Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Technology: Food and Nutrition Consumer Science, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Background: South Africa, a richly diverse developing country has been faced by the consequences of transition attributed to urbanisation and acculturation. A Westernised lifestyle has, therefore, resulted in increasing disease patterns that are characterized by a combination of poverty-related diseases together with the emerging chronic diseases. The shift to a Westernised lifestyle has resulted to a shift in the composition of dietary staples leading to dietary factors related to an increase in lifestyle diseases. These include a high fat, low fibre diet, as well as an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables. However, this in turn has led to higher energy intakes with insufficient and imbalanced micronutrient intake. Research conducted amongst the elderly in South Africa has clearly indicated that the elderly live within a limited financial budget leading to extreme levels of food insecurity and the social burden of being the head of the household, in addition to being the caregiver to grandchildren and sick children. Due to the current living status the elderly encounter reduced food intake in addition to a reduced variety in their diet, therefore, micronutrient deficiencies are common amongst this age group. Therefore, a consumption of energy-dense foods, particularly staple foods, to stretch the food budget which are more affordable and thus allow for an increased consumption is evident. Aim: To determine the socio-demographic profile, health and nutritional status in relation to the dietary intake patterns to reflect malnutrition among free living elderly (60yrs+) in Verulam. Methodology: Fifty nine randomly selected men and 191 women aged 60+ participated on a voluntary basis in this study. A descriptive survey method was used for this cross sectional study. Trained fieldworkers assisted with the administration of all questionnaires and a registered nurse measured blood pressure. Socio-demographic questionnaires were administered to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the elderly within this community. Anthropometric measurements determined the Body Mass Index according to the World Health Organisation and Asian cut-off points to indentify the risk factors. The Health questionnaire identified the health status correlated to the respondent’s profundity of disease and deficiencies associated to dietary patterns. Blood pressure measurements were taken to determine the hypertension prevalence related to the dietary intake. Two 24-Hour Recall questionnaires were completed by the 250 respondents to identify actual vii food intake and measured against the Dietary Recommended Intake (DRIs). A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) determined the respondent’s food variety score over a period of one week. The socio-demographic questionnaire, health questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were captured on an Excel® spread sheet by the researcher and analyzed for descriptive statistics using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17.0 with the assistance of a statistician. The 24-Hour Recall data were captured and analyzed by a nutrition professional using the MRC Food Finder® version 3.0 software, based on the South African Food Composition tables. Results: The majority of the respondent’s role in the family was mothers (70.8%) and lived in an urban area (68.8%). In addition, 73.2 percent (n=183) of the respondents shared the house with one to five people, and lived in a brick house (74.4%, n=186) with more than 3 rooms (74.0%, n=185). The elderly in this sample were pensioners and, therefore, 76.0 percent (n=190) received state grants of which the total household income ranged between R1001-R1500 (35.2%, n=88). Food insecurity is prevalent as reported by 28.4 percent. Primary school was the highest level of education completed by 52.4 percent (n=131) and English is the most spoken language amongst this group (74.0%, n=185). Women had higher BMI values particularly in the overweight (18.32%, n=35) and obese I and II (58.6%, n=112) categories when compared with men. Blood pressure measurements indicated that 60.0 percent (n=150) of the respondents suffered from hypertension. The use of chronic medication was reported by 84.4 percent (n=212). The total range of individual food items consumed by an individual during the seven-day data collection period measured by the (FFQ) was between 4-66 foods. However, the highest consumption was four food items by 23.2 percent (n=58) of the respondents. The summary of the food variety within food groups indicated a high dietary diversity, of which the other vegetable group reported the highest individual mean FVS (±SD) of 10.86 (±5.82), followed by other fruit, cereal, flesh and Vitamin A rich groups with 5.73 (±4.41), 5.03 (±1.85), 4.08 (±2.23) and 2.43 (±1.09) respectively. The nutrient analysis indicated a deficient intake by both men and women of all the nutrients, except for the mean (±SD) total protein in the women 45.10 (±12.55) and carbohydrate 212.83 (±36.97) in the men. The energy contribution indicated 98.3 percent (n=58) men and 85.72 percent (n=158) women consumed <100 percent of the EER for viii energy. However, the findings from the Top 20 food items measured by the 24-Hour Recall indicated that this community’s diet is largely carbohydrate-based, containing primarily starchy staple foods, sufficient intake of animal products, and insufficient intakes of dairy foods, fruit and vegetables, possibly resulting in the micronutrient deficiencies. The energy distribution of the macronutrients from the average of both 24-Hour Recalls indicates that both men and women are in range of 15-30 percent total fat intake, 10-15 percent protein and 55-75 percent carbohydrate. Conclusion: The results of the study reflect that the elderly in this community are faced with poverty, food insecurity as well as social factors thus contributing to a compromised nutritional status. The progression of malnutrition in particular overnutrition is experienced by the majority of the respondents in this study, however, an increased BMI and the prevalence of hypertension is a risk marker for noncommunicable diseases. However, the high prevalence of inadequate food and nutrient intake amongst elderly discloses the need for nutrition interventions and should be aimed at modifying the elderly food choices when purchasing food, healthier food preparation methods, increasing fruit and vegetable portions and improving daily physical activity to attain a better quality of life. / DUT Postgraduate Development and Support Directorate (PGD)

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / South Africa has a high prevalence of obesity, and many people live with diseases where dietary adaptations are part of the management of the disease. Nurses are important in the facilitation of people obtaining dietary advice. While nutrition education is part of the nursing curriculum, student nurses’ knowledge of nutrition was not known, nor was their dietary intake and nutritional health status. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutrition knowledge of students at a nursing college, and to assess their dietary diversity. A quantitative study was used, with random sampling chosen for selection of campuses and convenience sampling for student group selection. Students of the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing were invited to complete a General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was completed to assess dietary diversity, and respondents’ anthropometric measurements were recorded to assess Body Mass Index and Waist to Height Ratio. The results showed that a significant percentage of student nurses were overweight or obese. While students had a satisfactory knowledge of dietary recommendations and sources of different nutrients, their ability to make correct food choices, as well as their knowledge of diet-disease relationships was poor. They displayed good dietary diversity in their food intake. There were no statistically significant correlations between the students’ Body Mass Index and their knowledge, which assumes that the individual’s knowledge of nutrition does not directly influence their own food intake. It is recommended that aspects of the content in the nutrition curriculum be emphasised during the training of nurses in order to increase nutrition awareness in areas where knowledge was found to be lacking.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Technology: Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / Background: In a vulnerable low-income group with a confirmed high risk of cardiovascular disease, like the elderly in the Sharpeville care centre, an acute intervention is needed in order to improve their health profile. Previous studies suggested homocysteine lowering by vitamin B12, B6 and folate supplementation. The effect of vitamin B12, B6 and folate supplementation on the inflammatory response, thrombotic risk, lipid profile, hypertension, risk of metabolic syndrome and homocysteine metabolism in an elderly, black South African population has never been reported. Objectives: The main aim of this interventional study was to assess the effect of vitamins B12, B6 and folate supplementation at 200% RDA for six months on cardiovascular risk markers of an elderly semi-urbanised black South African community. Design: This study was an experimental intervention non-equivalent control group study design in 104 purposively selected samples of all the elderly attending the day-care centre. Setting and participants: A homogeneous group of respondents was included in the study. All subjects were equivalent in age (>60 years), race (black), unemployed/pensioners (socio-demographic) and 60 years and older attending a day care centre in Sharpeville, situated in the Vaal region, Gauteng, SA. Measurements: The distinctiveness of this study lies in the broad panel of parameters evaluating the CVR in correlation with the increased nutritional intake of vitamin B6, B12 and folate. These included: weight, height, waist, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, blood pressure, fibrinogen, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS–CRP), homocysteine, vitamin B12, folate, glucose, insulin, adiponectin and fibronectin. Results: A very high incidence (66.36%) of hyperhomocysteinaemia is present in the sample. The mean serum homocysteine level in hyperhomocysteinaemic individuals decreased statistically significantly from 25.00±8.00 umol/l to 18.80±12.00 umol/l after the intervention. The number of respondents with an increased homocysteine level decreased from 100% (baseline) to 67% (follow-up). The supplementation was beneficial (statistically significant changes) to the glucose levels, fibrinolytic status, vitamin B6 serum levels, fibronectin levels and haemopoeiesis (decreased macrocytosis) of all the individuals (regardless of their homocysteine status). Conclusion: It is concluded that supplementation of vitamins B6, B12 and folate at 200% RDA for six months is an effective homocysteine-lowering approach as a strategy to reduce hyperhomocysteinaemia in an elderly population and thereby reduce cardiovascular risk (CVR). The supplementation intervention mentioned is not an effective multifactorial strategy to decrease CVR although beneficial effects were found with other CVR markers independent of homocysteine status.

Thesis (PhD (Food Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA), especially the n-3 LCPUFA metabolic products eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) play an important role as regulators in many biological processes. To date hake (Merluccius capensis) heads, a rich source of EPA and DHA, have been discarded at sea. The South African Fisheries Policy Development Committee concerned with the environmental impact of this practice has rendered it undesirable. The high prevalence of under-nutrition amongst children in South Africa can be addressed by the supplementation of their diet with this unexploited fish source. The aim of the current study was to develop a microbiologically safe and sensory acceptable sandwich spread using fish flour prepared from fish heads, as a prime ingredient. The intervention trial aimed to compare the effects of an increased dietary intake of n-3 LCPUFA, specifically DHA, on the blood fatty acid levels and absenteeism (as indicator of immune function), as well as the cognitive status, of the subjects. The microbiological content of the sandwich spread was determined after storage for 20 d at 5°C and 15 d at 25°C. Sensory evaluation was performed by consumers (n = 95; M:F = 44:51; 6 – 9 yr) to determine acceptance of the five different flavours individually incorporated into the sandwich spread to mask the fishy note and to provide different flavour options. For the intervention trial subjects (n = 351) were stratified within class group (A - E) and gender and randomly assigned to two treatment categories, an experimental group (EG; n = 174) receiving 25 g sandwich spread.d-1 (191.66 mg DHA. d-1) and a control group (CG; n = 177) receiving an analogous placebo. On school days (104 d), each subject received two sandwiches consisting of two slices of bread (ca. 60 g), spread with 25 g of either the placebo or the experimental spread. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and post intervention. Plasma fatty acid and red blood cell (RBC) membrane status, C-reactive protein levels, as well as vitamin and micronutrient status, were determined. Trained test administrators conducted a battery of cognitive tests. According to South African Government health standards, the sandwich spread remained microbiologically safe after storage. Male and female consumer respondents revealed a significant difference between gender preferences of the five different spread flavours (p <0.05). Significant treatment effects (p <0.05) were observed in n-3 LCPUFA status of the EG, as well as for their absenteeism from school. The two subtests of the Hopkins Verbal Learning test, Recognition and Discrimination Index, showed significant differences between the EG and CG (p <0.05) post intervention in the Grade 2 subjects. The Spelling tests also showed a significant difference between the two groups (p <0.05). In the current study a microbiologically safe and sensory acceptable sandwich spread was developed and tested during an intervention trial, and could possibly in future, provide a healthier option in the School Nutritional Programme. This study proved that supplementation of children (6 - 9 yr) with n-3 LCPUFA, with specific reference to EPA and DHA from a marine source, could have a beneficial effect on their fatty acid status and absenteeism from school. Based on the outcomes of the Hopkins Verbal Learning test and Spelling test, the current study proved that an n-3 fatty acid-rich spread improved the learning ability and memory of children.

Thesis (MScFor)--Stellenbosch University 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: One of the greatest .limitations to the productivity of a plantation forest is poor nutrient status of the soil. Empirical application of corrective treatments are marginally successful in some cases, but because of limited understanding of the soiltree system, most nutritional problems go unnoticed or are accepted as a conceivable growth constraint. The aim of this investigation was to identify nutrient growth problems through field observations and to determine means of confirming these nutrient imbalances. Poor and abnormal growth of pine trees in the following areas were investigated: (i) The North Eastern Cape: Ugie and Maclear Districts (ii) The Natal Midlands: Mooi River area (iii) Mpumalanga: .Graskop and Kaapsche Hoop areas (iv) Southwestern Cape: Jonkershoek Plantation The study was conducted as nursery trials at the University of Stellenbosch and field trials at the various locations. Soils from the different regions were collected and used as growing media to test the growth response of five timber species (Pinus patula, P. elliottii, P. taeda, P. greggii and Eucalyptus nitens) under controlled conditions to various nutrient treatments. Indicator plants (cauliflower and soya) were included in these bio-assays. In the field trials nutrients were applied to seedlings and established stands of various ages by means of foliar and soil application. In the nursery trials and the trials where seedlings were planted in the field, plant performance was measured by quantitative means. The reaction of established stands to nutrient treatments were however less vigorous and qualitative means (e.g. colour changes) were used for assessment. Field observations in the North Eastern Cape and the Natal Midlands indicated possible boron, iron and molybdenum deficiencies and thus the work concentrates on these elements. Foliar and soil analyses reinforced these observations with marginal to deficient levels for boron and molybdenum being detected. The yellowing of foliage during the dry season was symptomatic of ineffective nitrogen assimilation and pointed to a molybdenum deficiency while seasonal growth tip dieback, resm exudation, sinuous tree limbs and bushy trees were classical boron deficiency symptoms. Potted trials indicated positive reaction to the application of boron and molybdenum deficiency symptoms were observed on indicator plants. Conclusive evidence of a boron deficiency in some of the pot trials, the planted field trials and the tree evaluation field trials remain elusive due to toxicity experienced as a result of an over-application of the nutrient. The occurrence of multiple deficiencies (phosphorous and calcium) further complicated the findings. The Mpumalanga observations indicated severe nutrient imbalance due to manganese toxicity (strong iron antagonism). The discolouring of the foliage on some sites towards the end of the winter was thought to be an induced molybdenum deficiency on the weathered and acidic red soils. Positive reaction to molybdenum application occurred in a single. tree evaluation trial, but because of soil oxidisation during collection, the effect of manganese toxicity was diluted in the pot trials. Foliar analyses indicated that foliar application of iron was unsuccessful and that other means should be considered to ensure uptake of this nutrient. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die lae vrugbaarheid van grond is een van die grootste beperkings tot die produktiwiteit van plantasie bosbou. Empiriese toedienings van kunsmisstowwe is in sekere gevalle suksesvol tot die bekamping van onvrugbaarheid. Weens gebrekkige kennis t.o.v die grond-boom sisteem word baie van die voedingstof probleme egter onkundig oorgeslaan' of word dit as natuurlike beperking in die produksie konteks aanvaar. Die doel van hierdie ondersoek was om swak boomgroei in die veld waar te neem en om bevestigende metodes te vind waarmee hierdie probleme as voedingstoftekorte geëien kan word. Swak en abnormale boomgroei van denne is in die volgende gebiede ondersoek: (i) Die Noordoos Kaap: Ugie- en Maclear Distrikte (ii) Die Natal Middelande: Mooirivier area (iii) Mpumalanga: Graskop- en Kaapsche Hoop areas (iv) Suidwes Kaap: Jonkershoek Plantasie Die ondersoek is uitgevoer as kwekery proewe by die Universiteit van Stellenbosch en as veldproewe in die onderskeie areas. Grond is uit die verskilende gebiede versamel en as groeimeduim gebruik om die groei-reaksie van vyf verskillende houtspesies (Pinus patula, P. elliottii, P. taeda, P. greggii en Eucalyptus nitens) onder beheerde klimaatsomstandighede te ondersoek. Daar is ook gebruik gemaak van indikator spesies (blomkool en soya) vir diagnose van visuele tekort simptome. Beide saailinge en reeds gevestigde bome is in die veldproewe gebruik. Voedingstowwe is by aanplanting toegedien, of in die geval van groter bome, as blaar- of grondtoedienings. Waar dit moontlik was (meestal in die geval van die saailinge) is die reaksie op die toegediende voedingstowwe met kwantitatiewe metodes bepaal. Daar moes egter van alternatiewe kwalitatiewe metodes gebruik gemaak word om die reaksie by die ouer en groter bome te bepaal. Gevolglik is verandering in bladkleur t.o.v. 'n basiskleur onder andere as maatstaf gebruik. Waarnemings van swak boomgroei in die Noordoos Kaap en die Natal Middelande het gedui op moontlike boor, yster en/of molibdeen tekorte. Lae vlakke van hierdie elemente in blaar- en grondanalises het hierdie waarnemings bevestig. Die geel verkleuring van die naalde gedurende die droë seisoen is simptomaties van oneffektiewe stikstof assimilasie en dui op 'n molibdeen tekort. Die waarneming van seisoenale terugsterwing van groeipunte, gebuigde stamme en takke, gomuitskeiding en bome met bosagtige voorkoms is eienskappe van 'n boor tekort. In die potproewe was daar positiewe reaksie op die toediening van boor en tekort simptome van molibdeen is in die indikator plante waargeneem. In van die potproewe, die saailing veldproewe en ander veldproewe kon daar egter nie uitsluitsel tot die effektiwiteit van boor gevind word nie aangesien toedienings te heftig was en toksisiteit ervaar is. Diagnose van enkel element voedingstof tekorte word bemoeilik deur van die proewe wat ook dui op veelvoudige voedingstoftekorte (veral fosfaat en kalsium). In Mpumalanga is daar waargeneem dat drastiese voedingstof wanbalanse a.g.v. mangaan toksisiteit aanwesig is (veral 'n sterk Fe antagonisme). Die bladverkleuring op sekere proefopstande aan die einde van die winter is ook 'n aanduiding van geïnduseerde molibdeen tekorte wat op die verweerde en suur rooi gronde van die omgewing verwag kan word. Daar was dan ook positiewe reaksie op die toediening van molibdeen, hoewel slegs byeen proefopstand. Die inherente nadeel van potproewe is op die mangaanryk gronde geopenbaar deurdat belugting (gedurende grond versameling) die effek van mangaan toksisiteit verminder het. Die gebruik van blaaranalises is ook voordelig aangewend om te bepaal dat die toediening van yster as blaartoediening onsuksesvol was en dat ander metodes ondersoek moet word om opname van die element te verseker.

Thesis (MNutr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: The study investigated the development of a simple, cost effective method to monitor food and nutritional intake of mineworkers residing in a Single Accommodation Village (SAV) by using food inventory data. Objectives: The aim of the study was to calculate average food and nutrient intake per mineworker using household data, assess actual food intake (individual data), determine food wastage and to compare food and nutritional intake between group and individual data. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional, observational study with an analytical component. The study population consisted of male mineworkers residing in a SAV on a platinum mine in the North West Province and included mineworkers performing mainly underground tasks. A census sampling method was used to select mineworkers participating in the study, and a pilot study was done to test the proposed study process. The study was conducted over five days, which included one weekend day. Food inventory data was recorded by capturing all food quantities (weight measured in kilogram) used for food preparation on the study days. The yield of the prepared food and expected meal participation was used to calculate an average intake per mineworker according to the household record method. An observational study was done to establish the food record data. Meal as well as food item participation was recorded. Food wastage was determined by weighing the production as well as the plate wastage and this data was used to ascertain average food intake per mineworker. Results: Approximately 700 mineworkers participated in the study. The study recorded a 96% meal participation measured against the planned participation figures during the main meal with 74% participating in all menu items. The values for breakfast and dinner were 95% meal participation for both meals with 87% menu item participation during breakfast and 82% during dinner. By using the t-distribution test it was recorded that limited values measured between the food inventory data and the food record data fell within the 95% confidence intervals even after correction for food wastage. However, when the planned participation used to calculate the household data was incorporated into an equation using actual participation data, the values fell within the 95% confidence interval demonstrating that with 95% certainty the planned values (when calculated according to the suggested equation) were within those values observed during the study. Conclusion: Household data can be used as a tool to monitor average individual food and nutritional intake of mineworkers; however both planned and actual menu item participation figures should be considered, together with the total wastage per food item. This tool can be adapted to be used in industrial catering units to monitor food and nutritional intake, which will enable identification of food or nutrient deficiencies and timeous implementation of intervention strategies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die studie het ondersoek ingestel na die ontwikkeling van ‘n koste-effektiewe metode om die inname van voedsel en voedingstowwe van mynwerkers wat in enkel-akkommodasiebehuising (EAB) woon met behulp van voedselinventaris data te moniteer. Doelwitte: Die doel van die studie was om die gemiddelde voedsel en voedingstofinname per mynwerker met behulp van huishoudelike data te bereken, die werklike voedselinname (individuele data) te evalueer, voedselkwisting vas te stel en om voedsel- en voedingstofinname tussen groep en individuele data te vergelyk. Metode: Die studie-ontwerp was ‘n dwarssnitwaarnemingstudie met ‘n analitiese komponent. Die populasie van die studie het bestaan uit manlike mynwerkers woonagtig in ‘n EAB van ‘n platinum myn in die Noordwes Provinsie en het mynwerkers wat hoofsaaklik ondergronds werksaam is ingesluit. ‘n Sensussteekproefmetode is gebruik om deelnemende mynwerkers te selekteer en ‘n loods studie is gedoen om die voorgestelde studie model te toets. Die studie is oor vyf dae gedoen, wat een naweekdag ingesluit het. Voedselinventarisdata is versamel deur alle voedselhoeveelhede (in kilogram gemeet) wat gebruik was vir die voedsel voorbereiding op die studiedae in ag te neem. Die opbrengs van die voorbereide voedsel is gebruik om die gemiddelde inname per mynwerker volgens die huishoudelike rekord metode te bereken. ‘n Waarnemingstudie is gedoen om die voedselrekorddata vas te stel. Die voedselkwisting is bereken deur die produksie- asook bordkwisting te weeg en dan hierdie data te gebruik om die gemiddelde voedselinname per mynwerker te bereken. Resulate: Ongeveer 700 mynwerkers het aan die studie deelgeneem. Die studie het ‘n 96% maaltyddeelname opgeteken, gemeet teen die beplande deelnamesyfers tydens die hoofmaaltyd, met 74% deelname aan alle spyskaartitems. Die waardes vir ontbyt en aandete was 95% maaltyd bywoning vir beide etes, met 87% spyskaartitemdeelname tydens ontbyt en 82% tydens aandete. Die studie het beperkte waardes binne die 95% vertrouensinval tussen die voedselinventarisdata en voedselrekorddata opgeteken, selfs nadat die voedselkwistingsyfers in ag geneem is. Wanneer die beplande deelname wat gebruik is om die huishoudelike data te bereken egter in ‘n vergelyking wat werklike deelnamedata gebruik, inkorporeer word, het die waardes binne die 95% vertrouensinval geval. Dit is ‘n aanduiding dat daar met 95% sekerheid aangeneem kan word dat die beplande waardes (bereken volgens die voorgestelde vergelyking) vergelyk kan word met die waardes waargeneem tydens die studie. Gevolgtrekking: Huishoudelike data kan as ‘n meetinstrument dien om die gemiddelde individuele voedsel- en voedingstofinname van mynwerkers te moniteer. Beide beplande en werklike spyskaartitemdeelnamesyfers moet egter in ag geneem word, tesame met totale voedselkwisting per voedselitem. Hierdie instrument kan aangepas word vir gebruik in industriële voedseldienseenhede om voedsel- en voedingstofinname te moniteer, wat die identifisering van voedingstoftekorte en vroegtydige implementering van intervensie strategieë moontlik sal maak.

The purpose of the study is to illustrate the challenge of providing sufficient micronutrients to the inhabitants of South Africa. Traditional foods have therefore been identified as one of the strategies that can be employed to lessen the problem in the community of Nompumelelo, Eastern Cape province and the research involves the availability of traditional foods in this area. It is common practice for most rural people in South Africa to include traditional foods in their diets and Nompumelelo is no exception. Hence, the study also explores the rural-urban linkage of the use of traditional foods by peri-urban households in the Xhosa community of Nompumelelo. It could be argued that the traditional foods produced in this community are accessible to the whole community, resulting in greater food sustainability. It is a fact that many communities are of the opinion that food is not readily available, not realising that traditional foods are locally available. / Human Ecology / M.A. (Human Ecology)

Baby spinach is a relatively new crop in South Africa with both commercial significance and reputed health benefits. It is known to assist in combating degenerative conditions associated with ageing, such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and several forms of cancer. Three parallel NPK trials were conducted to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on the growth and development of baby spinach. N and P treatments were arranged as (0, 45, 75, 105, 120 kg.ha -1 N and P), and K treatments were arranged as (0, 63, 85, 127, 148 kg.ha -1) in a randomised complete block designed with four replicates. Results showed that yield, dry matter, chlorophyll content and Leaf Area Index (LAI) were significantly increased by increasing the N application, while K had a significant effect on the LAI but not on yield, dry matter, chlorophyll content or stomatal conductance. Nitrogen treatments quadrupled fresh yield, dry matter and chlorophyll content, reaching maximum impact at 75 kg.ha-1 N. Phosphorus application showed significantly increased yields, dry matter and chlorophyll content, reaching maximum impact at 75 kg.ha-1 P. Therefore, to achieve optimum growth with N and P, 75 kg.ha-1 is recommended. The optimum rates of N, P and K were then used to formulate a NPK combined trial which was arranged as 0, 30:30:40, 45:45:60, 60:60:70, 75:75:90 kg.ha-1 in a randomised complete block design with three replicates. The results showed that maximum impact on yield, chlorophyll content, fresh and dry matter was achieved when combined NPK was applied at 45:45:60 / Agriculture and  Animal Health / M. Sc. (Agriculture)

Thesis (MTech (Biomedical Technology))--Peninsula Technikon, 2004. / The prevalence of obesity amongst both the adult and paediatric population has assumed almost epidemic proportions in many developed and developing countries. A recent study by the Medical Research Council found that a disturbing 20% of all South African children could be categorized as being obese. Limited data is currently available on the prevalence of obesity in South African children, particularly from the previously disadvantaged population. Given the global epidemic of paediatric obesity, hypertension and type-2-diabetes and the limited available data relating to obese South African children, further studies to enhance the understanding of the risk factors associated with the epidemic are imperative.

Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Nursing, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / South Africa has a high prevalence of obesity, and many people live with diseases where dietary adaptations are part of the management of the disease. Nurses are important in the facilitation of people obtaining dietary advice. While nutrition education is part of the nursing curriculum, student nurses’ knowledge of nutrition was not known, nor was their dietary intake and nutritional health status. The purpose of the study was to assess the nutrition knowledge of students at a nursing college, and to assess their dietary diversity. A quantitative study was used, with random sampling chosen for selection of campuses and convenience sampling for student group selection. Students of the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing were invited to complete a General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was completed to assess dietary diversity, and respondents’ anthropometric measurements were recorded to assess Body Mass Index and Waist to Height Ratio. The results showed that a significant percentage of student nurses were overweight or obese. While students had a satisfactory knowledge of dietary recommendations and sources of different nutrients, their ability to make correct food choices, as well as their knowledge of diet-disease relationships was poor. They displayed good dietary diversity in their food intake. There were no statistically significant correlations between the students’ Body Mass Index and their knowledge, which assumes that the individual’s knowledge of nutrition does not directly influence their own food intake. It is recommended that aspects of the content in the nutrition curriculum be emphasised during the training of nurses in order to increase nutrition awareness in areas where knowledge was found to be lacking. / M