scholarly journals Dietary diversity among women of reproductive age (15-49 years): implication for folate deficiency in Mbarara district, Uganda

Author(s):  
Denison Tamale ◽  
Grace Kagoro-Rugunda

Background: Understanding dietary diversity of women of reproductive age (WRA) is vital for better nutritional interventions of their health and that of unborn. Most diets consumed are macronutrient dense which leads to micronutrient deficiencies like neural tube defects (NTDs).Thirty three babies were born with NTDs at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital during 2016 and 2017 for reasons among which is folate deficiency. Folate can be derived cheaply from green vegetable consumption before antenatal visits. The study’s objective was to assess dietary diversity of WRA (15-49 years) living within Mbarara district.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted for three months using a translated dietary diversity questionnaire from Food and Agricultural Organisation. Applying a 24 h recall method at various intervals of feeding, 402 WRA living within three constituencies of Mbarara district were randomly selected to participate.Results: 70.1% of WRA attained high Individual dietary diversity score (IDDS) of (≥6). 45.1% consumed folate rich plant and animal sources. 4.8%, 8.4%, and 17.6% consumed dark green leafy vegetables, vitamin rich fruits and animal sources respectively. Education, constituency of residence and occupation had a significant association with IDDS of P≤0.05 (0.000, 0.004, 0.030) respectively. WRA who scored IDDS≥6, 58.2% attained at least secondary education, 51.1% lived in urban constituency and 47.5% were working. 30% consumed starchy staple groups, though at 15.8% legumes, nuts and seeds group was most consumed.Conclusions: Low intake of folate rich sources was noted, though many WRA consumed diverse diets therefore, education and employment are suitable interventions.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1576
Author(s):  
Victoria Flavian Gowele ◽  
Joyce Kinabo ◽  
Theresia Jumbe ◽  
Constance Rybak ◽  
Wolfgang Stuetz

Inadequate macro- and micronutrient nutrition and its consequences, such as anaemia, iron and vitamin deficiency, and growth retardation, could particularly affect children of small-scale farmers. In the present cross-sectional study, 666 school children aged 5–10 years from villages of Chamwino and Kilosa districts were studied for associations between nutritional and micronutrient status and dietary intake. The overall prevalence of stunting, underweight, and overweight was 28.1, 14.4, and 5%, while that of anaemia and deficiency of iron (ID), vitamin A (VAD), and zinc (ZnD) was 42.9, 29.3, 24.9, and 32.8%, respectively. Dietary recalls (24h) revealed that, except of iron (74%), only small proportions of children reached the recommended daily micronutrient intakes: 4% for zinc, 19% for vitamin A, and 14–46% for B vitamins. Stunting was highly associated with wasting in both districts and with VAD in Chamwino. Anaemia was predicted by ID, VAD, and ZnD in Chamwino and by elevated infection markers, C-reactive protein (CRP) and α-1 glycoprotein (AGP), in Kilosa. Overall, elevated CRP and/or AGP increased the risk while higher serum carotenoids indicating a diet of more fruit and vegetables reduced the risk of VAD. The significantly lower prevalence of anaemia and ID in Chamwino was related to higher iron and vitamin A intake and the consumption of mainly bulrush millet with dark green leafy vegetables compared to maize or rice with legumes in Kilosa. Nutrition and hygiene education integrated with home and school garden programmes could reduce the multiple burdens of anaemia; micronutrient deficiencies and infections; and, in the long term, the prevalence of stunting.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-40
Author(s):  
Razia Sultana ◽  
Syeda Rumana Hoque ◽  
Umme Jamila Akter Manni ◽  
Md Motlabur Rahman ◽  
Pankaj Kanti Datta ◽  
...  

Background/context: Dietary diversity (DD) is universally recognized as a key component of healthy diets. Healthy diet is one of the most important determinants that can influence nutritional status of women of reproductive age. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Shitpara village of Sreepur Upazila under Gazipur district during February to June 2013 to assess the dietary diversity and nutritional status of women of reproductive age. Convenient sampling technique was adopted to select 181 women. Interview schedule & checklist used as research instrument. Results: The mean(+/-s.d.)age of the respondents was 27.45+/-9.38 years, 133(80%) of them were married and 176(97.2%) are literate. Mean family size was 5.34+/- 2.386 persons and mean family income was 9611.05 Taka per month. Among 133 married women, 68(51%) have 2 or less than two children. Their mean(+/-s.d.) dietary diversity score was 5.13+/- 1.19 and majority 149(82%) of them having medium dietary diversity tercile (4-6). All of them ate carbohydrate types of food, 174(96.1%) protein rich foods & 83(45.9%) vit.A rich vegetables & fruits. Their mean BMI was 22.35 +/- 3.71 kg/ m2. Majority 118 (65%) of them having normal BMI and 22(12%) are under weight. Only 6(3%) of them are obese. Thoughdietary diversity was medium (4-6); relationship between dietary diversity and nutritional status could not be established. Conclusion:The qualitative measurement of dietary diversity is not sufficient enough to identify women at risk of under- or over nutrition. J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 27, No.1, April, 2018, Page 36-40


BMC Nutrition ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nega Assefa ◽  
Yasir Y. Abdullahi ◽  
Aklilu Abraham ◽  
Elena C. Hemler ◽  
Isabel Madzorera ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that cause neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participant’s weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at a 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with dietary folate consumption. Result The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 μg/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% of WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related to dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food sources. Conclusions We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from the risk of having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed to poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification of Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nega Assefa ◽  
Yasir Y Abdullahi ◽  
Aklilu Abrham ◽  
Elena C Hemler ◽  
Isabel Madzorera ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Dietary folate inadequacy is one the most common micronutrient deficiencies that causes neural tube defect (NTD) among infants in Sub-Saharan African countries. This study aims to determine the dietary intake of folate among women of reproductive age (WRA) of Kersa, Eastern Ethiopia.Methods: A cross-sectional study took place among voluntary women that were selected from 1140 random households. Using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire, participants weekly dietary intake history of Ethiopian foods and dietary folate intake was worked out. Statistical analysis was done at 95% confidence interval. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors that associated with dietary folate consumptionResult: The estimated median usual intake of folate was 170 ug/d (IQR: 118.3; 252.2) and about 33% WRA had low folate intake and 73.9% were at risk for folate inadequacy. From the reported food groups, Beans and Peas, Starchy staples, and Vitamin-A rich dark-green leafy vegetables were the top three ranked foods that contributed much of the dietary folate. The following conditions were statistically related with dietary folate inadequacy; women’s age, being in poor wealth index, low dietary diversity, having seasonal employment, and reliance on market food source.Conclusions: We found that women’s dietary intake of folate in Kersa is very low and cannot protect their offspring from having NTD. They could also potentially be predisposed poor health outcomes. Diversifying and fortification Ethiopian wheats and salts could decrease the burden of folate deficiency in the country.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohannes Seyoum ◽  
Christèle Humblot ◽  
Gaël Nicolas ◽  
Muriel Thomas ◽  
Kaleab Baye

AbstractRapid physical growth and the onset of menstruation during adolescence can increase the risk of iron deficiency (ID) and related adverse effects. However, little is known about the risk of anemia and ID among adolescent girls in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of ID, low iron stores, and anemia and characterize selected risk factors in Huruta, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among non-pregnant adolescent girls (15–19 years of age; n = 257). Data on household socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and women’s dietary diversity score (WDDS) were collected. Hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin (SF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and α−1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP) concentrations were measured. Diets were predominantly plant-based, with a low consumption of animal source foods, fruits, and dark-green leafy vegetables. Only 4% of the adolescent girls had adequate dietary diversity (WDDS ≥5), and 35% were underweight. The prevalence of anemia (Hb <11 g/dL, 8.7%) and clinical ID (SF <15 µg/L, 8.7%) was low, but 41% had marginal iron stores (SF <50 µg/L). The low prevalence of ID, despite a predominantly plant-based diet is atypical and calls for adapted strategies to address low iron stores in this and other similar settings of Ethiopia.


Author(s):  
Drpadmajauday Kumar ◽  
Varsha Kalyanpur

ABSTRACTObjectives: Estimating the hemoglobin (Hb) status in female medicos through prospective cross-sectional study and assessment of influencing ofcofactors were objectives.Methods: Women medicos who volunteered, consented and met selection criteria were enrolled. Hb level was estimated to diagnose anemia.Relationship with influencing factors was assessed statistically.Result: A total of 100 eligible students were enrolled. Mean age±standard deviation (SD) age of the participants’ was 20.9±3.1 years (17-25 years).Mean±SD Hb was 12.25±1.0189 g% (9.0-16.0 g%). 33 were anemic, and mild anemia (32%) was frequent. There was a history of worm infestation inthree students (3%), who were treated adequately. Nine were on iron supplements of which five were still anemic and were continuing the treatmentby the end of the study. 28 (84.84%) anemic students were not on any iron or hematinic treatment. There was no association between the anemiaand nature of diet, consumption of green leafy vegetables, consumption of coffee/tea after food, smoking/tobacco or alcohol consumption, mother’seducation, socioeconomic status, menstrual factors, and physical exercise. The prevalence of anemia was found to be higher in underweight andoverweight students in comparison to students with normal body mass index.Asymptomatic participants (n=78) outnumbered symptomatic ones(n=22), but without any statistical significance. Easy fatigability (14%), pallor (7%), breathlessness (6%), weakness (9%), and easy bruising (1%)were frequent complaints.Conclusion: Anemia is frequent among women medicos, often underdiagnosed, under-reported, many remaining asymptomatic. Negligence ofmedical students toward their anemic status despite the awareness of consequences of low Hb level is a serious cause of concern.Keywords: Awareness, Hemoglobin, Nutritional anemia, Women medical students.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieudonne Hakizimana ◽  
Marie Paul Nisingizwe ◽  
Jenae Logan ◽  
Rex Wong

Abstract Background Anemia among Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) continues to be among the major public health problems in many developing countries, including Rwanda, where it increased in prevalence between the 2015 and 2010 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) reports. A thorough understanding of its risk factors is necessary to design better interventions. However, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been conducted in Rwanda on a nationally representative sample to assess factors associated with anemia among WRA. Accordingly, this study was conducted to address such gap. Methods A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the RDHS 2014-2015 report. The study population consisted of 6680 WRA who were tested for anemia during the survey. Anemia was defined as having a hemoglobin level equal to or below 10.9 g/dl for a pregnant woman, and hemoglobin level equal to or below 11.9 g/dl for a non-pregnant woman. Pearson’s chi-squared test and multiple logistic regression were conducted for bivariate and multivariable analysis, respectively. Results The prevalence of anemia among WRA was 19.2% (95% CI: 18.0 - 20.5). Four factors were found to be associated with lower odds of anemia, including being obese (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.40 - 0.91), being in the rich category (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.63 - 0.87), sleeping under a mosquito net (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74 - 0.98), and using hormonal contraceptives (OR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.50 - 0.73). Five factors were associated with higher odds of anemia, including being underweight (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.78), using an intrauterine device (OR: 1.98, 95% CI: 1.05 - 3.75), being separated or widowed (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.09 - 1.67), and living in the Southern province (OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.11 - 1.89) or in the Eastern province (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.06 - 1.88). Conclusion Anemia continues to pose public health challenges; novel public health interventions should consider geographic variations in anemia risk, seek to improve women’s economic statuses, and strengthen iron supplementation especially for Intrauterine device users. Additionally, given the association between anemia and malaria, interventions to prevent malaria should be enhanced.


2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (02) ◽  
pp. 237-241
Author(s):  
Shabana Rafiq ◽  
Razia Bibi ◽  
Samina Ashraf

Objectives: To determine the frequency of ovarian malignancy in women ofreproductive age presenting with ovarian mass and to determine frequency of factors leadingto ovarian malignancy. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics& Gynaecology, Lady Wallington Hospital, Lahore. Period with Dates: From 05.11.11 to26.06.12. Results: The result of our study reveals majority of the patients between 21-30 yearsi.e. 45.88%(n=39), common age was 24.21+3.76 years, 43.53%(n=37) were nulliparous (inmajority), while frequency of ovarian malignancy in women of reproductive age presenting withovarian mass was recorded in 14.11%(n=12) while frequency of factors leading to ovarianmalignancy was 91.67%(n=11) patients were nulliparous while family history of ovarianmalignancy was in 8.33%(n=1) patients. Conclusions: The frequency of ovarian malignancy ishigher among reproductive age females with increased risk of nulliparity.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tania Dehesh ◽  
Elaheh Salarpour ◽  
Neda Malekmohammadi ◽  
Sepideh Arjomand Kermani

Abstract Background Optimal pregnancy spacing is an important incidence in reproductive women’s health. Short or long pregnancy spacing leads to the greatest health, social and economic problems such as increase in maternal and infant mortality and morbidity, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study is to assess the mean of pregnancy spacing and associated factors of pregnancy spacing among women of reproductive age group with recurrent event analysis. Methods The fertility history of 1350 women aged 15–49 years was collected in this cross-sectional study. The women were selected through multistage random sampling method from a list of clinics in 2018. Some predictors were collected from their records and others were collected by face-to-face interview. The recurrent event survival analysis was used to explore the effect of predictors on pregnancy spacing. The R software program was used for analysis. Results There were nine predictors that had significant effect on pregnancy spacing. These predictors included the age of mother at marriage, mother’s BMI, contraception use, breast feeding duration of the previous child, the education level of husband, the sex preference of the mother, presence of abortion or stillbirth in the preceding pregnancies, income sufficiency, and mother’s awareness of optimum pregnancy interval. The most influential predictors; contraception use (HR = 2.34, 95%CI = 1.23 to 2.76, P < 0.001) and income sufficiency (HR = 2.046, 95%CI = 1.61 to 3.02, P = 0.018) lead to longer and son preference of mother (HR = 2.231, 95%CI = 1.24 to 2.81, P = 0.023) lead to shorter pregnancy spacing. Conclusion The up to date contraception tool should be at hand for couples to manage their pregnancy intervals. The unfavorable economic situation of a family leads to long pregnancy spacing. Despite the relative equality of the status of girls and boys in today’s societies, the desire to have a son child is still an important factor in shorter pregnancy spacing. The benefit of optimal pregnancy spacing should be more announced.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Djibril M Ba ◽  
Paddy Ssentongo ◽  
Muzi Na ◽  
Kristen H Kjerulff ◽  
Guodong Liu ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Background Universal salt iodization (USI) is the most feasible and cost-effective, and equitable, approach to prevent iodine deficiency. Severe maternal iodine deficiency during pregnancy is associated with serious adverse gestational and birth outcomes. Objectives The aim was to assess iodine status and identify independent factors associated with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. Methods This was a weighted, population-based, cross-sectional study in 2985 women of reproductive age (20–49 y) in Tanzania who participated in the Demographic and Health Surveys in 2015–2016 (DHS 2015–2016) and had measured UIC. Multivariable generalized linear regression was used to identify potential factors that were associated with UIC. Results The median UICs among women consuming inadequately iodized salt (93.6 μg/L; 25th and 75th percentiles: 43.1, 197.9 μg/L) and women in the lowest socioeconomic status (92.3 μg/L; 45.6, 194.4 μg/L) were below the WHO-recommended ranges (≥150 μg/L for pregnant women and ≥100 μg/L for nonpregnant women). The results of multivariable models indicated that pregnant women had 1.21 μg/L lower UIC than nonpregnant women (β = −1.21; 95% CI: −3.42, −0.12), breastfeeding women had 1.02 μg/L lower UIC than nonbreastfeeding women (β = −1.02; 95% CI: −2.25, −0.27), and women with no education had a 1.88 μg/L lower UIC compared with those with secondary/highest education (β = −1.88; 95% CI: −4.58, −0.36). Women consuming inadequately iodized salt had 6.55 μg/L lower UIC than those consuming adequately iodized salt (β = −6.55; 95% CI: −9.24, −4.33). The median UIC varied substantially across geographic zones, ranging from 83.2 μg/L (45.9, 165.3) in the Western region to 347.8 μg/L (185.0, 479.8) in the Eastern region. Conclusions Our findings indicated a great heterogeneity in median UIC across regions of Tanzania among women of reproductive age. Poverty, consuming inadequately iodized salt, and lack of education appeared to be the driving factors for lower UIC in Tanzania.


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