scholarly journals Low Food and Nutrition Literacy (FNLIT): A barrier to dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy in school age children

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam Doustmohammadian ◽  
Nasrin Omidvar ◽  
Nastaran Keshavarz Mohammadi ◽  
Hassan Eini-Zinab ◽  
Maryam Amini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity in children and adolescents over the past two decades has made it a public health concern. Knowledge, skills and critical decision making about food choices and dietary intake, known as food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) could be one of the keys to improving the outcomes of future interventions in this area. This study aims to assess the relationship between FNLIT and dietary diversity and nutrient adequacy in school-age children in Iran.Methods: This cross-sectional study was undertaken on 803 Primary school students aged 10-12 years in Tehran, Iran. Socio-economic and household food security characteristics, as well as three 24-hour dietary recalls (two week-days and one weekend) were collected through interviewing students and their mothers/caregivers. FNLIT was measured by a self-administered locally designed and validated questionnaire. Number of servings from food groups and diet diversity score, as well as nutrient adequacy were calculated and compared with recommendations. The association between dietary quality factors and FNLIT were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results: Students with low FNLIT were less likely to meet daily recommended portion of vegetable (OR=2.83, 95% CI=1.12-7.17), meats (OR=2.37, 95% CI=1.01-5.55) and fruits (OR=2.42, 95% CI=1.38-4.25) (after adjusting for confounding factors, including demographics, Socioeconomics, physical activity, calorie intake and food security). Moreover, low FNLIT subscales were associated with higher odds of low diversity of fruits (OR=3.82, 95% CI=1.01-14.42), dairies (OR=19.5, 95% CI=2.09-182.38), and meats (OR=2.4, 95% CI=1.31-4.40). low FNLIT and its subscales were associated with odds of lower level of NAR of protein (OR=2.02, 95% CI=1.02-8.95), calcium (OR=2.2, 95% CI=1.16-4.49), and vitamin B3 (OR=3.65, 95% CI=1.05-12.69), as well as probability of lower level of MAR (OR=2.91, 95% CI=1.03-8.23, OR=3.12, 95% CI=1.38-7.05), and NAR of vitamin B9 (OR=2.98, 95% CI=1.04-8.51), and odds of lower level of NAR of vitamin B6 (OR=2.30, 95% CI=1.10-4.83). Conclusion: Improving FNLIT in children may help to improve their eating habits and dietary quality for the benefits of good health.

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Azam Doustmohammadian ◽  
Nasrin Omidvar ◽  
Nastaran Keshavarz-Mohammadi ◽  
Hassan Eini-Zinab ◽  
Maryam Amini ◽  
...  

Social Change ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 396-419
Author(s):  
Swati Dutta ◽  
Sunil Kumar Mishra

The level of food diversity in any household is an indicator of its healthy dietary habits. It depends on demographic and socio-economic conditions, geographic location, consumption habits and expenditure, cultural practices, income, food prices and the availability, access and utilisation of food. Against this backdrop, our study analyses the pattern of food consumption, dietary diversity, food frequency and the Recommended Dietary Allowance in 12 villages located in 6 districts of Bihar to understand the socio-economic determinants of a household’s food security. The results show that the diversity of food consumption is mainly dependent on the consumption of cereals across various socio-economic classes. Our analysis also emphasises the importance of schemes like the Public Distribution System which has a positive influence on food security outcomes of a household. The logistic regression results show that if the household belongs to the richest consumption class, with better education levels and more salaried members, then the probability of better food and nutrition security is high. In contrast, the low social status of a household, especially those from a Scheduled Caste background, will reveal reduced household food security.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johnny Mugisha ◽  
Robert Mwadime ◽  
Christopher Sebatta ◽  
Robert Gensi ◽  
Bernard Obaa

In Uganda, agricultural commercialization has been promoted to reduce poverty and improve household food security. South-western Uganda, the major producer of potato, has been considered the food basket of the country but it has one of the highest prevalence rates of stunting in children under 5. This study considered potato enterprise as a key pathway for enhancing household food and nutrition security because it has become a major income source and staple in the diets of many households in the area and most urban areas in the country. The objective was to determine factors that influence farm household nutrition and food security outcomes. Through a survey, data were collected from 434 randomly selected potato farmer households. Descriptive and econometric methods were used in data analysis. Results show that household dietary diversity score was low (3.2) for most (57%) of the households. Only 38% were food secure. The main factors enhancing household nutrition outcomes were size of land, livestock units owned, proportion of household income spent on food, and education of household head, while farmer’s experience in potato production had a negative effect. The size of land owned, crop diversification, income from potato, age and education of household head, and a famer being male enhanced household food security outcomes. The study recommends promoting improved production practices to maximize land productivity, integration of livestock in potato production, and training women and men in household food and nutrition and related use of income.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 574-582
Author(s):  
Sunjina Noor Ria ◽  
Khandaker Md. Mostafizur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Mujaffar Hossain ◽  
Md Shihab Rana

This study aims at assessing and analyzing the core food security indicators to enhance food and nutrition security of enclave people. A survey was conducted using structured questionnaire covering 120 households. Primary data were collected during July to December 2018. Middle aged persons are found to be the heads of households, average age is 48.87 years, family size is 4.38 persons, average education of household’s head is 3.55 years of schooling and dependency ratio is 0.67. The total value of family assets before enclave exchange was BDT 124752 and after enclave exchange it becomes BDT 178177. Their total land area before and after enclave exchange are respectively 75.85 and 77.60 decimal. Average annual family income is BDT 114799. Total income increases significantly with the increase in income from agriculture and labor selling activities. The yearly family expenditure increases significantly with the increase in food expenditure and total land size. The annual family expenditure is BDT 134363. Average daily per capita consumptions of rice, potato, vegetables and all food items are respectively 417.59, 75.35, 114.06 and 792.06g. Daily per capita calorie and protein intakes are respectively 1788 kcal and 55 g which are relatively lower compared to the national level. People consume almost all 12 categories of food items and average household dietary diversity score is 11.50. Food security decreases with the increase in family size and increases with the increase in food cost. Absolute poverty is 89% and hard-core poverty is 55% on the basis of direct calorie intake method. Absolute and hard-core poverty are 68% and 52% respectively on the basis of cost of basic needs method. As a policy option, the government should support and take the development initiatives of people, enhance food security status and upscale the nutrition condition of people living in the enclave. J Bangladesh Agril Univ 17(4): 574–582, 2019


2020 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilahun Tewabe ◽  
Amare Belachew ◽  
Yihun Miskir ◽  
Getnet Mekuria

Abstract Background Malnutrition with its constituents of protein energy malnutrition and micro-nutrient deficiencies continues to be a major health burden in low and middle-income countries. To end all forms of malnutrition, we need to address poverty, which is associated with the insecure supply of food and diversified nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the level of dietary diversity and household food security among urban school-age children in Merawi town, Ethiopia. Methods A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Merawi town among 422 households having school age children from April 1 to June 15, 2018. The association between dietary diversity and determinants was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis. Socio-demographic, maternal and child related variables; food security and diversity determinants were studied. Results The overall level of good dietary diversity was 91.7%, i.e.; 8.3% had a low, 59.1% had a good, 32.6% had better dietary diversity, respectively. Most households (95.2%) were secured with food access. The factors associated with good dietary diversity were the age of the child [AOR = 0.31 (0.14, 0.70)], and access to information [AOR = 3.18 (1.07,9.47)]. Conclusion The prevalence of good dietary diversity was relatively high. Among different socio-cultural and economic factors studied, age of the child and access to information were the factors associated with dietary diversity. Increasing maternal and child awareness towards good dietary diversity practices through the mass media (radio and Television) and working with mothers with early school-age children to improve dietary diversity are recommended.


2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-343
Author(s):  
Adesola Ikudayisi ◽  
Victor Okoruwa ◽  
Bolarin Omonona

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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Godfrey Safari ◽  
Aron Joseph Nkua ◽  
Zacharia Samwel Masanyiwa

Abstract Background Food insecurity is a widespread public health concern in many communities of sub-Saharan Africa. This study involved the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, the only ethnic group in the country that has traditionally subsisted on hunting and gathering. In recent years, however, these communities have adopted mixed foraging economies. Information on how this change affects household food security is rather limited. The aim of this study was to assess the status of food security and the factors influencing household food security in the Hadza hunter-gatherer communities. Methods A cross-sectional study of 200 households was conducted in Mkalama district, Tanzania. Sampled householders represented individuals whose livelihood is mainly dependent on foraging (n = 129), beekeeping (n = 30) and farming (n = 41). Food security was measured by assessing food availability (Months of Adequate Food Provisioning (MAHFP)), food access (Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS)) and food utilization (Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS)). Results Mean MAHFP was lower (p = 0.000) in predominantly foraging households (8.4 ± 1.1) compared with those involved in beekeeping (8.7 ± 1.6) or farming (9.6 ± 1.9). Based on HFIAS indicator, the prevalence of food insecurity varied with the household’s main activity (83.0% foraging, 46.7% beekeeping and 26.8% farming). Further, regression analyses show that the farming households were more likely to be food secure than the foraging households (OR = 10.7, p = 0.01). Dietary diversity scores also varied significantly with household’s main activity. About 65% of households (86% foraging, 63.3% beekeeping and 2.4% farming) consumed diets below the critical value of ≤ 4 food groups 24 h prior to survey. Social demographic characteristics and livelihood options are strong predictors of household food security. Conclusion All indicators used to assess food security point to high level of food insecurity in households mainly subsisting on foraging compared with beekeeping and farming. The primary dependence on foraging is associated with a longer period of food shortage, high prevalence of food insecurity conditions and low consumption of food varieties. Livelihood diversification coupled with provision of agricultural support services is necessary for the development of a secure future of the Hadza communities.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 3307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Primrose Ngema ◽  
Melusi Sibanda ◽  
Lovemore Musemwa

Food security at the household level remains a major issue in South Africa and for many other developing countries, particularly those in Africa. As a means of ensuring food security in KwaZulu-Natal province, various food security intervention programmes were launched. Nonetheless, food security remains an issue among households in the province. This paper estimates the household food security status of the “One Home One Garden” (OHOG) beneficiaries against that of non-beneficiaries and assesses the determinants of household food security status in Maphumulo. A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 495 households (including 330 OHOG beneficiaries and 165 non-beneficiaries). The status of household food security was estimated by means of a “Household Dietary Diversity Score” (HDDS). Additionally, a Household Food Consumption Score” (HFCS) tool was employed to supplement the HDDS. The results showed that food consumption patterns were characterized by medium (4.89) and average (4.22) HDDS for the OHOG beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively. Taking HDDS as a proxy for household food security, an independent samples t-test (Levene’s test—equal variances assumed) reveals a significant (p < 0.001) relationship between the sample means of the two groups. A greater proportion (65%) of the OHOG beneficiaries had an acceptable (≥35) HFCS level, whereas just over half (54%) of the non-beneficiaries fell in the borderline (21.5 to 35) HFCS level. The determinants of household food security status were elicited by means of a binary logistic regression model. The results revealed that education (p = 0.036), receiving infrastructural support (irrigation) (p = 0.001), and participation in the OHOG programme (p = 0.000) positively influenced the food security status of households, yet household income (p = 0.000) and access to credit (p = 0.002) showed a negative correlation. This paper proposes that government and developmental agencies, in their efforts to enhance food security through food security intervention programmes, should support households by investing in education and agricultural infrastructure, as well as giving priority to smallholder infrastructural irrigation support for households that largely rely on rain-fed systems.


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