Diet diversity of urban households in India during the COVID-19 lockdown

Background: The nature of the COVID-19 pandemic forced several nations to impose country-wide lockdowns. The lockdown impacted several aspects of life including the economy. Food security became a growing concern for many households. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the diet diversity of urban households in India during the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Methods: Information regarding socioeconomic status (SES), family size and information regarding availability and access to food were gathered from 450 households. Diet diversity was assessed using a 69-item food frequency questionnaire. Food variety scores (FVS) were computed for individual food groups and overall. Results: The majority of the households (86.4%) belonged to the upper-middle or upper SES. Households did not experience any constraints in accessibility and availability of food except the meat group. Overall, 84% of the households had low FVS for most of the food groups except for sugar and milk and milk products. The household SES score was positively associated with the milk FVS (B = 0.039, p = 0.020) and negatively with the fat FVS (B = −0.062, p < 0.001). The number of adults (B = 6.773, p < 0.001) in the household positively predicted the FVS of cereal, vegetable, fruit, fat and total FVS. Conclusions: The higher SES households in urban India did not experience food insecurity. Despite this, their poor diet diversity is a serious cause for concern, especially in the wake of the evolving pandemic. This highlights the need to promote consumption of a diverse variety of foods.

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Food security and coping strategies of a rural community within the Valley of a Thousand Hills

10.51415/10321/1700 ◽

2014 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Leigh Felt

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Insecurity ◽

Coping Strategy ◽

Food Group ◽

Food Groups ◽

Food Security Status ◽

Anthropometric Features ◽

Food Variety ◽

The Mean ◽

24 Hour Recall

Food security is a global concern and the insecurity thereof is prevalent in South Africa even though the country is deemed to be secure in terms of food availability. The study was conducted to determine the socio-economic, health and nutrition and food security status of the community living in the Valley of a Thousand Hills in KwaZulu Natal, in addition to analysing their coping strategies. Two hundred and fifty seven respondents were required to participate in this study. Data were collected by interviewing the respondents using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires; socio demographic questionnaires, dietary intake questionnaires- namely 24 hour recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the coping strategy questionnaires were used. Lastly anthropometric measurements were taken to determine BMI. A prevalence of extreme poverty exists as a magnitude of the high unemployment rate, out of which 75.8% had been unemployed for more than 3 years. The household monthly income was less than R500 per month for 37.3% of the respondents. The mean Food Variety Scores (FVS) (±SD) for all foods consumed from the food groups during seven days was 22.45 (±10.32), indicating a low food variety score. In this study the food group diversity is summarized as the majority of the respondents (91.1%, n=226) being classified with a good dietary diversity score using 6-9 food groups. The mean of the three 24-Hour recall nutrient analysis indicated a deficient intake by both men and women in all of the nutrients (100% of the men and women could not meet the DRI’s for energy and calcium) except for the mean (±SD) carbohydrate intake by men aged 19-50 (214.71 ± 80.22). The main source of food intake was from the carbohydrate food group with an insufficient intake of animal products, dairy products and fruits and vegetables respectively; contributing to the macro and micro nutrient inadequacies. Ninety six percent of this community experienced some level of food insecurity with the worst Coping Strategy Index food insecurity score being 117 out of a possible 175. Four percent of this community was classified as being food secure. Overweight and obesity were the most exceptional anthropometric features by the women respondents with 26.5% (n=66) being overweight and 57% (n=142) obese. The men’s anthropometric features were predominantly normal weight. This study has established poverty and unemployment as being the principal contributors for the food insecurity experienced by the populace and poor dietary intakes. The low food variety diet consumed by the respondents resulted in the DRI’s not achieved for most nutrients. The majority of the respondents only consumed two meals a day, as a coping strategy to reduce/prevent temporary food insecurity. Intervention strategies are needed to improve the food security status and dietary intake of the community members to overcome the crisis of malnutrition.

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Does Food Insecurity exist among Farm Households? Evidence from Ghana

10.1101/2021.02.04.429712 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Pinamang Acheampong ◽

Elvis Agyei Obeng ◽

Monica Opoku ◽

Lydia Brobbey ◽

Bernard Sakyiamah

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Smallholder Farmers ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Farm Households ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Food Groups ◽

Social Resilience ◽

Diet Diversity ◽

Household Food

AbstractHousehold food security exists when households have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food at all times that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food security remains a serious challenge for many households in Ghana and the situation is even more prevalent among smallholder farmers. Using data collected from 2,603 farm households across Ghana and employing an ordered probit model the determinants of food security among farm households were assessed. The food security indicator-Food Consumption Score (FCS) which combines diet diversity, frequency of consumption and relative nutritional importance of different food groups was used for the analysis. Results indicated that farm households (76%) across Ghana were within the acceptable household food consumption groups. Nonetheless, 19% and 6% of farm households respectively were within the borderline and poor food consumption groups respectively. Further analysis revealed the determinants of food security to include experience, gender, improved variety adoption, access to credit and location. The suggestion is that government and private institutions should create an enabling environment to enhancing production capacities, economic and social resilience to improve on food security and nutrition.

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FOOD ENVIRONMENT: CONCEPTUALIZATION AND IMPORTANCE IN PERSPECTIVE OF URBAN INDIA

Journal of Global Resources ◽

10.46587/jgr.2022.v08i01.008 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Shams Perwaiz2 ◽

Shams Perwaiz2

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Environment ◽

Research Study ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Nutritional Security ◽

Governmental Agencies ◽

Research Article ◽

Urban India ◽

Food And Nutritional Security ◽

Access To Food

Food environment of an individual is characterized by the ‘availability of food’ and ‘affordability of food’. The latter determines the type of food available that is nutritious or nonnutritious nature of food while former determines the access to food in terms of purchasing power of people. These two components of food environment collectively play a major role in determining the food and nutritional security of any region. Country like India is characterized by the disparity in incomelevels, demography and development. Likewise, India is characterized by regions with varying degree of ‘food security’ and ‘nutritional security’. The present research article discusses the concept of ‘food environment’ in perspective of urban India. Further, the present research study investigates that how the above-mentioned concepts helpful in identifying the regions with food security and nutritional security or both. The study is based on secondary data collected from various governmental and non-governmental agencies.

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From the lens of food accessibility and dietary quality: Gaining insights from urban food security in Nigeria

Outlook on Agriculture ◽

10.1177/0030727019866462 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 48 (4) ◽

pp. 336-343

Author(s):

Adesola Ikudayisi ◽

Victor Okoruwa ◽

Bolarin Omonona

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Food Access ◽

Food System ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Urban Setting ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Household Food Security ◽

Food Groups ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Diet Diversity

Do level of food demanded and dietary diversity jointly provide better estimates on household food security status or is this association modified by level of urbanization within urban setting? To better understand this relationship, we investigated the Nigerian urban household’s food security situation in terms of food access and utilization component through a demand system and diet diversity models using cross-sectional data. Results showed that the food groups considered were normal goods but with varying magnitudes. Most households were price-sensitive, especially to high-value food commodities, while cross-price effect showed a mix of substitute and complementary relationships. However, the level of dietary diversity was moderate. The quantile regression analysis revealed that income and urbanicity index significantly improved consumption of diverse diets, with higher impacts at the lowest quantile. The linkages between rising urbanization and the scourge of food insecurity will require more integration of strategies aimed at tackling the urban food system, infrastructural development and food policy consideration. Therefore, policy options tailored towards better food access and consumption of diverse diet were proffered.

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Food variety, socioeconomic status and nutritional status in urban and rural areas in Koutiala (Mali)

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980000000628 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 3 (1) ◽

pp. 57-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 135

Author(s):

Anne Hatløy ◽

Jesper Hallund ◽

Modibo M Diarra ◽

Arne Oshaug

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Rural Households ◽

Household Level ◽

Urban Households ◽

Food Variety ◽

Urban And Rural Areas

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the associations between the food variety score (FVS), dietary diversity score (DDS) and nutritional status of children, and to assess the associations between FVS, DDS and socioeconomic status (SES) on a household level. The study also assessed urban and rural differences in FVS and DDS.Design: Cross-sectional studies in 1994/95, including a simplified food frequency questionnaire on food items used in the household the previous day. A socioeconomic score was generated, based on possessions in the households. Weight and height were measured for all children aged 6–59 months in the households, and anthropometric indices were generated.Subjects and setting: Three hundred and twenty-nine urban and 488 rural households with 526 urban and 1789 rural children aged 6–59 months in Koutiala County, Sikasso Region, Mali.Results: Children from urban households with a low FVS or DDS had a doubled risk (OR>2) for being stunted and underweight. Those relations were not found in the rural area. There was an association between SES and both FVS and DDS on the household level in both areas. The FVS and DDS in urban households with the lowest SES were higher than the FVS and DDS among the rural households with the highest SES.Conclusions: Food variety and dietary diversity seem to be associated with nutritional status (weight/age and height/age) of children in heterogeneous communities, as our data from urban areas showed. In rural areas, however, this association could not be shown. Socioeconomic factors seem to be important determinants for FVS and DDS both in urban and rural areas. FVS and DDS are useful variables in assessing the nutritional situation of households, particular in urban areas.

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Inequalities in food consumption the Colombian households: Results from the National Survey of Nutritional Status

Hacia la Promoción de la Salud ◽

10.17151/hpsal.2021.26.1.9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 98-117

Author(s):

Laura Inés González Zapata ◽

Sandra L. Restrepo Mesa ◽

Lorena Mancilla López ◽

Diana Sepúlveda Herrera ◽

Alejandro Estrada Restrepo

Keyword(s):

Socioeconomic Status ◽

Food Security ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Low Socioeconomic Status ◽

National Survey ◽

Latent Class ◽

Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽

Alcoholic Beverages ◽

Food Groups

Introduction: adverse socioeconomic conditions may cause food intake characterized by inequality that derives in malnutrition increases. Objective. To identify inequalities in food consumption among the Colombian population according to socioeconomic status and the food security classification forhouseholds. Methods. the data were obtained from the 2005 National Survey of Nutritional Status, and the analysis used the first 24-hour recall n=39,413 Colombians. The statistical analysis took into account descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals. A multivariate analysis was performed through multinomial logistic regression models, with each of the food groups as a dependent variable. Finally, a latent class analysis was performed to understand the heterogeneity of the inequalities in food consumption in the households. Results. Low-socioeconomic status households showed higherconsumption of cereals, tubers and plantains, non-alcoholic beverages, and fats. I contrast, higher socioeconomic status households showed higher consumption of dairy products, fruit, vegetables, and sugars/sweets. The food security classification found that food-secure households had a higherconsumption of meat, dairy, vegetables, fruit, and sugars/sweets. Households classified as food-insecure showed a higher consumption of cereals, tubers and plantains, and non-alcoholic beverages. The consumption of tubers and plantains showed a clear social gradient, in higher socioeconomic status there was lower consumption probability of those products. Conclusion. There are inequalities in food consumption in Colombia according to socioeconomic status and the food security classification; therefore, people and families with the most unfavorable socioeconomic status have diets with less nutritional value.

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Effects of Indigenous Diet Iron Content and Location on Hemoglobin Levels of Ghanaians

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12092710 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (9) ◽

pp. 2710 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

April Callister ◽

Joanna Gautney ◽

Christina Aguilar ◽

Julian Chan ◽

David Aguilar

Keyword(s):

Food Group ◽

Food Type ◽

Plant Proteins ◽

Food Groups ◽

Sex Distribution ◽

Dietary Interventions ◽

Food Frequency ◽

Blood Samples ◽

Ease Of Access ◽

The Impact

Multiple studies have demonstrated strong links between diet and anemia, but few have explored the impact of food groups on hemoglobin (Hb). We analyzed the correlation between Ghanaian diet and Hb levels to explore reduction of anemia prevalence through dietary interventions. Demographics, food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), and blood samples were obtained from 140 volunteers (ages 18–65) in five locations across Ghana. Hb was measured; estimated iron consumption was calculated. FFQ items were grouped by food type, and a regression analysis was performed to determine the most important dietary predictors of Hb. Moreover, 47% of total participants were anemic; 64% of females and 28% of males. Hb levels were highest in Mole (13.9 g/dL, SD = ±1.9), independent of sex distribution. The regression model revealed a 62.7% adjusted correlation between food groups and Hb levels. Animal foods (β = 0.016, t = 5.08, p < 0.01) and plant protein (β = 0.013, t = 2.86, p < 0.01) were the most influential groups to Hb levels. It is of vital importance to emphasize the benefits of consuming animal foods and plant proteins within the Ghanaian population. The ease of access to plant proteins makes it likely that this food group will be most influential and have the greatest impact in reduction of anemia in the Ghanaian population.

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Impact of Adopting Improved Seeds on Access to Broader Food Groups Among Small-Scale Sorghum Producers in Tanzania

SAGE Open ◽

10.1177/2158244020979992 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 215824402097999

Author(s):

Aloyce R. Kaliba ◽

Anne G. Gongwe ◽

Kizito Mazvimavi ◽

Ashagre Yigletu

Keyword(s):

Food Security ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Inverse Probability Weighting ◽

Reproductive Age ◽

Small Scale ◽

Probability Weighting ◽

Food Groups ◽

Inverse Probability ◽

Double Robust

In this study, we use double-robust estimators (i.e., inverse probability weighting and inverse probability weighting with regression adjustment) to quantify the effect of adopting climate-adaptive improved sorghum varieties on household and women dietary diversity scores in Tanzania. The two indicators, respectively, measure access to broader food groups and micronutrient and macronutrient availability among children and women of reproductive age. The selection of sample households was through a multistage sampling technique, and the population was all households in the sorghum-producing regions of Central, Northern, and Northwestern Tanzania. Before data collection, enumerators took part in a 1-week training workshop and later collected data from 822 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The main results from the study show that the adoption of improved sorghum seeds has a positive effect on both household and women dietary diversity scores. Access to quality food groups improves nutritional status, food security adequacy, and general welfare of small-scale farmers in developing countries. Agricultural projects that enhance access to improved seeds are, therefore, likely to generate a positive and sustainable effect on food security and poverty alleviation in sorghum-producing regions of Tanzania.

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Evaluation of Nutrient Intake and Food Consumption among Dutch Toddlers

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051531 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1531

Author(s):

Elly Steenbergen ◽

Anne Krijger ◽

Janneke Verkaik-Kloosterman ◽

Liset E. M. Elstgeest ◽

Sovianne ter Borg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Intake ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Saturated Fatty Acids ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Food Groups ◽

Milk Products ◽

Health Council ◽

Dutch Health

Improving dietary habits at a young age could prevent adverse health outcomes. The aim was to gain insight into the adequacy of the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers, which may provide valuable information for preventive measures. Data obtained from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016 were used, which included 672 children aged one to three years. Habitual intakes of nutrients were evaluated according to recommendations set by the Dutch Health Council. Specific food groups were evaluated according to the Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. For most nutrients, intakes were estimated to be adequate. High intakes were found for saturated fatty acids, retinol, iodine, copper, zinc, and sodium. No statement could be provided on the adequacy of intakes of alpha-linoleic acids, N-3 fish fatty acids, fiber, and iron. 74% of the toddlers used dietary supplements, and 59% used vitamin D supplements specifically. Total median intakes of vegetables, bread, and milk products were sufficient. Consumption of bread, potatoes and cereals, milk products, fats, and drinks consisted largely of unhealthy products. Consumption of unfavorable products may have been the cause of the observed high and low intakes of several nutrients. Shifting towards a healthier diet that is more in line with the guidelines may positively affect the dietary intake of Dutch toddlers and prevent negative health impacts, also later in life.

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Relative Validity of an Italian EPIC Food Frequency Questionnaire for Dietary Factors in Children and Adolescents. A Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13041245 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 1245

Author(s):

Inge Huybrechts ◽

Rossella Miglio ◽

Lorenza Mistura ◽

Sara Grioni ◽

Irene Pozzebon ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary School ◽

Children And Adolescents ◽

Food Frequency Questionnaire ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Food Groups ◽

Food Frequency ◽

Relative Validity ◽

Diary Method ◽

Italian Children ◽

The Impact

Dietary factors play a major role in the development of non-communicable diseases, however little is known regarding the impact of nutrition on rare diseases like sarcomas. This Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute study aimed to evaluate the relative validity of a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to measure the consumption of foods in comparison with a 3-days diary diet in a healthy Italian student population aged between 12 and 17 years. An extended version (including food groups for children) of the semi-quantitative FFQ used in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) was administered. The validity of the FFQ was assessed by comparing the intakes from the FFQ against the 3-day diary method. 254 Italian subjects were included in the analyses: 128 females; 126 males; 116 from High Secondary School (14–17 years); 138 from Low Secondary School (12–13 years). Mean and median intakes are overall higher in the FFQs than in the food diaries. Spearman correlations adjusted for within-person variability were highest for legumes, vegetables and coffee/tea (>0.5), followed by potatoes, meat, fruits, breakfast cereals, biscuits and candies, and milk/yoghurts (>0.4). Moderate correlations were found for alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, juices, and grains (>0.3). For some food groups, such as fish, potatoes, and bread, correlations tend to become higher when stratifying the analyses for age group. These results demonstrate that the adapted EPIC COS FFQ validated in Italian adults is also appropriate and well understood by Italian children and adolescents.

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