scholarly journals Categorizing Foods by Relative Healthfulness: A Scoping Review of Front of Pack Labelling

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 11980
Author(s):  
Shivneta Singh ◽  
Ashika Naicker ◽  
Sinenhlanhla Ntokozo Memela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Environmental Interventions ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Directional Change ◽  
General Test ◽  
Cooked Food ◽  
Food Sales ◽  
Labelling Schemes

Worksites are a suitable platform for employees to engage in behavioral change towards a healthy lifestyle by the modification of the food environment. Grading canteen foods at worksites into categories of relative healthfulness is an important indicator in the planning of food environmental interventions. However, in the absence of mandatory front of pack (FOP) labelling in South Africa, categorizing packaged and cooked food at worksite canteens is challenging. A scoping review was conducted on FOP labelling schemes to inform the selection of a FOP labelling scheme best suited for canteen foods at worksites in South Africa. The results of the scoping study, tabulated into a narrative summary, showed that there are several well-developed approaches to classifying foods by relative healthfulness through nutrient profiling and different forms of expression. It is recommended that because worksite canteen food sales in South Africa include both packaged and cooked food, and that a general test of various labelling schemes should be conducted to determine if a directional change is made towards purchasing healthier foods. Grading foods using interpretational aides such as an adapted FOP nutrition label to the South African context into categories of relative healthfulness can be a practical tool to inform food environmental interventions at worksite canteens and beyond.

scholarly journals Trapped Between Two Pandemics: Domestic Violence Cases Under COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown: A Scoping Review

2021 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2110221
Author(s):  
Endurance Uzobo ◽  
Aboluwaji D Ayinmoro
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Web Of Science ◽  
Biomed Central ◽  
Inclusion Criteria ◽  
African Countries ◽  
The World ◽  
The Government

Background As it is common with the most devastating events in the world, women always seem to be at the most disadvantage position. This situation manifested during the period of COVID-19 lockdown throughout the world and Africa in particular. The purpose of this study is to explore Domestic Violence (DV) cases in African during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Data for this study were gleaned from an electronic literature search using various databases PubMed and BioMed Central, Web of Science, etc. Key search words were gender DV during and after COVID-19. A total of 68 records were identified during the search. However, only 46 of these sources met the inclusion criteria. Results From the review done in selected African countries which include Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Zimbabwe; it was discovered that COVID-19 lockdown across these countries worsens the already existing cases of DV. The study also noted that generally, the response of the government has been very poor in terms of dealing with DV cases in the period of COVID-19 lockdown. Conclusion The study concluded that despite the failures of government in tackling the DV pandemics, NGOs have been very active in championing the cause of those violated while also trying to provide succour to victims. Thus, the study recommended that countries in Africa need to join international initiatives in prioritising DV cases while trying to deal with the virus itself. Thus, one disease should not be traded for another.

scholarly journals RESILIENCE OF CHRONICALLY ILL: A SCOPING REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 239-248
Author(s):  
Elīna Zelčāne ◽  
Anita Pipere
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Negative Events ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Changes Over Time

In the field of psychology resilience of the chronically ill has been studied mostly using quantitative research methods, but there are much fewer qualitative studies. This scoping review aims to collect definitions of resilience, find out, whether resilience development strategies are mentioned and what research approaches are used in qualitative studies about the resilience of the chronically ill. The review was conducted, following the 5-stage framework by Arksey and O’Malley, PRISMA guidelines, and searching in PubMed, PsychInfo, and Scopus databases. The main keywords (patients with chronic illness, resilience, strategies, qualitative studies) were selected according to the Participants/Concept/Context (PCC) framework, 21 articles were included in the review. Resilience mostly was defined as the ability to recover, return to normality, and adapt to new conditions after experiencing stress, illness, or other negative events. In several studies, other terms like coping, personal strength, self-management, and psychological growth were used instead. Lived experiences of the chronically ill show that resilience is not a stable ability, it changes over time. Resilience can be developed, using different strategies, such as having a positive mindset, learning new skills, accepting help, or promoting a healthy lifestyle. Qualitative content analysis and thematic analysis were the most often used research approaches in qualitative studies about the resilience of the chronically ill.  

scholarly journals A scoping review of the determinants of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder in South Africa: an intersectional perspective

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle De Jong ◽  
Asha George ◽  
Tanya Jacobs
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Active Agent ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Structural Determinants ◽  
The Social ◽  
Scoping Reviews

Abstract Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects babies born to mothers who consume alcohol while pregnant. South Africa has the highest prevalence of FASD in the world. We review the social determinants underpinning FASD in South Africa and add critical insight from an intersectional feminist perspective. We undertook a scoping review, guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Drawing from EBSCOhost and PubMed, 95 articles were screened, with 21 selected for analysis. We used the intersectionality wheel to conceptualize how the social and structural determinants of FASD identified by the literature are interconnected and indicative of broader inequalities shaping the women and children affected. Key intersecting social determinants that facilitate drinking during pregnancy among marginalized populations in South Africa documented in the existing literature include social norms and knowledge around drinking and drinking during pregnancy, alcohol addiction and biological dependence, gender-based violence, inadequate access to contraception and abortion services, trauma and mental health, and moralization and stigma. Most of the studies found were quantitative. From an intersectional perspective, there was limited analysis of how the determinants identified intersect with one another in ways that exacerbate inequalities and how they relate to the broader structural and systemic factors undermining healthy pregnancies. There was also little representation of pregnant women’s own perspectives or discussion about the power dynamics involved. While social determinants are noted in the literature on FASD in South Africa, much more is needed from an intersectionality lens to understand the perspectives of affected women, their social contexts and the nature of the power relations involved. A critical stance towards the victim/active agent dichotomy that often frames women who drink during pregnancy opens up space to understand the nuances needed to support the women involved while also illustrating the contextual barriers to drinking cessation that need to be addressed through holistic approaches.

scholarly journals Socioeconomic Inequalities and Obesity in South Africa—A Decomposition Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9181
Author(s):  
Eva Goetjes ◽  
Milena Pavlova ◽  
Charles Hongoro ◽  
Wim Groot
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Decomposition Analysis ◽  
Socioeconomic Inequalities ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
National Study ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Using Data

Background: Prior evidence shows that inequalities are related to overweight and obesity in South Africa. Using data from a recent national study, we examine the socioeconomic inequalities associated with obesity in South Africa and the factors associated with it. Methods: We use quantitative data from the South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES-1) carried out in 2012. We estimate the concentration index (CI) to identify inequalities and decompose the CI to explore the determinants of these inequalities. Results: We confirm the existence of pro-rich inequalities associated with obesity in South Africa. The inequalities among males are larger (CI of 0.16) than among women (CI of 0.09), though more women are obese than men. Marriage increases the risk of obesity for women and men, while smoking decreases the risk of obesity among men significantly. Higher education is associated with lower inequalities among females. Conclusions: We recommend policies to focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, including the individual’s perception of a healthy body size and image, especially among women.

scholarly journals Snack Development for School Feeding Programs in Africa: A Scoping Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 4967
Author(s):  
Saffia Hassanally ◽  
Ashika Naicker ◽  
Evonne Singh
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Information Service ◽  
Food Product ◽  
School Nutrition ◽  
Snack Food ◽  
Feeding Programs ◽  
School Feeding ◽  
Snack Products

The benefits of school feeding have been well documented. As such, school feeding programs have continuously gained popularity in developing countries. However, challenges and potential opportunities persist, calling for a review of school feeding for long-term sustainability. South Africa has an opportunity to improve their National School Nutrition Program (NSNP) by including an energy-dense snack that would increase the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of school children to meet at least 25% of their energy requirements. The objective of this scoping review was to conduct a review and an appraisal of studies on snack food development for school feeding programs in Africa. Eligible studies had to report snack development for school feeding programs in Africa. We conducted an electronic search in National Research Foundation (NRF) NEXUS, Elton B. Stephens Company (EBSCO), International Food Information Service (IFIS), Nutrition and Food Sciences Center for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI.ORG), and Google Scholar. Of the 429 articles identified, nine studies were included in the final review—five from within South Africa and four from elsewhere in Africa. Data extracted included the study design, intervention, outcomes, relevant findings, and limitations. Results were presented in a narrative summary. The review findings showed that energy-rich staple foods and food fortification were commonly used in snack development. The popular snack products developed included porridges and biscuits. While most studies reported nutritional outcomes, few studies reported on sensory acceptability tests and only two studies conducted a cost analysis. This review of previous snack development initiatives for school feeding programs in Africa underscores the importance of establishing the sustainability of any food product developed. The findings of this review have the potential to inform future snack product development for school feeding programs.

scholarly journals Renal manifestations of HIV during the antiretroviral era in South Africa: a systematic scoping review

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirelle Assaram ◽  
Nombulelo P. Magula ◽  
Suman Mewa Kinoo ◽  
Tivani P. Mashamba-Thompson
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Scoping Review

Lacklustre schools to limit South Africa skills plan

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
High School Graduation ◽  
Technical Skills ◽  
Pass Rate ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Content Type ◽  
School Graduation ◽  
First Time ◽  
Recent Cohort ◽  
Low Rate

Subject The state of education and skills in South Africa. Significance The high school graduation rate declined for the first time in several years, to 75.8% in 2014 from 78.2% in 2013. The results of year-end National Senior Certificate examinations (NSC or 'matric') are popularly seen as an important indicator of the health of the educational system. However, taking the high dropout and 'throughput' rates into account means the effective pass rate is only 36% for the recent cohort. Impacts The low rate of PhDs earned -- 28 per one million citizens; compared to 48 in Brazil -- will constrain innovation in the economy. The 2.3 billion dollar Square Kilometre Array radio telescope project will increase funding for niche scientific research. Premiums placed on scarce managerial, professional and technical skills will drive salary increases -- exacerbating income inequality.

scholarly journals Business cycles and stock market performance in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 84-93
Author(s):  
Forward Muchaonyerwa ◽  
Ireen Ireen
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Stock Market ◽  
Business Cycles ◽  
Business Cycle ◽  
Market Performance ◽  
Share Price ◽  
Real Effective Exchange Rate ◽  
Empirical Literature ◽  
Important Indicator ◽  
Stock Market Performance

The stock market is an important indicator of an economy’s financial health. It checks the mood of investors in a country. Stock market performance is a vital component of business cycle growth. Thus, this study investigates the relationship between stock market performance and business cycles in South Africa for the period 2002-2009 using monthly data. This is done by constructing a Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). The study specifies a business cycle model with the business cycle coincident indicator of South Africa being the independent variable explained by the All Share Price index (ALSI), Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER), Money Supply (M1), Inflation (CPIX) and the Prime Overdraft Rate (POR). The ALSI represents stock market performance whilst the rest of the variables are to enhance model specification. The study found a positive association between stock market performance and business cycles and this match with most of the results from the empirical literature provided

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