scholarly journals “I Feel like I’m Eating Rice 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week”: Dietary Diversity among Asylum Seekers Living in Norway

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Bess L. Caswell ◽  
Laura Terragni
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
Inadequate Dietary Intake

Food insecurity is widespread among asylum seekers resettled in Western countries. Limited information exists on the quality of food intake in this population. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary quality among asylum seekers living in Norwegian reception centers. This study has a cross-sectional research design. Dietary intake was assessed through a qualitative 24-hour dietary recall, and the dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated. This study was conducted in eight Norwegian reception centers. A total of 205 adult asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) participated in the study. The asylum seekers ate on average two meals per day, and one-third ate their first meal after noon. Mean (SD) DDS was 4.0 (1.6) and 2/3 had low dietary diversity, eating from fewer than five food groups. Women had a significantly higher mean DDS (4.5) than men (3.8) (β (95% CI): 0.47 (0.00, 0.95) and a higher consumption of vegetables and fruits. The longer the period of residence in Norway, the higher the DDS, β (95% CI): 0.01 (0.00, 0.02). The asylum seekers’ inadequate dietary intake reveals new forms of poverty and social exclusion in Europe. An inadequate dietary intake may increase the magnitude of difficulty involved in the settlement process and contribute to poorer health.

scholarly journals “I feel like eating rice 24 hours per day, 7 days a week”: A Study of Dietary Diversity Among Asylum Seekers in Norway (OR21-06-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrun Henjum ◽  
Laura Terragni
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Living Condition ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Adequate Diet ◽  
Adequate Food

Abstract Objectives Poor nutrition and food insecurity is highly prevalent among asylum seekers residing in western countries. Lack of economic resources, unfamiliarity with new foods, and language barriers are some challenges that asylum seekers encounter upon resettlement. Despite the importance of an adequate diet for good health, limited knowledge, exist on food intake and dietary quality among asylum seekers. We described dietary intake and assessed dietary quality among asylum seekers at Norwegian reception centers. Methods In 2017, a cross-sectional study in eight ordinary asylum reception centers in the South Eastern part of Norway were performed and 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) were included. Dietary intake was assessed by 24-hour dietary recall and dietary diversity score (DDS) calculated according to FAO and FANTA, 2014. In addition, field notes of the asylum seekers thoughts on dietary intake and living condition provided contextual aspects of their nutritional situation. Results Two-third of the asylum seekers had dietary intakes with low quality; they ate from less than five food groups (low DDS). The asylum seekers ate in average two meals per day and one-third ate their first meal after noon. Meals tend to consist of food that was familiar in their country of origin. Women had significantly higher DDS than men with a higher consumption of vegetables and fruits. Asylum seekers residing in Norway for a longer time had a higher dietary diversity, than asylum seekers with a shorter stay. Most asylum seekers told about a reduced dietary intake, few meals and by the end of the month, hunger. They chose the cheapest food, food on sale or food that had expired and chose quantity over quality. The kitchen facilities at the reception centers were inadequate with limited storage place, low quality of the cooking equipment and crowded kitchen. Conclusions The asylum seekers had a monotonous diet with few meals, in contrast to the food abundance that most Norwegian are accustomed to, revealing, the emergence of new groups and new forms of poverty and social exclusion also in rich countries with otherwise good welfare state systems. The situation appear particularly critical given Norway's commitment through the United Nations (UN) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to ensure human rights such as the right to adequate food and health. Funding Sources The study was funded by Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway.

scholarly journals Household food insufficiency is associated with dietary intake in Korean adults

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1112-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sang Eun Lee ◽  
Yoon Ju Song ◽  
Young Kim ◽  
Jeongsook Choe ◽  
Hee-Young Paik
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Food Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Secondary Source ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Food Insufficiency ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association of food insufficiency with dietary intake and eating and health behaviours.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData were obtained from a secondary source, the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2012).SubjectsThe sample size consisted of 15 603 adults over 19 years of age (8898 households).ResultsSignificant differences in socio-economic factors were observed according to food insufficiency level (P<0·05), but BMI was similar among groups. Regarding macronutrients, lower protein intake and higher carbohydrate intake were found in the severely food-insufficient group, but we found no association with fat intake. Regarding micronutrients, Ca, Fe, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin niacin and vitamin C intakes were negatively associated with food insufficiency level (Ptrend<0·05). Consumption of different food groups, such as meat, fish, eggs and beans, vegetables and fruits, was significantly lower as food insufficiency level decreased after controlling for all possible variables; food group consumption also differed by sex. Overall eating and health behaviours were poorer in the mildly and severely food-insufficient groups, who received more food assistance but less nutritional education.ConclusionsOur results showed that dietary intake as well as eating and health behaviours are adversely associated with food insufficiency. These findings suggest that specific strategies to help food-insufficient individuals should be developed in order to improve their dietary quality and health status.

Distance from the nearest grocery stores and frequency of store-specific shopping are associated with dietary intake frequency among the community-dwelling independent elderly population

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-207
Author(s):  
Shinji Iizaka ◽  
Emiko Koitabashi ◽  
Takako Negishi ◽  
Aki Kawamura ◽  
Yuzuru Iizuka
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Suburban Cities

Background: Low accessibility to grocery stores may change dietary habits and increase health problems for elderly people living in communities. Aim: This study investigated whether the distance from the nearest grocery stores, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and drugstores, and the frequency of store-specific shopping were associated with dietary intake frequency among elderly people. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two towns of suburban cities. A total of 177 people aged ≥65 years were recruited ( M age=76.7 years). The frequency of intake of 10 food groups and dietary variety scores (DVS) were evaluated. Distances from the districts to the nearest grocery stores and the frequency of shopping during a week at each store were evaluated using a geographic information system. Results: For supermarkets, people living <300 metres from the nearest supermarket showed a higher intake frequency of fruit ( p=0.024) and oil/fat ( p=0.045), and those shopping three or more times a week showed a higher intake frequency of meat ( p=0.025). In the case of drugstores, people shopping one or more times a week showed a higher intake frequency of eggs ( p=0.006) and oil/fat ( p=0.048). People living <300 m from the nearest supermarkets ( p=0.048) and drugstores ( p=0.047) showed higher DVS than those living ≥500 m from the nearest supermarkets and drugstores. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that shopping at supermarkets and drugstores is associated with dietary intake frequency and dietary quality for elderly people living in suburban cities.

scholarly journals Dietary intakes and iron status of vegetarian and non-vegetarian children in selected communities in Accra and Cape Coast, Ghana

2012 ◽  
Vol 12 (49) ◽  
pp. 5822-5842
Author(s):  
K Osei-Boadi ◽  
◽  
A Lartey ◽  
GS Marquis ◽  
EK Colecraf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Iron Status ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cape Coast ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Food Recall

There is a scarcity of information on dietary intake and iron status of Ghanaian children raised on vegetarian diets. A cross-sectional study design was used to compare the diets and iron status of vegetarian children between the ages of 9 months and 11 years (n= 26) with matched controls, non-vegetarian children (n=26) of similar ages and same sex and living within the same communities in Accra and Cape Coast, Ghana. Dietary information was collected using 24-hr food recall and 12-hr home observation. Haemoglobin, plasma ferritin, C-reactive protein, and Transferrin Receptor (TfR) concentrations were determined on finger prick (haemoglobin) and venous blood samples collected during the study. Based on the 24-hr food recall, vegetarian children’s diets were devoid of vitamin B12whereas non-vegetarian children’s diets were not (0.0 ± 0.0 mg vs. 1.5 ± 1.8 mg, p<0.001). The dietary intake based on 12-hr home observation showed similar results. However, vegetarians had significantly higher intake of dietary fibre (17.1 ± 11.9 g vs. 8.4 ± 6.2 g, p= 0.002), thiamine (1.1 ± 0.8 mg vs. 0.5 ± 0.3 mg, p= 0.001) and vitamin A (1702 ± 1887 Retinol Equivalent (RE)vs. 671 ± 691 RE, p= 0.010) than non-vegetarian children. Dietary diversity based on nine food groups was similar between groups (5.8 ±1.0score). Plasma ferritin was higher for non-vegetarian children compared to the vegetarians (59.2± 48.2 ng/mL vs. 34.1± 25.8ng/ml, p= 0.012) but there was no group difference in plasma TfR. The prevalence of anaemia was about 25% in both groups. Typical diets of Ghanaian children lack variety and both vegetarian and nonvegetarian diets are insufficient to support adequate iron status. Iron-rich foods such as meat or supplements are needed. There is urgent need for immediate vitamin B12 supplementation for all vegetarian children and a general need for nutrition education to diversify all children’s diets.

scholarly journals Impact of COVID-19 on Nutrition, Food Security, and Dietary Diversity and Quality in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia and Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Madzorera ◽  
Abbas Ismail ◽  
Elena C. Hemler ◽  
Michelle L. Korte ◽  
Adedokun A. Olufemi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Food Prices ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have far-reaching consequences for developing countries through the combined effects of infection and mortality, and the mitigation measures that can impact food systems and diets. Using a mobile platform, this cross-sectional study evaluated the effect of COVID-19 on food prices and dietary quality for 1797 households in Nouna and Ouagadougou in Burkina Faso, Addis Ababa and Kersa in Ethiopia, and Lagos and Ibadan in Nigeria. We assessed the consumption of 20 food groups during the previous 7 days. The dietary diversity scores (DDS) and Prime Diet Quality Scores (PDQS) were used to assess dietary diversity and quality. We used generalized estimating equation (GEE) linear models to evaluate associations between price changes for staples, pulses, vegetables, fruits, and animal source foods (ASFs) with the DDS and PDQS PDQS. Most participants reported increasing prices of staples, pulses, fruits, vegetables and ASF, and ≥ 40% reported the decreased consumption of staples, legumes, and other vegetables and fruits. The DDS (except in Kersa and Ouagadougou) and PDQS were lower during the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher pulse prices were associated with lower DDS (estimate, −0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.74 to 0.03; P = 0.07) in the combined analysis and in Burkina Faso (estimate, −0.47; 95% CI, −0.82 to −0.11). Higher vegetable prices were positively associated with the DDS (estimate, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.37). Lower crop production (estimate, −0.54; 95% CI, −0.80 to −0.27) was associated with lower DDS. The price increases and worsening dietary diversity and quality call for social protection and other strategies to increase the availability and affordability of nutrient-rich foods during the COVID-19 pandemic and public health emergencies.

scholarly journals Dr. Adequacy of nutrient intakes among pregnant Women in Northern Ghana

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-164
Author(s):  
Mahama Saaka
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Nutrient Adequacy

Introduction: Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is a pre-requisite for good pregnancy outcomes as well as future wellbeing, development and quality of life of the unborn child. This analytical cross-sectional study evaluated the adequacy of nutrient intakes of pregnant women resident in northern Ghana. Methods: A total of 400 pregnant women in 25 communities in the Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions of Ghana were interviewed at the household level. The nutrient intakes were assessed using a structured 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire. A dietary diversity score (DDS) was measured as a count of food groups. A nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR) of 14 nutrients as well as mean adequacy ratio (MAR) were calculated based on the 24-hour dietary recall. Results: The average energy, protein and fat intakes were 2,770.8 ± 1,127.5 Kcal/day, 59.2 ±27.5 g/day, and 105.25±58.0 g/day, respectively. The proportion of women meeting the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of these macro-nutrients were 58.8%, 27.0% and 50.3% respectively. The average MAR of 14 nutrients was calculated to be 68% as the overall measure of nutrient adequacy. MAR correlated positively with DDS (r = 0.24 P < 0.001). Over 50% pregnant women obtained less than 66% of the RDA for iron, calcium, riboflavin, folic acid and vitamin B12. Conclusion: Diets of the majority of these pregnant women were deficient in several nutrients. Dietary diversity scores served as a useful proxy indicator of nutrient adequacy in this sample. In order to meet the requirements for essential nutrients, more effort should be made to promote dietary diversity among pregnant women in northern Ghana.

Do food skills protect from food insecurity? A study among asylum seekers living in Norway

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Terragni ◽  
C Arnold ◽  
S Henjum
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Asylum Seekers ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Canadian Community Health Survey ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Cooking Skills ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Food insecurity has a high prevalence among asylum seekers living in Western countries. Previous studies suggest that food skills can protect against food insecurity. This study investigates the impact of food skills on food security and dietary diversity among refugees living in Norwegian reception centers. Methods The study has a cross-sectional research design. Eight asylum reception centers where selected and 205 asylum seekers (131 men and 74 women) were recruited through convenience sampling among the largest asylum seeking groups. We measured food skills by adopting questions from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2013 Rapid Response on Food Skills. Food skills were divided into cooking skills (ability to prepare meals) and shopping skills (ability to plan meals and budgeting). Food security was measured with the 10-item version of the Radimer/Cornell Hunger and Food Insecurity Scale. Dietary data was collected via a 24-hour recall, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) dietary diversity score was calculated to assess dietary quality. Data were analyzed with bivariate logistic analysis. Results Cooking skills and shopping skills contribute differently to food security and dietary diversity. Higher cooking skills were associated with higher dietary diversity but not with food security. Shopping skills were not associated with either food security or dietary diversity. Women had better cooking skills then men, but there were no gender differences in shopping skills. Married asylum seekers had better shopping skills than those who were not married. Conclusions Cooking skills have an impact on dietary diversity, initiatives promoting cooking skills should be encouraged. Further research is needed on what kind of purchasing skills can be useful for asylum seekers coping. Despite high food skills the level of food insecurity remained high. Initiatives addressing the multiple causes of food insecurity are needed. Key messages Food skills alone do not protect from food insecurity. Cooking skills are easier to transfer in a new food environment than shopping skills.

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

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.

scholarly journals Foods Consumed by US Adults From Cafeterias and Vending Machines: NHANES 2005 to 2014

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 666-674
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Onufrak ◽  
Hatidza Zaganjor ◽  
Latetia V. Moore ◽  
Heather C. Hamner ◽  
Joel E. Kimmons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating Index ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dietary Recall ◽  
Vending Machines ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Recall Data ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits

Purpose: As part of wellness efforts, employers may seek to improve the nutritional quality of foods offered and consumed in cafeterias and vending machines. However, little is known about who consumes food from these venues and the types and dietary quality of the foods consumed. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Nonschool cafeterias and vending machines. Participants: US adults ≥20 years old. Measures: Prevalence of consuming foods, most common foods eaten, leading calorie sources, 2010 Healthy Eating Index Analysis: Using 24-hour dietary recall data from NHANES 2005-2014 (N = 25,549 adults), we estimated the prevalence of consuming foods, assessed the most commonly consumed foods, and calculated dietary quality of foods. Results: On a given day, 3.1% of adults consumed foods from cafeterias and 3.9% from vending machines. Consumers averaged 692 kcal from cafeterias and 264 kcal from vending machines. Cafeteria consumers had higher income and education, while vending consumers were more likely to be male and younger adults. Common cafeteria foods included vegetables and fruits, but cafeteria foods were generally high in sodium and low in whole grains. Sugar-sweetened beverages and candies accounted for approximately half of all vending calories. Conclusion: Foods chosen from cafeterias and vending machines do not align well with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Improving the dietary quality of foods consumed from these venues could impact millions of adults.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Dietary Intake and Food Insecurity: A Case Study on Selected Households from Lahore,Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saba Yousaf ◽  
Umar Bacha ◽  
Mehak Zafar ◽  
Ahmad Raza ◽  
Muhammad Arbaz Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Dietary Diversity ◽  
Poverty Line ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Versus Protein ◽  
Dietary Food ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: Food insecurity consistently challenges middle-income countries, including Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary food intake of the households in the selected location through a semi-structured questionnaire. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 500 households comprised 2094 participants to investigate dietary intake and status of food insecurity. Furthermore, socio-demographic and weekly dietary food intake was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire in 2019. Those households who assent to participate were included in the study. Results: Mean household size was 5.80±2.05 comprised 49.27% male and 50.61% female. Six food types were commonly consumed in the study population. Among these foods (g/capita/day) starch remained at the top 734.43 followed by fruits 256.02 and vegetables 89.77. These data highlighted limited dietary diversity and reduced dietary intake. The energy intake (per capita/day) from the food basket, contribution of the starch was the highest 32.37% versus protein 14.43%, milk 14.08%, vegetables 1.31%, and fruit 7.79% with an overall calories intake 81.08% from all food groups except tea. Finally, of the 500 households, 42.4% people were below the poverty line, 41.8% people at the poverty line, and 15.8% people were above the poverty line. Conclusion: The results showed that dietary intake of the participants was below the reference intake, demonstrating food insecurity and unbalanced diet.

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