Assessment of food insecurity among rural households in Abia State

Background and objective: Food insecurity and hunger are forerunners to nutritional, health, human and economic development problems. The study was carried out to assess food insecurity and its effects on rural dwellers in Oloko and Oboro in Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia state. Methods: A random sampling technique was employed in selecting 400 households in Oboro and Oloko villages, in Ikwuano Local Government Area. A validated questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. The study was a cross-sectional study. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and figures Results: The study showed that a good number (75.5%) of the households were aware of food insecurity. Some (16.2%) households indicated they had experienced food scarcity, which was mostly as a result of (75.0%) crop failure which led to reduction in frequency of food consumption in 67.0% of the respondents. A good number (7.2%) worried that they did not have enough to eat, while 7.2% worried that they may have enough but not the kinds they want. Majority (71.0%) of the households sometimes worried that they do not eat a balanced diet. A total of 9.8% of the households reduced meals for family members. Adults (15.0%) skip meals because food wasn’t enough to go round (8.5%) while (1.2%) were in order to allow children have enough. Conclusion: This study has revealed that a good number (16.2%) of rural households have experienced food insecurity, which made them reduce the frequency of food consumption (67.0%), reduce meals for family members, and skip meals. Using the food security scale developed by USDA, it has been found that majority of the studied households are food insecure without hunger

Assessment of Prevalence of Obesity among Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Diabetic Out Patient Clinic, of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku/Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria

Introduction: Assessment of prevalence of obesity among newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in diabetic outpatient clinic, UNTH, Ituku/Ozalla was carried out. This research aimed to ascertain the impact of obesity in the development of diabetes mellitus and to know the prevalence of obesity in both gender.Methodology: The study was conducted in Wednesday Diabetic out-patient clinic University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku/Ozalla. A total number of 211 patients were used: 102 males and 109 females. The patients were all adults. Data was collected using anthropometric measurement ranging from weight and height measurement, waist and hip circumference. BMI and waist-hip ratio calculated from the variables were used to assess whether the patients were obese, overweight, normal or underweight. Data was analyzed as percentage, Z score statistics was used to analyze to help ascertain if there is difference in prevalence of obesity in male and female.Result: The results showed that higher percentage of the patients were either obese or overweight (56.4% and 58.29%) using BMI and waist-hip ratio respectively. Female type 2 diabetes were seen to be more obese or overweight 67.82% and 82.57% when compared to their male counterpart 43.1% and 32.35% using BMI and waist-hip ratio. The reasons may be due to the following: pregnancy, menopause, sedentary life style, less activity, use of contraceptives and dietary habits. Conclusion: However from the study, it is now evident that obesity is diabetogenic revealing the importance of maintaining normal weight and also weight reduction if overweight/obese. These could be achieved by public education about obesity and its complications, incorporating obesity and diabetes education in the school curriculum, enlightening the public on this issue through mass media. Keywords: Assessment, Prevalence, Obesity, Newly–Diagnosed, Type-2-Diabetic-Patients

Obesity, physical activity pattern and hypercholesterolemia among civil servants in Bida Niger State Nigeria

Background: Lack of empirical data on the prevalence of overweight/obesity and hypercholesterolemia as well as their complications is of concern in developing countries like Nigeria. Thus, there is need for regular surveillance on the prevalence of these conditions to enable implementation of effective control strategies. Objectives: The study assessed the prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypercholetrolemia and physical activity pattern among civil servants in Bida Local Goverment Area of Niger state Nigeria. Methodology: Structured and validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic and physical activity/exercise pattern from 402 subjects’ sampled using stratified random sampling by ballot without replacement in the study. Anthropometric data was measured with appropriate tool for each measurement. Total cholesterol was analysed using Randox Kit. Data was compared with standards and analyzed. Data was described with mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentage. Analysis was done with Chi square and Pearson coloration. Results were presented in tables and figures. Result: Result revealed that 31.3% were overweight and 53.2% were obese, only 13.86% had normal percentage body fat, 41.79% of the respondents had a normal visceral fat level (≤9), 35.82% of the respondents had an increased health risk using waist circumference classification and 57.21% had an increased health risk when waist –hip ratio classification was used. Blood cholesterol result also showed that 74.4% were within normal range. This study showed that there is a positive correlation between serum cholesterol and BMI, %body fat, % skeletal muscle, visceral fat, waist circumference and hip circumference at P-value < 0.001. Conclusion: There is epidemic of overweight/obesity and raised blood cholesterol among civil servants in Bida area

Comparative study of proximate, minerals and fatty acid (as oleic) content of cooked and uncooked cow tripe consumed in Ghana.

Background: Meat and meat products such as the cow tripe are commonly eaten in Ghana, but their nutrient composition is not known and this affects evidenced based nutrition counseling and interventions. Objectives:The study was to compared the minerals, proximate and free fatty acid (FFA) (as oleic) composition of uncooked and cooked samples of cow tripe. Methods: Samples of cow tripewere obtained from the markets by purposive sampling which was later processed and analysed. The samples were chemically analysed to determine the nutrient content by using standard methods. Results were presented as means and standard deviations. The data from the uncooked and cooked tripe were compared using the Independent sample t-test. Results: The moisture content was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the raw cow tripe than the cooked cow tripe. Energy, ash, fat and protein content were all significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cooked cow tripe than raw cow tripe. The carbohydrate content of raw cow tripe is not significantly higher (p > 0.05) than cooked cow tripe with a 100% change after cooking. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in the FFA (as oleic) content of the raw and cooked sample. Zinc content of cow tripe reduced after cooking by 99%. Phosphorus content was significantly higher when cooked(p < 0.05). After cooking also, there was a significant increase of copper in tripe (p < 0.05). Raw tripe recorded a very high iron content (app. 13.0 mg/100g), and did not decrease significantly after cooking. Conclusion: The study gave ample information on the proximate, oleic and mineralscomposition of raw and cooked cow tripe consumed in Ghana.The findings revealed that, cow tripe have considerable nutritional value,which can make significant impact in the nutrients intakes of individuals

Chemical composition of hippocratea welwitchi: a common indigenous spice consumed in South- Eastern Nigeria.

Background: Hippocrateawelwitchiis an indigenous spice consumed in Nigeria. It is commonly used in preparing different types of soups. Aim: This study evaluated the nutrient, antinutrient and photochemical composition of Hippocrateawelwitchispiceconsumed in South- eastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The spices were obtained from Relief market in Owerri municipal, Imo State and identified by a plant taxonomist. The samples were processed into spices and analysed chemically using standard methods. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis and result was presented with mean and standard deviation. Result: The proximate composition showed that sample contained ash (1.98±0.007%), carbohydrates (76.6±0.007%), crude fibre (2.97±0.007%), fat (0.99±0.014%), protein (3.55±0.014%) and moisture (13.86±0.014%) respectively. The minerals present included: sodium (0.03±0.00 %), calcium (0.25±0.00%), potassium (0.42±0.00%), magnesium (0.32±0.00 mg/kg), manganese (45.50±0.00 mg/kg), zinc (5.50±0.00 mg/kg), iron (111±0.00 mg/kg) and copper (1.05±0.00 mg/kg) respectively. Vitamins were present in small quantities. The vitamin content included: vitamin C (0.1±0.00%), vitamin A (0.02±0.00%) and vitamin E (0.26±0.00%) respectively. The percentage quantities of phytochemicals and antinutrients present were 5.23±0.00, 3.96±0.00, 18.04±0.00, 19.11±0.00, 0.45±0.00, 0.26±0.00, 2.67±0.00 and 0.4±0.00 for phytic acid, saponin, flavonoid, alkaloid, oxalic acid, tannin, phenol and cyanide. Conclusion: The study has identified that Hippocrateawelwitchispice contained vital phytochemicals and nutrients which could contribute to the required nutrient intakes from our diets. Interestingly, the spice is low in sodium, making it healthy even for hypertensive patients

Effects of corchorus olitorius, myrianthus arboreus and annona muricata aqueous leaves extracts on body weight, blood glucose levels and lipid profile of alloxan- induced diabetic Rats

Background: Many traditional leafy vegetables have been reported to have possible metabolic benefits in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Objective: This study investigated the effects of Corchorus olitorius, Myrianthus arboreus and Annona muricata aqueous leaves extracts on body weight, blood glucose levels and lipid profile of alloxan- induced diabetic rats. Materials and methods: Fresh leaves of Corchorus olitorius (wild okro), Myrianthus arboreus (browse plant) and Annona muricata (sour sop) were collected from Obollo-Etiti in Udenu L.G.A, Enugu State. The leaves were systematically processed into an extracts. Half of the leave extracts were used to determine the pytochemical (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponnins and phenolics) composition of the extracts using standard methods. The other halves of the extracts were used to formulate diet with rat chow for the study. Thirty five male adult albino rats were randomized into seven groups for the experimental study. The feeding trial lasted for 14 days. The biochemical parameters (fasting blood glucose and lipid profile) and body weights of study groups were determined at baseline and at the end of the study using standard assay. Statistical analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS statistics software version 21. Paired sample T- test was also used to compare baseline values and end values. Results: The result of the phytochemical analysis of the extracts showed that Annona muricata had the highest phytochemical compositions. The animal studies showed that the leave extracts of Corchorus olitorius, Myrianthus arboreus and Annona muricata at different levels of supplementation increased the mean body weight of the diabetic rats (p>0.05). The extracts caused significant (p<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels, serum TC, TG and LDL-C and increased serum HDL-C levels of the rats. Conclusion: The aqueous extracts of Corchorus olitorius, Myrianthus arboreus and Annona muricata leaves have antidiabetic potentials

Lifestyle and anthropometric indices of hypertensive patients in Bichi Local Government Area Kano State

Background: Nutrition is a very crucial component in the management of hypertension. The diet of hypertensive patients needs to be critically assessed as well as the lifestyle changes that would encourage maintenance of good blood pressure control. Objective: The study evaluated the lifestyle and anthropometric indices of hypertensive patients in Bichi Local Government Area, Kano State. Method: A cross sectional study design was used. A total of 300 subjects were selected by simple random sampling by ballot without replacement. Validated questionnaire was used to collect information from the respondents while weighing scale, height meter and tape were used for anthropometric measurement. The mean, frequency, percentage and standard deviation of the data was obtained. The data was presented in tables and figures. Result: The result of the study revealed that the average body mass index of the respondents was in the overweight range (28.37±4.35) about 43% were overweight while 37% were obese. It was also discovered that 18% of the subjects’ smoke, 20% consume alcohol daily and 65% of the subjects do not engage in any form of exercise. Conclusion: The high prevalence of overweight and hypertension among patients (80%) was due to their poor dietary pattern and lifestyle. Therefore, there is need for a lifestyle and dietary modification to help them lose weight, obtain adequate diet and as well maintain a good blood pressure to prevent complications associations associated

Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices of Mothers of Children (0 – 24 Months) Attending Infant Welfare Clinice (IWC) at the Institute of Child Health (ICH) University of Nigerian Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla Enugu

Background: The study investigated the breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices of mothers of children (0-24months) attending the Infant Welfare Clinic (IWC) at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu. The study aimed; to access the infant feeding knowledge of mothers, to ascertain the time of introduction of complementary feeds by mothers, to assess the quality of the complementary feeds used by mothers and to ascertain the period of breastfeeding cessation by the mothers. Methodology: The research involved a cohort study of the breastfeeding and complementary feeding pattern of mothers of children (0-24months) attending the Infant Welfare Clinic (IWC) situated at the Institute of Child Health (ICH), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu The study was carried out through the evaluation of the knowledge, and practices of the mothers. Structured interview schedule was used to collect information on the mothers' knowledge, and practices of breast feeding and complementary feeding recommendations. Result: Analysis of data revealed that the breastfeeding practices of the mothers varied. Ninety mothers (45%) gave breastmilk alone, only 25 (12.5%) of these children were up to six months. Sixty five (32.5%) of these children who are receiving breastmilk alone were still under six months of age. Majority (26.7%) of the mothers who were no longer breastfeeding stopped between 6 and 8 months of age, while 139(74.4) among the breastfeeding mothers planned to stop breastfeeding between the ages of 12 and 23months. Thirty one mothers (16.7%) planned to breastfeed their children up to 24 months and beyond. Eighty (40%) mothers had introduced their children to complementary feeds and time of introduction of complementary feeds varied among the mothers. Corn gruel (pap) was a common complementary feed used by majority of the mothers 50(62.5%). Very few mothers 18(22.5%) enrich the complementary feeds with sugar and oil and only 14 (17.5%) mothers used feeding bottles to feed their children. Fifty eight mothers (72.5%) had introduced their children to the family foods. A consistent positive relationship existed between mother's education and frequency of breastfeeding; type of birth and exclusive breastfeeding and birth order; mother's educational background and exclusive breastfeeding; frequency of breastfeeding with age of introducing complementary feeding and when to stop breastfeeding with mother's occupation and educational background respectively. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, the researchers concluded that although breastfeeding remains a universal practice by women, the Infant and young child feeding practices observed in this study are far from optimal. The finding showed that although breastfeeding is common amongst the mothers, it is rarely optimal. The mothers use mainly pap made from cereals as complementary feeds instead of using different varieties of our locally available foods, as was the practice prior to the rampant use of the maize gruels. The mothers had insufficient knowledge of use of sugar and oil to enrich the complementary feeds. Keywords: Breastfeeding, Complementary feeding, Practices, Mothers, Childre

Lifestyle and anthropometric assessment of in-school adolescents in rural and urban communities of Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria

Background: Adolescence is marked by considerable existential conflicts as well as exposure and vulnerability to substance abuse. Poor lifestyle behaviour of adolescents today constitute risk factor for future adult’s health status. The study assessed the anthropometric status and lifestyle behaviour of in-school adolescents of rural and urban communities in Nsukka local government area, Enugu state. Methods: A cross sectional study of 375 in-school adolescents randomly selected from urban and rural secondary schools in Nsukka local government area was done using a multistage sampling technique. Structured and validated questionnaire were administered to the subjects to elicit information on the socio-demographic, socio-economic and lifestyle behavior characteristics. Anthropometric assessment was carried out using standard methods and the data obtained was categorized using World Health Organization Z- scores standard. Data obtained from the questionnaire was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data and inferential statistics (t-test and chi-square) was used to compare associations. Significance level was set at p<0.05. Results: More than half (69.3%) of the respondents were females, 48.5% of the respondents were in the middle adolescence (14 -16 years). The prevalence rates of underweight and obesity among the adolescents in the urban areas are 26.9% and 0.8% respectively while in the rural areas they are 22.1% and 1.2% respectively. Proportion that participated in exercise were 85.7% and 80.8% in the rural and urban areas respectively but more of those in the urban areas took part in vigorous intensity exercises (65.4%). Smoking pattern showed that 0.8% and 1.2% in the urban and rural areas indulged in cigarette smoking and only rural adolescents admitted to the smoking of Indian hemp (3.7%). Alcohol intake was also significantly higher in the rural adolescents (31.4%) when compared to their urban counterparts (12.3%). There exists significant difference (p=0.000) for alcohol intake between the urban and rural adolescents, frequency of physical activity between the rural and urban adolescents, education level of sponsors in both rural and urban areas. There also exists a significance difference (p=0.003) for the duration of physical activities. Conclusion: This study revealed prevalence of double burden of malnutrition (overweight/obesity and underweight), poor lifestyle behavior among adolescents in urban and rural secondary schools in Nsukka

Malnutrition and feeding practices among under-five children in rural communities of Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Poor dietary practices and malnutrition among under five children in Nigeria has remained a great public health concern. Objective: This study assessed the feeeding practices and nutritional status of under-five children to determine the prevalence of malnutrition of under five children in Kuje area council, Abuja. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was employed. Validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on the feeding practices of the respondents, while appropriate equipment was used for measurements of anthropometric parameters. Anthropometric data was analysed by comparing with reference standard and analysed statistically with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: Result showed that 97% of the children were breastfed, 30.6% had early initiation to breastfeeding, 22.4% were breastfed exclusively, and 30.2% discarded colostrum. Only 27.7% had age appropriate timely introduction of complementary feeding. The prevalence of global acute malnutrition (GAM) was 12.8%, (severe wasting [5.4%] plus moderate wasting [7.4%]), underweight was 24.4%, stunting was 40.3% and overweight was 7.0%. Child left in the care of another child (younger than 14 years old), place of delivery, immunization status of the child, early initiation to breastfeeding, use of colostrum, and age of child were all significantly (p<0.05) associated with nutritional status. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of malnutrition and poor infant and young child practice in Kuje Area Council