The relationship between dietary intake and adiposity in South African female adolescents : a systematic review

: The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in developing nations over the past decade, particularly among adolescent girls. To assess the scale of this epidemic among female adolescents in South Africa, a systematic review was undertaken to investigate the connection between diet and obesity. Multiple databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies investigating the associations between diet and various adiposity indices as outcomes. Of the 56 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants spanned from 11 to 21 years. Tabulation was used to report the data, study by study. The consumption of nutrients from animal sources exhibited a positive correlation with higher BMI-for-age Z scores (p = 0.02). Eating habits such as sporadic family meals (p ≤ 0.02), irregular breakfast consumption (p ≤ 0.05), and a high energy intake derived from fat were linked to an increased risk of adiposity. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and residential location revealed associations with certain dietary intakes and adiposity. As more studies identify the causative role of diet in obesity, there is an urgent need for policy intervention and strategies to address the growing non-communicable disease burden in South Africa.The prevalence of obesity has increased significantly in developing nations over the past decade, particularly among adolescent girls. To assess the scale of this epidemic among female adolescents in South Africa, a systematic review was undertaken to investigate the connection between diet and obesity. Multiple databases (Google Scholar, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched to identify studies investigating the associations between diet and various adiposity indices as outcomes. Of the 56 studies identified, 7 met the inclusion criteria. The age range of participants spanned from 11 to 21 years. Tabulation was used to report the data, study by study. The consumption of nutrients from animal sources exhibited a positive correlation with higher BMI-for-age Z scores (p = 0.02). Eating habits such as sporadic family meals (p ≤ 0.02), irregular breakfast consumption (p ≤ 0.05), and a high energy intake derived from fat were linked to an increased risk of adiposity. Additionally, factors such as socioeconomic status and residential location revealed associations with certain dietary intakes and adiposity. As more studies identify the causative role of diet in obesity, there is an urgent need for policy intervention and strategies to address the growing non-communicable disease burden in South Africa.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsciHuman Nutritio

Exploring the infant feeding experiences of mothers living in selected Tshwane informal settlements : a qualitative study

OBJECTIVE : The study aimed to explore and describe the infant feeding experiences of mothers of children aged 3 to 24 months, living in two selected informal settlements in Tshwane, South Africa. DESIGN : This exploratory qualitative study gathered data via six focus-group discussions (FGDs). These were facilitated using a semi-structured questionnaire guide with probes. Data were then transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. SETTING : The study was conducted in the two selected informal settlements in the west of Tshwane, South Africa. SUBJECTS : Biological mothers (n = 28) of infants and young children aged 3 to 24 months, living in the selected informal settlements participated. The mothers had to be living with their child with some responsibility for their daily care and feeding. RESULTS : Three themes with six sub-themes were identified following thematic analysis. First was the mothers’ experience of infant feeding, which included their interpretations and practices of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Second, mothers received infant feeding support from their elders based on common beliefs. The support received from healthcare workers was sometimes perceived negatively. However, healthcare workers based at healthcare facilities were important sources of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding information. Third were the setting-related factors that negatively affected the mothers’ ability to access nutritious food for themselves and their infants. These included household food insecurity, plus environmental and household factors affecting food storage and preparation. CONCLUSION : Mothers experienced several challenging circumstances affecting their infant feeding efforts. These findings highlight the need to strengthen targeted infant feeding counselling and support for mothers living in resourceconstrained environments.http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCNam2024Human NutritionNursing ScienceSDG-02:Zero Hunge

Exploring the infant feeding experiences of mothers living in selected Tshwane informal settlements: a qualitative study

Objective: The study aimed to explore and describe the infant feeding experiences of mothers of children aged 3 to 24 months, living in two selected informal settlements in Tshwane, South Africa. Design: This exploratory qualitative study gathered data via six focus-group discussions (FGDs). These were facilitated using a semi-structured questionnaire guide with probes. Data were then transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Setting: The study was conducted in the two selected informal settlements in the west of Tshwane, South Africa. Subjects: Biological mothers (n = 28) of infants and young children aged 3 to 24 months, living in the selected informal settlements participated. The mothers had to be living with their child with some responsibility for their daily care and feeding. Results: Three themes with six sub-themes were identified following thematic analysis. First was the mothers’ experience of infant feeding, which included their interpretations and practices of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding. Second, mothers received infant feeding support from their elders based on common beliefs. The support received from healthcare workers was sometimes perceived negatively. However, healthcare workers based at healthcare facilities were important sources of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding information. Third were the setting-related factors that negatively affected the mothers’ ability to access nutritious food for themselves and their infants. These included household food insecurity, plus environmental and household factors affecting food storage and preparation. Conclusion: Mothers experienced several challenging circumstances affecting their infant feeding efforts. These findings highlight the need to strengthen targeted infant feeding counselling and support for mothers living in resource-constrained environments