A Contextual Nutrition Education Program Improves Nutrition Knowledge and Attitudes of South African Teachers and Learners.

Evaluating the impact of a nutrition education program could provide insight into the effectiveness of an intervention. Researchers tested the hypothesis that a theory-based contextual nutrition education program (NEP) would improve the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices (KAP) of teachers and learners. Twenty three teachers who taught nutrition in Grades 4-7 (treatment school, = 12) and 681 learners (treatment school, = 350) participated in the study.

Development, Implementation, and Process Evaluation of a Theory-Based Nutrition Education Programme for Adults Living With HIV in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

Healthy diets play a role in the management and care for adults living with HIV/AIDS (ALH). Appropriate nutrition education (NE) is necessary to equip ALH with relevant knowledge and skills for healthy eating. A needs assessment identified the need for a nutrition education programme (NEP) as part of the nutrition service for ALH in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

A Theory-Based Contextual Nutrition Education Manual Enhanced Nutrition Teaching Skill.

A theory-based contextual nutrition education manual (NEM) may enhance effective teaching of nutrition in schools. School nutrition education should lead to the realization of such benefits as improved health, scholarly achievement leading to manpower development and consequently the nation's development. The purpose of the study was to develop a contextual NEM for teachers of Grade 5 and 6 learners in the Bronkhorstspruit district, South Africa, and to assess teachers' perception on the use of the manual for teaching nutrition.

Prevalence of Selected Intermediate Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases in an Apparently Healthy Indian Community in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

South Africa, burdened with the emerging chronic diseases, is home to one of the largest migrant Indian population, however, little data exists on the risk factors for non-communicable diseases in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of yet undiagnosed selected intermediate risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the Indian population in KwaZulu-Natal. We randomly selected 250 apparently healthy Indians, aged 35-55 years, living in KwaDukuza to participate in this study.

Nutrition education practices of primary school teachers in a resource-constrained community in Gauteng, South Africa.

We investigated the nutrition education (NE) practices of teachers of grade 4‒7 learners in 11 primary schools (85% of total number) of the Bronkhorstspruit district (Gauteng Province) to identify opportunities for improving NE in these schools. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among a convenient sample of the teachers (N = 73) using a structured nutrition education practice questionnaire. Descriptive data analysis was done.

Reliability and validity of a modified MEDFICTS dietary fat screener in South African schoolchildren are determined by use and outcome measures.

Background: In South Africa, noncommunicable diseases and obesity are increasing and also affect children. No validated assessment tools for fat intake are available.

Objective: To determine test-retest reliability and relative validity of a pictorial modified meats, eggs, dairy, fried foods, fats in baked goods, convenience foods, table fats, and snacks (MEDFICTS) dietary fat screener.

Presentation and interpretation of food intake data: factors affecting comparability across studies.

Non-uniform, unclear, or incomplete presentation of food intake data limits interpretation, usefulness, and comparisons across studies. In this contribution, we discuss factors affecting uniform reporting of food intake across studies. The amount of food eaten can be reported as mean portion size, number of servings or total amount of food consumed per day; the absolute intake value for the specific study depends on the denominator used because food intake data can be presented as per capita intake or for consumers only.

Duration of hospitalization and appetite of HIV-infected South African children.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children generally show poor growth. Episodes of diarrhoea and pneumonia in HIV-infected children are thought to be more severe than in HIV-uninfected children. The objective of this study was to compare duration of hospitalization, appetite and nutritional status of HIV-infected children with that of uninfected children.

Changes in retinol-binding protein concentrations and thyroid homeostasis with nonoccupational exposure to DDT.

Background: The insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) has been used for malaria vector control in the northern and eastern parts of the Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa, since 1945. Bioaccumulation of DDT raises concern because it reportedly affects thyroid function.

Objective: Our objective was to investigate the association between DDT uptake (as reflected in plasma concentrations) and thyroid homeostasis while considering related factors.

The economic burden of diarrheal disease in a tertiary level hospital, Gauteng, South Africa.

Background: Diarrheal disease remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in young children in South Africa. Although a rotavirus vaccine will reduce rotavirus diarrheal morbidity and mortality, its introduction and sustainability will incur considerable costs. The aim of this study was to estimate the costs associated with diarrheal disease of all etiologies in children <5 years of age at Dr George Mukhari Hospital, a tertiary level hospital in Gauteng, South Africa.

Short-term micronutrient supplementation reduces the duration of pneumonia and diarrheal episodes in HIV-infected children.

The duration of pneumonia and of diarrhea is reported to be longer in HIV-infected than in uninfected children. We assessed the effect of a multi-micronutrient supplement on the duration of hospitalization in HIV-infected children. In a double-blind, randomized trial, HIV-infected children (4-24 mo) who were hospitalized with diarrhea or pneumonia were enrolled (n = 118) and given a daily dose of a multi-micronutrient supplement (containing vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and folic acid, as well as copper, iron, and zinc at levels based on recommended daily allowances) or a placebo until discharge from the hospital.

Improved appetite after multi-micronutrient supplementation for six months in HIV-infected South African children.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of multi-micronutrient supplementation on the appetite of HIV-infected children. HIV-infected children (6-24 months) who had previously been hospitalized were enrolled into a double-blind randomized trial, and given daily multi-micronutrient supplements or placebos for six months. Appetite tests were performed at enrollment and after three and six months.

The nutritional status of asymptomatic HIV-infected Africans: directions for dietary intervention?

Objective: To compare the relationships between food (nutrient) intakes and biochemical markers of nutritional status of asymptomatic HIV-infected with HIV-uninfected subjects, to gain more information on the appropriate diet for HIV-infected persons at an early stage of infection.

Design: Cross-sectional population-based survey.

Setting: North West Province, South Africa.