scholarly journals High Consumption of Unhealthy Snack Foods/beverages Is Associated with Lower Length-for-age Z-scores Among Children 12–23 Months in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal (P11-092-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa Pries ◽  
Andrea Rehman ◽  
Suzanne Filteau ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Atul Upadhyay ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Consumption of unhealthy snack foods and beverages (USFB) among young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) is rising, however, little is known about their effect on nutritional outcomes during the complementary feeding period. This study aimed to assess the association of high versus low USFB consumption on the iron status and growth of 12–23 month old children living in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February – April 2017 among a representative sample of 12–23 month old children and their caregivers (n = 745). Dietary (interactive 4-pass 24 hour recalls) and anthropometric measurements and capillary blood samples were collected to estimate dietary intakes of energy and nutrients, Z-scores for length-for-age (LAZ) and weight-for-length (WLZ), and indices of iron status. Percentages of dietary energy intakes (%TEI) from USFB (defined using the United Kingdom's Food Standard Agency's nutrient profiling model) were calculated. LAZ, WLZ, hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin (SF), and transferrin receptor (TR) concentrations of children classified into the lowest versus the highest terciles of %TEI from USFB were compared using multivariable linear regression analyses after adjustment for covariates that influence nutrition. Results Ninety-one % of all children had consumed a USFB in the previous day. On average, 46.9% TEI came from USFB among the highest tercile consumers, compared to 5.2% TEI among the lowest. Nineteen % of children (n = 138) were stunted (LAZ < –2), 5.2% (n = 38) were wasted (WLZ < -2), while only four children were overweight/obese (WHZ > 2). Thirty-eight % of children (n = 257) were anemic and 28.7% (n = 193) had iron deficiency anemia. In the adjusted model, mean LAZ was nearly 0.3SD lower among high USFB consumers than low consumers (P = 0.003). No associations were found with WLZ or biochemical concentrations. Conclusions In this LMIC context, urban 1–2 year old children who were high USFB consumers were significantly shorter compared to those who were low USFB consumers. To safeguard child nutrition in LMIC, policies and programs many need to address the increasing access and use of inexpensive, nutrient-poor USFB. Funding Sources Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

2019 ◽  
Vol 149 (10) ◽  
pp. 1843-1851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alissa M Pries ◽  
Andrea M Rehman ◽  
Suzanne Filteau ◽  
Nisha Sharma ◽  
Atul Upadhyay ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Consumption of unhealthy snack foods and beverages (USFBs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is rising, with global awareness increasing about risks of overnutrition. However, little is known about the relation between USFB consumption and young children's diet/nutritional outcomes in contexts where nutrient density of complementary foods is often low. Objectives This study assessed the association of high USFB consumption, compared with low consumption, with nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, iron status, and growth in young children in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a representative sample of 745 primary caregivers of children aged 12–23 mo. Food consumption was measured through quantitative 24-h recalls, and child anthropometric measurements and capillary blood samples were collected. Using adjusted linear/logistic regression models, nutrient intakes, dietary adequacy, length-for-age and weight-for-length z-scores (LAZ and WLZ, respectively), and iron status were compared between lowest and highest tertiles of consumption based on the contribution of USFBs to total energy intakes (TEIs). Mediation of the relation between USFB consumption and LAZ via lowered dietary adequacy was explored using structural equations modeling. Results On average, USFBs contributed 46.9% of TEI among the highest tertile of consumers, compared with 5.2% of TEI among the lowest. Compared with low-USFB consumers, high-USFB consumers had lower nutrient intakes and a greater proportion were at risk of inadequate intakes for 8 nutrients. Mean LAZ was nearly 0.3 SD lower among high-USFB consumers than low consumers (P = 0.003), with this relationship partially mediated through dietary adequacy. No associations were found with stunting prevalence or iron status. Prevalence of overweight/obesity was low. Conclusions In this LMIC context, high USFB consumption among young children was associated with inadequate micronutrient intakes, which can contribute to poor growth outcomes. Addressing increased availability of USFBs in LMIC food systems should be a priority for policies and programs aiming to safeguard child nutrition.


2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (49) ◽  
pp. 5843-5861
Author(s):  
GY Kobati ◽  
◽  
A Lartey ◽  
GS Marquis ◽  
EK Colecraft ◽  
...  

Adequate maternal nutrition prior to pregnancy is important for maternal health and favourable pregnancy outcomes. However, information on the dietary intakes of NonPregnant, Non-Lactating (NPNL) women in Ghana is lacking. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken to compare the dietary intakes of NPNL women of children aged 2 to 5 years who are either living in the Coastal (n=79) or Guinea Savannah (n=89) zones. Data were collected using various methods namely interviewer administered socio-demographic questionnaire, 24hr dietary recall records, with data collected on one working and one non-working day within a week, and a 1-week food frequency questionnaire. Body mass index was derived from height and weight measurements. Women in the Coastal Savannah zone had significantly (p=0.05) more formal education (3.9 ± 2.5 years) and earned a higher (p<0.001) weekly income (Gh¢ 6.8 ± 2.7) than women in the Guinea Savannah zone with educational level and incomes of 2.2±1.6 years and Gh¢ 3.9±2.4 respectively. More women in the Coastal zone had significantly (p<0.05) fewer births and were heads of their households. Cereal-based foods were consumed daily by all women during the two-day observation period. Fish was the predominant animal source food in the diet in both zones. Significantly (p<0.05) more women in the Guinea Savannah zone did not meet their Estimated Average Requirements (EAR) for protein (81%), vitamin A (94.4%), and vitamin C (72%) compared to women in the Coastal zone (44%, 22%, and 31% respectively).The diets of both groups of women were low in calcium. Generally, women in the Coastal zone had a significantly (p<0.001) higher BMI (24.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2) than their counterparts in the Guinea Savannah zone (21.3± 2.4 kg/m2).The overall quality of dietary intakes and nutritional status of women in the Guinea Savannah zone was poorer than that of Coastal women. Dietary deficiencies are also present in NPNL women in Ghana. Efforts are needed to improve diet quality and to increase access to resources especially for women in the Guinea Savannah zone of Ghana.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte EL Evans ◽  
Vera Mandl ◽  
Meaghan S Christian ◽  
Janet E Cade

AbstractObjectiveNutrient and food standards exist for school lunches in English primary schools although packed lunches brought from home are not regulated. The aim of the present study was to determine nutritional and dietary differences by lunch type.DesignA cross-sectional survey was carried out in 2007 assessing diet using the Child and Diet Evaluation Tool (CADET), a validated 24 h estimated food diary. The data were analysed to determine nutritional and dietary intakes over the whole day by school meal type: school meals and packed lunches.SettingFifty-four primary schools across England.SubjectsChildren (n 2709) aged 6–8 years.ResultsChildren having a packed lunch consumed on average 11·0 g more total sugars (95 % CI 6·6, 15·3 g) and 101 mg more Na (95 % CI 29, 173 mg) over the whole day. Conversely, children having a school meal consumed, on average, 4·0 g more protein (95 % CI 2·3, 5·7 g), 0·9 g more fibre (NSP; 95 % CI 0·5, 1·3 g) and 0·4 mg more Zn (95 % CI 0·1, 0·6 mg). There was no difference in daily energy intake by lunch type. Children having a packed lunch were more likely to consume snacks and sweetened drinks; while children having a school meal were more likely to consume different types of vegetables and drink water over the whole day.ConclusionsCompared with children having a school meal, children taking a packed lunch to school consumed a lower-quality diet over the whole day, including higher levels of sugar and Na and fewer vegetables. These findings support the introduction of policies that increase school meal uptake.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 713-713
Author(s):  
Christie Kirchoff ◽  
Elizabeth Goico ◽  
Cristina Palacios

Abstract Objectives The college food environment plays an integral role in student dietary intake during the formative transition from adolescence to adulthood. During this time, students experience profound changes to their level of responsibility and autonomy while also establishing lifelong habits. These changes are of concern because obesity and chronic disease are the long term health consequences of poor patterns of eating, and yet research on this topic is sparse. This study aims to uncover the pattern of snack consumption and its influence on selecting healthier versions of snacks at a large Hispanic serving university in South Florida. Methods A cross-sectional survey was used to elicit self-reported snacking practices of college students via a web-based Qualtrics survey in the Spring of 2019. Statistical analysis using SPSS 25 included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis performed to examine the frequency and percentages for dependent and independent variables. Logistic regression was run to determine the influence of the frequency and amount of unhealthy snack food consumption and choosing low-fat options. Results Of the 483 respondents (24% males), 93.4% reported consuming unhealthy snack foods at least once a week. Additionally, the pattern of snack consumption was 72% (383) chips and salty snacks, 65% (316) cookies, 64% (307) chocolate bars, and 58% (281) candies. The results also indicated that those who consumed unhealthy snacks more frequently were 1.85 times more likely to choose low-fat options than those who rarely consumed unhealthy snacks (AOR = 1.85, CI (1.04 – 3.30)). Conclusions These findings suggest that students are seeking healthier options even when snacking. As a responsible institution, the university can implement a snack policy that promotes a healthy diet and is in line with what students are seeking by offering more low-fat options. Funding Sources None.


2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deepak Kumar Khadka ◽  
Milan Gurung ◽  
Nawaraj Chaulagain

Background: Managerial competencies are sets of knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that a person needs to be effective in a diverse managerial job. This study sets out at assessing the level and gap of current actual and ideal required competency, important competency statement, and association between respondents’ biographics with a current actual competency level of hospital manager. Methods: A cross-sectional survey used self-administered questionnaire based on Senior Management Service (SMS) competency framework of Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for health manager consists of a set of eleven generic competencies conducted purposively in fifty-one hospital managers working within the Kathmandu Valley. Individual variables were summarized using frequency distribution focused on central tendency and dispersion. Relationships between variables analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significance of difference in the competency profile determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Highest self-assessed most developed competencies were honesty and integrity, service delivery innovation, and communication and information. The least developed were program and project management and knowledge management. Most important competencies regarded as strategic capability and leadership; and human resources management and empowerment. Significant gap exists in all generic competencies except communication and information and, honesty and integrity. There was no any significant association between respondents’ biographics with current actual competency level. Conclusions: Findings back up the belief of managerial competency lacking and enormous need for development which reflects the local hospital management environment reality. Innovative approaches of management development programs and formal academic programs can improve and link the competency gap among hospital managers of Nepal.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-71
Author(s):  
Shova Shrestha

Introductions: Safety measures of solid waste collectors are important to prevent occupational health problems. This study was designed to find out knowledge and compliance of safety measures among the solid waste collectors in Kathmandu Valley. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among solid waste collectors of Kathmandu metropolitan city from 12th August to 7th September 2018 by using a structured face to face interview schedule. Data were analysed by chi-square test, Pearson’s correlation and entered into SPSS 16 version. Results: Out of 117 waste collectors interviewed, more than 1/3rd (32.48%) had an adequate level of knowledge, and 1/5th (21.4%) had an adequate level of compliances. There was a weak negative correlation between level of knowledge and compliance on safety measures. Conclusions: One-third of respondents had an adequate level of knowledge about safety measures whereas only one fifth had an adequate level of compliances.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. e0188110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Allen ◽  
Stephen Allen ◽  
Rexan Rodrigo ◽  
Lakshman Perera ◽  
Wei Shao ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Wondu Garoma Berra

Background. Identifying the combination of local foods that optimize nutrient intake is challenging. This study addressed how local foods could be rationally combined to provide basic nutritional needs, while limiting the use of commercial foods among children in Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional survey was carried out to estimate dietary intakes of 396 children (6–23 months of age) using 24-hour recall and WDR. Anthropometrics (weight and height) of the children was taken to calibrate energy and protein requirements to body sizes during ProPAN analysis. Model parameters were defined using dietary and market-survey data. ProPAN (2.0), SAS (9.2), and NutriSurvey for Windows were used for data analysis. Results. Age-specific optimal combinations of local foods that achieve nutrient adequacy set by the WHO/FAO (≥70% RDA) for 9 nutrients were successfully generated. Overall, the percentage of children consuming ≥ EAR for most nutrients obtained from median servings was 54.3%, 89.9%, 61.8%, 12.9%, 85.6%, 79.7%, and 34.2% for energy, protein, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium, respectively. The percentage of RDA was 46.3% for zinc, 56.7% for vitamin A, 24.3% for vitamin C, and 40% for calcium among infants (6–11 months), whereas the respective percentage of RDA was 78.1% for zinc, 100% for vitamin A, 43.3% for vitamin C, and 50% for calcium in older children (12–23 months of age). However, careful combination of local foods, slightly complimented by commercial foods, has shown substantial improvement in nutrient adequacy, ensuring ≥99% RDA for all target nutrients. Conclusions. Careful combinations of local foods have the potential to achieve optimum dietary intakes of essential nutrients. However, minimal consideration of commercial foods has been inevitable, especially for infants aged 6–11 months.


2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (6) ◽  
pp. 667-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica C. Watterworth ◽  
Joy M. Hutchinson ◽  
Andrea C. Buchholz ◽  
Gerarda Darlington ◽  
Janis A. Randall Simpson ◽  
...  

In Canada, little is known about how food parenting practices are associated with young children’s dietary intakes and no studies have examined food parenting practices of Canadian fathers. This study aimed to examine associations between food parenting practices and preschool-age children’s nutrition risk. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of thirty-one 2-parent families; 31 mothers, 31 fathers, and 40 preschool-age children. Parents completed an adapted version of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire. We calculated children’s nutrition risk using their NutriSTEP score. To account for sibling association, we used generalized estimating equations, adjusting for child age, sex, household income, and parental body mass index. Both mothers’ and fathers’ involvement of children in meal preparation were associated with lower child nutrition risk (mother [Formula: see text] = –3.45, p = 0.02; father [Formula: see text] = –1.74, p = 0.01), as were their healthy home environment scores (mother [Formula: see text] = –8.36, p < 0.001; father [Formula: see text] = –2.69, p = 0.04). Mothers’ encouragement of balance and variety was associated with lower nutrition risk ([Formula: see text] = –8.88, p = 0.01), whereas mothers’ use of food as a reward was associated with higher nutrition risk ([Formula: see text] = 4.67, p < 0.001). Fathers’ modelling of healthy behaviours was associated with lower nutrition risk ([Formula: see text] = –2.21, p = 0.01), whereas fathers’ restriction for health ([Formula: see text] = 2.21, p = 0.03) and pressure-to-eat scores ([Formula: see text] = 3.26, p = <0.001) were associated with higher nutrition risk. No associations were found between child nutrition status and parental emotion regulation, control, monitoring, or restriction for weight. In conclusion, both mothers’ and fathers’ food parenting practices are associated with their children’s nutrition status. Fathers should be included in food parenting practices interventions.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 2153-2160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philippa Niven ◽  
Maree Scully ◽  
Belinda Morley ◽  
Louise Baur ◽  
David Crawford ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveTo examine demographic and behavioural correlates of unhealthy snack-food consumption among Australian secondary-school students and the association between their perceptions of availability, convenience and intake with consumption.DesignCross-sectional survey of students’ eating, physical activity and sedentary behaviours using validated instruments administered via an online questionnaire.SettingAustralian secondary schools across all states/territories.SubjectsSecondary-school students aged 12–17 years participating in the 2009–10 National Secondary Students’ Diet and Activity (NaSSDA) survey (n 12 188).ResultsApproximately one in five students (21 %) reported consuming unhealthy snack foods ≥14 times/week (‘frequent snackers’). After adjusting for all covariates, older students and those with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 were less likely to be frequent snackers, while students who reported high fast-food and high sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and those who watched television for >2 h/d were more likely to snack frequently. Furthermore, after adjusting for all covariates and demographic factors, students who agreed that snack foods are usually available at home, convenient to buy and that they eat too many snack foods were more likely to be snacking frequently. Conversely, students who agreed that fruit is a convenient snack were less likely to be frequent snackers.ConclusionsFrequent unhealthy snack-food consumption appears to cluster with other poor health behaviours. Perceptions of availability and convenience are factors most readily amenable to change, and findings suggest interventions should focus on decreasing the availability of unhealthy snack foods in the home and promoting healthier options such as fruit as convenient snacks.


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