The prevalence of obesity in the paediatric population is on the increase and there is speculation that suboptimal breastfeeding patterns may be contributing to the present obesity epidemic. We described the prevalence and trends in underweight and overweight among 3 052 school aged children over a ten year period, and patterns of exclusive and any infant breastfeeding among 671 mothers over a 6 year period on Montserrat a small British colony which forms part of the chain of Caribbean islands, and experienced the eruption of the Soufriere Hills volcano in July 1995. / The results revealed for 11 year old children there was an excess risk of being overweight in the post volcanic period compared to the pre volcanic period (OR=2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.7). / The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months of age was exceptionally low (3.4%) in relation to the international recommendations, but the prevalence of any breastfeeding at 4-6 months was relatively high 67.1%. Maternal age was the only significant variable associated with exclusive breastfeeding. / These findings highlight the need for promoting and prolonging exclusive breastfeeding and that overweight is increasing in the children on Montserrat.

The worsening humanitarian situation in Angola and the great lakes due to protracted wars, led to an influx of refugees in Namibia since 1992. The peak of the influx was between 1999-2002 when the camp population reached 25,000 people. Among the many challenges faced by these refugees was their health and nutrition. Malnutrition accounted for high levels of morbidity and mortality among the refugees. This study covered a review of health and nutritional situation of children less than five years of age in Osire refugee camp. It proposed that prevalence of malnutrition among this age group is a proxy for the nutritional status of the refugee population. It also considered the factors prevalent in the camp that affect the nutrition of the children.

No description available.

The purpose of this study was to determine if completion of the Purdue Extension Professor Popcorn nutrition curriculum impacts third grade students' long-term knowledge about, attitude toward, and self-reported consumption of fruits and vegetables. A secondary purpose was to measure any carry-over of concepts learned, or to identify any food behaviors acquired, by surveying the students' parents.A total of 74 third-grade students and 66 parents/guardians participated in this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 11.0. Descriptive analysis, frequency counts, and Pearson Chi Square were used to test 15 research hypotheses. Significant differences were found in students' attitude toward vegetables, how often they ate fruit, and how often people should eat fruits and vegetables. No differences were found in parent/guardian surveys. Results of this study provide modest support for the impact of Professor Popcorn on students. No carryover of concepts to the students' parents, however, was observed. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

Providing adequate nutrition to children with severe neurological disabilities is extremely difficult due to the high prevalence of oral-motor dysfunction in this group. Short stature and light weight for height are common in disabled children and undernutrition is believed to play a role in this poor growth. This programme of study investigated the effect of gastrostomy-tube feeding in disabled children with oral-motor dysfunction and evaluated the energy balance and body composition of disabled children fed both orally and via gastrostomy-tube over twelve months. The Quality of Life of the children and their carers was also evaluated. Energy intake was measured using three-day dietary diaries and energy expenditure with indirect calorimetry and doubly labelled water. Total body water using oxygen-18 dilution was used to evaluate body composition along with standard anthropometry. Improved growth, nutritional status and general health were seen at six and twelve months after gastrostomy-tube placement. The Quality of Life of the children and their carers also significantly increased. Both energy intake and energy expenditure were found to be lower than reference standards, but energy balance was positive indicating that inadequate nutrition was not the sole cause of poor growth. Body composition was also found to be significantly different from reference. Fat-free mass was significantly low for age and for height. Fat mass was higher in gastrostomy-tube fed children, but lower or normal in disabled children fed orally. Physical activity levels were low for the entire group of disabled children yet the gastrostomy-tube fed children displayed much higher levels of disability. Gastrostomy-tube feeding has a positive impact upon the growth, health and Quality of Life of disabled children and their carers. Careful follow-up is critical in order to optimize health and body composition.

Graduation date: 1999

The worsening humanitarian situation in Angola and the great lakes due to protracted wars, led to an influx of refugees in Namibia since 1992. The peak of the influx was between 1999-2002 when the camp population reached 25,000 people. Among the many challenges faced by these refugees was their health and nutrition. Malnutrition accounted for high levels of morbidity and mortality among the refugees. This study covered a review of health and nutritional situation of children less than five years of age in Osire refugee camp. It proposed that prevalence of malnutrition among this age group is a proxy for the nutritional status of the refugee population. It also considered the factors prevalent in the camp that affect the nutrition of the children.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Indiana University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-90).

Thesis (M.F.C.S.)--Bowling Green State University, 2008. / Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 77 p. : 1 map. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--University of Michigan, 1946.