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Abstract : Considering Seasonal Variations in Food Availability and Caring Capacity when Planning Complementary Feeding Interventions in Developing Countries
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Abstract: During early childhood, adequate nutrition is critical for preventing and reducing chronic undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Seasonal food availability, access to diverse food and maternal workload are among the known constraints to successful infant and young child feeding practices. In rural areas in developing countries, many populations experience seasonal food shortages, which often coincide with an increase in food prices and a peak period for agricultural labour. Seasonal pressure on women’s time can negatively impact cooking and caring practices and intra-family food distribution. These factors combine to affect the nutritional status of especially children and women. This paper shows how seasonal food availability data are collected and utilized in designing complementary feeding interventions. Examples are drawn from FAO food and nutrition security projects in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Laos and Zambia which began with formative research using Trials of Improved Practices. Methods include use of seasonal food availability calendars and development of season-specific dishes and recipes. How seasonal variations in food availability and caring capacity feature in the educational materials developed by these projects is also reported. Finally, we provide practical ideas for incorporating coping strategies for dealing with seasonal effects when planning such interventions. Keywords: Seasonality, infant and young child feeding, complementary feeding, trials of improved practices (TIPs), developing countries.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Association of Socio-demographic Attributes with Mothers Knowledge regarding Childhood Diarrhea
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Abstract: Background: Childhood diarrheal diseases have a major impact on morbidity and mortality and these deaths are due to dehydration and mismanagement or delayed management of the disease. The mothers’ knowledge in management of diarrhea is likely related to its mortality and morbidity. The study aimed to determine the association between socio demographic attributes and mother’s knowledge on childhood diarrhea. Materials and Methods:In this cross sectional analytic study, 170 mothers who had at least one child aged below five years old were selected purposively from the out-patient department of ICDDR,B, Dhaka. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire by face to face interview. The level of knowledge was categorized as poor, average and good. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done with level of significance P<0.05. Results:The mean age of the respondents was 27 (SD=±5.6) years. Among them 46.5% were educated up to primary level and 47% had average monthly income between 5001 and 10000 taka. In the case of accessibility to mass media, 20% were found who never watch TV, 75.9% participants were found who never listen to radio, and 87.6% were found who never read newspaper. Despite the level of average knowledge was 59.5% but the proportion of the level of good knowledge was 17% among the respondents. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, education and income (p<0.001) were significantly associated with mothers knowledge. Conclusion:The mothers had inadequate knowledge about diarrhea and their socio-demographic parameters are strongly associated with mother’s knowledge regarding diarrhea. Keywords: Mother’s Knowledge, Diarrhea, Children, Socio-demographic attributes.Download Full Article |
Abstract : The Child Health Scenario in India: An Application of Bayesian Approach
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Abstract: Background: The child mortality rate of a place is an indication of the basic health facility prevalent there. A place with better medical facility records low child mortality. The child mortality rate reduction is not as expected in many developing countries. In last two decades the child death rate has not been reduced significantly in India. The aim of this work is to explore the child death rate in different Indian states. Materials and Methods:The Bayesian approach has been applied to control the over dispersion due to presence of zero (i.e. no-death count) in the data set. The Zero Inflated Poisson (ZIP) has been applied to control the presence of over the Zero Inflation Distribution. The data set has been considered from Indian National Health and Family Survey (NFHS-3) conducted during 2005-2006. The women having at least one living child of age less than five years has been selected as study subjects. Results:The state of Goa has attained the best position recording the lowest child death rate (0.03) and followed by Kerala (0.08). The Arunachal Pradesh (0.75) has attained the last rank among all states in India. In case of child death for women who have at least one living male children Tamilnadu has the lowest child death. Conclusion:In India it has been observed that married couples accept family planning only after having sufficient number of children. This is mainly because as the child mortality rate is higher so only few of their children would survive to adulthood. Reduction in infant mortality over time and the awareness of such improvements among the people in the community may ultimately lead to lesser number of children per couple due to the removal of the fear of death to their children. It is, therefore, necessary, from the policy point of view, to estimate the actual levels of child mortality of an area under study at different period of time. Attempt shall also be made to explore the extent of changes in the levels of child mortality and its causes over time. Keywords: NFHS 3, Infant Mortality, Child Mortality, Public Health.Download Full Article |
Abstract : Development and Validation of a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Preschool Children Using Multiple Methods
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Abstract: Background: The ability to determine the relationship between diet and health outcomes in children requires reproducible and validated long-term dietary assessment tools such as food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Objective: To test the reproducibility and relative validity of a FFQ for young children using 24-hour food recalls (24HRs), anthropometric measurements, and a comprehensive feeding practices questionnaire (CFPQ). Methods: Children (aged 5-6) and their mothers were recruited during one school-year (2008) from preschools. Children's anthropometric measurements were obtained. Mothers provided during a personal interview on three occasions a 110-item semiquantitative FFQ, 24HRs and CFPQ. Pearson-correlation coefficients were calculated between the results of the FFQ and 3*24HR. Validity coefficients between the FFQ and the different measurements were calculated. Scores of the 12 factors of the CFPQ were calculated and related to dietary intake. Results: Sixty-six healthy children (47% boys) were recruited. Pearson's correlations between the average of the FFQs and 3*24HRs ranged from 0.3-0.6 (P<0.05). The highest correlation coefficients were 0.59 for total fat intake and 0.56 for energy. Dietary intake of energy and carbohydrates differed significantly (P=0.05, 0.001 respectively) across the three BMI z-score levels (normal-weight, overweight, obese) and the three waist circumference tertiles (0.019, 0.006 respectively). Obesogenic factors from the CFPQ correlated with consumption of empty calories like sweets, snacks, junk foods and sweet drinks. Conclusions: The modified FFQ is a relatively valid instrument to estimate mean energy intake in preschool children. The questionnaire performs reasonably well to rank children with respect to macronutrients intake as well as obesogenic food groups. Keywords: Child(ren), Validation, Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), Nutrition, Preschool, Nutrient Assessment.Download Full Article |
