A world free of hunger

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwafolahan Oluwagbemiga Sholeye ◽  
Victor Jide Animasahun ◽  
Albert Adekunle Salako

Purpose Nutrition is a widely known determinant of health and well-being of individuals. Adequate nutrition is dependent on food availability and optimal dietary intake. Rural communities are known to be disadvantaged in comparison with their urban counterparts This study therefore assessed food security and dietary diversity among adults in a rural community in Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach Data for the cross-sectional study were collected using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and a 24-h dietary recall. Data were analyzed with SPSS 20. The relevant descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. Participation was fully voluntary. Findings The mean age of respondents was 46.7 ± 19.0 years. Only 43.6 per cent of the respondents were food secure; 43.4 per cent were severely food insecure; 30.3 per cent were moderately food insecure, while 26.3 per cent were mildly food insecure. Low dietary diversity was reported among 55.2 per cent of respondents; 41.0 per cent had medium dietary diversity, while 3.8 per cent had high dietary diversity. Research implications/limitations This study was entirely quantitative and facility-based, so could not explore some themes to a greater depth. It however adds to the body of knowledge on dietary diversity and food security among patients accessing primary care services at Ode-Remo and its health implications. Originality/value Food security among respondents was low and dietary diversity was sub-optimal, a risk factor for both hidden hunger and multi-nutrient under-nutrition. Dietary diversity was significantly different between food secure and food insecure respondents. Community-directed efforts at improving residents’ food security status and dietary diversification efforts will be most appropriate and sustainable, thereby promoting self-reliance and wellbeing.

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (8) ◽  
pp. 1470-1480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farideh Shiraseb ◽  
Fereydoun Siassi ◽  
Mostafa Qorbani ◽  
Gity Sotoudeh ◽  
Reza Rostami ◽  
...  

AbstractAttention is a complex cognitive function that is necessary for learning, for following social norms of behaviour and for effective performance of responsibilities and duties. It is especially important in sensitive occupations requiring sustained attention. Improvement of dietary diversity (DD) is recognised as an important factor in health promotion, but its association with sustained attention is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the association between auditory and visual sustained attention and DD. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 400 women aged 20–50 years who attended sports clubs at Tehran Municipality. Sustained attention was evaluated on the basis of the Integrated Visual and Auditory Continuous Performance Test using Integrated Visual and Auditory software. A single 24-h dietary recall questionnaire was used for DD assessment. Dietary diversity scores (DDS) were determined using the FAO guidelines. The mean visual and auditory sustained attention scores were 40·2 (sd35·2) and 42·5 (sd38), respectively. The mean DDS was 4·7 (sd1·5). After adjusting for age, education years, physical activity, energy intake and BMI, mean visual and auditory sustained attention showed a significant increase as the quartiles of DDS increased (P=0·001). In addition, the mean subscales of attention, including auditory consistency and vigilance, visual persistence, visual and auditory focus, speed, comprehension and full attention, increased significantly with increasing DDS (P<0·05). In conclusion, higher DDS is associated with better visual and auditory sustained attention.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kochu Therisa Karingada ◽  
Michael Sony

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has caught many educational institutions by surprise and warranted an abrupt migration from offline to online learning. This has resulted in an education change, without any time for due consideration, as regards its impact on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) on students. The purpose of this study is to investigate MSD related to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted on undergraduate students in India. In total, 261 students participated in this online survey.FindingsThe study finds that around 80% of students have reported some symptom in the head, neck and eyes since they started online learning. In total, 58% have reported MSD symptom in the right shoulder and 56% in the right hand fingers. Besides, more than 40 % of students experienced some MSD symptoms, in almost all the body parts studied, due to online learning. Correlation analysis is conducted between time spent on online learning per day and MSD symptoms.Originality/valueThis is the first study conducted on MSD and online learning during COVID-19 pandemic.


2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (6) ◽  
pp. 1013-1019
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Ghannadiasl

Purpose The elevated white blood cells (WBCs) count has been reported to be a predictor of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome. This study aims to determine the associations between WBCs count and obesity in apparently healthy young adults. Design/methodology/approach In this cross-sectional study, the authors evaluated the body mass index (BMI) in 392 apparently healthy young adults of both sexes. The WBCs count was measured using standard counter techniques. The inclusion criteria were the agreement to participate in the study, between 18 and 25 years of age, lack of self-reported diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, kidney and infectious diseases. Findings According to the BMI classification, underweight and overweight or obesity were observed in 14.58 and 11.48 per cent of young adults, respectively. The mean WBC was 6.5 ± 1.5 (×10³ cells/µL). Higher values of WBCs were found in women than in men (p = 0.02). The young adults with higher BMI had a higher WBCs count. There was a positive correlation between WBCs count and weight and BMI (r = 0.19 and r = 0.22, p < 0.001, respectively). Research limitations/implications This research was a cross-sectional study. Future studies are suggested using longitudinal studies to examine more relationships between obesity and WBCs count in apparently healthy young adults. Practical implications The results of this study provide evidence for weight management in this age group to reduce diseases associated with increased WBCs count. Originality/value The WBCs count was related to increasing levels of BMI per cent 2 C even in the normal range.


Author(s):  
Danielle Lemes Dutra ◽  
André Abrantes Rosique ◽  
Asaphe Lemes Dutra ◽  
Sarah Da Silva Candido ◽  
Cynthia Kallás Bachur

Stress is a general wear and tear of the body, being responsible for changes in the state of health and well-being of the individual. The present study had as objective apply an Inventory of Stress Symptoms among both medical and physiotherapy students, compare and identify the stage of stress they encounter. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of students of the 4th year of both Medicine and Physiotherapy courses from Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, volunteers, regardless of sex or ethnicity. An inventory of Stress Symptoms I.S.S. Lipp to characterize the stress phase of students. A total of 70 students participated in the study, 25 of which were physiotherapists, 22 male and 48 female, 21.92 ± 1.57 years old, and 45 medical students, with a mean age of 24, 87 + 4.26 years. In both courses, the sample analyzed showed a predominance in the Resistance phase, corresponding to a score of 4.26 in relation to medical students and 1.57 in physiotherapy. Based on the data from the present study, it was possible to identify that the students of the health area are in a predominantly Exhaustion phase, according to the Lipp inventory. Avaliação da Fase de Estresse em Estudantes da Área da Saúde O estresse é causado pelas alterações psicofisiológicas que ocorrem quando o indivíduo é forçado a enfrentar situações que o irritem. O presente estudo teve como objetivo aplicar um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse entre estudantes de medicina e fisioterapia, comparar e identificar a fase de estresse que eles se encontram. Trata-se de um estudo de caráter descritivo e transversal. A amostra foi composta por estudantes do 4º ano do curso de Medicina e de Fisioterapia da Universidade de Franca- São Paulo, voluntários,sem distinção de sexo ou etnia. Foi aplicado um Inventário de Sintomas de estresse I.S.S. Lipp para caracterizar a fase do estresse dos estudantes. Participaram deste estudo70 estudantes, 25 do curso de Fisioterapia, com idade 21,92 + 1,57 anos e 45 estudantes do curso de medicina, com idade média de 24,87 + 4,26 anos. A amostra analisada apresenta, em ambos os cursos, uma predominância na fase de Resistência, correspondendo um escore de 4,26 em relação aos estudantes de Medicina e 1,57 aos de Fisioterapia. Com base nos resultados dos dados do presente estudo, foi possível identificar que os estudantes da área de saúde encontram-se em uma fase predominantemente de Exaustão segundo o inventário de Lipp.


Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maria Piedade Brandão ◽  
Annettte Quinto Romani ◽  
Frantitsek Sudzina ◽  
Inger Glavind Bo ◽  
Bent Egberg Mikkelsen

BACKGROUND: Appropriate body image self-perceptions provide a good help to increase the feeling of personal well-being, thus having an important impact on health. Universities, having an important role in shaping of the future workers, represent an important setting to approach health issues. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what extent different types of students in higher education (four categories of students were created: “self-secure”, “perfect”, “destructive” and “apologetic”) are likely to adopt different health risk behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in a sample of students from five European Universities in the 2016/2017 academic year was conducted. Based on the combination of body image perception and body mass index, four types of students were identified: “self-secure” (overweight students with a good self-esteem); “perfect” (underweight students with a good self-esteem); “destructive” (overweight students with a poor self-esteem); “apologetic” (underweight students with a poor self-esteem). RESULTS: The study reveals that the defined types of students differed in terms of risk behavior. When the control was included, the “self-secure” student type had a reduced likelihood of being on a diet (22.3%) and physically active (17.8%) than other students (p <  0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this paper raise concerns about the future because the body dissatisfaction of the college student could be a big impact in long term whether at collective, personally or even professionally.


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ángela María Pinzón-Rondón ◽  
Alfonso Hoyos-Martínez ◽  
Daniela Parra-Correa ◽  
Ana María Pedraza-Flechas ◽  
Ángela María Ruiz-Sternberg

Abstract Background Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a key role in the immune, gastrointestinal, respiratory and nervous systems. In Colombia, a vast percentage of children live in low-income households with food insecurity and nutritional deficiencies, including zinc. In an effort to improve children’s well-being, public health measures such as nutritional support programs that provide meals have targeted the poorest populations. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of nutritional support programs on zinc deficiency in Colombian children, while considering their wealth and food security. Methods Cross-sectional study using data from the 2010 Colombian National Nutrition Survey, a population-based study representative of Colombia. A total of 4275 children between 12 and 59 months of age were included in the study. Stepwise logistic regressions were modelled with SPSS, first for zinc deficiency on wealth and food security, then adding enrolment in a nutritional support program, and finally, adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Results A zinc deficiency prevalence of 49% was found. The adjusted models showed an association of wealth quintiles: very poor (OR = 1.48) and poor (OR = 1.39), food security (OR = 0.75) and enrolment in a nutritional support program (OR = 0.76) with zinc deficiency. Enrolment in nutritional programs did not modify the relationship of wealth and food security to zinc deficiency. Conclusion Zinc deficiency is associated with wealth, food security and enrolment in nutritional support programs. Nutritional programs may be a good alternative against zinc deficiency, if they focus appropriately on the needs of children according to their wealth and food security.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 755-769 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milad Abdelnabi Salem ◽  
Fekri Ali Shawtari ◽  
Mohd Farid Shamsudin ◽  
Hafezali Iqbal Hussain

Purpose This paper aims to explain the relationships between three dimensions of stakeholders’ integration and competitiveness focusing on 226 industrial corporations. It aims to investigate the influences of stakeholders’ integration on three dimensions of competitiveness. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a cross-sectional study using a self-reported questionnaire. The collected data are analysed using structural equation modelling technique based on AMOS. Findings The results revealed that knowledge of the stakeholders per se will not provide any contribution to the different dimensions of competitiveness. Companies should extend their focus to adapt behaviours in line with stakeholders’ interests to gain competitive advantages. The data showed that in line with the stakeholders’ theory concept, adaptive behaviour dimension positively affects the three dimensions of competitiveness. Research limitations/implications There are several limitations that should be taken into consideration. First, the study used a self-reported questionnaire filled in by managers in the study sample; therefore, survey data might be subject to social desirability bias. Second, this study was conducted in Libya, which is considered a developing country, and, thus, caution should be taken when generalizing the results of the study. Originality/value To date, there is no an empirical evidence on how environmental stakeholders’ integration might affect firm competitiveness. Previous literature has investigated this issue using different environmental practices. However, none have used stakeholders’ integration in the environmental domain as a predictor to competitiveness. Therefore, the paper contributes to the body of knowledge by stating and testing the potential contributions of stakeholders’ integration to the multidimensional approach of competitiveness.


Author(s):  
Tide Garnow ◽  
Eva-Lena Einberg ◽  
Anna-Karin Edberg ◽  
Pernilla Garmy

Health complaints are increasing among adolescents and are recognized as a global public health issue. Health complaints are an indicator for subjective ill-being, but little is known about the relationship between sadness and other health complaints. The aim of this study was to investigate sadness and other health complaints among Swedish adolescents. A survey with a cross-sectional design was completed by adolescents (n = 1489, 15–17 years old) in the south of Sweden. A logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between sadness and other health complaints. The result show that sadness and other health complaints were common among adolescents, and sadness was related to health complaints (headache (OR: 1.58), sleeping difficulties (OR: 2.00), reduced appetite (OR: 1.43), tension (OR: 2.44), and concentration difficulties (OR: 2.75)). When adolescents express sadness or other health complaints it is important to reflect on what these complaints are an expression of, and take into account the body as physical and psychological intertwined. This might entail person-centered support that hopefully leads to an improvement in adolescents’ well-being. Future research that profoundly highlights adolescents’ existential health is needed.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Moges Muluneh Boke ◽  
Aman Yesuf ◽  
Befikadu Tariku Gutema

Background. Major reasons for malnutrition, particularly among those who live in low- and middle-income countries, are physiological vulnerability and inadequate intake. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers of Angecha District, Southern Ethiopia. Methods. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected lactating mothers in Angecha District from March to April 2017. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among lactating mothers. Undernutrition was defined as the body mass index of less than 18.5 kg/m2. A multivariable logistic regression model was fitted, and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a p value less than 0.05 was used to determine a statistically significant association between predictors and outcome variables. Result. The prevalence of undernutrition among lactating mothers was 21.2% (95% CI: 17.52, 25.46). The odds of undernutrition were higher among lactating mothers in the younger age group (AOR 4.12 (95% CI: 1.25–13.63), compared to 36–49 years group), dietary diversity less than five food groups (AOR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.35–4.36), and not attending antenatal care (ANC) (AOR 2.90 (95% CI: 1.43–5.86), compared to those who attended ANC for 4 or more times). The odds of undernutrition among lactating women from 3rd quantile wealth index households reduced by nearly half (AOR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.98) compared to lactating mothers from 1st quantile wealth index households. Conclusion. Nearly one in every five lactating mothers was undernourished. Age, dietary diversity score, ANC visit, and wealth index were found to be the associated factors of undernutrition. Therefore, due attention should have to be given to increase the use of ANC.


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