Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition) by browse.metadata.advisor "Daniels, Lynette Carmen"

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    Assessment of the nutrition component within the Integrated School Health Policy in the Msukaligwa sub-district, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Marutla, Koena Beauty; Daniels, Lynette Carmen; Van der Merwe, Maria; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : INTRODUCTION: The Integrated School Health Policy is a policy adopted by the national Department of Health and the Department of Basic Education. The policy was implemented in 2012. The focus of this policy is on addressing the primary health problems of learners and on implementing interventions that can improve their health and well-being. The aim of the policy is to ensure that school-going children, including those from remote rural areas, have equal access to quality health services. The Integrated School Health Policy strives to provide a healthy school environment, health education and school health services together with projects and outreach programmes that are implemented according to the policy framework. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of Phase 1 of the policy’s nutrition component in quintile 1 and quintile 2 primary schools in Msukaligwa sub-district, Gert Sibande District, Mpumalanga province. METHOD: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 112 full-time, appointed educators and nine acting headmasters from quintile 1 and quintile 2 primary schools in Msukaligwa. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. The outcome measures assessed were nutrition knowledge, perceptions, needs and barriers. Headmasters also completed the Care and Support for Teaching and Learning tool. RESULTS: The mean percentage knowledge score for educators was 88% (SD+/- 15.92) and for the headmasters was 89% (SD +/- 18.16). There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.2959) in the knowledge score between the educators and headmasters. Educators and headmasters perceived school-feeding programmes to increase food availability for school-going children who require adequate food. Need was expressed for the support of provincial and national stakeholders, training of educators on basic knowledge, improvement in infrastructural challenges, rotation, reliable and consistent suppliers, availability of security systems in schools and support in terms of the establishment of vegetable gardens. The study findings revealed the following as barriers that hamper the successful implementation of a comprehensive Integrated School Health Policy: theft, insufficient funds, unreliable suppliers, infrastructural challenges, and limited resources, lack of community participation and unavailability of clean and safe water. In terms of Care and Support for Teaching and Learning, few good practices exist under the health promotion component that includes infrastructure, water and sanitation, social welfare services, psychosocial support, nutrition and self-care. A foundation is already in place regarding safety, curricular support, material support, community support and availability of policies. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence that the implementation of the Integrated School Health Policy in the Msukaligwa sub-district is inadequate and requires improvement. There is a need for allocating adequate funds and appointing reliable service providers, as well as the monitoring and evaluating the appointed service providers and the entire programme by dedicated persons.
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    Field testing of the revised Paediatric Food-Based Dietary Guidelines among mothers/caregivers of children aged 12–36 months in the Stellenbosch Municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Samuels, Stacy-Leigh; Du Plessis, Lisanne Monica; Daniels, Lynette Carmen; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Introduction In order to address the poor nutritional and micronutrient status of children in South Africa, strategies promoting appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are fundamental. One such strategy is the development and revision of the South African Paediatric Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (PFBDG) which promote optimal feeding practices for children between the ages of 0–5 years. Before the PFBDGs are adopted and utilised by the Department of Health (DoH) as an educational tool in South Africa, they require thorough testing for adequacy and comprehension among specific groups, particularly mothers and caregivers. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the appropriateness and understanding of the revised PFBDGs among mothers/caregivers of children aged 12–36 months in the Stellenbosch Municipality in the Western Cape province, South Africa. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted. Data was collected from focus-group discussions (FGD) to assess the overall understanding and interpretation of the PFBDGs and to gain insight into previous exposure and the perceived barriers to and enablers of the implementation of the PFBDGs. Nine FGDs were conducted, ranging from 4–11 participants each. A total of 65 mothers/caregivers participated in the study. Results This study revealed that participants expressed a general understanding and interpretation of the core messages contained in the PFBDGs. The PFBDGs regarding breastfeeding and hand washing were the two guidelines that were the most understood by participants. Misinterpretation and confusion arose regarding certain PFBDGs, namely guidelines three, four, eight and nine, which refer to the importance of protein-rich foods, Vitamin A-rich fruit and vegetables, five small meals, and the inclusion of starchy foods, respectively. This was as a result of unfamiliar terminology ambiguity, and examples not being provided. With regard to previous exposure, the findings from this study suggested that participants were familiar with and recognised the majority of the concepts conveyed by the PFBDGs. The predominant sources of nutrition information, listed by participants from informal areas, were clinics, hospitals and nurses. Those from formal areas reported mainly utilising the Internet and books. Strong themes emerging from discussions around the perceived barriers to the implementation of the PFBDGs included cost and affordability, time constraints, accessibility, as well as marketing, while perceived enablers included education, visual effects, improved marketing techniques, and improved accessibility and availability of food. Conclusion In order for the PFBDGs to be implemented successfully, certain aspects need attention. Only through addressing common barriers and making the necessary adaptations, will the PFBDGs be implemented effectively, and thus have the intended outcome on IYCF practices.