Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, ... more Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, consistent evidence has not been provided yet. This cross-sectional study has used a nutrigenetic approach to investigate the interaction between metabolic-genetic risk score (GRS) and dietary intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in 396 unrelated Turkish adults, aged 24–50 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in those with a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele than those with a metabolic-GRS < 1 risk allele (p = 0.020). A significant interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake (energy%) on serum 25(OH)D levels was identified (Pinteraction = 0.040). Participants carrying a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele and consuming a high fat diet (≥38% of energy = 122.3 ± 52.51 g/day) had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (p = 0.006) in comparison to those consuming a low-fat diet (<38% of energy = 82.5 ± 37.36 g/d). In conclusion,...
Table S1. Genotype distribution of SNPs at LPL and APOE genes and Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium P va... more Table S1. Genotype distribution of SNPs at LPL and APOE genes and Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium P values. (DOCX 18 kb)
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a person consumes at least 400g of Fruit and ... more The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a person consumes at least 400g of Fruit and Vegetable (FV) daily to prevent chronic disease risk. We assessed knowledge of current WHO guidelines and other determinants of FV intake among adults (≥ 18 years, n = 397) in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. Face-toface interviews using a questionnaire adopted from WHO Risk Factor Surveillance System were undertaken. Knowledge of FV daily servings and determinants of intake were evaluated by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. There was a 99.2% response rate with approximately 9% of participants correctly stating the WHO daily recommended amount (P = .296). Most (54%) of respondents' FV intake was affected by unavailability of desired choice (P = .050). Odd of inadequate consumption for persons aware of adequate amount was 1.97 (95% CI: 0.64, 6.05, P = .234) higher than persons without awareness. Participants with problems accessing their desired choice of FV had 0.59 odds (95% CI: 0.36, 0.95, P = .030) of consuming inadequate amount compared to those with easy access. Adequate FV intake depends on availability of consumer preference regardless of knowledge of recommendations. Individual FV cultivation is relevant for availability of preferred choice and adequate consumption for NCDs risk reductions among Ghanaians.
This paper examines a brief preventive intervention as a model for embedding public health action... more This paper examines a brief preventive intervention as a model for embedding public health action in primary care. Background: Low fruit and vegetable intake is a major risk factor for cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. The recommended intake of five portions per day would reduce death rates from these causes by 20%. However, average daily consumption in the UK is under three portions, and it is significantly lower in men, young people and lower socioeconomic groups. In order to tackle risk factors such as poor diet, the white paper Choosing Health promises action and funding to mainstream prevention and transform the NHS from a sickness service to a genuine health service. The intervention: To promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption, primary care professionals working in a deprived area issue prescriptions which offer the patient discounts on fruit and vegetable purchases. Handover of each prescription to the patient is linked explicitly to key five a day messages. This brief intervention takes 1-2 min to deploy. Immediate outcomes: Evaluation is ongoing. However, early feedback suggests that the intervention of prescription plus key messages has a significant impact on patients in highlighting the connection between food and health. Clinicians express satisfaction at having a preventive intervention that can be deployed with confidence and consistency in routine primary care consultations. Discussion: This brief intervention is presented as a potential model for embedding prevention in the day-today work of health professionals. Primary care is a natural setting for the promotion of health, but despite success in implementing some public health programmes, it has a patchy record in primary prevention. The reasons for this are examined, the impact of new contractual and commissioning levers is explored, and a general framework for mainstreaming public health action in primary care is proposed.
Background. Obesity is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe, attainin... more Background. Obesity is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe, attaining an alarming level in Arab Gulf countries. Poor diets and a lack of essential nutrients being consumed by pregnant women has been acknowledged, and it is recognised that parental eating habits and preferences can contribute to the development of unhealthy diets in children. However, there have been no studies exploring diet and eating habits that have targeted expectant parents and their families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim. To explore the diet and eating habits of expectant parents and their families during pregnancy and test the feasibility of introducing an EatWell Assist workshop and diary, to increase awareness of healthy eating to improve family diet and nutritional status. Method. Participants were recruited from three study sites in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Initially, a purposive sample of 20 expectant mothers and 10 expectant fathers were interviewed. Phase 2 of the stud...
In Morocco, the high consumption of dietary sodium increases the risk of non-communicable disease... more In Morocco, the high consumption of dietary sodium increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and predisposes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hypertension. This study aims to assess the dietary sodium and potassium intake in a random sample of Moroccan adult students as a benchmark informing a national strategy for reducing salt intake. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited in Casablanca. The 24-hour urinary excretion was used to measure the sodium and potassium. Creatinine excretion was used to validate the completeness of the urine collections. The average urinary sodium excretion was 3125.77 ± 121.99 mg/day, 13.5% consumed less than 5g/day, while 69% consumed more than 5 g/day of which 17.5% consumed more than twice the recommendations. For the average urinary potassium excretion was 1826.1 ± 61.2 mg/day, and more than 98% of the students consumed less than the adequate intake. The results of this pilot study show...
Keiron Audain, Michelle Carr, Derya Dikmen, Francis Zotor and Basma Ellahi* Department of Food Sc... more Keiron Audain, Michelle Carr, Derya Dikmen, Francis Zotor and Basma Ellahi* Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Zambia, Kalundu, Lusaka, Zambia Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate whether lifestyle factors modify the association... more Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate whether lifestyle factors modify the association between fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and obesity in a Turkish population. The study included 400 unrelated individuals, aged 24-50 years recruited in a hospital setting. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall and self-report questionnaire, respectively. A genetic risk score (GRS) was developed using FTO SNPs, rs9939609 and rs10163409. Body mass index and fat mass index were significantly associated with FTO SNP rs9939609 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and GRS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). The interactions between SNP rs9939609 and physical activity on adiponectin concentrations, and SNP rs10163409 and dietary protein intake on increased waist circumference were statistically significant (P interaction = 0.027 and P interaction = 0.044, respectively). Our study has demonstrated that the association between FTO SNPs and central obesity might be modified by lifestyle factors in this Turkish population.
Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCD... more Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We investigated intergenerational physical activity level (PAL) among first and second generation Sikh Punjabi male subjects (n=137), recruited from two Sikh temples in Medway, UK. Employing a cross sectional survey PA was quantified using the validated Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ). Data were analysed using SPSS 20 and Epi Info software. 91% of the subjects were classified as overweight. Mean physical activity level (PAL) range was sedentary to low levels of PA (1.45-1.60). Comparisons between first and second generation Punjabi male subjects showed that the two groups are equally culpable in not engaging in work-related or recreational PA, but for the second generation this is significantly lower. Low PAL is a contributory factor to increased risk and prevalence of NCDs among this population and a public health concern. Efforts to increase PA in this group should continue.
Background There has been a sharp increase in homelessness since the beginning of the United King... more Background There has been a sharp increase in homelessness since the beginning of the United Kingdom (UK) Coalition government's welfare and other social policy reforms; these included public expenditure reductions (
[1-3]. Several misconceptions and beliefs regarding food and healthseeking behaviours still exist... more [1-3]. Several misconceptions and beliefs regarding food and healthseeking behaviours still exist in the community [4-7]. Sufficient healthy food is important for children and pregnant and lactating women, but insufficient food consumption may lead to children becoming malnourished. Pregnant women are more likely to have a low birth weight baby, develop anaemia, have complications during delivery and there is a high mortality risk for both mothers
Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research
Background: Preschool-aged children of disadvantaged households in Nepal have a higher prevalence... more Background: Preschool-aged children of disadvantaged households in Nepal have a higher prevalence rate of under nutrition. A major contributing reason is the inadequate maternal knowledge, existing taboos and unscientific food recommendation practices. Aim: This pilot study evaluates the impact of the rice pudding feeding programme on child health and calculates the costs of the preparation. Materials and Methods: A before-and-after study of children aged under-five attending a day-care centre in remote Nepal. Children's weight, height and MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) were compared before and after the rice pudding programme which lasted 54 days. Results: 42 children (boys 43% & girls 57%), of whom 90% had gained weight whilst the weight of the remaining 10% of children stayed constant. Similarly, 78% had increased MUAC while 12% of 2 children improved slightly. The study was inexpensive, US$ 0.34 per day per child and likely to be cost-effective. Conclusion: A regular healthy diet of rice pudding helps children's nutritional need. It is important to consider right dietary practice, including portion sizes, and community awareness about healthy diet and impact of child health as well as sustainability. Key Messages a) Significantly improved child's weight and MUAC. b) Partnership programme leads to cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. c) This programme could be replicated in the similar areas in Nepal.
Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy may predispose to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)... more Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy may predispose to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), immunological and metabolic adaptations which manifest as low birth weight (LBW) and increase the risk of adult non-communicable disease. This study examined the relationships between maternal nutritional status, food intake and pregnancy weight gain (PWG) which may account for risk of LBW in Nepal. A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in rural and urban Nepalese population using simple random sampling to select eligible subjects. Retrospective data was extracted from records and dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 Hour Dietary Recall. A total of 376 women were recruited. A high prevalence of LBW (27.9 per cent) and preterm (14 per cent) delivery were observed. LBW was higher in rural than urban subjects ( p < 0.05). Birth weight was related to period of gestation ( r = 0.609, p < 0.05) ( r = 0.49, p < 0.001), energy intake ( r...
The use of the nutrition facts label has been associated with healthy eating behaviors for adults... more The use of the nutrition facts label has been associated with healthy eating behaviors for adults. However, the relationship between nutrition facts label use and overall diet quality is not well known in young adults, a vulnerable group that acquire lifelong eating behaviors during this period of life. This study aimed to assess if the use of information on the nutrition facts label is associated with a higher diet quality in young adults. In this cross-sectional study, 958 university students aged 18–34 years were recruited. Nutrition facts label use was recorded. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall. Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores were calculated. HEI-2005 score was significantly associated with using nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). The mean total HEI-2005 score was 60.7 ± 10.11, 62.4 ± 11.43 and 67.1 ± 12.23 respectively for never, sometimes and everytime users of nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). Sub-group scores of HEI-2005 for total fru...
Background: Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to sociologic, physiologic and anatom... more Background: Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to sociologic, physiologic and anatomical effects of ageing. Objective: To investigate the influence of nutrition knowledge and dietary patterns on nutritional status of community-dwelling ambulatory older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 120 elderly aged 60-70 years purposively selected from four peri-urban communities in Ga West municipality, Ghana. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire and dietary intakes obtained using a standardized food frequency questionnaire. BMI from weight/height measurements was proxy for nutritional status. Data was analyzed descriptively in SPSS. Associations were tested using correlation analyses (-1<r<+1). Results: 28% had adequate knowledge on geriatric nutrition. Dietary patterns were mostly fair (40%) or poor (53%). Bloating (25%), constipation (18%), appetite loss (12%) and chewing difficulties (11%) affected intakes. Underweight was ...
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Healthcare
Background: This study explores food beliefs among poor mothers related to feeding their offsprin... more Background: This study explores food beliefs among poor mothers related to feeding their offspring. Mothers’ misconception of a healthy diet is one of the major causes of nutritional problems in preschool-aged children in Nepal and these beliefs and attitudes can result in the inappropriate feeding of young children. Objectives: The main objectives of this study were:• identify major barriers for recommending healthy food that are associated with existing cultures, religions and ethnic divisions;• assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutritious food amongst mothers;• assess health-seeking behaviour for children of low socio-economic status. Methods: Study used a qualitative focus group discussion. Fifty participants took part in seven focus groups to explore their food beliefs. The qualitative focus groups aimed to collect in-depth information around food beliefs and data were thematically analysed. Results: The study identified six key themes: (a) poverty; (b) knowled...
Obesity is a multifactorial condition arising from the interaction between genetic and lifestyle ... more Obesity is a multifactorial condition arising from the interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors. We aimed to assess the impact of lifestyle and genetic factors on obesity-related traits in 302 healthy Ghanaian adults. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using a 3 day repeated 24 h dietary recall and global physical activity questionnaire, respectively. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct 4-SNP, 8-SNP and 12-SNP genetic risk scores (GRSs). The 4-SNP GRS showed significant interactions with dietary fat intakes on waist circumference (WC) (Total fat, Pinteraction = 0.01; saturated fatty acids (SFA), Pinteraction = 0.02; polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), Pinteraction = 0.01 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), Pinteraction = 0.01). Among individuals with higher intakes of total fat (>47 g/d), SFA (>14 g/d), PUFA (>16 g/d) and MUFA (>16 g/d), individuals with ≥3 risk alleles had a significantly higher WC compared t...
Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, ... more Previous studies have pointed out a link between vitamin D status and metabolic traits, however, consistent evidence has not been provided yet. This cross-sectional study has used a nutrigenetic approach to investigate the interaction between metabolic-genetic risk score (GRS) and dietary intake on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations in 396 unrelated Turkish adults, aged 24–50 years. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was significantly lower in those with a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele than those with a metabolic-GRS < 1 risk allele (p = 0.020). A significant interaction between metabolic-GRS and dietary fat intake (energy%) on serum 25(OH)D levels was identified (Pinteraction = 0.040). Participants carrying a metabolic-GRS ≥ 1 risk allele and consuming a high fat diet (≥38% of energy = 122.3 ± 52.51 g/day) had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D concentration (p = 0.006) in comparison to those consuming a low-fat diet (<38% of energy = 82.5 ± 37.36 g/d). In conclusion,...
Table S1. Genotype distribution of SNPs at LPL and APOE genes and Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium P va... more Table S1. Genotype distribution of SNPs at LPL and APOE genes and Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium P values. (DOCX 18 kb)
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a person consumes at least 400g of Fruit and ... more The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that a person consumes at least 400g of Fruit and Vegetable (FV) daily to prevent chronic disease risk. We assessed knowledge of current WHO guidelines and other determinants of FV intake among adults (≥ 18 years, n = 397) in Hohoe Municipality, Ghana. Face-toface interviews using a questionnaire adopted from WHO Risk Factor Surveillance System were undertaken. Knowledge of FV daily servings and determinants of intake were evaluated by descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. There was a 99.2% response rate with approximately 9% of participants correctly stating the WHO daily recommended amount (P = .296). Most (54%) of respondents' FV intake was affected by unavailability of desired choice (P = .050). Odd of inadequate consumption for persons aware of adequate amount was 1.97 (95% CI: 0.64, 6.05, P = .234) higher than persons without awareness. Participants with problems accessing their desired choice of FV had 0.59 odds (95% CI: 0.36, 0.95, P = .030) of consuming inadequate amount compared to those with easy access. Adequate FV intake depends on availability of consumer preference regardless of knowledge of recommendations. Individual FV cultivation is relevant for availability of preferred choice and adequate consumption for NCDs risk reductions among Ghanaians.
This paper examines a brief preventive intervention as a model for embedding public health action... more This paper examines a brief preventive intervention as a model for embedding public health action in primary care. Background: Low fruit and vegetable intake is a major risk factor for cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke. The recommended intake of five portions per day would reduce death rates from these causes by 20%. However, average daily consumption in the UK is under three portions, and it is significantly lower in men, young people and lower socioeconomic groups. In order to tackle risk factors such as poor diet, the white paper Choosing Health promises action and funding to mainstream prevention and transform the NHS from a sickness service to a genuine health service. The intervention: To promote increased fruit and vegetable consumption, primary care professionals working in a deprived area issue prescriptions which offer the patient discounts on fruit and vegetable purchases. Handover of each prescription to the patient is linked explicitly to key five a day messages. This brief intervention takes 1-2 min to deploy. Immediate outcomes: Evaluation is ongoing. However, early feedback suggests that the intervention of prescription plus key messages has a significant impact on patients in highlighting the connection between food and health. Clinicians express satisfaction at having a preventive intervention that can be deployed with confidence and consistency in routine primary care consultations. Discussion: This brief intervention is presented as a potential model for embedding prevention in the day-today work of health professionals. Primary care is a natural setting for the promotion of health, but despite success in implementing some public health programmes, it has a patchy record in primary prevention. The reasons for this are examined, the impact of new contractual and commissioning levers is explored, and a general framework for mainstreaming public health action in primary care is proposed.
Background. Obesity is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe, attainin... more Background. Obesity is a problem that has reached epidemic proportions around the globe, attaining an alarming level in Arab Gulf countries. Poor diets and a lack of essential nutrients being consumed by pregnant women has been acknowledged, and it is recognised that parental eating habits and preferences can contribute to the development of unhealthy diets in children. However, there have been no studies exploring diet and eating habits that have targeted expectant parents and their families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Aim. To explore the diet and eating habits of expectant parents and their families during pregnancy and test the feasibility of introducing an EatWell Assist workshop and diary, to increase awareness of healthy eating to improve family diet and nutritional status. Method. Participants were recruited from three study sites in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Initially, a purposive sample of 20 expectant mothers and 10 expectant fathers were interviewed. Phase 2 of the stud...
In Morocco, the high consumption of dietary sodium increases the risk of non-communicable disease... more In Morocco, the high consumption of dietary sodium increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and predisposes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and hypertension. This study aims to assess the dietary sodium and potassium intake in a random sample of Moroccan adult students as a benchmark informing a national strategy for reducing salt intake. This cross-sectional study was conducted with 103 adults aged 18 to 25 years recruited in Casablanca. The 24-hour urinary excretion was used to measure the sodium and potassium. Creatinine excretion was used to validate the completeness of the urine collections. The average urinary sodium excretion was 3125.77 ± 121.99 mg/day, 13.5% consumed less than 5g/day, while 69% consumed more than 5 g/day of which 17.5% consumed more than twice the recommendations. For the average urinary potassium excretion was 1826.1 ± 61.2 mg/day, and more than 98% of the students consumed less than the adequate intake. The results of this pilot study show...
Keiron Audain, Michelle Carr, Derya Dikmen, Francis Zotor and Basma Ellahi* Department of Food Sc... more Keiron Audain, Michelle Carr, Derya Dikmen, Francis Zotor and Basma Ellahi* Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Zambia, Kalundu, Lusaka, Zambia Faculty of Health and Social Care, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4BJ, UK Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey Office of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Volta Region, Ghana
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition
Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate whether lifestyle factors modify the association... more Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate whether lifestyle factors modify the association between fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and obesity in a Turkish population. The study included 400 unrelated individuals, aged 24-50 years recruited in a hospital setting. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall and self-report questionnaire, respectively. A genetic risk score (GRS) was developed using FTO SNPs, rs9939609 and rs10163409. Body mass index and fat mass index were significantly associated with FTO SNP rs9939609 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and GRS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). The interactions between SNP rs9939609 and physical activity on adiponectin concentrations, and SNP rs10163409 and dietary protein intake on increased waist circumference were statistically significant (P interaction = 0.027 and P interaction = 0.044, respectively). Our study has demonstrated that the association between FTO SNPs and central obesity might be modified by lifestyle factors in this Turkish population.
Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCD... more Physical activity (PA) plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We investigated intergenerational physical activity level (PAL) among first and second generation Sikh Punjabi male subjects (n=137), recruited from two Sikh temples in Medway, UK. Employing a cross sectional survey PA was quantified using the validated Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ). Data were analysed using SPSS 20 and Epi Info software. 91% of the subjects were classified as overweight. Mean physical activity level (PAL) range was sedentary to low levels of PA (1.45-1.60). Comparisons between first and second generation Punjabi male subjects showed that the two groups are equally culpable in not engaging in work-related or recreational PA, but for the second generation this is significantly lower. Low PAL is a contributory factor to increased risk and prevalence of NCDs among this population and a public health concern. Efforts to increase PA in this group should continue.
Background There has been a sharp increase in homelessness since the beginning of the United King... more Background There has been a sharp increase in homelessness since the beginning of the United Kingdom (UK) Coalition government's welfare and other social policy reforms; these included public expenditure reductions (
[1-3]. Several misconceptions and beliefs regarding food and healthseeking behaviours still exist... more [1-3]. Several misconceptions and beliefs regarding food and healthseeking behaviours still exist in the community [4-7]. Sufficient healthy food is important for children and pregnant and lactating women, but insufficient food consumption may lead to children becoming malnourished. Pregnant women are more likely to have a low birth weight baby, develop anaemia, have complications during delivery and there is a high mortality risk for both mothers
Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research
Background: Preschool-aged children of disadvantaged households in Nepal have a higher prevalence... more Background: Preschool-aged children of disadvantaged households in Nepal have a higher prevalence rate of under nutrition. A major contributing reason is the inadequate maternal knowledge, existing taboos and unscientific food recommendation practices. Aim: This pilot study evaluates the impact of the rice pudding feeding programme on child health and calculates the costs of the preparation. Materials and Methods: A before-and-after study of children aged under-five attending a day-care centre in remote Nepal. Children's weight, height and MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference) were compared before and after the rice pudding programme which lasted 54 days. Results: 42 children (boys 43% & girls 57%), of whom 90% had gained weight whilst the weight of the remaining 10% of children stayed constant. Similarly, 78% had increased MUAC while 12% of 2 children improved slightly. The study was inexpensive, US$ 0.34 per day per child and likely to be cost-effective. Conclusion: A regular healthy diet of rice pudding helps children's nutritional need. It is important to consider right dietary practice, including portion sizes, and community awareness about healthy diet and impact of child health as well as sustainability. Key Messages a) Significantly improved child's weight and MUAC. b) Partnership programme leads to cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the programme. c) This programme could be replicated in the similar areas in Nepal.
Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy may predispose to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)... more Poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy may predispose to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), immunological and metabolic adaptations which manifest as low birth weight (LBW) and increase the risk of adult non-communicable disease. This study examined the relationships between maternal nutritional status, food intake and pregnancy weight gain (PWG) which may account for risk of LBW in Nepal. A prospective cross-sectional study was undertaken in rural and urban Nepalese population using simple random sampling to select eligible subjects. Retrospective data was extracted from records and dietary intake was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and 24 Hour Dietary Recall. A total of 376 women were recruited. A high prevalence of LBW (27.9 per cent) and preterm (14 per cent) delivery were observed. LBW was higher in rural than urban subjects ( p < 0.05). Birth weight was related to period of gestation ( r = 0.609, p < 0.05) ( r = 0.49, p < 0.001), energy intake ( r...
The use of the nutrition facts label has been associated with healthy eating behaviors for adults... more The use of the nutrition facts label has been associated with healthy eating behaviors for adults. However, the relationship between nutrition facts label use and overall diet quality is not well known in young adults, a vulnerable group that acquire lifelong eating behaviors during this period of life. This study aimed to assess if the use of information on the nutrition facts label is associated with a higher diet quality in young adults. In this cross-sectional study, 958 university students aged 18–34 years were recruited. Nutrition facts label use was recorded. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall. Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) scores were calculated. HEI-2005 score was significantly associated with using nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). The mean total HEI-2005 score was 60.7 ± 10.11, 62.4 ± 11.43 and 67.1 ± 12.23 respectively for never, sometimes and everytime users of nutrition facts label (p < 0.001). Sub-group scores of HEI-2005 for total fru...
Background: Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to sociologic, physiologic and anatom... more Background: Older adults are vulnerable to malnutrition due to sociologic, physiologic and anatomical effects of ageing. Objective: To investigate the influence of nutrition knowledge and dietary patterns on nutritional status of community-dwelling ambulatory older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 120 elderly aged 60-70 years purposively selected from four peri-urban communities in Ga West municipality, Ghana. Nutrition knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire and dietary intakes obtained using a standardized food frequency questionnaire. BMI from weight/height measurements was proxy for nutritional status. Data was analyzed descriptively in SPSS. Associations were tested using correlation analyses (-1<r<+1). Results: 28% had adequate knowledge on geriatric nutrition. Dietary patterns were mostly fair (40%) or poor (53%). Bloating (25%), constipation (18%), appetite loss (12%) and chewing difficulties (11%) affected intakes. Underweight was ...
Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Healthcare
Background: This study explores food beliefs among poor mothers related to feeding their offsprin... more Background: This study explores food beliefs among poor mothers related to feeding their offspring. Mothers’ misconception of a healthy diet is one of the major causes of nutritional problems in preschool-aged children in Nepal and these beliefs and attitudes can result in the inappropriate feeding of young children. Objectives: The main objectives of this study were:• identify major barriers for recommending healthy food that are associated with existing cultures, religions and ethnic divisions;• assess the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about nutritious food amongst mothers;• assess health-seeking behaviour for children of low socio-economic status. Methods: Study used a qualitative focus group discussion. Fifty participants took part in seven focus groups to explore their food beliefs. The qualitative focus groups aimed to collect in-depth information around food beliefs and data were thematically analysed. Results: The study identified six key themes: (a) poverty; (b) knowled...
Obesity is a multifactorial condition arising from the interaction between genetic and lifestyle ... more Obesity is a multifactorial condition arising from the interaction between genetic and lifestyle factors. We aimed to assess the impact of lifestyle and genetic factors on obesity-related traits in 302 healthy Ghanaian adults. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using a 3 day repeated 24 h dietary recall and global physical activity questionnaire, respectively. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to construct 4-SNP, 8-SNP and 12-SNP genetic risk scores (GRSs). The 4-SNP GRS showed significant interactions with dietary fat intakes on waist circumference (WC) (Total fat, Pinteraction = 0.01; saturated fatty acids (SFA), Pinteraction = 0.02; polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), Pinteraction = 0.01 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), Pinteraction = 0.01). Among individuals with higher intakes of total fat (>47 g/d), SFA (>14 g/d), PUFA (>16 g/d) and MUFA (>16 g/d), individuals with ≥3 risk alleles had a significantly higher WC compared t...
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