scholarly journals Empowered women, social networks and the contribution of qualitative research: broadening our understanding of underlying causes for food and nutrition insecurity

2003 ◽  
Vol 6 (8) ◽  
pp. 759-764 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Lemke ◽  
HH Vorster ◽  
NS Jansen van Rensburg ◽  
J Ziche
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Social Networks ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
Underlying Causes ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjective:To investigate underlying causes for food and nutrition insecurity in black South African households and to gain understanding of the factors contributing to better nutrition security, with emphasis on household organisation, gender and intra-household dynamics and social networks.Design, setting and subjects:Within a larger cross-sectional survey that investigated the impact of urbanisation on the health of black South Africans, 166 people, mostly women, were interviewed on household food security. Methods used were structured face-to-face interviews, in-depth interviews, observation, interviews with key informants and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Information was collected from 1998 to 2000 in 15 rural and urban areas of the North West Province, South Africa.Results:Three-quarters of households in this sample are chronically food-insecure. Families are disrupted, due to migrant work, poverty and increasing societal violence, and half of households are female-headed. Certain categories of female-headed households and households based on partnership relationships, despite more limited resources, achieve a better or an equal economic status and better nutrition security than those households led by men, with the latter often being considered an economic liability. The reliance on and fostering of social ties and networks appear to be of central significance.Conclusion:Gender and intra-household relations, as well as social networks and income from informal sector activities, are often not uncovered by conventional statistical methods. Qualitative research can reveal the unexpected and furthermore empowers people, as their voices are heard.

scholarly journals Association Between Public Knowledge About COVID-19, Trust in Information Sources, and Adherence to Social Distancing: Cross-Sectional Survey (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Fridman ◽  
Nicole Lucas ◽  
Debra Henke ◽  
Christina K Zigler
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Trust In Government ◽  
Government Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The success of behavioral interventions and policies designed to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how well individuals are informed about both the consequences of infection and the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of the disease. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate associations between public knowledge about COVID-19, adherence to social distancing, and public trust in government information sources (eg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), private sources (eg, FOX and CNN), and social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform future policies related to critical information distribution. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=1243) between April 10 and 14, 2020. Data collection was stratified by US region and other demographics to ensure representativeness of the sample. RESULTS Government information sources were the most trusted among the public. However, we observed trends in the data that suggested variations in trust by age and gender. White and older populations generally expressed higher trust in government sources, while non-White and younger populations expressed higher trust in private sources (eg, CNN) and social networks (eg, Twitter). Trust in government sources was positively associated with accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and adherence to social distancing. However, trust in private sources (eg, FOX and CNN) was negatively associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Similarly, trust in social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) was negatively associated with both knowledge and adherence to social distancing. CONCLUSIONS During pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, policy makers should carefully consider the quality of information disseminated through private sources and social networks. Furthermore, when disseminating urgent health information, a variety of information sources should be used to ensure that diverse populations have timely access to critical knowledge.

scholarly journals Household access to traditional and indigenous foods positively associated with food security and dietary diversity in Botswana

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 1200-1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salome Nduku Kasimba ◽  
Boitumelo Stokie Motswagole ◽  
Namukolo Margaret Covic ◽  
Nicole Claasen
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition ◽  
Indigenous Foods

AbstractObjectiveTo determine access to traditional and indigenous foods (TIF) and the association with household food security, dietary diversity and women’s BMI in low socio-economic households.DesignSequential explanatory mixed-methods design, including a random household cross-sectional survey on household food insecurity access (HFIA), household dietary diversity (HDD) and women’s BMI, followed by focus group discussions.SettingTwo rural and two urban areas of Botswana.SubjectsPersons responsible for food preparation or an adult in a household (n400); for BMI, non-pregnant women aged 18–49 years (n253).ResultsAlmost two-thirds of households experienced moderate or severe food insecurity (28·8 and 37·3 %, respectively), but more than half of women were overweight or obese (26·9 and 26·9 %, respectively). Median HDD score was 6 (interquartile range 5–7) out of a total of 12. A positive correlation was found between number of TIF accessed and HDD score (r=0·457;P<0·001) and a negative correlation between number of TIF accessed and HFIA score (r=−0·272;P<0·001). There was no correlation between number of TIF accessed and women’s BMI (r=−0·066;P=0·297). TIF were perceived as healthy but with declining consumption due to preference for modern foods.ConclusionsTIF may potentially have an important role in household food security and dietary diversity. There is need to explore potential benefits that may be associated with their optimal use on food security and nutrition outcomes.

scholarly journals Household Food Security During The COVID-19 Pandemic in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas in Indonesia.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Syafiq ◽  
Sandra Fikawati ◽  
Syilga Cahya Gemily
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Household Food Security ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Household Food ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was the weakening of the community's economic condition. The weak economy of the community will have an impact on household food security. This study aims to determine food security in the COVID-19 pandemic situation and the impact of the pandemic on food security in urban and semi-urban areas. Methods A cross-sectional study with a total sample of 517 people who live in urban (Jakarta) and semi-urban (Depok) areas. The research data was collected online and purposively through Posyandu cadres who have access to family/community. Data analysis used the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. Results There were 65.0% of households had food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the multivariate analysis showed that family income during the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 4.2; 95%CI = 2.7–6.7), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (AOR = 2.6; 95%CI = 1.6–4.1), and the age of the respondent (AOR = 1.7; 95%CI = 1.1–2.5) was significantly related to household food security after being controlled by husband's work status during the pandemic. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has an impact on employment and income which then decreasing the level of household food security.

scholarly journals An urban–rural comparison of the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Eastern China

2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 131-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoping Weng ◽  
Youxue Liu ◽  
Jiemin Ma ◽  
Wenjuan Wang ◽  
Gonghuan Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Waist Circumference ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Eastern China ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Urban Rural ◽  
The Impact

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of urbanisation on the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in Chinese adults.DesignAs part of a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted in 2002, a sample from rural and urban populations in East China was obtained. The metabolic syndrome is defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria (ATP III) and the modified ATP III, which recommended a lower waist circumference cut-off for Asians.SettingField sites in Jiangxi and Anhui provinces and the Jing'an District of Shanghai, China.SubjectsA total of 529 non-pregnant, non-lactating urban and rural adults, aged 20–64 years without diagnosed diabetes.ResultsDwelling in urban areas was associated with higher dietary fat intake and slightly lower total energy intake, and with significantly lower occupational physical activity. Using the ATP III criteria, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was significantly higher for urban than rural men (12.7 vs. 1.7%, P < 0.001), and was similar between urban and rural women (10.1 vs. 9.7%, P = 0.17). These urban–rural differences were greatly enhanced when the modified ATP III criteria for the syndrome were used, for men (34.3 vs. 2.7%, P < 0.01) and women (24.1 vs. 11.4%, P = 0.07). The Asian waist circumference cut-offs (90 and 80 cm for men and women, respectively) had a better combination of sensitivity and specificity in identifying other metabolic disorders, which included high glucose, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, for this population.ConclusionFor the Chinese population, urban dwelling was associated with higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, especially in men.

scholarly journals Contribution of Women to Food Production in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Kapsabet Town, Kenya.

10.37512/1200 ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 144-154
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Food Production ◽  
National Level ◽  
Women Farmers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food And Nutrition Security ◽  
Nutrition Security ◽  
Food And Nutrition ◽  
On Farm

Women make a significant contribution to household food and nutrition security worldwide. They are reported to produce 60-80 % of food in developing countries and half of the food produced globally. They have also been reported to have a higher workload in ensuring food and nutrition security than men do in developing countries. In Kenya, women play a pivotal role in food production. This study aimed to explore their contribution to food production in an urban Kenyan metropolis, in a high potential agricultural area of Kenya’s Rift Valley Region. A cross-sectional descriptive study design using a quantitative method of data collection was used to collect data from 124 women (representing households) in Kapsabet town metropolis, through a questionnaire that was administered to the women in the 124 households and 14 key informants by way of one-on-one interviews. The households were selected randomly. The data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics to establish the nature and level of food production activities by the respondents including the level of economic empowerment. It was established that most of the farming population was aged 40-59 (54%), while those aged 20-39 made up 26% of respondents; farming in the metropolis is not therefore a major attraction for the youth (18-35 years of age). Women-farmers spent approximately 36 hours/week during the planting, weeding and harvest season on farm-related activities compared to 25 hours/week by males. Higher food production and food and nutrition security can be achieved if County and National-level Governments invested in women empowerment for higher agricultural productivity and minimized the challenges they face in food production.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vitamin A Deficiency and the Associated Risk Factors among the Children of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Adil Hussain ◽  
Safa Rafique ◽  
Sana Batool ◽  
Saman Hina ◽  
Malik Siddique Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Impact

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a very common problem in developing countries and in extreme situations, it is responsible for vision impairment as well as death. To conduct a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of the deficiency of vitamin A and the associated risk factors responsible for its deficiency, a questionnaire based survey was conducted in District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to evaluate the data related to VAD and its relationship with different variables, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of 400 female students from three different schools in District Gujrat. The schools were situated in both rural and urban areas. A questionnaire eliciting personal information, family status and diet related information was used to collect the required data for the survey. The results did not pertain with the participants’ gender. The results were based on the summer season routine of diet and physical activity. All information was sorted and the results were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 update and SPSS version 20. It was found that 39% girls (156 out of 400) were deficient in vitamin A. The main source of VAD was found to be inadequate dietary consumption. It was also found that children with poor socioeconomic standing, low fluid consumption, and from urban areas have more VAD than others. Moreover, the age group of 8-11 years carried a higher percentage of VAD, while physical activity had no impact on VAD. A large number of girls were reported as the victims of VAD due to poverty and related socioeconomic constraints prevailing among the school going children in District Gujrat. A crucial approach towards reducing VAD is to learn about the preventive measures to control VAD. In low-income countries, the use of vitamin A supplements with daily diet is required to reduce the impact of VAD.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Survey of Vitamin A Deficiency and the Associated Risk Factors among the Children of District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
Adil Hussain ◽  
Safa Rafique ◽  
Sana Batool ◽  
Saman Hina ◽  
Malik Siddique Mahmood
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vitamin A Deficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Impact

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a very common problem in developing countries and in extreme situations, it is responsible for vision impairment as well as death. To conduct a comprehensive cross-sectional evaluation of the deficiency of vitamin A and the associated risk factors responsible for its deficiency, a questionnaire based survey was conducted in District Gujrat, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to evaluate the data related to VAD and its relationship with different variables, a cross-sectional survey was conducted of 400 female students from three different schools in District Gujrat. The schools were situated in both rural and urban areas. A questionnaire eliciting personal information, family status and diet related information was used to collect the required data for the survey. The results did not pertain with the participants’ gender. The results were based on the summer season routine of diet and physical activity. All information was sorted and the results were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 update and SPSS version 20. It was found that 39% girls (156 out of 400) were deficient in vitamin A. The main source of VAD was found to be inadequate dietary consumption. It was also found that children with poor socioeconomic standing, low fluid consumption, and from urban areas have more VAD than others. Moreover, the age group of 8-11 years carried a higher percentage of VAD, while physical activity had no impact on VAD. A large number of girls were reported as the victims of VAD due to poverty and related socioeconomic constraints prevailing among the school going children in District Gujrat. A crucial approach towards reducing VAD is to learn about the preventive measures to control VAD. In low-income countries, the use of vitamin A supplements with daily diet is required to reduce the impact of VAD.

scholarly journals Association Between Public Knowledge About COVID-19, Trust in Information Sources, and Adherence to Social Distancing: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/22060 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. e22060 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilona Fridman ◽  
Nicole Lucas ◽  
Debra Henke ◽  
Christina K Zigler
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Information Sources ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Trust In Government ◽  
Government Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
The Impact

Background The success of behavioral interventions and policies designed to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic depends on how well individuals are informed about both the consequences of infection and the steps that should be taken to reduce the impact of the disease. Objective The aim of this study was to investigate associations between public knowledge about COVID-19, adherence to social distancing, and public trust in government information sources (eg, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), private sources (eg, FOX and CNN), and social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) to inform future policies related to critical information distribution. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=1243) between April 10 and 14, 2020. Data collection was stratified by US region and other demographics to ensure representativeness of the sample. Results Government information sources were the most trusted among the public. However, we observed trends in the data that suggested variations in trust by age and gender. White and older populations generally expressed higher trust in government sources, while non-White and younger populations expressed higher trust in private sources (eg, CNN) and social networks (eg, Twitter). Trust in government sources was positively associated with accurate knowledge about COVID-19 and adherence to social distancing. However, trust in private sources (eg, FOX and CNN) was negatively associated with knowledge about COVID-19. Similarly, trust in social networks (eg, Facebook and Twitter) was negatively associated with both knowledge and adherence to social distancing. Conclusions During pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak, policy makers should carefully consider the quality of information disseminated through private sources and social networks. Furthermore, when disseminating urgent health information, a variety of information sources should be used to ensure that diverse populations have timely access to critical knowledge.

Greenness may improve lung health in low–moderate but not high air pollution areas: Seven Northeastern Cities’ study

Thorax ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. thoraxjnl-2020-214767 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhou ◽  
Dinh S Bui ◽  
Jennifer L Perret ◽  
Adrian J Lowe ◽  
Caroline J Lodge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Forced Expiratory Volume ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lung Health ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThere is growing interest in the impact of greenness exposure on airway diseases, but the impact of greenness on lung function in children is limited. We aimed to investigate the associations between greenness surrounding schools and lung function in children and whether these associations are modified by air pollution exposure.MethodsBetween 2012 and 2013, a cross-sectional survey and spirometry were performed among 6740 school children. Lung function patterns were determined as obstructive forced expiratory volume 1 s/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC <0.8) or restrictive (FEV1/FVC ≥0.8 but FVC <80% of predicted). School greenness was defined by Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil-adjusted vegetation index. Nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particular matter concentrations were assessed using a spatiotemporal model and national monitoring data. Two-level generalised linear models were used to investigate associations and interactions.ResultsOverall, an IQR in NDVI within 500 m was associated with higher FEV1 (+57 mL 95% CI 44 to 70) and FVC (+58 mL 95% CI 43 to 73). NDVI was similarly associated with 25% reduced odds of spirometric restriction (OR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.86). However, among children exposed to the highest compared with the lowest quartile of particulate matter, increasing NDVI was paradoxically associated with lower −40 mL FVC (95% CI −47 to –33, p interaction <0.05).DiscussionOur findings suggest that, in this study population, greening urban areas may promote lung health in low–moderate pollution areas but not in high air pollution areas. If the findings are replicated in other moderate-to-high pollution settings, this highlights a need to have a flexible green policy.

scholarly journals Influence Perception Differences about Children's Influence in Family Buying Decisions- an Exploratory Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-17
Author(s):  
Harikishni Harikishni
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Buying Decisions

This study has been undertaken (i) to examine the extent of disagreements in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in family buying decisions; (ii) to evaluate the impact of child’s gender on the agreement in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in family buying decisions. A cross-sectional survey method was carried out with “structured non-disguised” questionnaires to collect the primary data from 400 families residing in rural and urban areas of Delhi, capital of India. Children’s influence across stages of decision making process was measured by using an eleven-item scale developed by Talpade and Talpade (1995). The primary data are analyzed and interpreted with the help of statistical tools such as means, standard deviation, and paired t-test by using SPSS (version 16). Descriptive analysis has also been used to support the results of statistical analysis. The analysis results indicate that disagreements exists in the perceptions of children and their mothers about the influence exerted by children in Indian family buying decisions irrespective of child’s gender. The analysis results, thus, supported all the hypotheses exceptH3 (a/b).

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