Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition)

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Human Nutrition) by Author "Amoussou Lokossou, Yrence Urielle"

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    An investigation of socio-cultural practices and dietary patterns, the presence of double burden of malnutrition in children and their mothers in Grand-Popo, Benin
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12-01) Amoussou Lokossou, Yrence Urielle; Mbhenyane, Xikombiso; Azandjèmè, Colette; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the sociocultural influence, feeding practices and the presence of double burden of malnutrition in children and their mothers in Grand-Popo’s community, Benin. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical approach was used. A sample of 408 children between the ages of 0 to 59 months and their mothers were randomly selected. A questionnaire was developed to compile information on demographic and socio-economic status of the household, breastfeeding, and infant feeding practices. A food frequency questionnaire was administrated to assess dietary patterns and four focus groups with mothers were held to determine care practices and food taboos. Weight and height measurements for children and weight, height, and waist circumference for their mothers were taken. Height for age and weight for height z-scores were determined for the children and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements were calculated for the mothers. For statistical analysis, IBM SPSS version 25 was used. Descriptive and regression analysis were carried out on the data to investigate relationships between the various factors and presence of double burden of malnutrition. Results: Seven districts, in two different areas (rural and peri-urban), with 68.9% of households in rural areas, were surveyed. The mean age of children was 24.45 ± 14.9 months, of which 53.2% was girls. The mean age of mothers was 27.99 ± 6.99 years. The majority of mothers (93.1%) were married or living with their partners. In 96.3% of households, the man is the head. Approximately 91.7% households had a monthly income of $60 (± 760 ZAR) and spent, on average $24 ± $11.2 (R305 – R445) on food. Prevalence of wasting found in children was 9.8% and stunting was 29.7%. Waist circumference mean of mothers was 79.95±10.35 cm and 19.3% were classified to be at high metabolic risk. BMI was also evaluated; 16.9% of mothers were overweight and 7.4% obese. All the children were breastfed, and 56.1% of children under six months received breast milk exclusively. Children were introduced to family foods at five months with very low consumption of animal protein and fruits. Mothers and children had monotonous diets with high consumption of vegetables and maize based meals. In the community surveyed, food taboos particularly during pregnancy, were revealed. Those cultural beliefs were still followed by some mothers and food rich in nutrients were pushed aside. Conclusion: Stunting as well as wasting were highly prevalent in this study population, while mothers’ obesity prevalence could not be ignored. The results drew attention to the need for more effort in interventions to reduce undernutrition, but also to coordinate preventive interventions to stop obesity advance.