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MA (Sociology) / Department of Sociology / This study focused on the effects of the school feeding programmes in addressing food insecurity in Mutale Municipality of Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. The study placed school feeding programmes within the wider context of social assistance and a component for securing food for the wellbeing of Mutale rural inhabitants. The major problem identified in this study was the inadequacy of governmental interventions, specifically the social assistance component, to eliminate food insecurity in rural areas. This failure motivated the researcher to venture into an investigation of the school feeding programme and its impact, as a social intervention, in addressing food insecurity among rural citizenry. The study openly delineated various factors contributing to the ruthless chronic food insecurity which has ravaged many families in rural areas. On the theoretical framework, the research incorporated the Capability Theory and the Entitlement approach as the foundational basis of the study. The qualitative approach was used to ensure an in-depth understanding of the contribution of school feeding programmes as a right based in-kind social safety net implemented by the government in addressing the discourse of food insecurity on a rural setting. Respondents of the study included the supervisor at circuit level, the school principal, educators, food handlers, smallholder farmers, learners and their parents. The researcher utilised Quota sampling in the selection of respondents. The researcher gathered data through the use of interviews, non-participant observation and document analysis. The findings of this study were analysed by organizing the data and presenting it in a descriptive manner. Literature revealed that the provision of feeding schemes at schools have the capability to stimulate an enabling environment which can empower rural families with adequate resources essential for eliminating food insecurity. However, this study found out that the feeding scheme marginally created employment, reduced poverty and hunger and increased health and nutrition education among the community members. The programme achieved minimal results as it confronted implementation constraints which ruined its capacity to exterminate rural food insecurity.

DEd (Curriculum Studies) / Department of Curriculum Studies / Although on its introduction the focus of the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP) was to improve health and nutritional status of South African school children, it was put in place to improve school attendance, curb absenteeism and drop-out by children of school going age as a result of hunger and poverty. It was also meant to improve the learning capacity of children since access to nutritious meals has the potential to improve their concentration levels during instructional discourses, which can enhance the quality of educational outcomes. This study explored the views of education stakeholders on the challenges they encountered in implementing the NSNP in achieving its educational goals at two schools in the Vhembe District in South Africa. Specifically, the study investigated how the NSNP influences school access, attendance and participation at schools that are benefiting from the NSNP in an endeavour to establish strategies for improving the quality of schooling. Abraham Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs was applied to explain how children’s basic needs can be a foundation to their educational needs and aspirations. A case study design involving two schools was adopted for the study and the qualitative research approach was employed. Purposive sampling method was employed to select two secondary school principals, ten secondary school class teachers per school, ten learners who were beneficiaries of the NSNP and ten of their counterparts who were not on NSNP per school, and two circuit NSNP officers. Individual and focus group interviews, documentary study and observations were used to collect data, which were analysed thematically. The findings of the study revealed that: the National School Nutrition Programme is a credible strategy for learners from poor backgrounds to access schooling and reduce their school drop-out; there was no clear difference in academic performance between leaners who participated and those who opted out of the Programme; educators felt overwhelmed by administrative work for the feeding programme, which compromised on their co-responsibilities; there were inadequate workshops to equip service providers of the Programme; food was provided under poor hygiene conditions which made some learners to opt out of the Programme; Programme records had inaccurate information. Based on the main study findings, the study recommended that the programme should continue as the majority of learners were benefiting; the Programme should have its own v administrative personnel; there should be regular staff development workshops on the Programme; schools should erect proper infrastructure for food storage and service; a multi- ministerial team of experts from health, education Programme; and all schools that have the Programme should maintain nutrition gardens for provision of fresh food. Finally, for the effective role-taking by duty-bearers for the Programme, the study concluded by recommending a model called the Increasing Achievement Mode for the National School Nutrition Programme.

The purpose of this project was to design a series of self-directed learning modules for enrollees in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program in Riverside County, California. The WIC Program is a supplemental nutrition program that, among other things, provides participants with nutrition education to help them understand the health benefits of choosing more nutritious food. This project features information concerning the problem of food insecurity, the nutrition education of low-income women and children in the WIC program, and the characteristics of adult learners. The objective was to examine the WIC participants' comprehension and willingness to use self-directed learning modules as a nutrition education supplement.

Dissertation submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Consumer Science Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the care and support of people living with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and children in particular are affected by HIV and the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic in Africa in various ways. The epidemic puts children at risk physically, psychologically and economically. Children are indirectly affected by HIV and AIDS when the epidemic has a negative impact on their communities and the services these communities provide. Undernutrition is a major problem in HIV-positive children in South Africa with severe malnutrition as a common finding in HIV-positive children. HIV contributes to an increased incidence and severity of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency. Low serum levels of vitamins A, E, B6, B12 and C, betacarotene, selenium, zinc, copper and iron deficiencies are frequently documented during all stages of HIV-infection. Malnutrition in turn further weakens the immune system which increases the susceptibility to infections and the duration and the severity of infections. Thus, the immune response is less effective and less vigorous when an individual is undernourished. Although guidelines exist for the treatment and management of HIV-infected children, it is clear from the literature that exceptional measures are needed to ensure the health and well-being of the children are met. Furthermore, residential care should not only be considered as a last resort for children’s care, but also as an intervention that requires more than merely addressing children’s basic physical needs. Nutrition education has been utilised globally and in South Africa to address nutrition related problems. The main purpose of nutrition education is to provide individuals with adequate and accurate information, skills and motivation to buy, produce and consume the correct foods to stay healthy and lead an active life. Aim The purpose of this study was to develop reliable and valid nutrition education material for the child care workers (CCWs) of Immune Compromised children vi resident in Children’s Homes in the Durban area in order to maintain the child’s immune system and to optimise their quality of life. Methodology The FAO framework used for planning, implementing and evaluating a nutrition education programme was followed to develop the nutrition education material in this study. Phase I included a situational analysis of the children homes involved. The residential care settings that participated in this study included three Children’s Homes in Durban. The total purposive sample included: boys (5–19 years) n = 112, girls (5–19 years) n = 38 and CCWs n = 40. The sample of HIV-positive children included boys (5–19 years) n = 3 and girls (5– 19 years) n = 6. The physical measurements obtained for this study to determine nutritional status were weight and height. The anthropometric measurements were captured and analysed by the researcher using the World Health Organisation’s AnthroPlus version 1.0.2. Statistical software. The following indices were included: height-for-age (stunting), weight-for-age (underweight) and BMI-for-age (overweight and wasting). The WHO growth standards for school-aged children and adolescents were used to compare the anthropometric indicators. Dietary intake measurements were done by analysing the cycle menus by means of the Food Finder® Version 3 computer software program and comparing the results with the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs), specifically the EAR and AI where the EAR were not available. The data were analysed to determine the adequacy of energy and nutrient intake. Average portion sizes were established by the plate waste studies method as well as observation of practices, interviews with the central buyer and focus group discussions with the CCWs. Nutrition knowledge of the CCWs was determined by a self-administered questionnaire developed and tested for reliability and validity. The problems identified in Phase I through the implementation of the questionnaires and other methods directed the design of messages in Phase II. Once suitable media was selected, nutrition education material was developed based on existing guidelines pertaining to HIV and AIDS. The material developed was then tested for reliability and validity before it was produced. vii Results The anthropometric measurements indicated that the majority of the HIV-negative boys and girls were of normal height-for-age and weight-for-age. The results also showed that possible risk of overweight and overweight were more prevalent in girls whereas underweight was more prevalent in boys. Furthermore, the results indicated that a third (33.0%) of the HIV-positive children were stunted and 16.7% was severely stunted. Findings of the menu analysis indicated that both girls and boys consumed three times more carbohydrates than the recommended intake. The DRIs for girls and boys were met for energy and protein in all the age groups except boys aged 14-18 years did not meet the DRI for energy. However, the comparison of the actual intake of the macro nutrients with the WHO guidelines indicated that the protein (10.78%) and carbohydrate (58.07%) is within the recommendations of 10- 15% and 55–75% respectively. This comparison also showed that the total fat intake of 31.15% was above the recommended intake of 15-30%. None of the age groups met the DRIs for fibre. The comparison of the intake with the WHO guidelines also indicated that the total dietary fibre intake was only 19.67g/day and not 27–40g/day. The actual fruit and vegetable intake was a mere 68.64g/day instead of 400g/day as recommended. None of the groups met the DRIs for calcium and iodine. The results clearly showed that micro nutrient inadequacies were more prevalent in the dietary intake of age groups 9-13 and 14-18 years in both girls and boys. Inadequate intake of magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenate, biotin, vitamin E and vitamin K were evident in the age group 14-18 year. Overall, it is evident from the results on nutrition knowledge that although the respondents’ knowledge was fair on general nutrition guidelines, the results of the nutrition knowledge questionnaire indicated that knowledge on the importance of a variety in the diet is lacking. The CCWs displayed a very poor knowledge of the recommended number of fruit and vegetable portions per day as well as correct serving sizes of vegetable portions. A very poor knowledge also existed regarding the role of healthy eating in maintaining and supporting the immune system and a limited knowledge on correct hygiene practices was noted. The fridge magnets developed included five messages relating to nutrition and four messages relating to food safety and hygiene. viii Conclusion This study established that malnutrition is apparent in the children’s homes and that there were many gaps in the nutrition knowledge of the CCWs. These gaps included the role of good nutrition in the support and maintenance of the immune system and the importance of adequate intake of fruit and vegetables daily. The NEM developed in this study will address these gaps.

Life and Consumer Sciences / M.A. (Consumer Science)

PhDRDV / Institute for Rural Development / Many countries provide food to school children through school feeding programmes (SFPs). This is designed to alleviate short-term hunger and encourage learners to attend school. Many children in South Africa attend school hungry and lack general knowledge of nutrition, which negatively affects their learning abilities. Not much research attention has been paid to the potential of SFPs to improve learners‟ knowledge of nutrition. Nor has there been significant effort to stimulate local production of food involving community members, which might contribute to the development of rural areas. In the current study, the degree to which SFPs have alleviated hunger, promoted nutrition education, and enhanced the development of rural communities in Blouberg Local Municipality (BLM) was investigated. Data were collected from 11 primary schools in BLM where the South African Department of Basic Education implemented SFPs. At each school, quantitative data were collected from learners aged from 10 to 15 years using a structured, pre-tested and validated questionnaire. Qualitative data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with learners, teaching staff, community members and government officials involved in the implementation of SFPs. Document analysis, direct observation, and taking notes, photographs, Venn and seasonal -diagraming were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics, crosstabulation and binary logistic regression were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data obtained in the form of interview transcripts and field notes were analysed using thematic content analysis. An inductive approach was followed. This entails coding the data and observing emerging patterns, culminating in organising the results into common themes. A composite index was used as a measure of the quality of SFPs. Perceived benefits of SFPs were assessed based on a validated and standardised 5-point ordinal scale. It was observed that 80 % school children who participated in the study were satisfied with the quality of the SFPs provided to them. The results confirmed those obtained through focus group discussions and individual interviews. Overall satisfaction with the quality of the SFP in BLM significantly and positively depended on the following knowledge, in descending order of importance: fewer sugary foods should be consumed; fewer fatty foods should be consumed and eating various foods helps in proper growth and development. Four predictor variables significantly influenced satisfaction with SFPs. These were: knowledge that a variety of food types is helpful for growth and development [OR = 3.72; P < 0.001; 95% C.I. = 1.77, 7.83]; knowledge that eating too much fatty food is harmful [OR = 2.93; P < 0.001; 95% C.I. = 1.83, 4.68]; knowledge that eating too much sugary food is harmful [OR = 2.18; P < 0.001; 95% C.I. = 1.45, 3.29]; and knowledge that eating too much sweet food is harmful because it can make people fat [OR = 1.58; P < 0.05; 95% C.I. = 1.01, 2.50]. All participants agreed that SFPs alleviated hunger and benefited the learners and their families. Although the participants cited numerous other benefits accrued through SFPs, there were challenges that should be addressed. The involvement of community members in the SFPs was reported to be minimal such as cooking and serving food and working in the school gardens. This could be maximised because SFPs presented an opportunity for local food production and rural community development. Non-delivery of food by suppliers and the negative impact it had on learners was the major challenge. This observation implied that the SFPs constituted a readily available market, which the rural communities could exploit to improve their income, create jobs and enhance the rural economy. Therefore, SFPs and school gardens should be integrated with nutrition education to improve the learners‟ level of nutrition knowledge and reinforce the consumption of healthy foods. Although initially, the SFP had a community development component, this seemed to be overlooked. A framework that underscores strong partnerships among government departments, NGOs and the private sector in implementing community and/or rural development initiatives was developed. The framework is based on strong partnerships between key stakeholders, policy support, investments in resources and infrastructure for rural development and capacity building. / NRF

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Background: Online courses in healthcare programs like Dietetics have increased in availability and popularity. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the connections between online learning environments and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) dimensions among Nutrition Professionals. This research will add to the knowledge base of educators responsible for the design and development of online nutrition courses and will enhance Nutrition Professionals’ academic and professional outcomes. Design: Semi-experimental study design. Subjects/Setting: Thirty-one Nutrition Professionals with mean age of 29 years old. All elements of the study were done online. Statistical Analysis: MBTI dimension summaries were done for descriptive statistics. Fisher’s Exact Test was used to compare frequency of MBTI dimensions in the learning modules (LM) and to analyze learning modality preference based on MBTI dimensions. Two-Sample T-Tests compared test scores for LM groups and test scores for extraverts and introverts. Paired T-Test assessed improvement in test scores related to LM preference. Chi-Square Test compared preferences for the second learning module for both LM groups. Results: The majority of participants’ MBTIs were ESFJ at 35% or ISFJ at 19%. There were more extraverts (71%) compared to introverts (29%). Both LM groups had similar MBTI dimensions. Extraverts and introverts had similar improvements in scores and LM preferences. LM groups performed similarly and in general participants preferred the second learning module they were assigned. Preference for the second LM could be because participants enjoyed the first LM and wanted to learn more information. Both LM groups significantly improved their scores (P=<.0001) in their first and second learning modules regardless of learning module design. Participants were highly motivated to learn as evidenced by their enrollment in this study and completion of 10 hours of learning modules. Motivation to learn may have been the strongest reason performance significantly improved. Conclusion: LM groups significantly improved their LM scores and learned similar amounts. MBTI dimensions extravert and introvert and preferred learning modality had limited impact on performance for this sample of Nutrition Professionals. These results indicate that motivation may be the key to increasing performance in online nutrition courses.