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Research Article
Effect of Nutrition Education Intervention on the Use of Micronutrients Powders for Children Aged 6-59 Months in Zanzibar City
Rania Nahdi*
,
Theobald Mosha
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
205-212
Received:
2 August 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.11
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Abstract: The Micronutrient Powder (MNP) program in Tanzania, introduced by the Feed the Future Project in 2013, aimed to reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among children under five years old. This study, conducted in Zanzibar City, where iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent, assessed the effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on the use of MNPs for children aged 6-59 months, focusing on hemoglobin levels and anthropometric measures. The study explored the potential of MNPs, coupled with proper education, to alleviate iron deficiency anemia and other nutrient deficiencies. The longitudinal study involved 363 mothers/caregivers and their children, with data collected at baseline, midline (4 weeks), and endline (8 weeks) using structured questionnaires that captured socio-economic and demographic information, nutrition-related data, and measurements of anthropometrics and hemoglobin concentrations. The intervention included individual counseling and the distribution of MNP brochures during clinic visits. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and one-way ANOVA were performed using IBM SPSS Version 26. Results showed significant changes in several indicators post-intervention: moderate anemia in children decreased from 64.7% at baseline to 59.5% at endline, with marginal decreases in severe anemia and slight improvements in weight-for-height and weight-for-age indicators, though height-for-age remained largely unchanged. The ANOVA results revealed variations in hemoglobin levels correlated with MNP intake, with those receiving moderate MNP showing the highest mean hemoglobin levels. The study concludes that MNP distribution programs should incorporate educational components to enhance compliance and effectiveness. Future strategies should consider appropriate dosing and consistent intake tailored to community-specific needs, alongside more holistic public health nutrition programs that address food security, water, sanitation, and mainstream health initiatives for sustained child health improvement. Further research is recommended to explore factors affecting long-term adherence and the intervention's impact across different settings to inform more precise public health strategies.
Abstract: The Micronutrient Powder (MNP) program in Tanzania, introduced by the Feed the Future Project in 2013, aimed to reduce the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies among children under five years old. This study, conducted in Zanzibar City, where iron deficiency anemia is highly prevalent, assessed the effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention o...
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Research Article
Morphological and Physicochemical Characteristics of the Fruits of Anisophyllea Quangensis Engl. Ex Henriq from the Savannah Surrounding the City of Brazzaville-Congo
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
213-221
Received:
5 August 2024
Accepted:
3 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.12
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Abstract: The present study is a contribution to the valorization of unconventional wild oilseed plants from the floristic biodiversity of Congo through the morphological and physicochemical characterization of the fruits of Anisophyllea quangensis. Ten fruit samples were collected from different locations in the savannah surrounding Brazzaville. Morphological characterization on 20 fruits from each sample was carried out using a caliper and a precision balance. The extraction and physicochemical characterization of fats from the pulp and seed were carried out according to standard analysis methods. The results show that the fruits of Anisophyllea quangensis are ellipsoids (l/L< 1). The pulp contains two (2) times more water than the seed, i.e. 83.13±3.10% and 38.8±5.2% respectively. The ash content of the pulp (8.1±2.1%) is also higher than that of the seed (3.28±1.02%); on the other hand, the oil content of the pulp (4 ± 2%) is very low compared to the fat content of the seed (27 ± 3%). On physicochemical analyses, the fat of the seed has a refractive index between 1.4558 and 1.4725, an acid index around 45 mgKOH/g, a peroxide index less than or equal to 15 meq/Kg, an iodine index less than 110% and a calorific value of 41558 KJ/Kg on average. For the oil from the pulp we have a refractive index of 1.5046, acid index of 73.15 mgKOH/g; a peroxide index of 5.27 meq/Kg; iodine index 76.3% and a calorific value of 38095.77 KJ/Kg. These results make it possible to classify Anisophyllea quangensis among the medium oleaginous plants of the Congo Basin and attest to the nutritional and cosmetic interest of its fat.
Abstract: The present study is a contribution to the valorization of unconventional wild oilseed plants from the floristic biodiversity of Congo through the morphological and physicochemical characterization of the fruits of Anisophyllea quangensis. Ten fruit samples were collected from different locations in the savannah surrounding Brazzaville. Morphologic...
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Review Article
Aflatoxins in Cameroon: Occurrence, Potential Health Risks and the Way Forward in Implementing the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) Country-Led Model
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
222-233
Received:
6 August 2024
Accepted:
2 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.13
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Abstract: Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore, this report recommends using the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA) method for Cameroon. This policy also targets aflatoxin control to be a country-led, multi-sectoral approach. The aims of the study propose useful strategies for guiding the PACA approach; these include raising awareness of the health risks of aflatoxins, enhancing the laws on food safety, supporting adequate agricultural practices, and improving proper disposal and utilization procedures of post-harvest storage and processing systems. Government authorities and research institutes must collaborate to successfully execute aflatoxin control measures. The report emphasizes the need of capacity building, resource allocation, and monitoring systems in ensuring the efficacy of these initiatives. Thus, Cameroon can apply the PACA concept and the mentioned measures to decrease the level of aflatoxin contamination. Therefore, enhance the conditions for food safety and decrease the level of health risks. Consequently, this research provides useful information and suggestions to policymakers, researchers, and any party interested in Cameroon’s aflatoxin-related programs. This paper emphasizes the need for capacity enhancement, resource mobilization, and the proper monitoring and implementation of the strategies. Through the application of the PACA approach and the above-outlined strategies, Cameroon can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin contamination and its disturbing impacts on consumer health and food security. In conclusion, the findings and recommendations of this paper are highly informative to policymakers, researchers, and other interested stakeholders in Cameroon’s aflatoxin management processes.
Abstract: Aflatoxin hazard is present among the main food dangers in Cameroon. This paper gives insight on how affected crops and commodities such as maize and groundnuts are likely to be contaminated with aflatoxin. Possible negative effects of aflatoxin include hepatic injury, cancer risk, kwashiorkor, and marasmus kwashiorkor is also discussed. Therefore,...
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Research Article
Agromorphological Characterization of the Main Sesame Varieties Grown in the Sahelian Zone of Chad
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 5, October 2024
Pages:
234-238
Received:
17 August 2024
Accepted:
4 September 2024
Published:
20 September 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20241205.14
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Abstract: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) would be one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Currently in Chad, its cultivation is in vogue and constitutes one of the priorities of farmers. The objective of this study was to highlight the agronomic and morphological characteristics of two varieties of sesame grown in the Sahelian zone of Chad. The experiment was conducted in open fields in the natural site of Kournari, around thirty kilometers from the capital N'Djamena. The local black seed and white seed S-42 varieties were grown in a randomized Fisher block design with 3 replicates. Plant height, number of leaves, number of capsules, number of seeds per capsule, average seed weight, weight of 1000 seeds, and grain yields per plant were determined. The measured parameters showed that vegetative development is greater in the S-42 variety than in the local variety. While in terms of yield per plant, the local variety is more productive with 33.01 g per plant compared to 20.08 g per plant for the S-42 variety. Plant height had a negative effect on grain yield per plant. It would be interesting to study the characteristics of other varieties in order to identify those which would best respond to the Sahelian climate.
Abstract: Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) would be one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Currently in Chad, its cultivation is in vogue and constitutes one of the priorities of farmers. The objective of this study was to highlight the agronomic and morphological characteristics of two varieties of sesame grown in the Sahelian zone of Chad. The experi...
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