M. Tech. (Food Service Management, Department of Hospitality and Tourism, Faculty of Human Sciences) -- Vaal University of Technology| / INTRODUCTION: Urban agriculture (UA) is increasingly being seen as an important component of urban development and urban environmental management. Urban agriculture is an alternative source of employment, household income, food and nutrition security among many low-income urban dwellers. Investments in Urban agriculture in South Africa are negatively influenced by a paucity of information on available land and farming opportunities and lack of policy. A situation analysis in Eatonside concluded that high unemployment rates, income-poverty, chronic household food insecurity and a high prevalence of malnutrition existed. Efforts to increase food availability will bring overall benefits to the community. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this project was to conduct an empirical study to assess food insecurity training needs in order to develop an appropriate home gardening training programme for gardeners in the informal settlements. METHODS: A random selection of 143 households was made from the informal settlement (refer baseline), but only 91 dwellers successfully completed the questionnaires that were administered by four trained field workers. The resu Its were analysed using the SPSS® 12.0 program. MAJOR FINDINGS AND IMPLICATIONS: The results showed that 72.5 percent had some knowledge of home gardening, whereas 29.7 percent had skills at all in home gardening; 69.2 percent responded that they had some knowledge of soil management, while 69.2 percent had no knowledge regarding planting management and only 13.2 percent had any knowledge regarding storage after harvesting and preparation of vegetables. Out of all the 91 participants, only 29.7 percent had ever worked in a garden. The researcher and fieldworkers were the first group to be trained so that they could conduct the training of the participants with the assistance of the farmers. Since the patiicipants were both male and female, no problems were encountered with digging the ground, as every day after training the males made a point of preparing the ground for the next day. Training was conducted over two days for each group; there were four groups including the fieldworkers. Groups 2 and 3 had 25 participants each while group 4 had 41 participants (n = 91). On day one, the trainers provided all the theory that the participants would need to work in a garden. On day two, the trainers incorporated theory with practical training which involved the participants. CONCLUSION It was found that most of the householders who participated in this project owned a vegetable garden. Most of the participants felt that they had benefited greatly from the training given in the gardening project, both because they were now able to have year round access to fresh vegetables, and because of the money-saving aspect / NRF -- CRC

Thesis (MSc Nutrition Science)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Probiotics (live microbes) and prebiotics (non-digestible food-ingredients) are rapidly gaining interest worldwide as supplements and functional food ingredients but little South African information in this regard is available. Furthermore, the availability of South African produced probiotic concentrates for commercial use is also very limited. The aims of this study therefore were to complete a market and product assessment of probiotic and prebiotic containing products in South Africa and to evaluate probiotic strains for commercial use in South Africa. For the purposes of market and product assessment probiotic and/or prebiotic containing products manufactured in South Africa were identified. The scientific and legal correctness of health and content claims made on the labels of the products were assessed. An exploratory survey was conducted to determine the awareness of South African consumers of probiotics and prebiotics. For the evaluation of probiotic strains for potential commercial use in South Africa, a panel of twelve lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were screened for inhibitory activity against two porcine pathogens and indicator strains from the LMG-panel isolated from the faeces of patients diagnosed with AIDS. The five LAB with the best inhibitory activity were tested for growth in soymilk-base and for the effect of lyophilization on the inhibitory activity thereof. The effect of prebiotics on the growth and inhibitory activity of the strains was tested in vitro. A range of products containing probiotics and prebiotics available on the South African market was identified. Irregulatories concerning health claims on the labels were found, but content claims seemed to be less of a problem. The results also indicate that the proposed South African regulations for the labelling of probiotic and prebiotic containing products need to be revised to include the probiotic and prebiotic related health claims for which sufficient scientific evidence is available. The probiotic strains with potential for commercial use in South Africa that were identified, include Lactobacillus plantarum 423, Lactobacillus casei LHS, Lactobacillus salivarius 241, Lactobacillus curvatus DF38 and Pediococcus pentosaceus 34. These strains were grown successfully in soymilkbase and lyophilization did not have a negative effective on the inhibitory activity thereof. The growth and inhibitory activity of the five LAB were promoted when combined with 1% (w/v) Raftilose® Synergyl . It is concluded that although a variety of probiotic and prebiotic containing products are available on the South African market, the scientific and legislative correctness of especially health related claims is not satisfactory and that South African consumer awareness of these products is low. It is also concluded that a combination of at least three of the five identified LAB and 1% Raftilose® Synergy can be used by South African manufacturers for the production of probiotic and prebiotic containing supplements. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die belangstelling in probiotika (lewendige mikrobe) en prebiotika (onverteerbare voedselbestanddele) as supplemente en funksionele voedselbestanddele is besig om wêreldwyd toe te neem, alhoewel weinig Suid-Arikaanse inligting in hierdie verband beskikbaar is. Die beskikbaarheid van Suid-Afrikaans geproduseerde probiotika konsentrate vir kommersïele gebruik is ook baie beperk. Die doelwitte van hierdie studie was dus om 'n mark- en produkevaluering van probiotika- en prebiotika-bevattende produkte in Suid-Afrika uit te voer en om probiotiese stamme te evalueer vir uiteindelike kommersiële gebruik in Suid-Afrika. Vir die doel van die mark- en produkevaluering is probiotika- en prebiotika-bevattende produkte wat in Suid-Afrika vervaardig word geïdentifiseer. Die wetenskaplike en wetlike korrektheid van die gesondheids- en inhoudsaansprake op die etikette van die produkte is evalueer. 'n Markopname is uitgevoer om die bewustheid van Suid-Afrikaanse verbruikers van probiotika en prebiotika vas te stel. Vir die evaluering van probiotiese stamme vir potensïele kommersiële gebruik in Suid-Afrika is 'n paneel van twaalf melksuurbakteriëe getoets vir inhibitoriese aktiwiteit teen twee patogene geïsoleer uit varke asook teen indikator stamme van die LMG-paneel. Die vyf melksuurbakteriëe met die beste inhibitoriese aktiwiteit is getoets vir groei in sojamelk-basis en ook vir die effek van vriesdroging op die groei en inhibitoriese aktiwiteit van die stamme daarvan. Die effek van prebiotika op die groei en inhibitoriese aktiwiteit van die stamme is in vitro getoets. 'n Reeks van probiotika- en prebiotika-bevattende produkte wat beskikbaar is op die Suid-Afrikaanse mark, is geidentifiseer. Ongeruimdhede met die gesondheidsaansprake op die etikette is gevind, maar inhoudsaansprake was minder problematies. Die resultate dui ook daarop dat die voorgestelde Suid- Afrikaanse regulasies vir die etikettering van probiotika- en prebiotika-bevattende produkte hersien moet word om al die probiotika- en prebiotika-verwante gesondheidsaansprake waarvoor voldoende wetenskaplike bewyse beskikbaar is in te sluit. Die probiotiese stamme met potensiaal vir kommersiële gebruik in Suid-Afrika sluit die volgende in: Lactobacillus plantarum 423, Lactobacillus casei LHS, Lactobacillus salivarius 241, Lactobacillus curvatus DF 38 en Pediococcus pentosaceus 34. Hierdie stamme is suksesvol gekweek in sojamelk-basis en vriesdroging het nie' n negatiewe effek op die groei en inhibitoriese aktiwiteit daarvan gehad me. Die kombinasie van die vyf melksuurbakteriëe met 1% Raftilose® Synergy het die groei en inhibitoriese aktiwiteit daarvan bevorder. Die gevolgtrekking wat gemaak word is dat alhoewel 'n varrasie van probiotika- en prebiotikabevattende produkte beskikbaar is op die Suid-Afrikaanse mark, die wetenskaplike en wetlike korrektheid van spesifiek die gesondheids-verwante aansprake op die etikette daarvan nie bevredigend is nie en dat die bewustheid van die Suid-Afrikaanse verbruikers van hierdie produkte laag is. Die gevolgtrekking kan ook gemaak word dat 'n kombinasie van ten minste drie van die vyf geïdentifiseerde melksuurbakteriëe en 1% Raftilose® Synergy deur Suid-Afrikaanse vervaardigers gebruik kan word vir die vervaardiging van produkte wat probiotika en prebiotika bevat.

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics of and factors impacting on the intake of fast-foods by young adults from different socio-economic areas in Gauteng, South Africa. The population for the study (n = 341) included males (n = 180) and females (n = 161) with a mean age of 24.48 years (SD = 3.492). METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional, observational study was performed using an interviewer-administered, validated questionnaire to elicit characteristics of the studied population (gender, education level, income status and income level), reasons for – and frequency of – fast-food intake, specific food choices at certain categories of fast-food outlets, as well as consumers’ attitude towards health and healthier meal options. Purposive sampling of shopping malls was done to collect data on three weekend days at grocery stores in the shopping complexes. Statistical analysis included: Pearson Chisquare tests, likelihood ratios, linear by linear associations and Cramer’s V and Kendall tau b tests. RESULTS: The studied population consisted primarily of working young adults with at least secondary education. Almost half (n = 103) of the employed participants from all socio-economic groups earned less than R5 000 per month, but spent more than R200 each month on fast-food. The majority of participants consumed take-away meals from two to three times a month to two to three times per week (85.3% (n = 291)). Socio-economic grouping (SEG) and gender were significantly related to fast-food intake (p < 0.01) with a larger proportion of participants (n = 76) in the lower socio-economic grouping (LSEG) showing more frequent use and males consuming fast-food more frequently than females. The most popular fast-foods consumed by participants in descending order were burgers 69.5%, pizza 56.6% and fried chicken 38.4%. A significant difference in the consumption of fried chicken was observed between the different SEGs, with significantly more participants from the LSEG consuming fried chicken 47.0% (p < 0.05). Choice of fast-food outlet concurred with the most popular fast-food choices. Sweetened soft drinks comprised the most popular beverage for more than half of the studied population (n = 191). The main reasons for choosing fast-food were time limitations (58.9%), convenience (58.2%) and taste (52.5%). The majority of participants were concerned about health (93.3%), with almost half of the total sample being always concerned. The majority of participants indicated concern about overweight and obesity (44.3%). Seventy-eight percent of participants indicated that they would choose a healthier option, if available. Television provided the most effective media influence on food choices. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study show a clear discrepancy between fast-food intake and health consciousness, indicating a gap between knowledge and practice. In the light of the spread of the obesity epidemic in South Africa, further research on fast-food consumption in other areas in South Africa and in other age groups (especially children and adolescents) is strongly recommended.

Thesis (MNutr (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to investigate current perceived role of nutritional supplements in adolescent (16-18 years) male rugby players and establish usage practices within Kwazulu Natal (KZN) schools. Methods The nutritional supplementation practices of 68 rugby players from 7 KZN secondary schools were surveyed using an anonymous paper-based questionnaire. The boys were asked to identify from a list (with Other as a selection) which supplement they used, the frequency of use, sources of supplement information and advice they base their choices on, where products were bought from, reasons for use, average monthly spend on buying these supplements, whether dietary changes were made in conjunction with taking a supplement and what was their understanding of the role of supplementation in achieving their performance goals. Results Sixty eight out of 236 invited participants completed the questionnaire. This translated into a response rate of 29%. Fifty four percent of participants admitted to using nutritional supplements, protein and creatine being the most popular products listed (43% and 22% of supplement users, respectively). Thirty five percent of supplement users supplemented daily and 24% supplemented 3-4 times per week. Friends were the most popular source of advice and information regarding nutritional supplements 32% (n=12), with supplement company representatives the next most commonly used source 22% (n=8). Seventy percent (n=26) of supplements are bought from a pharmacy, with an average monthly cost of R250, but ranging from R30 to as much as R1500 per month. Seventy percent (n=26) indicated that they also made dietary changes in addition to taking the nutritional supplement. These dietary changes included making healthier food choices 81% (n=21), increasing intake of protein foods 65% (n=17), planned snacks around exercise 35% (n=9), increasing carbohydrate-rich foods 62% (n=16), increasing fruit and vegetable intake 50% (n=13), and including snacks between meals 35% (n=9). The study participants rated practice sessions and weight training as most important in terms of helping them achieve their goals; diet, rest and supplements were similarly ranked as being between fairly to very important. Twenty two percent admitted that they would consider taking an illegal supplement if it would assist them in achieving their goals. Conclusions This study indicates that at least half of rugby-playing school boys (age 16-18 yrs) are making use of some form of supplementation, with protein and creatine supplementation being the most popular. The data indicate that rugby-playing school boys see their peers as a good source of information, and are willing to spend a large amount of money obtaining it (about R250 per month on average). This is concerning as peer pressure combined with lack of knowledge on nutritional supplement usage (and nutrition) can lead to widespread misuse of supplements, and potential detrimental side-effects in this young study population. However it highlights the value that school-level educational programmes (age and sport specific) can have in improving supplement usage practices and creating sound nutritional practices amongst this population, better equipping them at making informed decisions. In addition, educational programmes should be extended to other influential sources of information such as school coaches, teachers and parents. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie was om die huidige persepsie oor die waarde van voedingsupplemente en die gebruikspraktyke daarvan in 16 -18 jarige adolessente manlike atlete in Kwazulu Natal (KZN) skole te bepaal. Uitkomste van die studie was om die voorkoms en tipe supplemente wat gebruik word, redes aangevoer vir die gebruik daarvan, kennis oor die rol van supplemente asook die bron van inligting te bepaal. Metodes Die voedingsupplementasie praktyke van 68 rugby spelers uit 7 KZN sekondêre skole is ondersoek deur gebruik te maak van n annonieme vraelys (papier basis). Die seuns is gevra om van n lys (die opsie ander was ingesluit) te identifiseer watter supplement hulle gebruik, die frekwensie van gebruik, die bronne van inligting en raadgewing ontvang, waar die produk aangekoop is, redes vir gebruik, gemiddelde maandelikse kostes aangegaan en of dieetveranderinge tesame met die supplementasie aangegaan is. Kennis rondom die rol van supplementasie in prestasie doelwitte is getoets. Resultate: Agt-en-sestig uit n totaal van 236 deelnemers wat uitgenooi is om deel te neem aan die studie, het die vraelys voltooi. Dus het 29% van die studie-deelnemers het dus op die vraelys gereageer. Vier en vyftig persent van die deelnemers het erken dat hulle supplemente gebruik waarvan kreatien en proteïen gelys is as die mees gewildste produkte (onderskeidelik 43% en 22%). Vyf en dertig persent het daagliks supplemente gebruik en 24% het 3-4 keer per week supplemente gebruik. Vriende was die mees gewildste bron van raad en inligting (32%), gevolg deur supplement maatskappy verteenwoordigers (22%). Sewentig persent van supplemente word gekoop by n apteek en n gemiddelde maandelikse bedrag van R250 word gespandeer, maar dit wissel van R30 tot soveel as R1 500 per maand. Sewentig persent het erken dat hulle dieet veranderinge in hul dieet tesame met die supplementasie aanbring. Hierdie veranderinge het die volgende ingesluit: die keuse van gesonder voedselsoorte (81%); n verhoogde inname van proteïenryke voedselsoorte (65%); beplanning van peuselhappies rondom oefening (65%); verhoogde inname van koolhidraatryke voedsel (62%); meer vrugte en groente (50%) en die neem van peuselhappies tussen maaltye (35%). Die deelnemers het oefening met gewigte en oefensessies as die mees belangrike faktore geag om hul doelwitte te bereik. Dieet, rus en supplemente is daarnaas gelyk geag as redelik belangrik en 22% het erken dat hulle n verbode middel sal gebruik indien dit hulle sal help om hulle doelwitte te bereik. Gevolgtrekkings Die studie wys dat ten minste die helfte van skoolseuns wat rugby speel (16-18 jr) een of ander vorm van supplementasie gebruik, waarvan proteïen en kreatien die mees gewildste is. Die data dui daarop dat skoolseuns wat rugby speel hul tydgenote ag as n goeie bron van inligting oor supplement gebruik en dat hulle bereid is om groot bedrae geld te spandeer om die supplemente te bekom (gemiddeld R250,00 per maand). Dit is kommerwekkend aangesien groepsdruk tesame met n gebrek aan kennis oor supplementasie (en voeding) kan lei tot algemene misbruik van supplemente en moontlike newe effekte in hierdie jong studie populasie. Dit beklemtoon egter ook die waarde wat skool gebasseerde opvoedingsprogramme kan hê om die bewustheid en kennis oor supplement gebruik in hierdie populasie te verbeter om hul in staat te stel om ingeligte besluite te neem. Dit moet ouderdom -en sportspesifieke voedingsonderrig insluit. Opvoedingsprogramme moet ook uitgebrei word na ander partye wat invloedryke bronne van inligting is soos skool afrigters, onderwysers en ouers.

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / INTRODUCTION: Epidemiologic research strongly supports the importance of adequate fruit and vegetable intake for the promotion of human health and the prevention of chronic disease. Data suggest that fruit and vegetable consumption in children may protect against an array of childhood illnesses. Low fruit and vegetable intake has been recognized as a key contributor to micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. Evidence indicates that fruit and vegetable consumption is inadequate in both developed and developing nations. A paucity of data on fruit and vegetable consumption exists in South Africa. Quantification of fruit and vegetable consumption is important for the worldwide drive to increase consumption and for strategy development to address inadequate consumption. METHODS: A secondary analysis of the dietary intake data (24 hour recall questionnaire (24-H-RQ) and quantified food frequency questionnaire (QFFQ)), collected during the 1999 National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) in 12 – 108 month old children in South Africa, was conducted to ...

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / INTRODUCTION: The best known reference standards used to evaluate the growth and development of infants and children are the 1977 National Centre for Health Statistics (NCHS) - , the 2000 Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - and the World Health Organization (WHO) (2006). The NCHS reference standards were used to analyse anthropometric data from the 1999 National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS). It was anticipated that using the 2000 CDC and the 2006 WHO reference standards may lead to differences in the previously estimated prevalences of stunting, wasting, underweight, risk of overweight, overweight and obesity in the study population. AIM: To compare the anthropometric status of children aged 12 - 60 months when using the 1977 NCHS -, the 2000 CDC -, and the 2006 WHO reference standards. METHODS: A secondary analysis of anthropometric data from the 1999 NFCS was conducted using different reference standards to compare anthropometric status in terms of the prevalences of stunting, wasting, underweight, risk of overweight, overweight and obesity. Relationships between anthropometric status and other variables such as breastfeeding, maternal education level and type of housing were explored. RESULTS: The prevalences of stunting, obesity and overweight were significantly higher and the prevalence of underweight and wasting were lower when using the 2006 WHO compared to the 1977 NCHS and the 2000 CDC reference standards. A significant relationship was found between weight-forheight and breastfeeding when using any one of the reference standards and between BMI-for-age and breastfeeding when using the 2006 WHO reference standard. A significant relationship was shown between maternal education level and height-for-age and weight-for-age when using any one of the three reference standards and a significant association was found between weight-for-height and BMI-for-age and the type of housing when using any of the three reference standards. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalences of stunting and obesity were higher when using the 2006 WHO reference standards compared to the 1977 NCHS and 2000 CDC reference standards. This may be due to the linear growth and rate of weight gain of breastfed infants differing from formula fed infants and the 2006 WHO reference made use of the exclusively and predominantly breastfed infant living under normal healthy conditions as the normative model which is a prescription of how children should not grow and .not an indication of how children are growing. In conclusion, the 2006 WHO reference standard must be the only reference standard used nationally and internationally when assessing the growth and nutritional status of infants and children.

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Obesity is recognizably a chronic disease worldwide and childhood obesity has considerable implications for long‐term health. Manipulation of modifiable lifestyle variables, such as high‐fat energy‐dense diets and decreased physical activity are often recommended for positive (although not always significant) outcomes. This study aimed to determine the specific relationships between ready‐to‐eat cereals (RTEC) consumption (regular RTEC breakfast consumption and regular RTEC afternoon snack consumption), regular increased physical activity, and anthropometric measures [body weight, percentage body fat, and body mass index (BMI)] amongst young adolescents attending public Gauteng schools. A randomised controlled trial was conducted over 5‐weeks amongst 212 cross‐cultural, male and female, English speaking children aged 10‐13 years attending two selected public Gauteng schools. Participants were randomly allocated to one of four cohorts (Control, Step, RTEC or Step & RTEC). The control cohort had no prescribed intervention, the Step cohort had prescribed stepping intervention only (completion of 2 000 additional steps in a 20‐minute period on 3 school days per week), the RTEC cohort had prescribed RTEC consumption intervention only (consumption of a single RTEC serving at breakfast and RTEC snack serving as an afternoon snack on each school day), and the Step & RTEC cohort had both the prescribed stepping and RTEC consumption interventions. Participants were assessed anthropometrically at baseline and at the end of the 5 weeks. They also submitted a food/activity diary from which quantitative measures of their intake and activity were determined. The Step (107 845 ± 31 251) and Step & RTEC (108 793 ± 26 285) cohorts both completed significantly more mean total steps than Control (83 501 ± 22 302) and RTEC (86 082 ± 23 367) cohorts (p≤0.01), and a significant negative correlation (p=0.02; r=‐0.21) was found between the change in percentage body fat and the total steps completed. The Step & RTEC (14.32 ± 7.95) and RTEC (16.06 ± 8.82) cohorts consumed more RTEC snack servings as afternoon snacks than Control (1.13 ± 1.69) and Step (1.59 ± 2.50) cohorts (p≤0.01), and a significant negative correlation (p=0.03; r=‐0.20) was found between the participants’ change in weight and the servings of RTEC snacks consumed as an afternoon snack. No significant difference (p=0.35) was achieved in mean weight change across the four cohorts, although both Step & RTEC (‐0.12 ± 0.81) and RTEC (‐0.24 ± 0.77) cohorts showed a mean decrease in body weight. No significant difference (p=0.47) was achieved in mean change in percentage body fat across the four cohorts either, although all cohorts showed a decrease in percentage body fat, with Step cohort (‐0.32 ± 0.70) showing the greatest mean change. The stepping intervention alone brought about greatest decrease in percentage body fat, while the RTEC consumption intervention alone brought about greatest decrease in body weight and BMI. The combination of interventions was the least effective of the three interventions in bringing about decreases in percentage body fat.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Considering the myriad of risk factors causing nutritional deficiency, as well as the prevalence of malnutrition and feeding problems experienced by individuals with intellectual disability (ID), early detection and diagnosis of malnutrition in this population group is essential. Objectives: The main aim and objectives of the study were to determine the degree of malnutrition and body composition in individuals with ID living in a psychiatric hospital (North West Province, South Africa), to determine which degree of ID was more prone to malnutrition, to investigate the different risk factors for malnutrition in this group of individuals, and to use this data to adapt an existing screening tool used to facilitate the easier identification of malnutrition. Methodology: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study, with an analytical component, was conducted. The study consisted of two phases. During the first phase, measurements were taken of individuals with ID to determine body composition and nutritional status. During the second phase, said data, as well as other factors influencing the nutritional status of individuals with ID, were used to adapt an existing screening tool to allow for easier identification of malnutrition in the study population. The adapted screening tool was tested by nursing staff. Results: The anthropometric measurements of 244 individuals with ID were determined. The overall anthropometrical status indicated that half of the study population (52,1%, n=127) had a normal nutritional status, that 38,1% (n=93) was undernourished or at risk of becoming undernourished, and that 10,0% (n=24) was either at risk of becoming or was overnourished . Men were more prone to being undernourished or at risk of becoming undernourished (48,0%, n=73), compared to women (21,7%, n=20). Although no significant difference was found in anthropometrical status across the four severities of ID (Pearson Chi-square test (ρ=0,15)), individuals with mild ID were more likely to become obese (19,4%, n=6), and individuals with profound ID were more prone to being underweight (57,1%, n=8). It was found that 41,8% (n=102) of the total study population had a waist circumference (WC) above the normal values. A significant difference was found between increased WC and severity of ID (Pearson Chi-square test (ρ=0,00)). Other risk factors that can influence nutritional status in said population included medical conditions such as hypertension (13,0%, n=32) and epilepsy (EP) (46,0%, n=112), as well as polypharmacy (71,7%, n=175). An existing malnutrition screening tool for the population with ID was adapted by means of the addition of prevalent factors (WC measurements, presence of EP and use of medications), as well as through adaptation of the scoring system. Conclusion: Using anthropometric measurements and indices for body composition, a high prevalence of malnutrition was identified in the study population of individuals with ID. The adapted screening tool was more sensitive than the original tool in identifying individuals who were at risk of malnutrition, or who were already malnourished in this study population. The research undertaken in this respect can help health care professionals to be more aware of the interaction between the severity of ID and malnutrition. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond: Wanneer daar gelet word op die magdom faktore wat voedingstekorte veroorsaak en op die voorkoms van wanvoeding en voedingsprobleme onder individue met intellektuele gestremdheid (IG), is dit duidelik dat vroegtydige waarneming en diagnose van wanvoeding noodsaaklik is. Doelwitte: Die hoofdoel en doelwitte van die studie was om die graad van wanvoeding sowel as die liggaamsamestelling van individue met IG te bepaal wat in ’n psigiatriese hospitaal (Noordwes Provinsie, Suid-Afrika) inwoon. Daar is bepaal watter graad van IG individue is meer geneig tot wanvoeding. Verskillende risiko faktore van wanvoeding in hierdie groep individue is ondersoek en die data is gebruik om ’n bestaande siftingshulpmiddel aan te pas om wanvoeding makliker te kan identifiseer. Metodologie: Die studie-ontwerp was ‘n dwarssnitwaarnemingstudie met ‘n analitiese komponent. Die studie het uit twee fases bestaan. Gedurende die eerste fase is antropometriese metings van individue met IG geneem om liggaamsamestelling en voedingstatus te bereken. Gedurende die tweede fase is hierdie data, sowel as ander risiko faktore wat die voedingstatus van individue beïnvloed, gebruik om ’n bestaande siftingshulpmiddel aan te pas wat die identifisering van wanvoeding in hierdie populasie kan vergemaklik. Verpleegpersoneel het die aangepaste siftingshulpmiddel uitgetoets. Resultate: Die antropometriese metings van 244 individue met IG is bepaal. Hulle algemene antropometriese status het aangedui dat die helfte van die studiepopulasie (52,1%, n=127) ’n normale voedingstatus gehad het; 38,1% (n=93) was ondervoed of het ’n risiko gehad vir ondervoeding en 10,0% (n=24) was reeds oorvoed of het ’n risiko gehad vir oorvoeding. Mans (48,0%, n=73) was meer geneig om ondervoed te wees of het ‘n groter risiko tot ondervoeding as vroue (21,7%, n=20). Daar was geen beduidende statistiese verskille in antropometriese status tussen die vier grade van IG nie (Pearson Chi-square-toets, p=0,15), alhoewel individue met matige IG ‘n groter neiging het tot obesiteit (19,35%, n=6), terwyl uitgesproke IG ’n groter neiging tot ondergewig gehad het (57,1%, n=8). Daar is bevind dat 41,8% (n=102) van die totale studiepopulasie ’n verhoogde middelomtrek gehad het. Daar was ʼn beduidende statistiese verskil tussen verhoogde middelomtrek en graad van IG (Pearson Chi-square-toets, p=0,00). Ander risiko faktore wat die voedingstatus van hierdie populasie kan beïnvloed sluit in mediese toestande soos hipertensie (13,0%, n=32) en epilepsie (46,0%, n=112), asook die gebruik van veelvuldige medikasie (71,7%, n=175). ’n Bestaande wanvoedingsiftingshulpmiddel vir die IG populasie is aangepas deur algemene faktore (middelomtrek, voorkoms van epilepsie en gebruik van veelvuldige medikasie) in te sluit en die puntestelsel aan te pas. Gevolgtrekking: Met behulp van antropometriese metings en liggaamsmassa indekse is ’n hoë voorkoms van wanvoeding in die studiepopulasie van individue met IG waargeneem. Die aangepaste siftingshulpmiddel was meer sensitief as die oorspronklike hulpmiddel om individue wat ’n risiko loop vir wanvoeding of wat reeds wangevoed is, te identifiseer in hierdie studie populasie. Hierdie navorsing kan help om gesondheidswerkers meer bewus te maak van die interaksie tussen die graad van IG en wanvoeding.

Submitted in the fulfillment of the requirements of a Masters of Applied Science in Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Aim: The main aim of this study was to profile the primary school children`s household socio-economic status and evaluate their nutritional status for a healthy and active live in Chesterville, outside Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. The sample comprised of 250 children (147 girls and 103 boys), aged between 4 to 8 years and 9 to 13 years who volunteered to participate in the study and school was randomly selected. Methodology: A quantitative research method was applied using various nutrition security assessment tools complemented by the socio-economic household profile to determine household`s ability to acquire food. Anthropometric status using WHO growth indicators assessed stunting, wasting and underweight status of the children. This was followed by the 24-hr recall and food frequency questionnaire to probe children`s diet diversity. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. Result: The anthropometric indices showed that 10.3% of the children were severely stunted (<-3SD height-for-age), 33.5% were stunted (<-2SD), 2.9% were severely wasted (<-3SD BMI-for age), 5.3% were wasted (<-2SD) with 68.5% at possible risk of overweight (>+1SD), 24.3% of the children were overweight is (>+2SD) and 5.6% were obese (>+3SD) according to the WHO z-scores. The results indicate the prevalence of obesity which could be a result of the high consumption of carbohydrate dense food in the group surveyed. The parents/ caregivers and the children need nutrition education on healthy eating habits to improve their lifestyle. The socio-demographic profile of the households indicated that 61% of the parents/ caregivers were unemployed and 39% were employed. Seventy three percent of the households were headed by women, 50% of the parents/ caregivers owned their homes, 63.6% had a tap inside the house and 94% had access to a flush toilet/sewerage system inside the house, 38% had passed grade 8 – the highest level of education, 14.4% of the parents/caregivers earned less than R2000 per month, and 10.4% earned less than R2500 per month. The low-income level, lack of post matric qualification in some of the parents /caregivers and the high unemployment rate of 61% could be a contributory factor to malnutrition in this community. Most of the parents/caregivers resided in the township and 94% lived in brick houses, while 35.6% lived in a shack that was built outside the house as an extension of the house. Most of the parents/caregivers (88%) purchased their food from a supermarket. Thirty-five-point two percent of the parents/ caregivers indicated not having enough money to spend on food, 32.8% indicated that often there is not enough money to spend on food, and 15% indicted that there is always not enough money to spend on food. Seventy-five-point two percent of the parents/ caregivers purchased their food once a month while 12.4% purchased their food once a week. Township South Africans tend to purchase food instead of growing their own food because of the lack of vegetating space. The lack of buying power and food shortages eventually leads to malnutrition. The lack of higher education in this community decreases the chances of permanent employment as a result the low-income bracket and the inability to purchase food in some occasions. The food group diversity score showed that 64% of the respondents consumed food from nine food groups. The carbohydrate group had the highest score (6.08±1.322) followed by the vegetable group (4.76±1.383) and the meat group (4.51±1.269). The mean carbohydrate intake was higher than the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) for girls and boys (>100% of the DRIs). The intake of fruit was lower than the >400g goal as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The consumption of fibre was low with both girls and boys consuming <100% of the fibre requirements. Iron was consumed by 54.6% of the girls in the required amount of 100% of the DRIs. The energy intake for both girls and boys was 7025.8±16278 and 7205.4± 1860.834 respectively. The girls’ consumption of protein was 11.9% and boys’ consumption was 11.4% and this is within the recommended 10-15% of the WHO. Conclusion: The results indicate both overnutrition and undernutrition in children that were part of the survey. The top 20 food intake indicated inadequate eating patterns and that diets consisted of energy dense foods, such as carbohydrates and fats which could be responsible for obesity in the children. The high unemployment and low-income rate and inadequate money to spend on food can contribute to the prevalence of stunting and wasting in the children. Nutrition education and nutrition interventions such as focus on healthier foods, healthier methods of preparing food, a balance diet and physical activity are necessary to improve quality of life and improve health. / M

Rationale: There is limited research available in South Africa that explores the breastfeeding experience among adolescent mothers; most of the studies were conducted in developed countries. One such study relating to the above mentioned developed countries stated that social and commitment factors influence the decision to breastfeed by adolescents. Furthermore, while adolescent mothers appreciate the benefits of breastfeeding, pain, public exposure and perceived complexities related to breastfeeding create barriers for them. The researcher was unable to ascertain if similar ambiguities exist among adolescent mothers in South Africa, and in the Eastern Cape (EC) in particular with its high rates of adolescent pregnancy. In order to attempt to develop age appropriate recommendations to assist adolescent mothers with their breastfeeding journey, the researcher undertook this research study to answer the following question: What are the breastfeeding experiences of adolescent mothers in the Nelson Mandela Bay Heath District (NMBHD)? Aim: The research aim was to determine the experiences of adolescent mothers regarding breastfeeding in NMBHD. Methods: The study implemented a qualitative research approach. To enhance the design, the researcher utilised an explorative, descriptive and contextual research design. The ethical principles that guided this study were autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence and justice. Fourteen adolescent mothers, attending PHC facilities in the NMBHD participated in the study. Participants were chosen from a purposive sampling technique and data were collected from semi-structured interviews, compromising of individual interviews. The researcher analysed the data using the using the eight steps of the Tesch analysis technique. Data was also analysed by an independent coder. Results obtained from the Tesch approach were compared to that of the independent coder results. Thereafter, the major themes and sub-themes that related to the study objectives were identified. Results: Three themes and 10 sub-themes were identified. Lack of knowledge and poor adherence to EBF, perceived breastmilk insufficiency, as well as incorrect infant feeding advice given by maternal mothers and grandmothers were associated with early introduction of complementary feeding. Most participants were motivated to breastfeed due to its economic and bonding benefits, as well as seeing their infant‟s progress in growth. Challenges of breastfeeding mentioned by the participants include: lack of support from the fathers of their infants and from health care providers, breast milk leakage, and the foul smell associated with the leaking of breast milk. The participants of the study also had suggestions to help improve the support given to adolescent mothers by health care providers in PHC facilities. Conclusions and recommendations: In conclusion, this study‟s findings revealed that adolescent mothers may need extra age appropriate education and support to assist them in breastfeeding successfully at PHC facilities, the community and schools. Maternal mothers and grandmothers were found to be the primary source of a support network for most adolescent mothers as opposed to health care providers who were categorised as being the secondary source of support. Thus, breastfeeding promotion tailored at maternal mothers and grandmothers would be beneficial in improving their knowledge about the recommended infant feeding practices and consequently aid in providing appropriate support and advice to adolescent mothers. Additionally, training and attitude modification of health care providers is needed to provide adolescent mothers with age-appropriate, effective and sensitive care and counselling.