The Association of General and Central Obesity with Dietary Patterns and Socioeconomic Status in Adult Women in Botswana.

Dietary patterns and their association with general and central obesity among adult women were studied using a cross-sectional survey with multistage cluster sampling in urban and rural areas nationwide in Botswana. The participants in the study were adult women ( = 1019), 18-75 years old. The dietary patterns were identified using principal component analysis, and their associations with the body mass index and the weight-for-height ratio were examined.

Potential contribution of African green leafy vegetables and maize porridge composite meals to iron and zinc nutrition.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the mineral nutritive value of different traditional African green leafy vegetable (GLV) dishes and their composite meals with fortified and unfortified maize porridge.

Methods: The mineral (iron, zinc, and calcium) and antinutrient (phytate, total phenolics, and tannins) contents and in vitro bioaccessibility of iron and zinc were analyzed. The iron and zinc contents and bioaccessibilities were used to calculate contribution these dishes and meals could make toward the recommended daily requirements and absolute requirements of vulnerable populations.

The efficacy of micronutrient-fortified sorghum meal in improving the immune status of HIV-positive adults.

Background: Micronutrient deficiencies are common and compound the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in Africa. Nutritional interventions, particularly vitamin A supplementation, may improve immune functioning and delay disease progression.

Aim: To investigate the effect of fortified sorghum meal provided for 12 months on the immune status of adults with HIV.

Validation and reproducibility of an FFQ for use among adults in Botswana.

Objective: To evaluate the validity and reproducibility of a 122-item interviewer administered quantitative FFQ developed to determine food and nutrient intakes of adults in Botswana.

Design: Relative validity of the FFQ was evaluated by comparing nutrient and food group intakes against four non-consecutive 24 h recalls administered over 12 months. The FFQ was repeated after 1 year to assess reproducibility.