Thesis (Ph. D.)--Indiana University, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-90). Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Florida State University, 2004. / Advisor: Dr. Laura R. Cook, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Dept. of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed Sept. 22, 2004). Includes bibliographical references.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.78-86).

Thesis (M. Tech. (Food and Beverage Management, Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism)--Vaal University of Technology. / Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate a nutrition education programme for Setlabotjha Primary School children in order to improve current knowledge. The study included all grade seven learners from two primary schools in one of the poorest areas in the Vaal Triangle. Children form Setlabojha Primary School formed the experimental group, while children from Ekujuleni Primary School formed the control group. Methods: The initial steps involved a baseline survey (Napier 2001 :78), which indicated that malnutrition exists at Setlaboljha Primary School. The baseline survey indicated stunting, wasting, underweight and poor food consumption patterns among the children. A literature survey was conducted, as a result of the findings of malnutrition, poverty and household food insecurity in Eatonside. Pre-tests were undertaken to determine current nutritional knowledge (for both groups) using a nutritional knowledge questionnaire developed by the Medical Research Council. The pre-tests results revealed poor nutritional knowledge and these results were used to develop the nutrition education tool (nutrition education playing cards) based on the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. The intervention, which involved the issuing, reading. playing and exchanging of the nutrition education playing cards had taken place over eleven weeks for the experimental group. The control group had received pamphlets and nutrition education lessons. After the intervention had taken place, post-tests were undertaken to compare the difference between the two groups and to determine the effectiveness of the nutrition education programme. Results: In general, the subjects of both groups had a good knowledge regarding sugar, water and salt consumption, as well as 'the key to a healthy way of eating'. Thus the inclusion of fruit and vegetables and variety were in the diet. Poor knowledge was evident in both groups pertaining to pregnancy, the importance of starch in the diet, alcohol consnmption, physical activity, vitamin A-rich foods and the inclusion of pilchards as a calcium-rich source. / NRF and Central Research Committee, VUT.

Thesis (M. Tech. (Food Service Management, Dept. of Hospitality, Tourism and PR Management)--Vaal University of Technology / Introduction. Most of the children aged between five and 15 around the world live under difficult circumstances, which lead to a high dropout rate from school before the end of the secondary level. Most of them have poor nutrition, are undernourished and are exposed to a large range of harmful, parasitic and infectious diseases (Shariff et al, (2000:265). Purpose. The purpose of this investigation was to analyze the nutritional status of primary school children in Orange Farms informal settlement in terms of their nutritional needs in order to implement a school feeding programme and assess its impact on the nutritional status of these children. Methodology. A cross-sectional baseline survey was conducted two weeks before commencing with the school feeding programme. The measurements taken during this phase were socio-demographic and health by means of a questionnaire, as well as dietary intake and food consumption patterns by means of a quantified food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour recall, weight and height measurements. The anthropometric measurements included height and weight and the biochemical measurements included serum ferritin, C-reactive protein, total protein, albumin, vitamin B 12, folate, glucose, full blood count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, red blood cell count, mean cell volume, white blood cell count, vitamins A, E and zinc. A single matched "placebo" -controlled, parallel group, clinical trial of ten months followed in a randomly selected sample of 100 participants, 50 forming part of the control group receiving a fruit and 50 forming part of the experimental group receiving com-soy blend porridge. After the 10-month period, the same measurements for the baseline survey were repeated, except for the sociodemographic and health measurements. Results. Malnutrition, including under and over nutrition, remains a major problem among primary school children globally. This was also true in both the experimental and control school groups in this study where 18.6 percent, 34.9 percent and 4.7 percent were underweight, stunted and wasted especially in the experimental group compared to 9.1 percent severe underweight, and 9.1 per cent each for severe stunting and wasting in the control group at baseline. A mainly carbohydrate based diet was consumed with limited vegetable and animal protein intakes. The socio-demographic data indicated that household food insecurity contributed to the poor dietary intake of the sample, as the majority of the caregivers were unemployed in both groups. This was further confirmed by the limited monthly household income of less than R 1000 for a relatively large family size of up to 5 members in the control group compared to 5-10 household members in the experimental group. The implementation of a school feeding programme that included a nutritious and acceptable meal in the form of enriched corn-soy blend or a fruit as part of the programme, also proved to be a relatively easy and cost-effective way to address hunger in these primary schools. Furthermore, the dietary intake levels for both groups showed statistically significant improvements for various macro- and micronutrients when compared to DRis. Conclusion Although few statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to dietary intake patterns, biochemical changes and nutritional status indices, positive changes were observed in both groups, indicating that any food provision may have a positive impact on undernourished children. The results of the intervention indicated an improvement in dietary intake which could result in an improved nutritional status, specifically related to micronutrients. However, the anthropometric indices and certain biochemical parameters showed significant improvements in both groups after the intervention. School feeding programmes are a good strategy for addressing malnutrition among primary school children if monitored effectively. However, it does not impact directly on household food security. A long-term clinical intervention trial is recommended to measure the impact of a food-based approach to address specific micronutrient deficiencies prevalent among children in these age groups. / National Research Foundation

Thesis (M. Tech. (Food Service Management, Dept. of Hospitality and Tourism)--Vaal University of Technology / Most of the world's children between 5 and 15 years of age attend school, though many do so under difficult circumstances. A large percentage of school children is underfed and poorly nourished (Engelbrecht 2005: l; Worsley 2005:135; DoE 2004:1). The aim of the Joint Aid Management (JAM) school-feeding programme was to reduce malnutrition by providing a mid-morning snack to alleviate short-term hunger, support nutrient intake, enhance active learning capacities and improve school attendance (JAM 2004:4). The equivalent of lOOg raw com-soya blend (CSB) was to be provided to the children on a daily basis. The main objective of this study was to determine the sustainability of CSB porridge use in the Orange Farms school-feeding programme. Regulatory compliance and product acceptability over time was addressed. Adjustments to the ratio of ingredients and portion size (83g) of the porridge served were calculated within practical limitations. The South African school feeding guidelines indicated that 25 percent of the energy needs for the 7-1 0 year olds, and 20 percent for the 11-14 year olds should be provided; while JAM indicated that 70 percent of the RDA recommendations (according to UNICEF 2002) should be provided by the product. A comparison between the applicable RDA for gender and age against daily dietary intake (habitual intake plus CSB porridge)revealed that the needs for vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin, folate, iron and zinc have been met, while calcium could not be provided in full. The needs for vitamins C and Bl2 were provided for in full through the CSB intake. Overall, the CSB intake made a substantial contribution to nutritive intake. Both the perceptions for taste (Reitumetse 75-80% and Sinqobile 88-83%) and texture (Reitumetse 74-82% and Sinqobile 71-78%) increased over time. As several learners (25%) consumed second servings twice (34%) but up to five times a week (21%), it can be assumed that the additional nutrient intake benefited the neediest children the most. It is recommended that CSB porridge should be introduced in areas where the dietary intake is compromised. / National Research Foundation (NRF)