Browsing by Author "Nel, Johanna H."

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Added sugar, macro- and micronutrient intakes and anthropometry of children in a developing world context
    (Public Library of Science, 2015) Maunder, Eleni M. W.; Nel, Johanna H.; Steyn, Nelia P.; Kruger, H. Salome; Labadarios, Demetre
    Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between added sugar and dietary diversity, micronutrient intakes and anthropometric status in a nationally representative study of children, 1–8.9 years of age in South Africa. Methods: Secondary analysis of a national survey of children (weighted n = 2,200; non weighted n = 2818) was undertaken. Validated 24-hour recalls of children were collected from mothers/ caregivers and stratified into quartiles of percentage energy from added sugar (% EAS). A dietary diversity score (DDS) using 9 food groups, a food variety score (FVS) of individual food items, and a mean adequacy ratio (MAR) based on 11 micronutrients were calculated. The prevalence of stunting and overweight/obesity was also determined. Results: Added sugar intake varied from 7.5–10.3%of energy intake for rural and urban areas, respectively. Mean added sugar intake ranged from 1.0% of energy intake in Quartile 1 (1– 3 years) (Q1) to 19.3% in Q4 (4–8 years). Main sources of added sugar were white sugar (60.1%), cool drinks (squash type) (10.4%) and carbonated cool drinks (6.0%). Added sugar intake, correlated positively with most micronutrient intakes, DDS, FVS, and MAR. Significant negative partial correlations, adjusted for energy intake, were found between added sugar intake and intakes of protein, fibre, thiamin, pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin E, calcium (1–3 years), phosphorus, iron (4–8 years), magnesium and zinc. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was higher in children aged 4–8 years in Q4 of %EAS than in other quartiles [mean (95%CI) %prevalence overweight 23.0 (16.2–29.8)% in Q4 compared to 13.0 (8.7–17.3)% in Q1, p = 0.0063]. Conclusion: Although DDS, FVS, MAR and micronutrient intakes were positively correlated with added sugar intakes, overall negative associations between micronutrients and added sugar intakes, adjusted for dietary energy, indicate micronutrient dilution. Overweight/obesity was increased with higher added sugar intakes in the 4–8 year old children.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Dietary practices and adolescent obesity in secondary school learners at disadvantaged schools in South Africa : urban–rural and gender differences
    (MDPI, 2020-08) Okeyo, Alice P.; Seekoe, Eunice; de Villiers, Anniza; Faber, Mieke; Nel, Johanna H.; Steyn, Nelia P.
    South Africa has a high prevalence of obesity in black female adolescents and a paucity of knowledge regarding contributing dietary practices. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary practices and weight status of male and female adolescents at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province in urban and rural areas. Sixteen schools and grade 8–12 learners (N = 1360) were randomly selected from three health districts comprising poor disadvantaged communities. A short unquantified food frequency questionnaire was used to collect data on learners’ usual eating practices with regards to weekly meal pattern, breakfast consumption, foods taken to school, takeaways, and snacks eaten while watching television (TV). Body mass index measurements were determined for each learner. Prevalence of combined overweight and obesity differed significantly between genders, 9.9% in males versus 36.1% in females (p < 0.001). Significant gender differences were noted regarding eating practices. Females had a higher frequency of eating sugary snacks (p < 0.001) and a lower frequency of eating breakfast (p < 0.01) than males. Females ate significantly more fried fish (p < 0.05), pizza (p < 0.05) fat cakes (fried dough balls) (p < 0.05), hotdogs (p < 0.01), candy (p < 0.001), cake (p < 0.01), and crisps (p < 0.001). Compared to urban areas, the frequency of eating breakfast (p < 0.01) and sugary snacks (p < 0.05) was significantly higher in rural areas. Significantly more learners in urban areas consumed boerewors (beef sausage) rolls (p = 0.027), hamburgers (p = 0.004), and soft drinks (p = 0.019), while more learners in the rural areas consumed cordial (p = 0.001). In conclusion, a high prevalence of combined overweight and obesity was found in black female adolescents and a high prevalence of poor dietary practices was observed, with significant gender and urban–rural differences.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Factors which influence the consumption of street foods and fast foods in South Africa-a national survey
    (BioMed Central, 2011-10) Steyn, Nelia P.; Labadarios, Demetre; Nel, Johanna H.
    Background Very little is known about street food and fast food consumption patterns in South Africa despite this being a large sector of the national economy in terms of employment provided and sales of food. The objective of this study was to determine the use of street foods and fast foods purchased by South Africans living in different provinces and geographic areas. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Structured interview-administered questionnaires in 11 official languages were conducted at the participants' homes. A nationally representative sample (n = 3287) was drawn from all ethnic groups, and provinces including participants 16 years and older. Logistic regression was done to evaluate factors impacting on fast food consumption. Results Frequent (2 ≥ times/week) street food consumption ranged from 1.8% in Northern Cape to 20.6% in Limpopo; frequent (2 ≥ times/week) fast food consumption ranged between 1.5% in North West Province to 14.7% in Gauteng. The highest intake of street food was in the medium socio-economic category (14.7%) while the highest intake of fast foods was in the high socio-economic category (13.2%). Overall, fruit was the most commonly purchased street food by all ethnic groups over the previous week although this practice was highest in black participants (35.8%). Purchases of soft drinks ranged from 4.8% in whites to 16.4% in blacks and savoury snacks from 2.3% to 14.5% in whites and blacks, respectively. Consumption of fast foods and street foods were influenced by a number of socio-demographic factors including ownership of major home appliances. Frequent fast food consumers had a significantly higher dietary diversity score (4.69; p < 0.0001) while frequent street food consumers had a significantly lower score (3.81; p < 0.0001). Conclusions A large percentage of the population purchase street foods and fast foods. This is of some concern when one notes the high prevalence of soft drink consumption in terms of its association with obesity and non-communicable diseases. These findings need to be taken into consideration when evaluating dietary patterns and nutritional adequacy of population diets.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The food and nutrition environment at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa as reported by learners
    (MDPI, 2020-06) Okeyo, Alice P.; Seekoe, Eunice; de Villiers, Anniza; Faber, Mieke; Nel, Johanna H.; Steyn, Nelia P.
    Overweight and obesity are growing concerns in adolescents, particularly in females in South Africa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the food and nutrition environment in terms of government policy programs, nutrition education provided, and foods sold at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province. Sixteen schools and grade 8–12 learners (N = 1360) were randomly selected from three health districts comprising poor disadvantaged communities. Based on age and sex specific body mass index (BMI) cut-off values, 13.3% of males and 5.5% of females were underweight, while 9.9% of males and 36.1% of females were overweight or obese. The main food items purchased at school were unhealthy energy-dense items such as fried flour dough balls, chocolates, candies, and crisps/chips. Nutrition knowledge scores based on the South African food-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) were poor for 52% to 23.4% learners in Grades 8 to 12, respectively. Female learners generally had significantly higher nutrition knowledge scores compared to their male counterparts (p = 0.016). Questions poorly answered by more than 60% of learners, included the number of fruit and vegetable portions required daily, food to eat when overweight, foods containing fiber, and importance of legumes. It was noted that the majority of teachers who taught nutrition had no formal nutrition training and their responses to knowledge questions were poor indicating that they were not familiar with the FBDGs, which are part of the curriculum. Nutrition assessment as part of the Integrated School Health Program was done on few learners. Overall however, despite some challenges the government national school meal program provided meals daily to 96% of learners. In general, the school food and nutrition environment was not conducive for promoting healthy eating.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Provincial Dietary Intake Study (PDIS) : energy and macronutrient intakes of children in a representative/random sample of 1–<10-year-old children in two economically active and urbanized provinces in South Africa
    (2020-03) Steyn, Nelia P.; Nel, Johanna H.; Malczyk, Sonia; Drummond, Linda; Senekal, Marjanne
    The double burden of malnutrition is still prevalent in South Africa, hence the importance of a dietary survey to identify risks of under- and over-nutrition. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was applied in two economically active provinces, Gauteng (GTG) (N = 733) and Western Cape (WC) (N = 593). Field workers completed questionnaires, and a 24 h recall with children taking part aged 1–<10-years (N = 1326). Important findings were that 71% and 74%, respectively, of 3–<6-year-olds and 6–<10-year-olds had an energy intake below the estimated energy requirement (EER), while 66% 1–<3-year-olds had intakes above the EER. The percentage of children with a total fat intake below recommended levels decreased as age increased ((51%, 40% and 5%) respectively, for the three age groups). Similarly, the percentage of those who had a total fat intake above the recommendation increased with increasing age (4%, 11% and 26%, respectively, for the three age groups). Saturated fat intake above 10%E was highest in the youngest and oldest children (33% and 32%, respectively). The percentage of children with a free sugars intake above 10%E was 47%, 48% and 52% respectively, and 98–99% had a fibre intake that was less than recommended. Overall, the diet was not healthy, with the main food items being very refined, and the diet being high in salty snacks and sugary items, and low in fruit, vegetables and legumes.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Provincial Dietary Intake Study (PDIS) : prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of the double burden of malnutrition in a representative sample of 1 to under 10-year-old children from two urbanized and economically active provinces in South Africa
    (MDPI, 2019) Senekal, Marjanne; Nel, Johanna H.; Malczyk, Sonia; Drummond, Linda; Harbron, Janetta; Steyn, Nelia P.
    The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic predictors of malnutrition in two urbanized economically active provinces (Gauteng N = 733, Western Cape N = 593) in South Africa. A multistage stratified cluster random sampling design was applied. Fieldworkers visited homes, measured children aged 1-<10-years old (N = 1326) and administered a questionnaire (mother/primary caregiver). In under-five year old children (N = 674) 21.6% were stunted [height-for-age z-score < −2 SD], 5.6 % underweight [weight-for-age z-score < −2 SD], 10.3% overweight (body mass index-for-age z-score) (BAZ)> +2 SD ≤ +3 SD] and 7.0% obese (BAZ > +3 SD). In 5–<10-year olds (N = 626) 6.7% were stunted, 6.8% underweight, 13.4% overweight and 6.8% obese. Stunting and overweight in the same child was present in 5.7% under-five year olds and 1.7% in 5–<10-year olds. Multiple logistic regression analyses identified having a mother with a post-grade 12 qualification (OR = 0.34) and having an obese mother (OR 0.46) as protectors and being in the under-five age group (OR = 3.73) as a risk factor for stunting. Being in the under-five age group was also a risk factor for a BAZ > 1 (OR 2.39), while being in the third wealth quintile was protective (OR = 0.62). Results indicate that stunting and overweight/obesity are still present at concerning levels, especially in the under-five age group.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The relationship between stunting and overweight among children from South Africa : secondary analysis of the National Food Consumption Survey – Fortification Baseline I
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2016-01) Symington, Elizabeth A.; Gericke, Gerda J.; Nel, Johanna H.; Labadarios, Demetre
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Background: Globally, in children the prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing, and this is associated with an increased risk of non­communicable diseases in adulthood. There is a need to examine the growing trends of overweight and obesity in children and their consequences in low­ and middle­income countries. Objectives: To describe the prevalence of, and determine the relationship between, stunting and overweight among children in two provinces of South Africa. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted on anthropometric measurements of 36 ­ 119­month­old children from Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces (N=519) participating in the South African National Food Consumption Survey – Fortification Baseline I (2005). The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) body mass index (BMI) reference percentiles were used to determine overweight and obesity. The World Health Organization standards were used to derive z­scores. Results: The prevalence of overweight was 12.0% (IOTF BMI ≥25 kg/m2), including 3.7% obesity (IOTF BMI ≥30 kg/m2). The predominantly urban Gauteng Province had a significantly higher prevalence of overweight children (14.1%) compared with Mpumalanga (6.3%) (p=0.0277). The prevalence of stunting was 17.0% (16.5% Gauteng, 18.2% Mpumalanga; p>0.05). There was a significant correlation (r=−0.32) between BMI and height­for­age z­scores (p<0.0001). In the obese group, 68.4% were stunted, while in the normal and underweight group only 13.6% were stunted. Conclusions: Stunted children were more likely to be obese. Further research is necessary for clarity on the physiological mechanisms of this relationship. In the interim, prevention of stunting requires priority.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Selected facets of nutrition during the first 1 000 days of life in vulnerable South African communities
    (Health & Medical Publishing Group, 2016-03) Du Plessis, Lisanne; Herselman, Martha G.; McLachlan, Mildred H.; Nel, Johanna H.
    Background. Optimal nutrition during the first 1 000 days of life can reap lasting benefits throughout life. Objectives. To assess infant and young child-feeding (IYCF) practices and mother/caregiver-child anthropometry in two vulnerable Breede Valley communities, Western Cape. Methods. Mothers of children aged 0 - 23 months (N=322) were interviewed to assess IYCF practices. Anthropometric measurements of mothers/caregivers and children were performed according to standard procedures. Results. Mothers reported early breastfeeding (BF) initiation in 75.2% (242/322) of cases. Of infants <6 months old, 38.5% (45/117) were recorded as exclusively breastfed (EBF). Cross-checking this figure with other research from the area, however, suggests significant over-reporting of EBF. One in five infants <6 months were exclusively bottle fed (19.7%; 23/117) and 48.4% (156/322) aged 0 - 23 months had received bottle feeding in the preceding 24 hours. Eighty-four percent (36/43) of 6 - 8-month-old infants were receiving complementary foods. BF was continued in 32.5% (13/40) of children 12 - 15 months old. In children 6 - 23 months, 44.0% (90/205) received foods from four or more food groups, 71.0% (145/205) received complementary foods the recommended minimum number of times or more, and 44.4% (91/205) received a minimum acceptable diet. The prevalence of stunting and overweight in children was 28.9% and 21.8%, respectively. The prevalence of overweight in mothers/caregivers was 28.9%, and 33.7% were obese, with a mean waist circumference of 88.6 cm. Conclusion. Indicators showed sub-optimal IYCF practices with child under- and overnutrition coexisting with maternal/caregiver overnutrition. This profile signals a need for urgent and appropriate interventions focusing on the first 1 000 days of life.