measured weight and height and determined nutritional status using the WHO 2007 growth reference. We conducted data analysis using STATA Version 15 and used Two-sample t-test to determine mean differences and Chi-square (χ2) or fisher’s exact tests for associations. We fitted logistic regression models to the data to determine factors associated with anaemia among boys. Findings: We found overall mean haemoglobin concentration of 13.3±1.7g/dl and anaemia prevalence of 25.2%. We found no statistical difference between anaemia in boys and girls (24.2% for boys vs. 26.8% for girls, p=0.59). Low dietary diversity was 29.5%, medium dietary diversity was 33.5%, high dietary diversity was 37.5% and food insecurity was (21.2%). In total, 14.3% of children had nutritional challenges, with 8.5% underweight, 5.8% Overweight/obese and 9.9% stunted. Among boys, anaemia was predicted by wealth (OR=0.5, 95% CI=0.2 -1.0, P=0.049) and stunting (OR=2.7, 95%CI=1.1 - 6.8, p=0.034). Living in upper 60% household wealth was a protective factor with 50% less odds of anaemia as compared to their counterparts living in the lower 40%. Similarly, stunted boys had 2.7times odds of anaemia as compared to those not stunted. Conclusion: We concluded that anaemia equally affects boys and girls in the Sagnarigu district. Family/household circumstances may determine anaemia among these adolescents rather than biology (menstruation in girls). Indeed, irrespective of the age, educational level of parents and household food security, anaemia among boys in the district was predicted by household wealth and stunting.

Feeding Patterns, Mother-Child Dietary Diversity and Prevalence of Malnutrition Among Under-Five Children in Lebanon: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Retrospective Recall

BackgroundDespite demonstrated benefits, most countries fall short of meeting international targets for breastfeeding patterns, optimal complementary feeding, mother-children's quality diet, and malnutrition among under-five children.RationaleSince mothers usually play the most vital role in the healthcare of their children, research is needed to illuminate maternal factors that might promote a child's health and nutritional status.AimThe purpose of this study is to retrospectively (1) examine the under-five children's (0–59 months) feeding habits including exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, continued breastfeeding, and complementary feedings, (2) investigate the mother-child's dietary diversity, and (3) identify any factors that cause less optimal nutrition due to a lack of food diversity in children aged 6 to 59 months. Moreover, (4) the prevalence of wasting, stunting, underweight, and overweight in the under-five offspring living in households located in the main two provinces in Lebanon (Beirut and Mount Lebanon) was determined.MethodsThe data for this analysis were collected from a representative sample of 384 households [384 mothers (21–49 years old) and children (0–59 months)] between February 2019 and June 2019. A questionnaire was used to inquire mothers of children ages 0–23 months about exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), continuous breastfeeding (CBF), exclusive bottle feeding (EBOT), mixed feeding (MF), and complementary feeding patterns. Moreover, additional questions regarding dietary diversity were asked to mothers of children aged 6 to 59 months. This score was calculated based on the 24 h recall of the mother and her child's consumption of 7 food groups, during the 24 h prior to the survey. Moreover, stunting, wasting, overweight, and underweight were calculated using the z-score for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and weight-for-age (WAZ), respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to explore the dietary diversity among children (ages 6–59 months) adjusting for covariates at maternal and household levels.ResultsAround 44% of children (0–59 months) had normal body weight. In addition, 9.3% were underweight (WAZ < -2SD to −3SD), 6.5% were at risk of being overweight, 24.45% were overweight, 9.3% were stunted (HAZ < -2SD to −3SD), and 6.25% (WHZ < -2SD to −3SD) were wasted. In total, among under-five children, the prevalence of EBF at 40 d and 6 months was 27 and 30%, respectively. The prevalence of CBF was 23%. Around 60% of mothers breastfed their offspring between 0 and 6 months and half of them introduced infant formula at earlier stages between 0–6 months. Furthermore, 78.4% of mothers introduced food to their children between 4 and 6 months (of which 40% before 6 months) and 62.5% of them introduced sugary drinks before 6 months. As for dietary diversity (DD), one out of two mothers and one out of three children (ages 6–59 months) had a low DD score (DDS) (46 and 32%, respectively). The children's and mother's DD were strongly found to be correlated (p-value = 0.034). Regression analysis showed that children's DD increased around 2 times [AOR = 1.7; 95% CI (1.042–2.914)] in context of high maternal DDS, and about 12 times [AOR = 11.7; 95% CI (1.2–111)] when a member of the highest-income households.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrated low rates of EBF and CBF, high prevalence of EBOT, and early introduction of complementary foods among children ages 0–59 months. Furthermore, for children ages 6–59 months, there was poor mother-child dietary diversity and a high prevalence of overweight and stunted children in the main two Lebanese provinces. This suggests the alarming need for continuous nutrition intervention to improve infant feeding patterns and dietary diversity to reduce the malnutrition rates.

Household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age among smallholder farming households in northwest Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Despite Bangladesh’s remarkable progress in agricultural production over the past few decades, household food and nutrition insecurity persist, especially in rural areas. The nutrition security and dietary diversity are even more critical for women of reproductive age among smallholders. This study examined household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age in the rural areas of northwest Bangladesh. Using cross-sectional data collected from 252 smallholder households, we measured household food insecurity and dietary diversity of women of reproductive age by the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and the Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women, respectively. Determinants of household food insecurity were examined, and associations between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity were determined. The majority of the households were mildly insecure (51.2%) followed by moderately insecure (27.4%). The households felt anxiety of food insecurity for more than six months a year (Food Security Index = 2.10 out of 4.00). The mean food group consumed by women was 4.63 indicating low dietary diversity and dominance of diets by grains and dark green leafy vegetables. The findings also indicate a significant and positive association between household food insecurity and low dietary diversity of women. Education of household heads, household size, access to information sources, access to credit support, and perceived impacts of climate change on crop production were identified as determinants of household food insecurity. The study recommends that appropriate interventions be formulated to improve the food and nutrition security in the study areas.

Menstrual abnormality, maternal illiteracy, and household factors as main predictors of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adolescent girls are more likely to develop anemia as a result of physical and physiological changes that place a greater strain on their nutritional needs. Primary studies, on the other hand, may not be sufficient to provide a complete picture of anemia in adolescent girls and its major risk factors. The study aimed to describe the pooled prevalence of adolescent girls' anemia and the factors that contribute. We conducted a systematic review of observational studies using the databases CINAHL (EBSCO), PubMed, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the articles, and studies of fair to good quality were included. We pooled anemia prevalence among adolescents and odds ratio estimates for risk factors. Subgroup analysis employing sample size and study setup was computed to determine the source of heterogeneity, and the I2 test was used to identify the existence or absence of substantial heterogeneity during subgroup analysis. The pooled prevalence of adolescent girls' anemia was calculated using a random-effects meta-analysis model. The overall pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia was 23.03% (95% confidence interval: 17.07, 28.98). Low dietary diversity (odds ratio: 1.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.05, 2.32), illiterate mothers (odds ratio: 1.45; 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 1.86), household size greater than five (odds ratio: 1.65; 95% confidence interval: 1.14, 2.38), food-insecure households (odds ratio: 1.48; 95% confidence interval: 1.21, 1.82), and menstrual blood flow more than 5 days (odds ratio: 6.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.67, 23.12) were the identified factors associated with anemia among adolescent girls. The pooled prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia was moderately high. Therefore, to combat the burden of anemia among adolescent girls offering nutritional education is crucial. Iron supplementation is also recommended for adolescent females who have a menstrual cycle that lasts longer than 5 days.

Calorie- and Protein-Deficient Diets Despite Adequate Dietary Diversity among Pregnant Women in a Low-Income Urban Area in Delhi, India.

We interviewed 221 antenatal women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy attending a primary care antenatal clinic at a low-income area in Delhi, India, during 2019-20. The Minimum Dietary Diversity-Women (MDD-W) score for 10 food groups was calculated using the open recall method during a 24-h recall period. The median MDD-W score was 6 (IQR 4-7). Low dietary diversity (MDD-W <5) was observed in 65 (29.4%) participants. Low SES and higher age (≥25 years) were statistically significant predictors of lower dietary diversity, but it was unrelated to parity. Furthermore, protein deficit was observed in 185 (83.7%) and calorie deficit in 210 (95%) participants.

Household Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors among Rural Residents of Gomole District, Borena Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

BackgroundLow dietary diversity is the main public health issue in developing countries. Despite its burden, there is a paucity of information on the dietary diversity of households and related factors in rural residents of southern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study assessed household dietary diversity and associated factors among rural residents of Gomole district.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November 1 to December 30, 2020, among 554 randomly selected rural households. Data were collected by using pretested structured face-to-face interviews about dietary intake by any household members within the past 24 h. The data were coded and entered into Epi data 3.1 and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Both descriptive and analytic statistics were employed. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) together with 95% confidence intervals and p values of less than 0.05 were used to declare statistical significance.ResultsOut of the total, 19% (95%; CI = 15.7–22.2) of households had adequate dietary diversity scores. The mean (±SD) dietary diversity score was 5.12 (±1.6). The most consumed food groups in the study area were cereals/grains (96.4%), condiments (salt and beverages (tea)) (84.3%) and milk and milk products (80%). The sex of the household head (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.04–5.13), bank account ownership (AOR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.04–4.59), and livestock ownership (AOR = 4.75, 95% CI: 1.35–16.73) were positively associated with dietary diversity. However, distance to the marketplace (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02–0.56) was negatively associated with adequate dietary diversity.ConclusionThere is low dietary diversity among households of study area. Improving livestock rearing and bank accounts should be strengthened through strong intersectional collaboration to alleviate the problem.