Assessment of dietary diversity, antenatal care, food taboos, meal frequency, and nutritional status of pregnant adolescents in rural Malawi: a cross-sectional study

High rates of pregnancy during adolescence in Malawi compromise the nutritional status of adolescent mothers and their infants. When a pregnant adolescent is malnourished, she is at risk for health complications. Research focusing on the nutritional status of pregnant adolescents in Malawi is minimal. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary diversity, antenatal care, food taboos, meal frequency, and nutritional status of pregnant adolescents in rural Malawi. The study included sixty-two pregnant adolescents between 15-19 years old. Data collection included the use of a pre-tested questionnaire, standardized dietary diversity survey and measurements of mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), height, and hemoglobin. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, linear and logistic regression. Mean (SD) age was 17.7 (1.2) years. Mean MUAC was 25.9 (2.0) cm; 31% had MUAC <25 cm. The occurrence of stunting was 19% and 21% were ≤150 cm tall. The mean hemoglobin was 10.37 (1.93) g/dL and 66% were anemic. The mean dietary diversity score was 4.06 (1.18) and 69% did not achieve minimum dietary diversity (score ≥ five.) No participants consumed dairy and only 7% consumed eggs. Eating meat and poultry or dark green leafy vegetables predicted a 1.31g/dL (pvalue = 0.0306) or 1.08 g/dL (p-value =0.0331) increase in hemoglobin levels, respectively (R2=0.15). Food taboos during pregnancy were common (35%). Compared to the Malawi National Nutrition Guidelines, 87% were not eating daily from each of the six food groups and 74% were not meeting the recommended meal frequency during pregnancy (three meals and at least one snack/day). Less than 50% consumed foods from legumes/nuts and animal food groups. The majority (63%) did not take antenatal supplements and only 37% consumed ferrous sulfate. Only 52% received advice about nutrition during pregnancy and few (8%) received advice about infant and young child feeding. Girls who received nutrition advice were more likely to take an iron supplement [OR=4.19 (1.82-9.68), p=0.0008] compared to those who did not. As the number of antenatal visits increased, the participants were more likely to take a supplement [OR=11.88 (3.40-41.49) p=0.001]. Interventions for pregnant adolescents in rural Malawi should occur early in pregnancy and include education on dietary diversity, increasing hemoglobin levels, meal frequency, food taboos, antenatal supplements and infant and young child feeding.Keywords: Adolescent nutrition, Pregnant adolescents, Dietary diversity, Food taboos, HemoglobinAfr. J. Food Agric. Nutr. Dev. 2019; 19(3): 14555-1457

A qualitative evaluation of an interprofessional collaboration between an academic organization and hospital foundation trust

Background: Research recognizes that collaborative working between academicorganizations and clinical institutions may help realize the effective delivery ofpatient care. Yet, few studies report on the processes required to effect the necessary changes. is article reports on a research process that was delivered by ateam of academics and clinicians that aimed to illuminate processes of interprofessional collaboration.Methods and findings: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants selected from both a university and a foundation trust. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.Conclusions: e fruits of interprofessional practice and collaboration have beneficial effects, especially for the patient. ese are realized through the collegialefforts of stakeholders from each organization, where consistent effort, cooperativeand inclusive actions facilitate participative agency, resulting in rich relationships.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Impact of a novel after school program: Smart Fit Girls

Individuals who are highly physically active are more likely to have a greater self-esteem, better body image, and increased physical activity self-efficacy. Currently, the average PE program provides less than 12% of the recommended daily amount of physical activity, with adolescent girls being the least active. The primary purpose of this research is to explore the efficacy of an after-school program, Smart Fit Girls (SFG), which aims to improve adolescent girls physical activity habits, self-esteem and body image. A secondary purpose is to examine how physical activity and mother/daughter relationships affect adolescent girls physical and emotional health. Girls attending Riverside Middle School in Pendleton, SC and their mother or female guardian were recruited for this study. The girls were 10-14 years old, in good academic standing, and were not involved in school athletics. To explore the impact of SFG all participants and their mothers will complete two rounds (pre/post) of questionnaires and focus groups. A control group of daughters and mothers at R.C. Edwards in Clemson, SC will participate in quantitative and qualitative data collection as well. Preliminary data demonstrate an 11% increase in self-esteem in mothers and statistically significant improvements in body image between pre and post measurements in girl participants

Investigating perinatal depression, breastfeeding, and infant nutritional status among south Sudanese refugees in Uganda: A mixed methods study

Mothers in refugee settlements face challenges, including an increased risk of developing perinatal depression as well as complex barriers to breastfeeding. Issues of food insecurity and child undernutrition are common. Evidence suggests an association between maternal mental health status, breastfeeding practices and infant nutritional status exists. However, associations have been scantly studied among refugees and the scope of perinatal depression among refugees in Uganda is unknown. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate perinatal depression, breastfeeding, and infant nutritional status among South Sudanese refugees in Uganda. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and in-depth individual interviews. Quantitative data collection occurred during a community based, longitudinal, randomized controlled trial. Six perceived common stressors were: lack of basic needs, issues involving childbirth, marital conflict and violence, other violence and conflict, inadequate health care, and issues involving children. Parents responded to stress by contacting leaders/authorities, talking to others, healthy coping skills, and unhealthy coping skills. Participants perceived the community could organizing community discussions, leadership, economic opportunities, recreational opportunities, and counseling. Breastfeeding barriers included: knowledge, physical, socioeconomic, and psychosocial. Beliefs and knowledge about breastfeeding benefits, support from husband/father, the community, and non-governmental organizations were facilitators of breastfeeding. During pregnancy, 70.3% of mothers had depressive symptoms and 19.9% had antenatal depression. Nearly a quarter (23.5%) had postpartum depression and 62.3% reported depressive symptoms. Over half (66.6%) breastfed within one hour of birth and 55.5% exclusively breastfed their infants. Among infants, 11.9% were underweight, 12.8% were stunted, and 7.1% were wasted. No association was determined between antenatal depression and breastfeeding practices or undernutrition. In adjusted analyses, mothers who met the criteria for postpartum depression were less likely to breastfeed within an hour of birth and less likely to exclusively breastfeed. Initiating breastfeeding within an hour after delivery and exclusively breastfeeding both significantly reduced the odds of developing postpartum depression. Early postpartum depression symptoms predicted significantly lower weight-for-age scores and lower length-for-age scores. These results indicate a connection between postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and infant nutritional status. Screening and treatment for perinatal depression during antenatal and postnatal care is important. Interventions aiming to improve breastfeeding among refugees may also consider including initiatives to address postpartum depression

Feeding your baby: Your baby's first food; Breastmilk

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311

Early childhood nutrition: Feeding "choosy" eaters

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311

Feeding your baby: Your baby's first food; Infant formula

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311

Feeding your baby: After the baby; Daily food choices for the breastfeeding mom

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311

Early childhood nutrition: Keep food safe

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311

Early childhood nutrition: Making mealtime pleasant

The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service periodically issues revisions to its publications. The most current edition is made available. For access to an earlier edition, if available for this title, please contact the Oklahoma State University Library Archives by email at [email protected] or by phone at 405-744-6311