Nutrition Intervention Programs Research Articles

Relationship History of Parenting and Antenatal Care Visits with Stunting Events in Children Aged 24-36 Months in West Aceh Regency

Stunting is the inability of children under five to grow normally due to the effects of chronic lack of nutrition so that their height is very short for their age. Data from SSGI in 2022, Aceh Province has a prevalence rate of stunting among children under five which is ranked fifth with a percentage of 31.2 percent. According to SSGI data for 2021, stunting in West Aceh Regency was 27.4 percent and increased to 30.4 percent in 2022 with a very high category. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between parenting styles and the incidence of stunting in children 24-36 months in West Aceh Regency. This type of research is quantitative research with a case control design. The sample size was 100 toddlers, 50 toddlers were selected for the case group and 100 toddlers for the control group. The results of the study showed that the variables that were related were parenting patterns for breastfeeding and food (p=0.016), personal hygiene parenting patterns (p=0.028) and history of antenatal care visits (p=0.007) with the incidence of stunting. Suggestions for this research to the government are expected to be able to synergize better in creating programs to overcome stunting and poverty and improve the performance of services and implementation of specific nutritional intervention programs for pregnant women. One of them is an examination program during pregnancy both in terms of quantity of visits and also inspections carried out during ANC activities.

Enhancing Nutritional Status and Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies: Evaluating the Impact of Workplace Nutrition Program on Female Workers in Vietnam.

This randomized controlled clinical study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a nutrition intervention program for non-pregnant female workers in Vietnam. A total of 500 female workers were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. Participants in the intervention group were provided nutrition education, personalized specific dietary, and received oral nutrition supplements (ONS)-which contained multi-minerals and vitamins according to recommendations for adults for a duration of 12 wk, while participants in the control group received only nutrition education. The result shows the percentage of malnutrition by BMI in the control group rose from 15.6% to 21.3% after 12 wk; the figure for counterpart experienced a remain unchanged (p<0.05). Additionally, the mean of serum zinc in the intervention group significantly increased from 49.0±21.2 μg/dL to 53.6±19.5 μg/dL after 12 wk. Moreover, the intervention group demonstrated significant increases in serum iron and total serum calcium levels (p<0.05), with from 13.9±5.6 μmol/L to 15.3±5.8 μmol/L, and from 2.36±0.15 mmol/L to 2.4±0.09 mmol/L, respectively. The participants of the intervention group were more likely to have higher total serum calcium (Coef=0.04, p<0.05), serum iron (Coef=1.99, p<0.05), and serum zinc (Coef=18.9, p<0.05), which presents a reduce micronutrient deficiency. In conclusion, workplace nutrition interventions effectively mitigate micronutrient deficiencies and improve the nutritional status of female workers.

Assessment of Community Readiness to Address Malnutrition in Rural Southwest Guatemala

AbstractBackgroundMalnutrition is prevalent throughout southwest Guatemala, where &gt;40% of children suffer from chronic undernutrition. Evidence supports that assessing a community's awareness and readiness to address malnutrition is a critical first step in improving the success of a nutrition intervention program. The objective of this study was to apply the community readiness model (CRM) to assess community readiness to address childhood malnutrition in a rural southwest region of Guatemala.MethodsThirteen key respondents of varied social roles and demographics residing in the region were interviewed. Interview questions related to addressing malnutrition were from the following predefined dimensions: Community Efforts, Community Knowledge of Efforts, Leadership, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts. Interview recordings and notes were analyzed and scored according to the CRM guidelines, and a standardized analysis was conducted.ResultsThe overall community readiness score was 4.26 (preplanning: awareness of the issue). Community Efforts had a total score of 5 (Preparation: preparing to take action on the issue). Community Knowledge of Efforts, Community Climate, Community Knowledge, and Resources for Efforts Dimensions each had a total score of 4 (Preplanning: awareness of the issue). The overall score for the Leadership dimension was 2 (Denial/resistance: belief that the problem does not exist within the community). These scores demonstrate clear recognition for action to address childhood malnutrition as a problem. However, efforts to combat childhood malnutrition are not yet focused nor detailed for community action.ConclusionsThis rural southwest region of Guatemala recognizes that childhood malnutrition is a problem. However, efforts to address malnutrition are not yet focused or detailed enough to have measurable impact in addressing this issue. For the region to advance the stage of community readiness, it is essential to enhance knowledge of dietary strategies aimed at improving nutrition for children and increase engagement from local leadership.

Analysis of Dietary and Nutritional Status of Tuberculosis Patients in Hulunbuir Region.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Malnutrition is a common complication of TB and can worsen the disease outcome. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary and nutritional status, as well as the dietary structure, of TB patients in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia, China. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze the factors that influence the nutritional status in order to provide a theoretical foundation for the prevention and treatment of TB and related issues. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 334 randomly selected TB patients from Hulunbuir City Second Hospital. A questionnaire survey was administered to collect information on demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and food intake. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI). Dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated based on the number of food groups consumed in the previous 24 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 software. Descriptive statistics employed rates and composition ratios, and categorical data was represented using frequencies and percentages. The chi-square test was used to analyze the association between nutritional status and other variables, with a significance level set at α=0.05. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors affecting the nutritional status of TB patients. The univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the nutritional status (as measured by BMI) among tuberculosis patients, considering ethnicity, educational level, smoking, meat-based diet, vegetable consumption, and DDS grading. No statistically significant differences were found regarding gender, age, marital status, occupation, sleep duration, alcohol consumption, and consumption of rice and flour dishes. Statistically significant variables from the univariate analysis were included in a multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis model. The findings highlighted that educational level (high school or below), smoking, meat-based diet, DDS scores of 1-3, and a primarily vegetable-based diet had independent effects on the nutritional status of tuberculosis patients (all P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in nutritional status between the Han ethnic group and other ethnicities. The study revealed that the dietary and nutritional status of TB patients in Hulunbuir City was suboptimal and influenced by several factors. Smoking, meat-based diet, and low dietary diversity score were the primary risk factors for malnutrition among TB patients. The study suggests that nutritional education and intervention programs should be implemented for TB patients to improve their dietary quality and nutritional status.

Urinary schistosomiasis and anemia among school-aged children from southwestern Nigeria

ABSTRACT Schistosomiasis and anemia, are one of the leading global public health problem among children between age 5 and 14 years in marginalized settings. In this study, we provide prevalence and intensity data for both conditions in three southwestern states of Nigeria, where such are lacking. Epidemiological assessment involving parasitological analysis of urine and blood samples was conducted among 1783 consenting school-aged children in Ondo, Osun, Ekiti States of Nigeria. Participants’ age and sex data were obtained using field forms, and statistical analysis was performed in R software with a significance level of 95%. An overall prevalence of 26.8% and 29.5% was recorded for urinary schistosomiasis and anemia, respectively. Prevalence varied by location with (40.3% and 29.8%) in Ondo (34.4% and 37.5%) in Osun and (13.4% and 20.9%) in Ekiti for urinary schistosomiasis and anemia, respectively (p=0.00). Schistosoma infections were found among males (28.7%, p=0.05) and children between the age 9–11 years (30.0%, p=0.01). About 36% of children with anemia was also infected with schistosomiasis. Children who were positive for schistosomiasis (OR:1.51; 95% CI: 1.19, 1.93; p=0.001) and between the age category 15–16 years, (OR:1.86; 95% CI: 1.12, 3.09; p<0.05) were twice likely to become anemic. Our findings have shown that children infected with schistosomiasis are twice likely to become anemic than those without infection. It is important to complement ongoing MDA programmes targeted at schistosomiasis with nutrition intervention programs for example micronutrient supplementation for better impact and cost-effectiveness.

Nutritional assessment of children in the selected anganwadis in field practice area of RVM medical

: Malnutrition stands as one of the most prevalent conditions impacting the well-being of children. It heightens a child's vulnerability to infections, delays recovery, and increases mortality rates. Nutrition significantly influences the physical, mental, and emotional development of children.: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among five anganwadi centers in Mulug Mandal, Siddipet which comes under the filed practice area of R V M Medical College. The study focused on children under five years of age who attended the Anganwadi centers during September 2023 to November 2023.: Out of 100 participants majority children had normal weight(63%), followed by underweight(18%), above normal(15%) and lowest proportion of color category of weight of the child is severely underweight (4%). There was a statistically significant association of weight with knowledge about growth chart among mothers.: To prevent or minimize the problem of malnutrition, various nutrition intervention programmes have been introduced, from time to time, in India.

Clinico-epidemiological profiles & outcome of severe malaria in children under-five in the tribal area of Kalahandi, Odisha.

Severe malaria is a cause of excess mortality and morbidity in children in malaria-endemic areas where indigenous people live. Currently, available reports are all from secondary or tertiary care hospitals across India and some African countries. The objective of this study was to assess the clinical and epidemiological profiles of children under five years in two primary care health centres located in tribal-dominant Thuamul Rampur Block of Kalahandi district, Odisha. The outcome of management of severe malaria in these children was also assessed. A retrospective review of case records of children under five years of age diagnosed and admitted with severe malaria in two non-governmental primary care facilities between 2017 and 2022, was undertaken. There was a declining trend in malaria cases documented in primary care health facilities between January 2017 and June 2022. Of the 4858 cases recorded, 242 (4.9%) had severe malaria, of whom 70.7 per cent (n=171) were children under 5 yr. The median age of the study children was 24 months (16-36). Children aged 1-2 yr had a significantly higher risk of malaria. The majority were tribals (87%), more than half the children presented with neurological manifestations (64.4%), and 49.6 per cent had respiratory manifestations, while 20.5 per cent had severe anaemia (Hb <5 g/dl). Most, 167 (97.7%) severe malaria was due to Plasmodium falciparum. Thirty-two percent of children were severely wasted (WHZ < -3 SD) and 28 per cent were moderately wasted (WHZ <-2 SD). There was no fatality among the 171 children who were managed for severe malaria in the two primary care facilities. In high endemic areas severe malaria is predominantly a disease of under-five children and is caused by P. falciparum. Clinical manifestations of severe malaria in children can be varied and life-threatening. Primary health facilities can manage severe malaria successfully, thereby reducing child mortality. Effective collaboration between malaria control and nutrition intervention programmes is essential for appropriate case management.

Undernutrition among exclusive breastfeeding mothers and its associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia: A community-based study.

An exclusive breastfeeding period is a time when the infant's feeding depends on only breast milk. Inadequate maternal nutrition during this period could lead to insufficient infant feeding, which can further lead to childhood undernutrition and developmental restrictions. Evidently, the burden of maternal undernutrition was higher in resource-limited countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the proportion of undernutrition among exclusive breastfeeding mothers and its associated factors in Southwest Ethiopia. The study used a community-based cross-sectional design. The study was conducted among 442 nursing mothers from 10 to 30 June 2022. The participants were selected using multistage sampling techniques. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Statistical software EpiData version 3.1 and SPSS version 20 were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. The factors associated with undernutrition were identified using a binary logistic regression analysis. In the bivariable analysis, a p-value of less than 0.25 was used to include the variable in the multivariable analysis, whereas p-value less than 0.05 was an odds ratio used to declare an independent association at a 95% confidence interval. The proportion of undernutrition among the participants was found to be 24.8% in the study area. Poor intake of extra meals (adjusted odds ratio = 2.104; 95% confidence interval: 1.208, 3.664), poor dietary diversity habits (adjusted odds ratio = 3.605; 95% confidence interval: 2.112, 6.153), a lack of nutrition information (adjusted odds ratio = 1.853; 95% confidence interval: 1.070, 3.212), and household food insecurity (adjusted odds ratio = 4.424; 95% confidence interval: 2.639, 7.417) were identified as factors enhancing undernutrition among exclusive breastfeeding mothers in the area. A quarter of exclusive breastfeeding mothers were undernourished in the area. Poor dietary diversity habits, poor intake of extra meals, a lack of nutrition information, and household food insecurity were found to be the factors determining undernutrition. Hence, it is important to reinforce nutrition intervention programs, including maternal nutrition education and counseling.

Educational Nutritional Intervention Program for Adolescents Based on Social Cognitive Theory: Pilot Study of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

The eating habits of adolescents are often inadequate, with high consumption of unhealthy foods and low consumption of healthy foods. It is necessary to design and implement effective interventions to improve eating habits at this age and evaluate their feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. The use of theories for behavior change in health interventions favors the adoption of healthy behaviors. Due to this, the objective was set to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and effect on food consumption of a new educational nutritional intervention program for adolescents based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and supported by the Trans-theoretical Model (TTM) and identify areas of improvement in study design and intervention for future larger-scale studies. A pilot study of a cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in adolescents of both sexes, 12 to 15 years of age, students from a public secondary school in Tonala, Jalisco, Mexico. The results show that a nutritional education intervention for adolescents, based on SCT and supported by the TTM, is feasible, acceptable, and with positive results in the modification of the consumption of ultra-processed foods, vegetables/fruits, and water. This pilot study identified some aspects that could be improved to enhance the effectiveness of the interventions in future studies.

Improving Students' Knowledge of Breakfast Energy and Protein Consumption through E-Booklet Media

Malnutrition remains an important health issue in Indonesia, especially among undernourished children. The current nutrition intervention program, Family Nutrition Awareness, emphasizes the importance of breakfast in combating malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in maternal knowledge, energy, and protein consumption of students before and after counseling on breakfast using e-booklet media. This study used a pre-experimental type with a one-group pretest-posttest design. Maternal knowledge was assessed through a questionnaire, and energy and protein consumption was measured using a food recall form. The statistical analysis used was the paired T-test for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon test for non-normally distributed data. The results showed significant differences in maternal knowledge and children's energy and protein intake before and after the e-booklet-based educational intervention (p=0.002 and p=0.000). This shows the effectiveness of e-booklets as a nutrition education media, which has the potential to positively influence maternal knowledge and improve children's breakfast habits. In conclusion, there is a difference in nutritional knowledge, energy, and protein consumption before and after counseling on breakfast using e-booklets. This study emphasizes the importance of innovative and accessible educational tools in combating malnutrition in Indonesia.

Effects of a Nutrition Education Programme in Stage IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients: A 3-Arm Randomised Controlled Trial.

This trial examined the influence of two nutrition intervention programmes on health-related and nutritional intake indices pertinent to cardiovascular disease compared to usual care in stage IV cardiac rehabilitation patients. Sixty-six patients were recruited from the Heartbeat North-West cardiac rehabilitation centre in Preston (United Kingdom). Patients were randomly assigned to Usual care, Biggest loser or Nutrition education arms. Usual care undertook their usual two exercise classes per week without nutritional support, Biggest loser underwent weekly education sessions focussing on weight loss using the themes within the British Heart Foundation 'So You Want to Lose Weight for Good' guidelines, and Nutrition education followed the same themes as Biggest loser but in a more focussed manner informed by patient focus groups. In total, this was a 12-week trial in which patients spent 6 weeks engaged in their allocated intervention arm, after which all participants switched to Usual care. The primary outcome was systolic blood pressure, and secondary measures of anthropometric, blood biomarker, nutritional knowledge (via the Mediterranean Diet Assessment Tool) and nutritional intake indices were measured at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks (follow-up). Intention-to-treat analyses revealed no significant alterations in the primary outcome (Usual care: baseline = 130.45 mmHg, 6 weeks = 127.83 mmHg, and follow-up = 126.35 mmHg, Biggest loser: baseline = 133.50 mmHg, 6 weeks = 123.06 mmHg, and follow-up = 135.22 mmHg, or Nutrition education: baseline = 135.23 mmHg, 6 weeks = 129.20 mmHg, and follow-up = 126.26 mmHg) between arms. However, at 6 weeks, improvements in triglycerides were significantly greater in Usual care (baseline = 1.61 mmol/L and 6 weeks = 1.43 mmol/L) group compared to Nutrition education (baseline = 1.70 mmol/L and 6 weeks = 2.21 mmol/L). Improvements in nutrition knowledge were significantly greater in Nutrition education (baseline = 8.48, 6 weeks = 9.77, and follow-up = 10.07) compared to Usual care (baseline = 7.71, 6 weeks = 8.00, and follow-up = 8.00) and Biggest loser (baseline = 7.71, 6 weeks = 8.73, and follow-up = 8.36). At 6 weeks, the Biggest loser group (baseline = 4.75 g and 6 weeks = 3.83 g) exhibited significantly greater improvements in salt intake compared to Usual care (baseline = 4.87 g and 6 weeks = 4.28 g) and Nutrition education (baseline = 19.25 g and 6 weeks = 16.78 g) in saturated fatty acids compared to Usual care (baseline = 20.26 g and 6 weeks = 21.34 g). This trial shows the effectiveness of nutritional interventions for improving nutritional knowledge and dietary practices in stage IV cardiac rehabilitation, but the mechanisms and longer-term effects of increased triglyceride levels in the Nutrition education group requires further exploration.

Prevalence of Malnutrition using Anthropometric Index among the Sabar Tribal Preschool Children of Purulia District of West Bengal, India

Background It is well-established that tribal preschool children are still suffering from different types of malnutrition. Although data on the prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness (low body mass index (BMI) for age) among preschool children, particularly tribal preschool children in India, is limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to look at the anthropometric characteristics as well as the prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness using recent age and sex-specific BMI cut-off values. Methods The present cross-sectional study was carried out at seven different villages in the three Sabar concentrated blocks of the Purulia district. A total of 104 (49 boys and 55 girls) Sabar preschool children (aged 2-5-years) were investigated. Preschool children from seven Sabar-dominated villages were investigated. The prevalence of malnutrition in the form of thinness was assessed using an age- and sex-specific international BMI cut-off. Results There were significant age variations in mean weight and height observed in both sexes (p&lt;0.001). The overall prevalence of malnutrition among Sabar preschool children was 80.77%. Boys (85.71%) were more malnourished (low BMI-for-age) than girls (76.4%). Overall, about 37.5% of preschool children were severely malnourished. Conclusion The results revealed that their nutritional status was not satisfactory. Therefore, an appropriate nutritional intervention programme should be taken to reduce the burden of malnutrition among the Sabar preschool children of Purulia district, West Bengal, India.

IMPLEMENTASI PROGRAM INTERVENSI GIZI SPESIFIK PADA REMAJA PUTRI DAN BALITA DI PUSKESMAS PATEAN KABUPATEN KENDAL

The scope of implementing specific nutrition intervention programs at the Patean Health Center for young women and toddlers in 2021 and 2022 was still not in line with the national target. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of a specific nutrition intervention program for girls and toddlers at the Patean Health Center. This research was a qualitative research with a descriptive approach through in-depth interviews conducted from January to July 2023. The data processing method used content analysis.The results showed that the implementation of the specific nutrition intervention program for young women and toddlers are not optimal. Obstacles in the activities of young women are caused by unclear communication, limited and inadequate support facilities and fragmentation that is not in accordance with policy. Obstacles in toddler activities are caused by limited quality of posyandu cadres, limited budget and inadequate supporting facilities. It can be concluded that the implementation of specific nutrition intervention programs for girls and toddlers at the Patean Public Health Center is not optimal because it is influenced by communication factors, resources, attitudes and bureaucratic structures

Effects and mechanisms of nutritional interventions on extradigestive complications in obese patients.

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of multiple extradigestive complications. Thus, understanding the global epidemiology of obesity and its relationship with extradigestive complications, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is important. However, nutritional intervention can positively manage issues associated with obesity. Hence, the identification of the current high prevalence of extradigestive complications among patients with obesity and the potential role of nutritional interventions is also essential. To determine the relationship between obesity and extradigestive complications and emphasize the importance of nutritional interventions in the management of patients with obesity. Overall, 110 patients with obesity admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to November 2022 and 100 healthy individuals were included in the present study. Information of the study population, including demographic characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index, indicators of extradigestive complications, dietary intake, and biomarkers was collected. The study design, participant selection, interventions, and development of the nutritional intervention program were described. The collected data were analyzed to assess the effect of nutritional interventions on extradigestive complications. As a part of nutritional intervention, the dietary structure was modified to decrease the saturated fatty acid and cholesterol intake and increase the dietary fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acid intake to improve the blood lipid levels and cardiovascular health. Mechanistic studies showed that these nutritional interventions positively affected mechanisms that regulate lipid metabolism, improved inflammatory markers in the blood, and improved vascular functions. The study discusses the consistency of the present results with previous findings to assess the clinical significance of the present findings. The study provides direction for future research on improving nutritional intervention strategies.

Effectiveness of the Sensitive Nutrition Intervention Program in Accelerating Stunting Reduction in Baubau City

Stunting is a condition of failure to thrive in toddlers due to long-term malnutrition, exposure to repeated infections, and lack of stimulation. Not all short toddlers are stunted, so pediatricians need to differentiate them, but stunted children are scarce. Responding to this problem, the government issued Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 72 of 2021 concerning the Acceleration of Reducing Stunting. This regulation is a form of the government's commitment to accelerating the achievement of the stunting reduction target to 14 percent by 2024. This research aims to describe the effectiveness of a sensitive nutrition intervention program to accelerate stunting reduction in Baubau City, focusing on the accuracy of program targets and program outreach. The research used a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with six informants, while secondary data came from related regional government organization (OPD) data. The data was then analyzed in several stages: data collection, reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The research results show that based on indicators of the accuracy of program targets and program outreach in sensitive nutrition intervention programs, the acceleration of stunting reduction in Baubau City has been running effectively even though it has not significantly contributed to reducing the stunting prevalence rate. The decline in the stunting prevalence rate of only 1% shows that the accuracy of program targets still needs to be improved. Access to drinking water and sanitation, community recipients of PKH benefits, and the formation of farming community groups in the future must be several things that need to be maximized to achieve an accelerated reduction in stunting in Baubau City. In conclusion, the consistency of policy implementers must be bound by a shared commitment and shared goals and understanding in efforts to reduce the prevalence of stunting.

Children's perspectives on vegetable consumption and gardening: Outcomes from a qualitative study in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

AbstractUrban poor children have low vegetable consumption due to food insecurities leading to limited access to vegetables. Children's involvement in gardening may improve their vegetable consumption and connection with nature. This qualitative study explored the potential facilitators and barriers related to vegetable consumption and gardening among urban poor children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Four focus group discussions were conducted among 20 randomly selected children aged 9–12 years, residing in selected low‐cost flats in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 2021 to January 2022. Thematic analysis via NVivo software was conducted to analyse the transcripts. Children reported several barriers to eating vegetables, such as disliking taste, sensory and appearance, limited accessibility and vegetable availability at home. Most children felt positive and interested to join gardening. The findings are useful in planning nutrition intervention programmes that incorporate gardening as one of the elements to improve vegetable consumption.

Progress in the fight against malnutrition in Mozambique: A review of policies, action plans, and nutritional intervention programs

Malnutrition is a public health problem in Mozambique, where 37% of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition and 4% from acute malnutrition. Since national independence in 1975, action plans have been implemented to reverse this situation. Objective: To analyze the progress made in the fight against malnutrition through the policies, action plans and programmes implemented in the country since independence. Methodology: Documentary study, whose main data sources consisted of Demographic and Health Survey reports, Family Budget Surveys, SMART Surveys, Integrated Classification of Food Security Stages reports, information from FAO databases, as well as other studies on the nutritional situation in the country. The WHO and UNICEF classifications were used to describe the prevalence rates of malnutrition. Results: Except for acute malnutrition, which reduced from high to low between 1997-2023, the prevalence of chronic malnutrition had no statistically significant reductions and remains very high. Factors such as food insecurity, high illiteracy rates, armed conflict in northern Mozambique, poverty, unequal distribution of basic resources between provinces, weak monitoring and evaluation systems in the action plans implemented, poor investment in agriculture, covid-19, as well as the effect of climate change, which constantly affects the country, are the main causes. Conclusion: Despite efforts, malnutrition continues not to show significant reductions, which calls for further study and improvement of policies, as well as the control of risk factors.

Nutrition education centers: A community-based approach to management of malnutrition

First paragraph: Nutritional health is a core aspect of sustainable development. Globally, progress has been made in reducing child stunting and promoting exclusive breastfeeding; nevertheless, anemia, malnourish­ment of mothers and children, and general food insecurity are still persistent, requiring multi­faceted approaches to address those challenges (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO] et al., 2022). Uganda, the location of this case study, adopted both global and region­al strate­gies. For example, Uganda is a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeting an end to all forms of malnutri­tion by 2030 (United Nations, 2015). Regionally, Uganda is also a signatory to the 2014 Malabo Declaration, which aimed at enhancing food production and reducing malnutrition by 2025 (African Union, 2014). The Uganda Nutri­tion Action Plan I (UNAP) of 2011-2016 made gains in reducing child stunting from 33% to 29% and wasting from 5% to 4%. However, mothers and children’s malnourishment persists (Office of the Prime Minister [OPM], 2020). The UNAP II 2020-2025 targets reducing malnutri­tion by lev­eraging collaborations to improve the functionality of nutrition intervention programs (OPM, 2020). . . .

Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) practices and deworming improve nutritional status and anemia of unmarried adolescent girls in rural Bangladesh

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, undernutrition and anemia are more occurrent among adolescent girls. BRAC, the largest non-governmental organization (NGO), has been implementing a community-based nutrition education service package targeting adolescent girls for reducing their undernutrition and anemia.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the underlying factors associated with nutritional status and anemia among adolescent girls under the BRAC nutrition program areas to improve their existing intervention package.MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional and comparative study in 2016, in 24 upazilas of Bogra, Barguna, Comilla, Dinajpur, Feni, Jessore, and Meherpur districts where the BRAC nutrition program was implemented while the remaining 27 upazilas of those districts were selected as comparison area. We followed a multistage cluster random sampling for selecting 1620 unmarried adolescent girls aged 10–19 years for interviewing in the intervention and comparison areas. Data were collected on socio-demographic information, dietary intake, morbidity, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practice, anthropometry, and serum hemoglobin (Hb) level by using a pre-structured questionnaire. The nutritional status of the adolescent girls was expressed as height-for-age Z (HAZ) and body mass index-for-age Z (BMIZ) score, while anemia referred to the serum Hb at the level of below 12 g/dl for adolescent girls. All statistical analyses were done in STATA version 17 (Chicago Inc.).FindingsThe prevalence of stunting (22.9% vs. 22.5%), thinness (12% vs. 14%), and anemia (34.5% vs. 37.3%) exhibited similarities between the intervention and comparison regions. Stunting and thinness were predictors for each other for this population group. Our findings indicated that adolescent girls who were not washing hands with soap after defecation were likely to be stunted [AOR 1.51 (95% CI 1.12–2.04)], and who did not utilize sanitary latrines had an increased likelihood of being thin [AOR 2.38 (95% CI 1.11–5.08)]. Conversely, those who did not watch television [AOR 1.69 (95% CI 1.12–2.56)] and did not have deworming tablets [AOR 1.33 (95% CI 1.07–1.64)] in the 6 months leading up to the interview had a 69% and 33% higher probability of being anemic, respectively.ConclusionFor sustainable improvement in the undernutrition and anemia of adolescent girls, integration of WASH, consistent administration of deworming tablets and broadcasting awareness programs through television are urgent to scale up the nutrition intervention programs in similar settings like Bangladesh.

Prevalence of Undernutrition Among Tribal Lactating Mothers in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Background In Andhra Pradesh, India, tribal communities face unique nutritional challenges due to limited access to healthcare and a predominantly plant-based diet. Maternal undernutrition is a significant concern, impacting the well-being of both mothers and their offspring. This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of undernutrition among tribal mothers in Andhra Pradeshusing the BMI-for-age criterion. Objectives The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition among tribal mothers, explore associations with demographic factors, and assess the impact of a nutritional intervention program. The ultimate goal was to contribute to targeted interventions and policies for improving the health and well-being of these communities. Materials and methods A cohort study was conducted in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh, involving 340 lactating mothers and their infants. Data collection and anthropometric measurements were performed. Results The study found that 67 (19.71%) of tribal mothers were underweight at baseline. There were statistically significant associations with the Yenadi tribe, low educational status of the mother, and history of lower segment Caesarean section with a high prevalence of being underweight. No significant associations with age, occupation, or socioeconomic status were observed. Undernutrition was more common among mothers with older children and was associated with specific obstetric factors. Conclusion While the prevalence of undernutrition is lower than in some previous studies, it remains a critical concern, particularly within disadvantaged communities. These undernourished mothers face health risks, including anemia. Urgent policy interventions and nutritional programs are needed to address this issue and enhance the well-being of tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.