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Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Practices among Pre‐Adolescent Children (6–11years Old) in Rural South Africa.
Author(s) -
Abu Brenda Ariba Zarhari,
OldewageTheron Wilna,
Abdulkadir Egal
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.31.1_supplement.640.30
Subject(s) - medicine , food intake , vitamin , dietary diversity , environmental health , demography , agriculture , geography , archaeology , sociology , food security
Objective The objective of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge and associated dietary practices among pre‐adolescents (6 to 11 years of age) in rural South Africa. Methods The current study was a cross sectional survey using quantitative methods for data collection. Nutrition Knowledge was measured using a numbered scale with list of test questions. Correct answers were scored. Dietary practices were assessed using food list in nine food groups a week prior to the interview and categorized into dietary diversity scores. The 24hour recalls were assessed for adequate inadequate intake using estimated average requirement (EAR). SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results Generally (N=105), 54 (51.4%) female compared to male pre‐adolescents in the study. There was more female caregiver among both much younger pre‐adolescents (6–8years) and older (9–11years) pre‐adolescents. Almost 90.0% of their caregivers were women. Older pre‐adolescent were significantly (p<0.05) better able to indicate that fruits and vegetables be washed before eating, indicated the types of exercise and the importance of eating breakfast compared to the younger ones. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in the intake of average intake for chlorine, vitamin A, vitamin D and fibre intake (both soluble and insoluble). Average intake for vitamin C for both groups was 23.65 (14.85; 34.70) mg. Conclusion The younger pre‐adolescents had lower knowledge and dietary intake. The preparation for adolescence must begin from younger years since healthy eating for this age is vital for the required growth and changes during adolescence. Support or Funding Information This work was funded by Department of Science and Technology (DTI) and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa.