Research Articles (Human Nutrition)
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- ItemPerceptions of dietitians and key role players regarding their role in reporting food labelling transgressions in South Africa(Taylor & Francis Group, 2024-05-16) Profe-Fuchsloch, Mikayla; Koen, N.; Wicks, M.Objectives: A study was undertaken to describe South African dietitians and key role players’ perceptions regarding their role in reporting food labelling legislation transgressions. Design: A multimethod study design was employed to explore a previously unstudied topic. Setting: Dietitians registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) together with key role players in food labelling in South Africa. Methods: Quantitative data were collected using a self-administered electronic questionnaire and qualitative data using a semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative data were analysed using Microsoft Excel and qualitative data using ATLAS.ti software. Data were analysed independently in the results section but integrated for interpretation of the findings. Results: In total, only 6% (n = 7) of the included dietitians (n = 126) reported food labelling transgressions, and 12% (n = 15) believed dietitians have a role to play in reporting transgressions. Interestingly, half of the included dietitians (50%, n = 63) stated they would report an identified transgression. Dietitians demonstrated a lack of awareness of the current food labelling regulations, with 43% wrongly identifying the draft regulation to consult. Almost all (99%, n = 125) of the included dietitians reported that their transgression reporting practices would improve if a clear guideline from the Department of Health: Directorate Food Control (DoH DFC) was available. Key role players (n = 8) cited enforcement issues and a perceived gap in dietitians’ understanding of legislation and reporting processes as barriers to reporting non-compliance. Key role players identified enablers such as awareness of regulations, contacts within the DoH DFC and familiarity with the reporting process for transgressions. They also provided insight on the proper procedure for reporting food labelling transgressions. Conclusion: The low prevalence of food labelling transgression reporting by dietitians stems from several barriers, including a perceived lack of confidence regarding the current regulation, awareness of the applicable legislation, uncertainty regarding the correct reporting procedure and scepticism that transgression reports will be acted upon. Regular communication regarding food and nutrition regulations and the development of an easy-to-use transgression reporting framework could support the implementation and impact of food labelling regulations in South Africa.
- ItemAssessment of the realisation of the right to adequate food in the Blue Crane Route (Eastern Cape, South Africa)(Taylor & Francis, 2022-08-26) Marais, M. L.; Lessing, E.; Frank, T.Objectives: To assess whether the right to adequate food (RtF) is realised by children and primary caregivers and what actions are required to fully realise this right. Design: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was undertaken using a mixed-methods approach. Setting and subjects: Rural and urban primary caregivers of children (one to five years old) were recruited if they had resided in the Blue Crane Route (Eastern Cape) for at least six months. Purposefully selected key informants (KIs) involved in nutrition and food security, health or governance participated in in-depth interviews. Outcome measures: Primary caregivers responded to interviewer-administered questionnaires (IAQ) (N = 161), which investigated various indicators supporting the realisation of the RtF. Statistical analysis of quantitative data examined relationships between urban and rural participants. Significance was considered at p < 0.05. In-depth interviews with key informants (KIs) examined the perceptions of 11 prominent community leaders. Qualitative data were coded deductively and common themes identified. Results: Based on the IAQ, half (51%) of the caregivers had experienced risk of, or food insecurity in the past month. Common themes indicative of suboptimal realisation of the RtF included insufficient employment opportunities, inadequate policies and programme implementation, and inadequate agrarian practices, while the child support grant partially supported the realisation of the RtF. Caregivers felt disempowered by a sense of inability to realise the right themselves without government assistance but KIs suggested that caregivers needed to take responsibility. Conclusion: The RtF of children and their caregivers is not fully realised in the Blue Crane Route. Concerted, multidisciplinary approaches using a rights-based approach to implement policies and programmes are needed, together with the empowerment of the community with necessary skills and resources to further the realisation of the RtF.
- ItemGastrointestinal symptoms in HIV-positive kidney transplant candidates and recipients from an HIV-positive donor(Nature, 2021-06) Martin, C. J.; Veldman, F. J.; Labadarios, Demetre; Ebrahim, Z.; Muller, E.; Kassier, S. M.Gastrointestinal symptoms (GIS) are common in kidney transplant candidates and recipients and may be worsened by HIV. Objective: To determine the frequency and severity of GIS in HIV-positive kidney transplant recipients from HIV-positive donors, and those waiting to receive one. A GIS rating scale (GSRS) was completed by 76 participants at baseline and at 6 months. GIS frequency was defined as having at least one symptom (GSRS > 1). Severity was indicated by the GSRS score. Transplant candidates: GIS frequency was 88.9% and 86.3% at baseline and 6 months respectively. Indigestion was the most frequent (79.6% and 66.7% at baseline and 6 months), and severe GIS (GSRS 2.3). Women reported global mean (p = 0.030) severity significantly more than men. Transplant recipients: GIS frequency was 95.2% and 76.2% at baseline and 6 months respectively. At both assessment points, indigestion occurred most frequently (85.7% and 61.9% respectively). Highest GSRS was reported for indigestion at baseline (2.33) and at 6 months (1.33). Waist circumference (WC) was positively associated with the severity of constipation GSRS. GIS are common in both groups, especially indigestions. WC in transplant recipients should be monitored.
- ItemBody image and the double burden of nutrition among South Africans from diverse sociodemographic backgrounds : SANHANES-1(MDPI, 2020-01) Mchiza, Zandile June-Rose; Parker, Whadi-ah; Sewpaul, Ronel; Onagbiye, Sunday Olawale; Labadarios, DemetreThis study investigated the associations between underweight, obesity and body image (BI) among 15+ year-old South Africans with diverse socio-demographic backgrounds. A cross-sectional survey and the analyses of data for 6411 15+ year-old participants in the first South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey was undertaken. Body image was compared to body mass index (BMI) and socio-demography. Data were analyzed using SPSS versions 25. Results are in percentages, means, 95% confidence intervals, p-values, and odds ratios. Overall, participants who were obese of which majority: were females, earned ZAR 9601+, completed grade 6, were non-Black men, were married and resided in urban formal areas, were more likely to underestimate their BMI and desire to be lighter. Participants who were underweight of which majority: were males, had no form of income or education, were black men, were not married, resided in less urban and farm areas, were younger than 25 years, were more likely to overestimate their BMI and desire to be heavier. While underweight and obesity were strong determinants of BI, BI was differentiated by socio-demography. These findings have a public health implication that requires special attention to curb the irrepressible underweight and obesity in South Africa. Keywords: body image; body mass index; socio-demography; body size dissatisfaction; body size misreporting; age; household income; ethnicity; gender; education level
- ItemDIETARY PATTERN, HOUSEHOLD HUNGER, COPING STRATEGIES AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN IN SEKHUKHUNE DISTRICT OF LIMPOPO PROVINCE, SOUTH AFRICA(2020-05) Mbhenyane, Xikombiso GertrudeGlobally, approximately one out of every nine people do not get enough food to eat. The situation is more persistent in the sub-Saharan region of Africa with an estimated 23.2% of the population experiencing food deprivation. The aim of this study was to determine the dietary pattern, prevalence of hunger, the association between household hunger and nutritional status of children under 12 years, and the coping strategies that mothers use to adapt to periods of food deprivation in their households in Sekhukhune district. An analytical study design was used. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to survey mothers/caregivers and their children from 180 households selected from nine villages by means of systematic random sampling. Anthropometric measurements were used to determine caregivers and children’s nutritional status. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the collected data. Descriptive and inferential (Chi-square (χ2) test) statistics were used. The results indicated that the main food items consumed by most children were mealie/maize meal, sugar, tea, iodised salt, bread, and meat. The findings revealed that 44.4% of households were food insecure, whereas 33.9% were at risk of hunger, and only 21.7% were food secure. The main coping strategies used were borrowing food from neighbours, family or friends, and borrowing food from the local shops. Anthropometric indices were associated with food availability and the utilisation of coping strategies such as sending children to neighbours asking for food, credit from local shops, reducing food portions, or even sometimes sending children to bed hungry (p<0.05). About four to five out of ten children sometimes go to bed hungry. Households borrowing food from neighbours, family or friends, and credit from the local shop were the most common coping strategies. The need for nutrition education on low cost nutritious diets and sustainable food programmes intervention strategies are required in Sekhukhune District. In addition, positive response modes for coping with food deprivation, such as the use of wild foods and livestock should be encouraged.