Feeding Practices, Food Variety, and Dietary Diversity – Indicators of Nutritional Status among Historically Disadvantaged Agri-business Families, South Africa
Journal Title: Journal of Nutrition and Food Security - Year 2017, Vol 2, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: In the South African context, little is known about the nutritional status of historically disadvantaged smallholder food producers and their family members. Food Variety Scores (FVS) and Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) are some of the indicators of nutritional status. This study sought to evaluate the nutritional status of children of historically disadvantaged agribusiness smallholders at Alfred Nzo District. Methods: This study‟s purposeful sample comprised of 263 agri-business households that generated annual turnover of US $11 811 – $39 370, and 327 children aged 5-14 years. A 3-day 24h dietary recall method was administered to collect information using questionnaires to assess the households‟ socio-economic status and the caregivers‟ nutritional practices. Descriptive, correlational, and non-parametric statistical analyses were performed. Results: The majority of caregivers‟ households had a monthly non-farm income of US $78.82 - $118.11 (32.3%), and food expenditure of US $55.20 - $70.87 (23.2%). The households‟ nutritional practices appeared weak. Half of the caregivers‟ households (50.2%) could not afford to provide breakfast for their children every day before they go to school or church. The mean FVS was low at 23.43 ± 7.89, while the mean DDS was debatably high at 7.82 ± 4.53. The households‟ nonfarm income was positively and highly correlated (r = 0.55) to food expenditure (P < 0.01). In turn, food expenditure had a significant influence on FVS (P < 0.01) and DDS (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Households of historically disadvantaged agri-business smallholders had rather poor nutritional status. Staple food production-based security programs are required to improve nutrition.
Authors and Affiliations
Awonke Sonandi, Frank Elliot Zwane, Adam Johan Van Niekerk
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP231654
- DOI -
- Views 64
- Downloads 0
The Relationship between Nutrients Pattern and Hypercholesterolemia
Background: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia is increasing globally. It is associated with a significant risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the current study was to...
Monitoring the Freshness of Rainbow Trout Using Intelligent PH-sensitive Indicator During Storage
Background: The rainbow trout fish is susceptible to spoilage due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. It should be kept at low temperature to reduce microbial, enzymatic, and oxidation reactions. The purpose...
Correlation of Obesity with Cardiometabolic Status among Medical University Employees in Southeast of Iran
Background: Employees are considered as an at-risk group for obesity and its adverse outcomes, particularly cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The present study was conducted to assess the correlation of obesity indices with...
A Review on Antioxidants and Their Health Effects
Background: Literature has focused that oxidative damage is a common factor in the aging process and the formation and development of major diseases. Such a finding encouraged the use of antioxidants to prevent and treat...
The Effects of Dark Chocolate Consumption on Oxidative Stress and Blood Pressure in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Background: Consumption of dark chocolate has been often hypothesized to have a role in the prevention of chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of consumption of dark chocolate (DC)...