scholarly journals Ethiopian Orthodox Fasting and Lactating Mothers: Longitudinal Study on Dietary Pattern and Nutritional Status in Rural Tigray, Ethiopia

Author(s):  
Beruk Desalegn ◽  
Christine Lambert ◽  
Simon Riedel ◽  
Tegene Negese ◽  
Hans Biesalski

About half of Ethiopians belong to the Orthodox Tewahedo religion. Annually, more than 200 days are dedicated to religious fasting, which includes abstaining from all types of food, animal source foods, and water. However, the association of fasting with undernutrition remains unknown in Ethiopia. Therefore, dietary pattern and nutritional status of lactating women during lent fasting and non-fasting periods were studied, and predictor variables for maternal underweight were identified. To achieve this, lactating mothers in lent fasting (N = 572) and non-fasting (N = 522) periods participated from rural Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Average minimum diet diversity (MDD-W) was computed from two 24-h recalls, and nutritional status was assessed using body mass index (BMI). Binary logistic regression was used to identify potential predictors of maternal underweight. Wilcoxon signed-rank (WSRT) and McNemar’s tests were used for comparison of the two periods. The prevalence of underweight in fasting mothers was 50.6%. In the multivariate logistic regression model, younger age, sickness in the last four weeks preceding the survey, fasting during pregnancy, lactation periods, grandfathers’ as household decision makers, previous aid experience, non-improved water source, and not owning chicken were positively associated with maternal underweight. In WSRT, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference on maternal body weight and BMI between periods. The average number of meals, diet diversity, and animal source foods (ASFs), consumption scores were significantly increased in non-fasting compared to fasting periods in both fasting and non-fasting mothers (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, and p < 0.001, respectively). Consumption of dark green leafy vegetables was higher in the fasting period (11%) than non-fasting (3.6%), in the study population. As a conclusion, Ethiopian Orthodox fasting negatively affected maternal nutritional status and dietary pattern in rural Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. To reduce maternal malnutrition in Ethiopia, existing multi-sectoral nutrition intervention strategies, should include religious institutions in a sustainable manner.

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beruk Desalegn ◽  
Christine Lambert ◽  
Simon Riedel ◽  
Tegene Negese ◽  
Hans Biesalski

Fasting period and fasting status affect the feeding practices and nutritional status of Ethiopian Orthodox mothers. Even if children are exempted from fasting, some mothers do not prepare their food from animal sources as it could contaminate utensils for cooking family foods. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess feeding practices and undernutrition in 6–23-months old children whose mothers are Ethiopian Orthodox religion followers during lent fasting and non-fasting periods in rural Tigray, Northern Ethiopia, and to identify associated factors. A community-based longitudinal study was carried out in Ethiopian Orthodox lent fasting and non-fasting periods. Using a multi-stage systematic random sampling technique, 567 and 522 children aged 6–23 months old participated in the fasting and non-fasting assessments, respectively. Statistical analyses were done using logistic regression, an independent sample t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank (WSRT) and McNemar’s tests. The prevalences of stunting, underweight and wasting were 31.6–33.7%, 11.7–15.7% and 4.4–4.8%, respectively. The weight-for-height (WHZ) and height-for-age (HAZ) values for children of fasting mothers were significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to those of non-fasting mothers. Likewise, the median weight-for-age (WAZ) and diet diversity score (DDS) of children of fasting mothers were also significantly higher in non-fasting than in fasting periods. A small proportion of children (2.3–6.7%) met the minimum acceptable diet (MAD) in the study population, but these measures were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the children of non-fasting mothers. Mother’s fasting during lactation period of the indexed child was amongst the independent factors common in child stunting, underweight and wasting. Nutritional status and feeding practices of 6–23-month-old children are affected by maternal fasting during the fasting period. Therefore, without involvement of religious institutions in the existing nutritional activities, reduction of undernutrition would not be successful and sustainable.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kidanemaryam Berhe ◽  
Freweini Gebrearegay ◽  
Hadush Gebremariam

Abstract Background Pregnant women and children are the most vulnerable groups to zinc deficiency. Despite the presence of few primary studies, studies that could provide strong evidence that would help policymakers to develop appropriate interventional strategies in addressing zinc deficiency among pregnant women and children are limited in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the national pooled prevalence and associated factors of zinc deficiency among pregnant women and children. Methods We searched Pub Med, Scopus, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Google for studies reported on zinc deficiency and associated factors among pregnant women and children. Search terms were ‘zinc deficiency’, ‘zinc status’, ‘associated factors’, ‘children’, ‘pregnant women’, and ‘Ethiopia’ using the boolean operators ‘OR’ or ‘AND’. Searches were using English language. A preferred reporting item for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) checklist was used. Two authors independently reviewed the studies. The effect sizes of the meta-analysis were the prevalence of zinc deficiency and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of the associated factors. Finally, the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 3.3.07 was used for statistical analysis by applying the random-effects model and publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test. Results Thirteen studies (7 among pregnant women having total participants of 2371 pregnant women and 6 among children with total participants of 5154 children) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Using the random-effects model, the pooled prevalence of zinc deficiency was 59.9% (95%CI: 51.9, 67.7%) and 38.4% (95%CI: 28.6, 49.4) among pregnant women and children, respectively. The associated factors for zinc deficiency among pregnant women were coffee intake (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =1.76), low intake of animal source foods (AOR = 2.57), and inadequate diet diversity (AOR = 2.12). Conclusion Overall, zinc deficiency among pregnant women and children is a significant public health concern in Ethiopia. Promoting dietary modification to enhance the bioavailability of zinc, improving diet diversity, and consuming animal source foods would help in alleviating and/or minimizing the problem among the target groups. Zinc supplementation could also be considered for pregnant women and children.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. e0230527
Author(s):  
Mekonnen Haileselassie ◽  
Getachew Redae ◽  
Gebretsadik Berhe ◽  
Carol J. Henry ◽  
Michael T. Nickerson ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 751-751
Author(s):  
Devaki Gokhale ◽  
Shobha Rao

Abstract Objectives To assess the nutritional status, diet diversity in relation to the risk of low birth weight (LBW) among young rural mothers. Methods Full term mothers (n = 174) registering ≤ 14 weeks of gestation at the ANC of primary health center in Pune, were enrolled. Information on socio-demographic profile and anthropometric measurements viz. weight, height, sitting height, head circumference, body fat and muscle mass at registration were recorded. Diet diversity was assessed through a 24-hr diet record using FAO questionnaire. Weight and length of the baby at birth were also recorded. Results Majority of mothers were undernourished (body mass index &lt; 18.5kg/m2). Mean birth weight was 2649 ± 516g with a high prevalence (28.7%) of LBW. Significant risk for LBW was observed for mothers with poor nutritional status (weight − OR = 3.3; CI: 1.6−8.5, BMI -OR = 3.7; CI:1.5–8.9 and body fat - OR = 5.8; CI: 2.42–14.03) at registration. This risk was also associated with chronic maternal undernourishment (sitting height - OR = 3.90; CI: 1.6–9.1; small head circumference -OR = 3.5; CI: 1.6- 7.5). Low (≤3) diet diversity score was associated with high prevalence and risk (OR = 5.72; CI: 2.5–13) for LBW along with an increased risk for absence of foods like milk (OR = 6.9; CI:2–23.6), green leafy vegetables (OR = 5.18; CI:2.3–11.2), fruits (OR = 2.8; CI:1.3- 6.2) and eggs (OR = 15.6; CI: 2–118). These factors were significant even after adjusting for BMI (or body fat) indicating independent influence of maternal diet. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of dietary diversification among undernourished mothers for better pregnancy outcome. Funding Sources No funding.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. e0225707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekonnen Haileselassie ◽  
Getachew Redae ◽  
Gebretsadik Berhe ◽  
Carol J. Henry ◽  
Michael T. Nickerson ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Bansal ◽  
Pooja Arora ◽  
Radhika Sharma ◽  
Archa Misra

Abstract Background: Adolescence is a period transition from childhood to adulthood , in which they undergo various rapid changes from physical appearances to changes in the food habits. During this period, childbearing age starts, particularly for women, which is one of the most precarious time wherein optimum nutritional status need to be achieved. So, Eating healthy during adolescence is important as rapid physical growth increases the need of several nutrients.Methods: In our study, we have used the UDAYA longitudinal study design which provides a unique opportunity to determine the role of dietary pattern at one time point to the changes at the time 2. For analysis, cross-tabulation and chi-square test is used to test independence of various groups. Binary logistic regression is used to identify determinants of minimum dietary diversity (Yes=1, No=0) of the adolescents. Adjusted odds ratio are computed for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar separately, as well as for combined sample.Results: In the present study, the average adherence to the dietary pattern in our adolescents was 58%, while in Bihar it was 61% , and in UP it was 56%. Using the logistic regression analysis, we found that there was significant difference in the MDD of adolescents by their socio-economic characteristics. But no differentials were found among young and old adolescents in UP and Bihar. Also, food consumption score index (A.O.R.=2.6, 95% CI (2.1-3.1), and media exposure of adolescents at wave1 (A.O.R.=2.1, 95% CI (1.7-2.7) were found significant in depicting the MDD at wave2. Conclusions: India launched ICDS scheme in 1975s to strengthen the nutritional status of young children in the country, but the recent data of NFHS-5 (2019-20), shows that the nutritional status of the country improved only marginally, or rather decreased in some parts. Strengthening and proper evaluation of ICDS programme can help to improve the pro-nutrition among the adolescents. Also, there should be a specific state policy to address the needs of adolescents, and various educational programmes should be conducted in schools where students along with their parents should be educated about the need of healthy dietary habits.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anjali Bansal ◽  
Pooja Arora ◽  
Radhika Sharma ◽  
Archa Misra

Abstract Background: Adolescence is a period transition from childhood to adulthood , in which they undergo various rapid changes from physical appearances to changes in the food habits. During this period, childbearing age starts, particularly for women, which is one of the most precarious time wherein optimum nutritional status need to be achieved. So, Eating healthy during adolescence is important as rapid physical growth increases the need of several nutrients.Methods: In our study, we have used the UDAYA longitudinal study design which provides a unique opportunity to determine the role of dietary pattern at one time point to the changes at the time 2. For analysis, cross-tabulation and chi-square test is used to test independence of various groups. Binary logistic regression is used to identify determinants of minimum dietary diversity (Yes=1, No=0) of the adolescents. Adjusted odds ratio are computed for Uttar Pradesh and Bihar separately, as well as for combined sample.Results: In the present study, the average adherence to the dietary pattern in our adolescents was 58%, while in Bihar it was 61% , and in UP it was 56%. Using the logistic regression analysis, we found that there was significant difference in the MDD of adolescents by their socio-economic characteristics. But no differentials were found among young and old adolescents in UP and Bihar. Also, food consumption score index (A.O.R.=2.6, 95% CI (2.1-3.1), and media exposure of adolescents at wave1 (A.O.R.=2.1, 95% CI (1.7-2.7) were found significant in depicting the MDD at wave2. Conclusions: India launched ICDS scheme in 1975s to strengthen the nutritional status of young children in the country, but the recent data of NFHS-5 (2019-20), shows that the nutritional status of the country improved only marginally, or rather decreased in some parts. Strengthening and proper evaluation of ICDS programme can help to improve the pro-nutrition among the adolescents. Also, there should be a specific state policy to address the needs of adolescents, and various educational programmes should be conducted in schools where students along with their parents should be educated about the need of healthy dietary habits.


2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 1114-1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabuktagin Rahman ◽  
Ahmed Shafiqur Rahman ◽  
Nurul Alam ◽  
AM Shamsir Ahmed ◽  
Santhia Ireen ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveUsing data from the national micronutrients survey 2011–2012, the present study explored the status of subclinical vitamin A nutrition and the underlying determinants in the Bangladeshi population.DesignA nationwide cross-sectional study.SettingsThe survey covered 150 clusters; fifty in each of rural, urban and slum strata.SubjectsThree population groups: (i) pre-school age children (6–59 months; PSAC); (ii) school age children (6–14 years; SAC); and (iii) non-pregnant non-lactating women (15–49 years; NPNLW).ResultsNational prevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was 20·5, 20·8 and 5·3 % in PSAC, SAC and NPNLW, respectively. Slum populations had higher prevalence compared with urban (PSAC: 38·1 v. 21·2 %, P<0·001; SAC: 27·1 v. 22·1 %, P=0·004; NPNLW: 6·8 v. 4·7 %, P=0·01). Dietary vitamin A met up to 27·1–46·0 % of daily needs; plant-source vitamin A constituted 73–87 % of the intakes. Multivariable regression analyses showed that higher consumption of animal foods was associated with higher retinol status in PSAC (β=0·27; P<0·001); and living in urban area was related to higher retinol status in NPNLW (β=0·08, P=0·004) and PSAC (β=0·11, P=0·04). Increased intake of leafy vegetables was associated with lower retinol status in SAC (β=−0·08, P=0·02). Vitamin A supplementation in PSAC did not significantly influence serum retinol within one year post-supplementation (P>0·05 for differences in β between <3 months v. 3–6 months, 6–9 months and 9–12 months).ConclusionsPrevalence of subclinical vitamin A deficiency was high in children in Bangladesh. Intakes of animal-source foods and leafy vegetables were associated with higher and lower retinol status, respectively. Increased food diversity through animal-source foods is required.


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