Exploring the prevalence of multiple forms of malnutrition in children 6–18 years living in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Background: The existence of multiple forms of malnutrition is a growing problem in developing countries. Children living in the Eastern Cape have a relatively high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and food insecurity, suggesting the possibility of the several coexisting forms of malnutrition. Due to the negative long-term consequences of undernutrition, overnutrition and, to a greater extent, a combination of both, it is important for this issue to be identified early in children and addressed. Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of the different forms of malnutrition in children living in the Eastern Cape province. Methods: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional sample of 237 school-aged children, aged 6–18 years, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was conducted. The variables included in the analysis were the demographic data, anthropometric data and biochemical data, specifically blood profiles related to micronutrient deficiencies and CVD risk factors. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the prevalence rates of several coexisting forms of malnutrition in the children. All data analysis was conducted in R version 4.0.3 and statistical significance was set at 0.05. Results: In children with overweight/obesity, 13.6% had a micronutrient deficiency, while 37.71% of the children within the normal weight range had coexisting micronutrient deficiencies and CVD risk factors. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 73.0%, iron deficiency 6.3%, and hyperglycaemia was at 10.6%. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare the prevalence rates between genders and no statistically significant differences were observed. Conclusion: Further research is needed to understand the relatively high prevalence of CVD risk factors in these children within the normal weight range and to investigate how dietary intake contributes to the overall double burden of malnutrition in children

Association of Dietary Changes with Risk Factors of Type 2 Diabetes among Older Adults in Sharpeville, South Africa, from 2004 to 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the associations of dietary changes with risk factors of type 2 diabetes among older populations in Sharpeville, South Africa. A 24 h recall assessment, dietary diversity, and anthropometrics were measured. Blood samples were collected to assess fasting glucose and insulin. Regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. The mean BMI of the total of 103 participants was 30.63 kg/m2 at baseline and 29.66 kg/m2 at follow-up. Significantly higher BMI levels were reported in women than men both at baseline (p = 0.003) and follow-up (p = 0.009). Waist circumference significantly decreased from 96.20 cm to 93.16 cm (p = 0.046). The mean levels of HOMA-B significantly increased from 88.99 to 111.19 (p = 0.021). BMI was positively associated with intakes of total energy (p = 0.22), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.050), and cholesterol (p = 0.006). Waist circumference was strongly associated with total energy (p = 0.048), polyunsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.037), trans fatty acids (p = 0.039), and cholesterol (p = 0.000). HOMA-IR and HOMA-B were associated with intakes of fat (HOMA-IR: p = 0.013; HOMA-B: p = 0.040) and monounsaturated fatty acids (HOMA-IR: p = 0.003; HOMA-B: p = 0.040)