Nutritional Scenario of Adolescent Boys in Dhaka University Campus

A cross sectional study was carried out among the adolescent boys (11-15 years) in two selective schools (University Laboratory School and Udoyan School) in Dhaka University campus to investigate the nutritional and health status as well as socioeconomic condition. Nutritional status was determined anthropometrically and biochemically (hemoglobin estimation). According to the body mass index, two-third of the boys (75.7%) were normal, 15.4% were over-weight and only 8.9% were found to be thinner. The percent prevalence of anemia was 7.1% based on WHO criteria and the mean hemoglobin level was 14.35 g/dl (±1.38). Energy intake of the boys aged 11-12 years met 79.31% of RDA and those of 13-15 years met 76.09% of RDA. Protein intake of all the boys was more than RDA. Dietary intake of vitamin A was more than 90% of RDA. and that for thiamin and niacin was more than RDA. Iron intake was 60.4% and 66.45% of RDA for the two groups of boys. Vitamin C intake was inadequate (46.76% and 36.06% RDA) for the respective group of boys. Nutritional status (anthropometric) is directly associated with expenditure on food. Percentage of thinness decreased as expenditure on food increased. Monthly expenditure on food had significant relation with hemoglobin level of the adolescents. Most of the participants (67 .5%) did not suffer from any disease. Rest of the boys suffered from fever (23.6%), diarrhea (10.9%), common, cold (29.1 %), respiratory infection (9.1 %), measles (3.6%), typhoid (5.5%) and others (18.2%).5

Perceived Role of Dietary Fiber in Healthy Diet and its Intake Pattern among Educated Urban Population

Dietary fiber (DF) is now considered as a part of healthful diet because it plays an important role in preventing many of organic diseases. A survey was conducted to evaluate the perceived role of DF in healthy diet and its intake level among educated urbanites of Dhaka city. For dietary information, a 24 hours recall method along with a 7 day food frequency questionnaire was used. The findings show that the respondents were aware of DF and were able to name fiber rich foods. They perceived that fruits and vegetables are the rich source of DF. But fiber consumption frequencies showed that majority of them do not take fruits and vegetables everyday. As a result DF intake of the respondents was found 7.87 g/day, far below the recommended level (25-35 g/day or 10 g/1000 Kcal). Thus the study revealed that though the health benefits of DF was perceived and recognized by our educated population but they do not practice it.

Studies on Feeding Effect of Different Levels of Iodine in Salts at Consumption Level

A prospective cohort study was undertaken to determine the optimum level of iodine in salts at household level which is best suitable to fulfill daily requirements and not excrete too much iodine in urine. A total number of 99 households of 3rd categories and 4th categories employees of Dhaka University, Bangladesh, living in university campus, were randomly divided into 3 groups. A total 778 causal urine samples from 351 individuals of the total households were collected and urinary iodine was estimated by the wet digestion method adapted by Gutekunst et.al. to determine the feeding effect of different levels of iodine in salts. The overall median urinary iodine were 202.7, 196.9 and 238.0 µg/l during baseline study and baseline consumption pattern showed that mean iodine content of salts were 41.6, 34.1 and 36.9 ppm in group-1, group-2 and group-3 respectively. The first follow-up results showed that the overall median urinary iodine were 92.9, 165.2 and 265.6 µg/l and at that time their average iodine content of the experimental salts were 17.5, 27.5 and 45 ppm in group-1, group-2 and group-3 respectively. During first follow-up the majority (72.7%) of the selected population were biochemically iodine deficient in group-1 whereas, almost all (99.1 %) were normal in group-2 and a remarkable fraction of the population (37.9%) excreted excessive urinary ' iodine in group-3. The second follow-up findings indicates the overall median urinary iodine were 156.5, 169.3 and 180.3 µg/l in group-1, group-2 and group-3 respectively and at that time their experimental salt contained same amount of iodine (25-30 ppm). Iodine nutriture status of the study subjects during second follow-up revealed that almost all subjects (97.3%) were normal in group-!, on the other hand, biochemically deficient or excessive excretion of urinary iodine was not observed in group-2 and group-3 i.e. all of the subjects were within the normal range (UI 100-299.99 µg/l) of urinary iodine excretion.

Enzymatic-Gravimetric Estimation of the Content and Composition of Insoluble Dietary Fiber in Selected Cereals, Pulses, and Starchy Roots and Tubers

An enzymatic-gravimetric method was employed to determine the content of insoluble dietary fiber and lignin in 4 cereals, 5 pulses, 4 starchy roots, and 3 tubers along with some of their varieties. The cultivars were identified at Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council and noted as their high yielding varieties released within last decade for cultivation in Bangladesh. Insoluble dietary fiber content, equivalent to alpha-amylase treated neutral detergent fiber (termed as E-NDF), was in a range from 0.97 g to 10.45 g for cereals, 8.18 g to 25.66 g for pulses, 2.62 g to 6.88 g for roots, and 2.26 g to 8.11 g for tubers per 100 g raw sample. Cell wall polysaccharides and Lignin were estimated from the E-NDF fraction sequentially using the methods of Van Soest and co-workers. Hemicellulose was found dominant among cell-wall polysaccharides in all the studied materials (up to 24.85% in pulses). Cell wall polysaccharide and lignin were not detected in some of the studied samples. Highest amount of cellulose was found in 'Gourab' variety of wheat (3.48%) while highest amount of lignin was estimated in sweet potato (2.87%). The results will, thus, provide a source data for dietary calculations.

Exclusive Breast Feeding in a Bangladesh National Nutrition Program Area: The Case in Bhanga Upazila

A statistically selected representative sample of 482 households in Bhanga upazila was studied to observe mother's knowledge and practice of the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding in an NNP area. Although a large number of mothers knew the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding, fewer practiced it for their last infant. Apart from some health constratints, lack of knowledge and motivation were the main reasons for early and late introduction of supplementary feeding.Regular participation in GMP sessions improved mother's knowledge of the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding, and improved knowledge increased practice while higher levels of mother's literacy accelerated the learning. Literate mothers were three times more likely and mothers who participated in GMP sessions regularly were almost three times more likely to know the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding compared to illiterate mothers and mothers who never participated in GMP sessions respectively. Mothers who knew the right duration were about 28 times more likely to practice it compared to the mothers who did not know it.A strong public awareness campaign aimed at the mothers could better motivate them to participate in GMP sessions more regularly leading to improved knowledge and increased practice of the right duration of exclusive breast-feeding realizing the full potential of NNP.

Prevalence of Overweight among the Adolescent School Girls in Dhaka City

A cross-sectional study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of overweight among adolescent school girls in Dhaka City and examine the relationship of various socio-economic factors with overweight. A total of 130 girls aged 12 to 16 years of three girls high schools were selected by random sampling. Height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI). Dietary intake was estimated using 24 hour recall method. The usual pattern of food intake was examined using a 7 -day food frequency questionnaire. Prevalence of overweight was denoted by BMI above 85th percentile. In this study 33.1% of the participants were overweight and the rest were found to be normal. Participants were divided into two groups-normal weight participants with a BMI between 5th and 85th percentile and overweight participants with a BMI above 85th percentile of WHO/NCHS reference values. Mean intake of energy and all nutrients, except vitamin C were found significantly higher in overweight girls compared to normal weight girls. Overwhelming majority (95%) of the overweight girls consumed fast foods, soft drinks (44%) and fruit juice (21 %) more than 3 times/week. Consumption of these foods by overweight girls was significantly higher than that of normal weight girls. Significant positive relationship was found among overweight and monthly family income, educational level of the parents and consumption of fast-food, soft drinks, fruit juice and energy intake but inverse relationship was found between overweight and participant's family size.

Quality of Working Life and Nutritional Status in a Sample of Industrial Workers

Linkages between diet habits and the quality of working life is a new phenomenon and continue to surface on many fronts. Evidences are there that dietary and non-dietary components are capable of influencing workplace activities, work life, and thereby work performance and productivity. This cross sectional study examined the quality of working life (QWL) and nutritional status of a representative group of sixty-five male workers in an industrial setting. Quality of work life index was measured by administering the scale developed by Yousuf. Nutritional status was assessed by 24-hr food recalls and anthropometric measures. The measured score for QWL ranged 185.0-212.0 with a mean of 193.83 ± 5.57, which is about seventy three percent of the totals, suggestive of ‘medium’ quality of QWL. Older with longer job experience, having higher salary and poorly educated workers showed significantly higher QWL score (p<0.01). They seem content with their work life and are satisfied in their job. Food and nutrient intakes were inadequate both in quality and quantity. Mean calorie intake was 2196 ± 400 kcal (79% RDI). Cereals and roots/tubers were the major contributor of energy (65% of the total) and protein consumed. Intakes of egg, meat and milk products were very poor. About twenty percent of the workers measured undernourished (BMI<18.5). Moderate level of QWL compounded with poor and inadequate nourishment would certainly compromise work performance and thereby contribute to low productivity.

Nutrition Profile of the Destitute Women and Children in a Selected Rehabilitation Centre in Gazipur

The present study attempts to identify the nutrition profile of the destitute women and children living in a rehabilitation center, Shishu Polli Plus (SPP), Gazipur. The vision of SPP is to serve underprivileged orphan children and destitute women and rehabilitate them by providing education and skill training. Information on anthropometric data, dietary intake, prevalence of morbidity and health and nutrition knowledge of SPP beneficiaries were collected by visiting the rehabilitation center. Dietary intake was calculated using dietary weighing of 7 consecutive days. Mean energy intake of SPP inmates was 1759 Kcal (86% of RDA). Mean intake of other nutrients were- protein 43 g, fat 33g, CHO 325g, calcium 307mg, iron 17mg, vitamin A 4120 IU, thiamine l.21mg, riboflavin 0.59mg and vitamin C 61 mg. They fulfilled the RDA for protein (96%), vitamin A (240%), and thiamine (ll8%). They were deficient in calcium (61% of RDA), iron (77% of RDA), riboflavin (48% of RDA) and vitamin C (130% of RDA; without considering cooking loss). Anthropometric assessments of the inmates indicated the presence of double burden of malnutrition at SPP. The great majority of the children (specially under-5) were undernourished; while at the same time about 9% of all adult women were found obese (BMI >25). Overall one in five children in SPP was found to be stunted. The situation however changes dramatically with age. A higher prevalence of stunting was reported with the lower age group of children. According to the weight for age and weight for height classification of nutritional status, about 30 per cent of all children residing at SPP were underweight and one quarter of all SPP children were, wasted. SPP environmental hygiene was much appreciated and the personal hygiene of SPP was far better than those of their counterparts in rural areas. The morbidity reporting was very few except for skin diseases. But SPP inmates' knowledge on nutrition and health was very poor. The study findings are encouraging in that the dietary intakes, anthropometry and the knowledge base (nutrition and health) of the SPP beneficiaries are comparable to those of their counterparts in the rural Bangladesh. This implies that without SPP interventions and attention the real life situation for these inmates would have been different. SPP has been trying very hard to bring meaningful changes in the life and living of these destitute.

Changing Patterns in Lifestyle, Food Intake and Health Status between Selected Beneficiary People and Non-beneficiary People of Urban Slum in Dhaka City

To see the improvement in lifestyle, food intake and nutritional status of Beneficiary people of Shiree Project under Dushtha Shasthya Kendra, a comparative cross sectional study was done in Kamrangirchar slum among extreme poor people of Dhaka city and compared with non–beneficiary households. Beneficiary households of MDG-1 under Shiree Project got household economic intervention packages. In this stuy it is found that mean monthly income of the family was 6175.65 Tk in beneficiary group and 4288.14 Tk in non-beneficiary group. The mean monthly expenditure on food items of family was 3787.83 Tk in beneficiary group and 2796.61 Tk in non-beneficiary group. About 34 percent beneficiary households and 75 percent of all non-beneficiary households were poor having household’s monthly income less than 3000 taka. Some 15.7 percent beneficiary households had five amenities out of selected six and only 1.7 percent non-beneficiary households had five amenities. So, socio-economic condition of beneficiary extreme poor people has improved. Consumption of food items was significantly more in beneficiary households than non-beneficiary ones. Some 74 percent beneficiary households consumed four or more food items daily and 26 percent non-beneficiary households consumed four or more food items daily. On average 3.37 food items were consumed by beneficiary households and 2.49 food items by non-beneficiary households daily. More than 60% of the beneficiary people ate full stomach meals and less than 25 % of non-beneficiary people could afford to eat the same. So, beneficiary people were more food secure and more food diversified than non-beneficiary people. Nutritional status of the children by MUAC, Weight for Age Z-score, and Height for Age Z-score showed no significant difference between beneficiary and non-beneficiary group. Prevalence rate of underweight (Weight for Age Z-score) was 60.5% in beneficiary children and 65.9% in non-beneficiary children. Significant difference (P=0.044) was found by Weight for Height Z-score in both beneficiary and non-beneficiary group. The difference of mothers’ nutritional status by BMI between beneficiary group and non-beneficiary group was not statistically significant, though percentage of CED was lower and overweight was higher in beneficiary mothers than non-beneficiary ones. Though socio-economic status, food security and food intake were better in beneficiary people than non-beneficiary ones, the outcome of these factors were not significant in clinical and anthropometric status. Beneficiary households were on the way to meet first target of MGD-1 which is related to poverty reduction. But they were far away from reaching the second target and halving prevalence of underweight as described in MDG-1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14033 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.15-22

Studies on Haemoglobin, Serum Calcium and Ascorbic Acid Level in Normal Pregnant, Pre-Eclamptic and Eclamptic Patients

Background: Nutritional status in relation to selected biochemical parameters and also nutrient intakes in the pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was assessed in 52 patients and compared with that of 52 normal pregnant (NP) women. Serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Hb levels in the pre-eclamptic and eclamptic patients were significantly lower than the values of NP women. By unpaired t-test demonstrated in our study, the serum calcium, ascorbic acid and blood Haemoglobin (Hb) level were highly significantly different but not correlated with each other when compared among these groups. However, total statistical analysis revealed that among all the factors studied serum calcium level, ascorbic acid level and blood Hb level have effect on nutritional status of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14032 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.7-14