Thesis (M.Tech.: Food and Consumer Sciences)- Durban Institute of Technology, 2004 1 v. (various pagings) / This study examines the incidence of malnutrition and the factors influencing malnutrition amongst rural black children aged 0 to 24 months in Umbumbulu, Kwa-Zulu Natal so as to formulate guidelines for the development of a nutrition intervention education programme.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Food and Consumer Sciences)- Durban Institute of Technology, 2004 1 v. (various pagings) / This study examines the incidence of malnutrition and the factors influencing malnutrition amongst rural black children aged 0 to 24 months in Umbumbulu, Kwa-Zulu Natal so as to formulate guidelines for the development of a nutrition intervention education programme.

An assessment of the nutritional status of a representative sample of an urban African population has not previously been conducted, nor the extent to which the traditional diet has been abandoned for a western diet. To meet this end, a cross-sectional analytic study was carried out on a representative sample (N=1146) of the urban African population, aged 3 - 64 years in 1990. Particular attention was paid to specific at-risk groups viz. preschoolers (aged 3 - 6 years; N=163), adolescents (aged 15 - 18 years; N=119) and adults (19 - 44 years; N=649). The interrelationships of dietary intake with socio-economic status, demographic indicators as well as measures of urban exposure were also examined. A further aim was to determine the extent to which this rapidly urbanising population ' s macronutrient profile had shifted from a traditional towards a western atherogenic dietary pattern. This analytic study was nested in a community-based descriptive survey on risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A multi-staged, proportional sampling strategy was used. Quotas were used in the final stage of sampling, based on the age/sex distribution of a 1988 census conducted by the local authorities. Dietary data were collected by means of the 24-hour recall method, by Xhosa -speaking registered nurses who had received intensive training. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and blood samples were drawn according to standard procedures. Socio-demographic questions elicited information on the physical environment and facilities, educational level and employment status. Information was also elicited regarding urban exposure relating to lifetime migration history, thus incorporating retrospective temporality into the study des ign. From these data, an index of urban exposure was established by calculating the percentage of life spent in an urban environment. Univariate analyses of dietary, anthropometric and biochemical vitamin status were used for the descriptive components of the study of the three specific at-risk age categories. Bivariate analyses examined the effects of selected proxies of socio-economic status, and urban exposure on dietary intake. Finally, multiple linear regressions were performed on the preschoolers (N=163) and adult sample, aged 15 - 64 years (N=983) incorporating additional indicators of socio-economic status as predictors, and dietary intake data as outcome measures. Correspondence analysis further explored the relationships between dietary atherogenicity (using the Keys score) and other risk factors for degenerative disease.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / There is lack of data on the dietary intake and patterns of Lindelani adolescents, which necessitates comprehensive nutritional assessment. Objectives: The objectives were to investigate the dietary intake and nutritional analysis of lunchbox contents of high school girls (13 -18 years of age) in Lindelani and evaluate its contribution to their dietary intake. Methodology: The study was of a descriptive nature with an analytical component, a convenience sample of 61 learners who brought lunchboxes from home and completed a socio- demographic questionnaire, QFFQ and two 24- hour recall questionnaire used for evaluation of their dietary intake. Anthropometric measurements, including body composition, were performed. Anthropometric data were captured on a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and displayed on WHO growth charts to determine stunting, wasting, underweight and over-weight. . Lunchboxes were required and collected without informing participants to avoid bias, each lunch box was weighed and the content recorded and analysed using Food Finder 3 computer software program. It was analysed by selecting the mean intake of the group and comparing it to the Daily Recommended Intake (DRIs) for this group of individuals. Results: The results indicated that the food group most commonly consumed was carbohydrates. The lunchbox mean energy content was 90.14 kJ (>100% of DRIs) which is a big portion for a lunchbox since there are other meals of the day to be eaten too. The mean intake of fruit portion consumed was 135g which was only consumed by 1% in the top 20 food items compared to 141.82g consumed by 18% in 24- hour recall. Bread, margarine and polony were commonly consumed in QFFQ, Lunchboxes and 24- hour recall. Fat consumption for lunchboxes was 34.04% higher than the WHO nutrient intake goal which put these teenagers at risk of overweight. Fruit and vegetable intake was 106.95g (QFFQ), 107.27g (24-hour recall) and 109.49g (mean lunchbox content). This indicates poor intake of fruit and vegetables, being far lower than WHO recommendation of 400g per day. Dietary fibre was also found below 25g. Conclusion: Although the group seemed to consume all the nutrients but it is a small sample of the population. The study indicated that the majority of the respondents consume mostly IVcarbohydrate diets and the lunchboxes did not meet the basic requirements of a balanced diet. The lunchboxes contributed on average one third of the girl’s daily food intake.

Submitted in partial fulfilment for the Degree of Master of Technology: Food Technology, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / Leafy vegetables provide valuable nutrients to humans. Indigenous or traditional vegetables are rapidly being replaced by exotic plants. These vegetables are often costly and not easily available to communities. This study was undertaken to determine the nutritional composition of the leaves of twenty traditional leafy vegetables namely Solanum nigrum, Physalis viscosa, Cucumis metuliferus, Momordica balsamina, Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus hybridus, Amaranthus dubius, Asystasia gangetica, Justicia flava, Emex australis, Oxygonum sinuatum, Bidens pilosa, Cleome monophylla, Portulaca oleracea, Wahlenbergia undulata, Senna occidentalis, Chenopodium album, Ceratotheca triloba, Galinsoga parviflora and Centella asiatica from different locations in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The leafy vegetables were analysed for protein, moisture, fat, fibre, carbohydrates, ash, energy values and nutritionally valuable mineral elements (Ca, P, Na, Zn, Mg, Mn and Fe). / M

The blue duiker, Philantomba monticola and common or grey duiker, Sylvicapra grimmia represent two of the three duiker genera as well as two of the three species occurring in Southern Africa. The two species have not been adequately studied in their habitats within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, and this thesis centres around their biology with focus on diet and dental microwear. Faecal analysis was used to study the diet of blue duiker at Salem in the Albany district, and of common duiker on two farms, one a predominantly cattle farm at Kasouga and the other a farm for cultivation of chicory at Grants valley, both in the Bathurst district. The validity of faecal analysis was reviewed, and its applicability to blue and common duiker assessed. The method was appropriate for diet analysis of both species, as the common duiker is shy and secretive and the blue duiker is a rare and protected species which does not habituate readily. Results showed that the blue duiker was mainly folivorous with a seasonally stable diet of 79 percent dicot foliage and only 17 percent fruit. Common duiker diet at both study sites comprised mostly dicot foliage, with only two monocotyledonous plant species. Twenty-seven and nineteen plant species were identified in the diets of common duiker at Kasouga and Grants valley respectively and the annual percentage occurrences of dicot foliage in the diets were about 99 percent at both study sites. The predominantly browsing common duiker, therefore offered negligible competition for food resources to the grazing cattle on Kasouga farm. Both blue and common duiker fed selectively, with approximately one third of the total number of plant species identified in their diets providing at least 50 percent of the food eaten annually. Ehretia rigida was the most important plant species in the diets of both duiker species. Chicory, Chichorium intybus provided more than one third (35.6 percent) of the winter diet and a substantial proportion (14.4 percent) of the spring diet of common duiker at Grants valley, thereby confirming earlier reports of this species feeding on chicory and other cultivated crops. The diet of common duiker at Kasouga did not vary seasonally but that of common duiker at Grants valley did vary and this was attributed to utilisation of chicory. Results from the dental microwear analyses did not show any significant differences in dental microwear between blue and common duiker, but supported and confirmed that the two were browsing species, characterised by many pits and few scratches on their dental surfaces. A high incidence of pits was found on the dental surfaces of both duiker species, and was attributed to utilisation of fruit in the diet.

Dissertation submitted in the fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologie: Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2012. / Background: Assessing the nutritional status of adolescents could be a catalyst in addressing malnutrition at an early age and at a school level. Objectives: The study was conducted to examine the nutritional status and dietary pattern of adolescent girls attending school in Lindelani, KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: Adolescent girls were selected from a randomly selected high school. A total of 157 adolescent girls aged 13 to 18 years were surveyed for socio-demographic indicators, nutritional status and dietary intake. Data were collected by interviewing the adolescent girls and the parents using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaires. Weight and height were measured and socio-demographic data collected by means of a questionnaire. Dietary intake data were gathered by using two 24hr recall questionnaires and a QFFQ. Results: The findings indicated that adolescent girls in Lindelani face two distinct nutrition situations, underweight and overweight. The nutrient intake was compared with the dietary reference intake (DRI). The prevalence of undernutrition (7.6%) among the participants assessed as stunting (height-for-age) was based on the usual pattern of food intake. The results revealed that 92.4% of the girls were of normal height for age (>-1SD to +3SD), 10.8% were overweight (>+2SD to <+3SD) and 1.9% were obese (>+3SD). Consumption of high carbohydrates based food items was prevalent and carbohydrate intake correlated positively with the BMI-for-age Z-score. The income of the household was assessed, however, there was no statistically significant correlation (p=0.442) between BMI-for-age (Z- scores) and the caregivers level of income. For the intake of protein and dietary fibre, at least 40 and 144 participants, respectively, did not meet the dietary recommended intake measured by the 24hr recall. The study explains that not only is there under and over nutrition in this group but also inadequate micronutrient intake, especially of essential nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron and calcium. A substantial proportion of the girls did not consume adequate folate. The households that reported to have had adequate food at all times were only 29.3%. Conclusion: The results show a lack of dietary variety, which may contribute to the nutrient deficiency. Both undernutrition and overnutrition was prevalent among the girls. The majority of the population had a lower energy intake than recommended. Intervention strategies are needed to improve the dietary intake of adolescent girls and overcome the crisis of malnutrition.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Masters in Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2017. / Introduction: Many studies have attempted to establish the association between the academic performance of university students and various factors that impact on academic performance. Students’ socio-economic backgrounds have been cited as a significant predictor of academic success among university students, with first generation students (FG) reporting a lower retention and graduation rate compared to non-first generation (NFG) students. First generation students are those that are the first in a family to enroll in institutions of higher learning, whether college or university, while NFG students, are students whose parents or siblings have attended an institution of higher learning. The low academic success rate among FG students is mainly attributed to unpreparedness for college/university, financial challenges and lack of support from family. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between diet quality, nutrition status and academic performance of first generation and non-first generation university students in Durban. Methodology: A total of 270 randomly selected students (135 FG and 135 NFG) between the ages of 18 and 30 years participated voluntarily in the study. The study was descriptive in nature with a cross-sectional design. Trained fieldworkers administered the questionnaires in an interview setting. A socio-demographic questionnaire measured the socio-economic characteristics of the students; anthropometric measurements were used to determine the nutritional status against the WHO cut-off points; three 24 hour recall questionnaires and a food frequency questionnaire determined their diet quality and nutrition adequacy, and the students’ matric and first year results were used to measure academic performance. The socio-demographic questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and the academic results were captured on Microsoft Excel® and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences® (SPSS) version 21.0. A trained nutrition professional captured and analyzed the 24 hour data using the Food Finder® version 3 computer programme. Results: The sample was fairly representative of both groups of students and genders with 20% (n=52) FG men, (17%; n=44) NFG men, (30%; n=78) FG women, and 33% (n=86) NFG women. The majority of FG (63.1%; n=82) and NFG (59.2%; n=77) students came from townships, and the highest number of students (FG 60.7%; n=79 and NFG 49.3%; n=64) depended on student loans to pay for university fees. Furthermore, most of the FG (76.8%; n=100) and NFG (81.5%; n=106) students lived in university residences. Although the highest number of FG students (38.5%; n=50) had a household income of between R0–R500 compared to the highest number of NFG students having a household income of R501–R1000 per month, the highest number of both groups of students (FG=25.4%; n=33 and NFG=26.2%; n=34) spent R401–R500 per month on food, and almost 50% of both groups of students indicated that they sometimes lacked money to buy food. Non-first generation students were affected by obesity more so than FG students, with one (2.27%) NFG man and 13.92% (n=12) affected by obesity class I (BMI 30-34.99), and 4.65% (n=4) NFG women falling within the obesity class II range (BMI of 35-39.99), compared to none of the FG men affected by obesity, and only 3.85% (n=3). Furthermore, a higher number of NFG students exceeded the WC cut-off points for men (102cm) and women (88cm) compared to FG students, with none of the FG men exceeding the cut-off points for men, compared to 1.82% of NFG men, and only 20.51% of FG women exceeding the cut-off points for women compared to 32.61%. The waist-to-height ratio also indicated that a higher percentage (63.74%) of NFG women exceeded the cut-off point (˃0.5) compared to 60.25% of FG women. Refined carbohydrate based foods made up the majority of the students’ diet, with the top 3 foods among FG and NFG men being carbohydrate based (maize meal pap, bread/rolls, and rice), and the top two foods being rice and bread/rolls among FG and NFG women. All the students (FG and NFG), failed to meet the WHO’s recommendation of consuming ≥400g of fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, between 80-100% of men and women (FG and NFG) failed to meet the RDI’s for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins C, D, E and K. Although both FG and NFG students reported few protein rich sources on the top 20 foods lists, all the students exceeded the DRI for protein with mean (SD) intakes of (62.62g±21.984) by FG men, 70.98g±25.534 (NFG men), 57.97g±23.248 (FG women), and 55.94g±18.397 (NFG women). Carbonated drinks were ranked 6th for both FG and NFG men, and 8th among FG and NFG women, with NFG men reporting a higher per capita intake per day (142.52g) compared to FG men (115.67g) and among women, a per capita intake of 106.07g (FG) 96.95g (NFG). Both FG and NFG students reported low food variety scores (<30 individual foods), with FG men reporting a slightly higher mean (SD) FVS (28.56±10.079) compared to 27.41±10.342 of NFG men, and NFG women reported a higher mean (SD) FVS (29.92±8.549) compared to 28.67±10.775 (FG women). The majority of the students (FG and NFG) reported high food group diversity scores (FGDS), with the majority of men (FG=98.08%; n=51 and NFG=93.18%; n=41) and women (FG=94.9%; n= 74 and NFG=100%; n=86) reporting a high FGDS (6-9 food groups). The matric results of the participants indicated that 100% (n=260) of all the students (FG and NFG) passed matric with a pass rating of 3-6, and the first year academic results indicated that the highest number of FG and NFG students passed the first year of university with a percentage range of 51-74% [FG men=92.31(n=48); NFG men=86.36 (n=38); FG women=93.59% (n=73); and NFG women=84.88 (n=73)]. The first year results also showed that a higher number of NFG (11.36%; n=5) men and women (10.47%; n=9) failed the first year of university compared to the FG men (5.77%; n=3) and women (5.13%; n=4). Conclusion: Although there are some statistically significant correlations between some of the variables, it does not prove conclusively that diet and nutrition status had an impact on the academic performance of this group of students. Due to the lack of diversity with regard to socio-demographic factors, including socio-economic profile and race, no notable differences were observed except in the case of nutrition status, where a higher incident of obesity was observed among NFG students compared to FG students. Inter-gender differences were more apparent compared to inter-generation differences. / M

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Magister Technologiae: Consumer Science Food and Nutrition, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / The objective of the study was to conduct a situational analysis of elderly people on state pension living in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa. The research focused on the socioeconomic status, dietary intake, nutritional status, and health status of this community. Methodology The sample comprised 270 (224 women and 46 men) randomly selected elderly people within the 12 wards of Umlazi. The methods used for assessment included a sociodemographic questionnaire which determined the socioeconomic status. A 24-hr recall questionnaire and food frequency questionnaire were used to determine dietary intake, while anthropometric measurements were conducted to determine the nutritional status. A health questionnaire, including a salt administration questionnaire was used to determine the health status of the elderly in this community. Trained field workers and nurses assisted in data collection and food consumption data was captured and analysed by a qualified dietician using Food Finder version 3.0 computer software program. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means, standard deviations and confidence intervals) were determined with the assistance of a bio-statistician. Socio-demographic and health data were captured onto an Excel(R) spreadsheet by the researcher. These questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows version 17, 0 software program. Results The majority of respondents lived in brick houses (84.8%) and the living space generally consisted of more than three rooms (87.4%). However, the majority of respondents who lived with >4 to 10 members were 67.4% whilst only 32.6% of households consisted of less than 4 members. The mean household size was 5.1 (±SD 2.9) people, this further illustrates that the majority of respondents lived with 5 people per household. Grandchildren were present in 70% of the households with a mean of 3 (±SD 5) grandchildren in each household. Results also indicate that 84.6% of the elderly were the bread winners in these households. The vast majority of 87.8% of the population had no other source of income. The majority of vi Pagevi respondents with an income had a total monthly income of R500- R1500 (82.9%) followed by R1501- R2500 (14.1%) and only 3% had more than R2500 total income. Food expenditure for most (80%) households was >R500 of the total income. Food shortages due to limited income were frequent in 54% of households who regularly experienced this problem, whilst 26% sometimes experienced shortages, 15.4% often encounted shortages whereas 2.6% encounted shortages seldomly and 2.2% never. A large majority of respondents owned electrical assets, the most commonly owned included a televison (80.3%) , a radio (75.5%) and a refrigerator (75.1). The majority of food items consumed were carbohydrate based and the portion sizes were relatively big, on average 1348.5g per day. The energy contribution from carbohydrates was 65% which is considered to be on the high side (WHO goals 55-75%). Protein intake was fairly common, with a 15% contribution to energy from total protein (WHO goals 10-15%). The frequency of vegetable and fruit intake was very low, the portion sizes were also small and did not meet the recommended daily intake. The energy contributions showed that 89.2% of the women consumed a diet that supplied <100% of Estimated Energy Requirements (EERs) and all the men consumed <100% of the EERs for energy. Sixty three percent of the women and 91.1% of the men consumed <100% of the EARs for protein. The mean carbohydrate intake in the sample was significantly higher than the EAR but the women consumed <100% of the EARs for carbohydrates (4.1%) and all men consumed >100% of the EARs. The majority of the vitamins for both genders indicated low intakes except for vitamin B12 and B6 in the case of men only. The majority of minerals indicated low scores for micronutrients except for iron (36.6% for men) and potassium (39.0% for men) which was consumed mostly by men than women. The mean Food Variety Score (FVS) (±SD) for all the foods consumed from all the food groups in a period of seven days was 25.8 (±14.6). The results revealed poor dietary diversity scoring. The cereal group had the highest mean variety score 5.3 (±2.5) followed by vegetables 4.5 (±2.6), fruit 3.5 (±3.1), flesh foods 3.2 (±1.6), vitamin A-rich fruit and the vegetable group 3.1 (±1.7). The anthropometric indices indicated that the mean age was 69.7 years (±SD 7.1) and mean weight of 76.5 kg (±SD 17.3). The BMI scores for the total group indicated that 52% of the respondents fell into the obese category (BMI = obese 1 >30, obese 2 >35 and obese 3> 40) and 24% of the respondents were overweight (BMI = 25-29.9). Only 20% were of moderate weight (BMI 18.5- 24.9). Although more men were overweight (34.2%) compared to 21.9% vii Pagevii of women, more women (60.1%) were obese compared to men (18.8%). The majority (83%) of the women were above the cut-off points for waist circumference ( 88cm) and 17% were within the normal values whilst 74% of the men were within recommended cut-off points ( 102cm) and only 26% exceeded the recommended scores. The results indicate that 77% of respondents were at risk of developing metabolic syndrome exceeding >0.5 waist-to-heightratio (WHTR) and 23% were at lower risk. However, the women showed a higher risk of 87.4% and men only 47.9% for metabolic risk. The correlation was significant at the p=0.01 level. There was thus as highly significant relationship between BMI and WHTR ratio for women. The health survey results indicated that 90% of the elderly population were in various stages of hypertension and 6% showed signs of developing hypertension. However, hypertension was more prevelant in women (91%) than in the men (83%). There was a statistical significant correlation (p=0.01) between waist circumference and systolic pressure for both women and men. A high percentage (82%) of the participants reported that they were currently on chronic medication whereas 18% were not using any chronic medication at the time. Although hypertension was prevalent in most respondents, it was followed by self reported diabetes (26.7%) and cancer (1.9%). Results show that elderly experienced problems with following ereas in the body skeletal joints (72.6%) as well as eyes and teeth were problematic in 75.9% of the respondents, followed by skin problems (29.6%) and ears and nose problems (28.6%). Results in the salt administrative questionnaire indicate that sodium intakes were below WHO goals <2000mg. Results also show that a high percentage of respondents (60%) generally never added salt to cooked food as the majority saw it as a health risk. Only 13% added it always to cooked food and 21% added it sometimes. Conclusions The results in the study indicate the high prevelance of poverty, food insecurity and poor nutritional and health status that compromises the quality of life of elderly living in this community. Recommendations Long-term intervention studies must be prioritised to address economic, health, social and demographic factors and future research is needed to cater for the growing needs of this population group.

The purpose of this study was to provide a national overview on internal migration of children and to relate these migration patterns to the nutritional status of children. This study specifically investigated the internal migration that took place during the life span of the National Food Consumption Survey study population and relates that to their dietary intake and anthropometric status.