Department of Nutrition and Health

Correction: Burden of disease and risk factors for mortality amongst hospitalized newborns in Nigeria and Kenya

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Correction: Burden of disease and risk factors for mortality amongst hospitalized newborns in Nigeria and Kenya Helen M Nabwera, Dingmei Wang, Olukemi O Tongo, Pauline EA Andang’o, Isa Abdulkadir, Chinyere V Ezeaka, Beatrice N Ezenwa, Iretiola B Fajolu, Zainab O Imam, Martha K Mwangome, Dominic D Umoru, Abimbola E Akindolire, Walter Otieno, Grace M Nalwa, Alison W Talbert, Ismaela Abubakar, Nicholas D Embleton, Stephen J Allen, Neonatal Nutrition Network (NeoNuNet) To describe the patient population, priority diseases and outcomes in newborns admitted <48 hours old to neonatal units in both Kenya and Nigeria.

Food price perception, food and beverage marketing and the nutritional status of children 6–24 months in Obunga slums, Kisumu Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Food price perception, food and beverage marketing and the nutritional status of children 6–24 months in Obunga slums, Kisumu Kenya: a cross-sectional study Mbae-Mugambi, Umotho Kinya; Onyango, Agatha Christine; Okeyo, David Omondi Malnutrition is a significant problem in Africa. In Kenya, 26% of under-fives are stunted; slums are the hardest hit. Obunga slum has the highest prevalence at 40%. A cross-sectional study was adopted; simple random sampling techniques were used to identify 189 eligible households in the Obunga slum with children between 6–24 months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire collected data on food price perceptions and food and beverage marketing. An anthropometric data collection form gathered information on the children’s height, weight and age. Scores for stunting, wasting and underweight were generated based on WHO Z-Score cut-off points. Binary logistic regression identified the relationship between food price perceptions, food and beverage marketing and the nutritional status of children between 6–24 months in Obunga slums Prevalence of wasting was 3.2%, stunting was 27.0%, underweight was at 7.4%, while overweight was at 13%. Food price perceptions: An increase in fruits prices was significantly associated with wasting (Adjusted O.R. = 10. 82, C.I. = 1.10—106.77, P < 0.05) and underweight (Adjusted O.R. = 5.44, C.I. = 1.35—21.61, P < 0.05). Food & Beverage Marketing: Feeding children on commercially produced complementary food products and commercially produced food was significantly associated with wasting at an (Adjusted O.R. = 7.82, C.I. = 1.29—47.46, p < 0.05, and adjusted O.R. = 5.96, C.I. = 1.06—33.60, p < 0.05) respectively. Stunting was significantly associated with listening/reading or watching advertisements on commercial food products (Crude O.R. = 0.49, C.I. = 0.24—0.998, p < 0.05.). Watching food-related adverts on television (Adjusted O.R. = 0.38 C.I. = 0.146- 0.10) and watching marketing on commercial foods (Adjusted O.R. = 0.21, C.I. = 0.07—0.61) and watching television (Adjusted O.R. = 9.30, C.I. = 2.31—37.40). While watching food-related adverts on television was associated with being underweight (Adjusted O.R. = 18.68 and at C.I. = 1.22—286.89). The price perceptions of fruits, feeding children commercially produced food products and complementary foods, and Watching food-related adverts on television; had an impact on the nutritional status of children. Thus, a longitudinal study would be needed to understand the long-term effect of food prices and food and beverage marketing on nutritional status. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40795-023-00772-3

The role of vitamin D status on treatment outcome among HIV-infected children receiving care in Kisumu County, Kenya

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The role of vitamin D status on treatment outcome among HIV-infected children receiving care in Kisumu County, Kenya Asamuka, Maurice Songoreh; Ogonda, Lilian; Onyango, Calleb George; Guyah, Bernard Kenya has a paediatric HIV burden of nearly 140,000 children, of which only 48% of those on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have achieved the desired viral suppression possibly due to vitamin D deficiency. We explored the influence of vitamin D levels on treatment outcome. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3286937/v1

Patterns and predictors of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among primary school children in urban Kenya

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Patterns and predictors of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among primary school children in urban Kenya Constance A Gewa, Agatha C Onyango, Rose O Opiyo, Joel Gittelsohn, Lawrence J Cheskin We examined the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (BP) and hypertension among 390 primary school children of different socioeconomic status (SES) in two urban settings in Kenya and explored the association between children's BP status and their sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and overweight/obesity status. doi: 10.1097/HJH.0000000000003287 The article can be accessed in full via URL:https://journals.lww.com/jhypertension/Abstract/9900/Patterns_and_predictors_of_elevated_blood_pressure.111.aspx

Effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure through diet on growth of infants 0 - 3 months in Kisumu County, Kenya.

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure through diet on growth of infants 0 - 3 months in Kisumu County, Kenya. M. I., Obade, P., Andang'o, C., Obonyo, Lusweti, F. Aflatoxins are naturally occurring carcinogenic toxins associated with poor growth outcomes in young children. Although evidence supports mother-to-infant exposure during pregnancy and breastfeeding, evidence of its effect on growth is limited to the period after introduction of complementary foods. It is, therefore, unclear whether early maternal exposure to aflatoxins affects infant growth right from birth. Prevalence of aflatoxin levels of 40% has been observed in Nyanza region, Kenya, and 22.7% of children under 5 years are stunted. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure on growth of infants 0-3 months old in Kisumu County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to: establish association between maternal baseline characteristics and aflatoxin exposure; establish association between infant baseline characteristics at birth and maternal aflatoxin exposure; determine effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure on infant growth indicators at 3 months of age. Out of 553 pregnant women who were screened for aflatoxin exposure, 137 exposed and 137 nonexposed women, matched for age and household income, participated in an 8-month cohort study. The women were followed up to delivery and their infants up to 3 months after delivery. Infant length and weight data was collected monthly. Length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ)) and weight-for-age (WAZ) z-scores were generated. Aflatoxin levels were analyzed using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) in parts per billion (ppb). Effects of aflatoxin on infant growth outcomes were assessed using multi-variate linear and logistic regression. Effect of maternal aflatoxin exposure on infant length, weight, LAZ, WLZ, WAZ was determined using Cox regression with constant time at risk. Infants of exposed women had lower weight (95% CI:-0.85,- 0.53), length (95% CI: -4.08, -3.36), LAZ (95% CI: -1.93, -1.16) and WAZ (95% CI:- 1.03, -0.54) at 3 months of age, but there was no difference in WLZ (95% CI:-0.03, 0.74). Risk for stunting was higher in infants of exposed women (RR=4.08; 95% CI: 1.35, 12.29). There was no difference in the risk for underweight (RR=6.61; 95% CI: 0.80-54.33) and wasting (RR=0.37; 95% CI: 0.40, 3.39, P=0.38). These results underpin the need to reduce aflatoxin exposure in infants and young children who are very vulnerable. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.99.19490

Risk Factors to Persistent Dysentery among Children under the Age of Five in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa; the Case of Kumi, Eastern Uganda

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Risk Factors to Persistent Dysentery among Children under the Age of Five in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa; the Case of Kumi, Eastern Uganda Peter Kirabira1*, David Omondi Okeyo2 , and John C. Ssempebwa Introduction: Dysentery, otherwise called bloody diarrhoea, is a problem of Public Health importance globally, contributing 54% of the cases of childhood diarrhoeal diseases in Kumi district, Uganda. We set out to assess the risk factors associated with the persistently high prevalence of childhood dysentery in Kumi district. Methods: We conducted an analytical matched case-control study, with the under five child as the study unit. We collected quantitative data from the mothers or caretakers of the under five children using semi-structured questionnaires and checklists and qualitative data using Key informer interview guides. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while qualitative data was analysed manually. Results: Under fives living in a household of more than 5 people had a 19.2 times higher risk of developing dysentery (OR 19.2, CI 4.4–90.1), and children from households with boiled their drinking water were less than 1% less likely to develop dysentery (OR <0.001, CI 0.1–0.5). There was neither difference between households that used piped water and the development of dysentery (OR 1.1, CI 0.1–8.2), nor households which had another child that had ever had dysentery in the household and having dysentery (OR 3.2, CI 0.3–40.4). Major dysentery risk factors were over-crowding and big family sizes but these were still un-known to the majority of the people, yet people tended to avoid safe water sources like piped water and protected wells or springs due to long distances, high piped water connecting costs and high water bills. Conclusion: Whereas most mothers were knowledgeable of the causes and prevention of dysentery, they did not actually practice what they knew. Sustained campaigns on dysentery prevention and control by the government and other stakeholders are needed.

Aflatoxin in household maize for human consumption in Kenya, East Africa

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Aflatoxin in household maize for human consumption in Kenya, East Africa Wangia Ruth Nabwire, James Ombaka, Christopher Peyton Dick, Christian Strickland, Lili Tang, Kathy Siyu Xue & Jia-Sheng Wang The objective of this study is to determine the occurrence and level of aflatoxins (AFs) contamination in freshly harvested maize for human consumption in rural Kenya. Maize kernels and freshly milled maize flour (n = 338) were collected from households in Siaya and Makueni counties. While both counties are representatives of different environmental and climate conditions, Makueni County is the area with reported outbreaks of aflatoxicosis. Samples were analysed for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2 using Ultra High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence detection. AFs were detected in 100% of the samples with the range of 2.14–411 µg/kg. The geometric mean of total AFs in all samples from Makueni County is 62.5 μg/kg with 95% CI: 53.7, 71.4 while in Siaya County is 52.8 μg/kg with 95% CI: 44.0, 61.7. This study showed that AFs contamination is prevalent in maize-based foods in the region. DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2019.1690053

Acceptable food products processed from underutilized crop

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Acceptable food products processed from underutilized crop F.O. Habwe, M.K. Walingo, and I.J. Jondiko Underutilized crops are rich in micronutrients but are only cultivated at subsistence level (1). Food processing technologies, particularly at household level, are challenging and often not applicable to traditional crops (2). Perishability and poor processing are among major constraints facing thier production in developing countries (3). Improved dietary diversity, diet modification and appropriate food processing technologies of micronutrient rich crops are among the long term strategies that could help eradicate or minimize micronutrient malnutrition (4). Processing of underutilized crops into acceptable food products can improve their exploitation. Snack foods like noodles, cookies and crackers are widely adapted for every day use, widely consumed throughout the world and their global consumption is second only to bread (5). This is because they are convenient, easy to cook, low cost and have relatively olng shelf-life (5). Therefore exploitation of the feed value potential of underutilised crops to process crackers, noodles and cookies could increase acceptability and reduce perishability thus increase marketability and consumption/utilisation in the long run. An informal experimental study design was used to evaluate preparation of acceptable food products comprising of crackers, noodles and cookies from cassava (Manihot esculenta), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), simsim (Sesamum orientale L.), and slenderleaf (Crotalaria ochroleuca and C. brevidens). Product acceptability was assessed using organoleptic tests evaluated by a panel of 76 judges. Disproportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 19 judges from each strata; age strata (<18yrs & >18yrs) and sex strata (men & women) totalling to 76 judges/panellists of 38 females and 38 males. Tests by sensory panels were conducted under controlled conditions using appropriate experimental designs, test methods and statistical analyses according to the International Standards Organization (ISO) (6,78,9). Chi-square test was used to analyze the acceptability of the crackers, noodles and cookies across the study groups. The products were highly accepted as over 50% of judges/panellists liked all the food products. This study brings forth acceptable food products prepared from selected underutilized crops. Promotion could lead to increased consumption and marketability of these products. The crackers, noodles and cookies should be promoted and marketed in order to increase consumption and utilization of underutilized crops. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gulcan-Arusoglu-2/publication/323428213_2017

Nutrition and growth outcomes are affected by aflatoxin exposures in Kenyan children

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Nutrition and growth outcomes are affected by aflatoxin exposures in Kenyan children Ruth Nabwire Wangia-Dixon a , Kathy Siyu Xuea , Jessica Alcalaa , Trang Ho Thu Quachb , Xiao Songb , Lili Tanga , James Ombakac , David Peter Githangad,e, Omu Aggrey Anzalae,f, and Jia-Sheng Wang Aflatoxin exposure, malnutrition and growth impairment in children present significant public health problems in low- and middle-income countries. Recent epidemiology studies show that exposure to aflatoxins through dietary sources in early life contributes to growth retardation among children. However, the findings remain inconclusive due to limited comparative studies in high versus low aflatoxin exposure regions. This cross-sectional study presents aflatoxin exposure levels among children aged 6 to 12 years, and further evaluates the association between aflatoxin exposure levels, malnutrition and growth impairment in Kenya, East Africa. AFB1-lysine adducts are validated biomarkers of exposure and were quantified using HPLC with fluorescence detection. All children (n = 746) had detectable levels of AFB1-lysine adducts in serum, range 0.65–518.9 pg/ mg albumin with a geometric mean (GM) of 10.5 (95%CI 9.4–11.7) pg/mg albumin. The Geometric Means (GM) of AFB1-lysine adducts were 14.0 (95%CI 12.5, 15.7) pg/mg albumin and 8.2 (95%CI 7.6, 8.8) pg/mg albumin (p-value < 0.001), among children recruited from Makueni and Siaya Counties, respectively. While the study confirms higher human exposure levels in Makueni county, it provides an initial data set for aflatoxin exposure levels among children recruited from Siaya County. In multivariate analysis, after adjusting for socio-economic indicators, farming practices, and household dietary patterns, increasing one unit of log AFB1-lysine was associated with decreasing Weightfor-age z-score (WAZ) by −0.13, p-value = 0.019 among all children aged 6–12 years. Among children 6 to 9 years, WAZ decreases by −0.11 (−0.54, −0.01), p-value = 0.049. Additional growth parameters Height-for-age z-score (HAZ) and Weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) do not reach statistical significance. HAZ decreases by −0.08, p-value = 0.337 and WHZ decreases by −0.17, p-value = 0.437 with every increase in log AFB1-lysine. These data suggest that efforts must be put in place to control for aflatoxin exposure in order to achieve better growth outcomes Online URI : https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2020.1825825

Caregiver’s Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Care of Schizophrenia at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Caregiver’s Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Care of Schizophrenia at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya Anab Edna, Agatha Christine Onyango, Catherine Mwenda Schizophrenia is a mental disorder which is a major public health concern since it affects the quality of life of the schizophrenic patient. The patient requires a caregiver to support them in the entire phase of the condition. Caregiver’s knowledge facilitate recognition of mental illness and health-seeking behavior. The aim of the study was to assess the caregiver knowledge and attitude regarding care of Schizophrenia. The study was conducted at Mathari Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya where the respondents were the caregivers of the schizophrenic patients. The research design used was cross-sectional mixed method. A total of three hundred and three respondents participated in the study, the respondents were selected by utilizing systemic sampling technique. A list was generated as the sampling frame every 3rd patient on the list was selected. All the caregivers of the patient had an equal chance of participating in the study. Data collection instruments used were an objectively structured questionnaire and key informant guide which were used to solicit both qualitative and quantitative data. Descriptive statistics mainly measure of central tendency was used. Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression were used to determine the magnitude of the correlation. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis, similar themes were grouped. The findings indicate majority of the respondents 191 (63%) were female while 218 (72%) of the respondents did not know the name of the condition the patient was diagnosed with. Knowledge on schizophrenia significantly depended on the age of the caregiver (Pr = 0.001) and the length of time the caregiver had taken care of the patient and knowing the patient (Pr = 0.001) (Pearson chi2). Further modelling of these variables using logistic regression showed that caregivers’ who have spent a long period with the patient are 3 times more likely to have a more positive attitude and be more knowledgeable compared to those who have spent a lesser period with a schizophrenic patient. The variable period with the patient is the most meaningful variable compared to the other variables in the model. Increasing the level of knowledge regarding the condition makes the caregiver more effective in their role as the patient’s support system. These findings are a good opportunity for the formulation of interventions based on the identified gaps resulting to caregiver’s full involvement in the care and management of the patient. http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajpn doi: 10.11648/j.ajpn.20180601.13