DSpace Collection: Dissertations in Human Nutrition

AVAILABILITY OF DIETARY IRON AND INFLUENCE OF INHIBITORS AND/OR ENHANCERS ON IRON STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS

Mon, 01 Jan 1990 00:00:00 GMT

Title: AVAILABILITY OF DIETARY IRON AND INFLUENCE OF INHIBITORS AND/OR ENHANCERS ON IRON STATUS OF ADOLESCENTS Authors: OLALEKAN, O. O. Abstract: The bio-availability of iron from diets consumed by 160 apparently healthy Nigerians adolescents (aged 11-18 years) resident in an institution was assessed. The level of enhancers (ascorbic iron) and inhibitors (phytic and tannic acids) of iron absorption were also determined. Dietary adequacy of eight of the nutrients (calories, protein, calcium, copper, zinc, iron, phosphorus and ascorbic acid) consumed by the adolescents was estimated from proximate analysis of the foods. The iron status of the subjects was subsequently evaluated by measurement of haemoglobin (HB) concentration, haematocrit (HCT), serum iron (SI) concentration, and total iron binding capacity (TIBC),transferrin saturation (TS), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (PEP) and serum ferritin (SF) concentration, over a period of 18 months. The effect of midterm (6weeks) dietary supplementation with iron and ascorbic acid on HB and SF concentration was assessed in 100 adolescents. They were divided into four groups (designated I-IV). Groups I-III received supplementation consisting of 60mg iron, 100mg ascorbic acid or 60mg iron in combination with 100mg ascorbic acid, respectively, While group IV (placebo) received no dietary supplement. The results from the present study revealed that in vitro iron absorption from the foods ranged between 0.84 and 9.33%. The tannic and phytic acids content of the foods were low and had no effect on the bioavailability of iron from these foods. A strong correlation, however, existed between the levels of inhibitors (p<0.05) and iron content of the foods. Ascorbic acid enhanced iron absorption from the diets. Assessment of nutritional status from dietary intakes showed that with the exception of protein, iron, copper and phosphorus, the adolescents consumed suboptimal or marginal intakes of other nutrient. Older male subjects had significantly higher intakes of all nutrients (except ascorbic acid) than all other adolescents. Barcelino hematological data obtained from these adolescent revealed a low incidence of anemia (Hb<12g/d1). The longitudinal study also showed that for male subject aged 14 years, significant elevation in Hb concentration, Hct and TS values the 18 month experimental period occurred. A strong correlation also existed between Hb and TS ,and FEP, TS and FEP for subjects with low Hb concentration (-< 11.9g/d1). Parasitaemia and hookworm Infestation were not prevalent among the adolescents studied. All biochemical indices evaluated in particular iron strong (serum ferritin) were higher for males than female subjects. Ascorbic acid supplementation for 6 weeks failed to produce beneficial effect on erythropoiesis in these adolescents .Iron alone or in combination with ascorbic acid, however, produced significant increase in Hb, Hct TS and SF values. It is suggested that dual supplementation with multi-vitamins (especially ascorbic acid) and iron be incorporated Into dietary regimen of the Adolescents. Description: A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN ATTENDING CLINICS AT SENTINEL SITES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Title: NUTRITIONAL STATUS ASSESSMENT OF HIV-POSITIVE WOMEN ATTENDING CLINICS AT SENTINEL SITES IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA Authors: AKPAN, M. E. Abstract: HIV-Positive Women (HPW) are nutritionally vulnerable and account for 60% of PLWHA in Nigeria. Adequate dietary intake has been found to improve the nutritional status of People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART) is the mainstay in the management of PLWHA, but the influence of nutritional status of HPW has not been fully investigated in Nigeria. This study was designed to assess nutritional status and its association with ART use among HPW in HIV clinics at sentinel sites of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross sectional study involving 231 HPW selected from all four national HIV sentinel sites in Uyo (UY), Iquita-Oron (IO), Ikono (IK) and Urua-Akpan (UA) was carried out. Akwa Ibom State was purposively selected being the second highest in HIV surveillance in Nigeria and all HIV and treatment clinics at the sentinel sites were used. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select every third HPW that met criteria and had clinic appointment on each day of data collection. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographics, ART use, 24 hour dietary recall and anthropometric measurements. Dietary Intake was analysed using adapted Total Diet Assessment software, height and weight were measured with standard methods. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated and categorised using WHO standards. Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) derived from the 24 hour dietary intake was measured on a scale of 0-9 and a Women Dietary Diversity (WDD) tercile of ≤3, 4-5 and 6-9 were categorised as low, average and high respectively. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi-square tests and logistic regression at 5% level of significance. Age of respondents was 29.7±6.8 years, 37.7% were single, 53.7% attained secondary education, 75.8% were employed and 84.4% of respondents were currently on ART. Of those currently on ART, 44.1% had been on ART for more than 52 weeks. Mean daily energy intake (2008.3±856.1 kcal) of respondents on ART was significantly higher than that of respondents not on ART (1686.0±736.5kcal). The proportion of respondents with inadequate, adequate and excess energy intakes were 45.0%, 35.9%, 19.0% respectively. The DDS of respondents using ART (4.3±0.8) was significantly higher (4.0±1.1) than those not using ART, about 80.0% respondents had average WDD tercile and respondents consumed mostly starchy staples. The BMI of respondents in UY, IO, IK and UA were 23.3±2.1kg/m2, 21.7±3.5 kg/m2, 24.4±4.4 kg/m2 and 20.7±3.4 kg/m2 respectively. Underweight occurrence among respondents using ART (8.2%) was significantly lower than those (25.0%) not using ART. The use of ART was significantly associated with normal BMI of respondents and respondents not on ART were less likely to have normal BMI (OR=0.3, CI=0.097-0.691). HIV-positive women who used anti retroviral therapy had better nutritional status than those who did not. Adherence to anti retroviral therapy should be encouraged to maintain good nutritional status among HIV-positive women. Description: A Dissertation in the Department of Human Nutrition, Submitted to the Faculty of Public Health, In partial fulfillment of the requirement for the Degree of MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (POPULATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NUTRITION) of the UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

PREVALENCE OF HEALTH-RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Title: PREVALENCE OF HEALTH-RELATED RISK FACTORS AMONG PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, OYO STATE Authors: EZEOGU, A. U. Abstract: Healthy adolescents are important assets in the socio-economic growth and development of any nation. However, several factors, such as poor Reproductive Health Knowledge (RHK), Risky Sexual Behaviours (RSB), poor dietary intake, physical inactivity and overweight can negatively affect their health. Many studies in Nigeria have identified these risk factors among public secondary and/or out-of-school adolescents, but there is little information on the prevalence among private secondary school adolescents. This study was therefore designed to assess the prevalence of health-related risk factors among registered private secondary school adolescents in Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Ibadan North LGA which was purposively chosen from the five LGAs in Ibadan municipality. Using a 4-stage random sampling technique, 479 students (JS1-SS3) from four out of the19 registered privately-owned secondary schools in the LGA were selected. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic characteristics, RHK, RSB, lifestyle factors and eating habits and an interviewer-administered 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was used to determine dietary intake. A 49-point RHK scale (categorized as Poor [0-16], Average [17-33] and Good [34-49]) was constructed. RSB was defined as sexual initiation before age 16 years, having Multiple Sexual Partners (MSPs) and non-use of condom at last sexual act. Anthropometric data, classified by WHO standards, and dietary intake were assessed. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression at p=0.05. Respondents’ mean age was 13.9±1.3 years and 48.6% were females. Majority (78.9%) were Christians, 85.7% Yoruba and 85.9% were from monogamous homes. Overall, 11.9% of respondents had poor RHK. Fourteen percent reported Ever Had Sexual Intercourse (EHSI) and initiated sex before age 16 years. Seventy one percent had MSPs while 53.6% did not use condoms at last sexual encounter. Only 13.2% engaged in physical exercise lasting more than 30 minutes, five or more times weekly, while 73.1% iii watched television for more than two hours daily. All respondents reported daily meal skipping while 60.2% snacked on fast-foods between meals. Prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 4.2%, 11.5% and 1.2% respectively. Many had inadequate energy (46.2%), dietary fibre (61.5%) and calcium (98.6%) intakes. Being male (OR=4.5, CI=2.4-8.3), aged 16-19 years (OR=3.8, CI=2.0-7.1), in SS1-SS3 (OR=5.1, CI=2.7-9.6) and from polygamous home (OR=2.3, CI=1.2-4.4) were significantly associated with EHSI. Being aged 16-19 years (OR=5.2, CI=1.1-25.1) and in SS1-SS3 (OR=3.8, CI=1.1-13.5) were also significantly associated with having MSPs. Younger age (12-15 years) was significantly associated with non-use of condom at last sexual encounter (OR=13.5, CI=2.7-66.6). Several risk factors that may contribute to negative health-related outcomes were found among the adolescents. Comprehensive sexuality education, behavioural change communication activities and nutritional education interventions that address these identified risk factors are needed to reduce risk and improve the health of these adolescents. Description: A Dissertation in the Department of Human Nutrition Submitted to the Faculty of Public Health In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (POPULATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NUTRITION) of the UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MEN ABOUT EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Title: KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF MEN ABOUT EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE, NIGERIA Authors: EKENNA, E. O. Abstract: Poor breastfeeding practice has been implicated as one of the cause of malnutrition in infancy. Malnutrition underlies the cause of 50% of mortality in under-five children worldwide. Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) rate in Nigeria is low, and this low practice has been attributed to lack of knowledge, demand of work place, culture, age and marital status of nursing mothers. The role of men has also been found to be very crucial to the practice of EBF, however, knowledge and attitude of men that can influence EBF has not been adequately investigated. This study was therefore conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of men towards the practice of EBF in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Using descriptive cross-sectional design, a three-stage sampling technique was used to select 392 married men from households in Egor LGA of Edo State. A pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on demography, socio-economic characteristics, knowledge of adequate infant feeding practice for the first six months and attitude towards EBF practice. A scale of 0–14 was used to assess knowledge, and classified: as poor (0–4.0), average (4.1–9.0) and high (9.1–14.0). Attitude was assessed on a 15-item Likert scale with a maximum score of 75; a score of 15.0–35.0 being classified as not supportive, 35.1–50.0 as moderately supportive and 50.1–75.0 as high supportive. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, correlation and ANOVA. Level of significance was set at 5%. Respondents’ mean (SD) age was 40.4(±8.4) years, 90.1% were Christians and 4.6% Muslims. Many (54.6%) had secondary education, 25.1% tertiary, 16.6% primary and 4.8% had no formal education. Mean knowledge score was 5.6±1.8, 71.2% had average knowledge, 28.6% had low knowledge and 0.3% had high knowledge. Age, occupation and income had no significant relationship to knowledge. Knowledge was found to significantly increase with level of education. Mean attitude score was 32.3±1.4, 9.4% had highly supportive attitude, 50.0% moderately supportive attitude, while 40.6% were not supportive. Eight percent and 32.7% supported their wives’ breastfeeding in non-secluded places and secluded places respectively. Reasons for not supporting breastfeeding in non-secluded places included: to avoid the contamination of breastmilk (36.7%), not to expose mother’s body (24.5%), may not be hygienic for mother and child (19.6%). Age and income were not significantly associated with attitude. Education was significantly associated with support for EBF: 3.0% of those with tertiary education had a very supportive attitude compared with 12.1% with secondary education, 6.5% of those with primary education and 23.5% without formal education. Knowledge of EBF was inversely related to attitude (r= -0.23). Knowledge and attitude of men towards exclusive breastfeeding was average. There is a need to target men with nutrition education which will improve their knowledge and support for exclusive breastfeeding. Description: A Dissertation in the Department of Human Nutrition, Submitted to the Faculty of Public Health, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH (POPULATION AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH NUTRITION) of the UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN