<p>Research suggests that parents&rsquo / feeding practices play a critical role in the development of children&rsquo / s tastes, eating habits, nutrition and eventual weight status. Thus if parental feeding practices play such a critical role, the question arises as to whether there is a difference in parental feeding practices that determine different developments in children&rsquo / s nutritional habits. Furthermore, feeding practices are possibly based on the nutritional knowledge of parents. The aim of this study was to assess the Body Mass Index (BMI), nutritional knowledge and behaviour of primary care-givers. This study followed the quantitative research paradigm. A sample of 147 staff members, who were primary care- givers of children at a University in the Western Cape was self-selected to participate in the study. Only primary care-givers of children were invited to participate. The primary care-givers were asked to complete two online questionnaires, the Comprehensive Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFPQ) developed by Musher-E-Eisenman and Holub (2007), and the General Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) for adults. Data analysis was done by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS17). Results indicated that the majority of participants were overweight (46% of the participants). Primary care-givers across all body mass index groups did not lack nutritional knowledge but variations in behaviour were found with regard to feeding practices. However similarities were found in the BMI categories in the areas of teaching about nutrition, pressure to eat at meal times<br /> and encouraging balance and variety.</p>

<p>Research suggests that parents&rsquo / feeding practices play a critical role in the development of children&rsquo / s tastes, eating habits, nutrition and eventual weight status. Thus if parental feeding practices play such a critical role, the question arises as to whether there is a difference in parental feeding practices that determine different developments in children&rsquo / s nutritional habits. Furthermore, feeding practices are possibly based on the nutritional knowledge of parents. The aim of this study was to assess the Body Mass Index (BMI), nutritional knowledge and behaviour of primary care-givers. This study followed the quantitative research paradigm. A sample of 147 staff members, who were primary care- givers of children at a University in the Western Cape was self-selected to participate in the study. Only primary care-givers of children were invited to participate. The primary care-givers were asked to complete two online questionnaires, the Comprehensive Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFPQ) developed by Musher-E-Eisenman and Holub (2007), and the General Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) for adults. Data analysis was done by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS17). Results indicated that the majority of participants were overweight (46% of the participants). Primary care-givers across all body mass index groups did not lack nutritional knowledge but variations in behaviour were found with regard to feeding practices. However similarities were found in the BMI categories in the areas of teaching about nutrition, pressure to eat at meal times<br /> and encouraging balance and variety.</p>

Magister Artium (Child and Family Studies) - MA(CFS) / Research suggests that parents feeding practices play a critical role in the development of children tastes, eating habits, nutrition and eventual weight status. Thus if parental feeding practices play such a critical role, the question arises as to whether there is a difference in parental feeding practices that determine different developments in children nutritional habits. Furthermore, feeding practices are possibly based on the nutritional knowledge of parents. The aim of this study was to assess the Body Mass Index (BMI), nutritional knowledge and behaviour of primary care-givers. This study followed the quantitative research paradigm. A sample of 147 staff members, who were primary care- givers of children at a University in the Western Cape was self-selected to participate in the study. Only primary care-givers of children were invited to participate. The primary care-givers were asked to complete two online questionnaires, the Comprehensive Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFPQ) developed by Musher-E-Eisenman and Holub (2007), and the General Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) for adults. Data analysis was done by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS17). Results indicated that the majority of participants were overweight (46% of the participants). Primary care-givers across all body mass index groups did not lack nutritional knowledge but variations in behaviour were found with regard to feeding practices. However similarities were found in the BMI categories in the areas of teaching about nutrition, pressure to eat at meal times and encouraging balance and variety. / South Africa

No description available.

Despite surf lifesavers being national icons of good health and good nutrition, surprisingly little factual information is known about the nutritional status of this unique aquatic fellowship. The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional intake and nutritional knowledge of three distinct groups of Australian surf lifesavers. Weighed food diaries are commonly used to assess the nutritional intake of athletes but this method has the disadvantage of a heavy respondent burden. Individuals being investigated must be literate and highly motivated to keep accurate records of food and drinks consumed. Food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) offer an alternative assessment method to weighed food records as they are relatively quick and easy to complete and do not require a high level of literacy. A secondary purpose of this study was to compare seven-day weighed food diaries with a FFQ that had already been validated for use with an older mixed gender population. The nutrient intakes of 60 members of Surf Lifesaving Australia were measured. Nineteen, who were professional lifeguards completed a FFQ. Thirty lifesavers and 11 surf ironmen each completed the FFQ, a seven-day weighed food diary and a nutritional knowledge questionnaire consisting of 15 multiple choice questions. There were significant differences between the three groups in age and activity with ironmen being significantly younger (mean age 22.9yrs) and significantly more physically active (mean 134mins/day) than either lifesavers (mean age, 31.3yrs, mean activity 46min/day) or lifeguards (mean age 35.8yrs, mean activity 65min/day). There were no significant differences in these parameters between lifesavers and lifeguards. The seven-day food diary revealed significant differences in nutrient intake between lifesavers and ironmen. Lifesavers consumed 1 1,807kJ, 125g protein (1.6g/kg) and 327g carbohydrate (4.Og/kg) while ironmen consumed 14,69/kJ, 1519 protein (1.9g/kg) and 4629 carbohydrate (5.6g/kg). Lifesavers and ironmen exceeded the RDIs for all vitamins and minerals measured. The seven day food diary demonstrated significant differences between the lifesavers and ironmen in energy, protein, fat, carbohydrate, alcohol, thiamin, niacin, calcium and iron. When the nutrient analysis data set for the FFQ was checked this method of dietary assessment was found to be unreliable as greater than 20 per cent of subjects were identified as being under-reporters. Lifesavers and ironmen both had good scores on the nutritional knowledge questionnaire and were able to identify groups of foods as being rich sources of fat, fibre, protein and iron. Ironmen were better able to answer questions specifically related to sport nutrition. All three groups meet the current recommendations for daily physical activity. Lifesavers and ironmen meet the current recommendations for, protein, fibre, vitamin and mineral intake and consume alcohol at levels within the current health guidelines. Ironmen have the highest carbohydrate intake which meets the current general health recommendations but consume less than the current special recommendations of sport nutritionists while lifesavers consume only 44% of energy as carbohydrate. These results suggest that while the both lifesavers and ironmen consume a relatively healthy diet only the surf ironmen could possibly be considered nutritional icons.

Background: South Africa is experiencing a unique double burden of disease due to the nutrition transition, facing diseases related to both under and over nutrition. Childhood obesity is associated with a poor childhood diet, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity is important. Promoting healthy eating patterns and regular activity are essential components of lifestyle modification of children. An obesity prevention programme with elements of music and dance for children aimed at improved nutritional knowledge to combat ignorance ofhealthy diets and highlight importance ofphysical activity seemed to be an ideal solution. Aim :The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel nutrition intervention programme based on the South African food-based dietary guidelines (SAFBDG; musical play) on the transfer of nutritional knowledge towards a healthy lifestyle (healthy dietary behaviour and physical activity) in primary school children. Methods: Children (n=203; boys=93; girls=110), aged 6 to 12 years from different ethnic groups were recruited. Participation was voluntary. Only children whose parents/guardians gave written informed consent were included. Children were randomly assigned to a control group (n=99) exposed to the standard school nutrition curriculum and to an experimental group (n=104) who also participated in a musical play with short messages based on the SAFBDG for two sessions a week for five weeks. After each session pamphlets on the relevant SAFBDG message were given to the children to take home. At the end of the intervention the children performed the musical play for their parents/guardians. At baseline demographic information was obtained, anthropometrical measurements taken, a validated nutritional knowledge questionnaire administered and a 24-hour dietary recall completed. All measurements except the demographic questionnaire were repeated after the intervention. Results: Overall nutritional knowledge of the children exposed to the musical play increased with statistical and practical significance [11.9% (p < 0.05) versus. 11.1% (d> 0.05)]. Children 6 to 12 years consumed more grains and less dairy, vegetables, :fruit and meat than the recommended intakes. No measurable changes occurred in food group consumption after the intervention except for :fruit intake which increased in girls aged 8 -10 years in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Boys and girls aged 6 12 years have inadequate intakes « 67% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)) of calcium, vitamins A, C, D, and B12, iron and folate. No statistically significant changes anthropometrical measurements were found after the intervention. Z-scores showed that children from the lower grades (grade 1 3) were more prone to stunting while children from the higher grades (grade 4 -6) were more prone to be obese. Furthermore, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity was found amongst white boys, whereas stunting was more prevalent amongst black boys and girls. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the musical play based on the SAFBDG improved overall nutritional knowledge in a group of primary school children. Diet quality based on food group recommendations and nutrient intakes remained low which suggests that other factors apart from nutritional knowledge influenced food choices and, therefore, the diet quality in this group of children. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

Background: South Africa is experiencing a unique double burden of disease due to the nutrition transition, facing diseases related to both under and over nutrition. Childhood obesity is associated with a poor childhood diet, physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle. Promoting healthy eating and physical activity is important. Promoting healthy eating patterns and regular activity are essential components of lifestyle modification of children. An obesity prevention programme with elements of music and dance for children aimed at improved nutritional knowledge to combat ignorance ofhealthy diets and highlight importance ofphysical activity seemed to be an ideal solution. Aim :The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel nutrition intervention programme based on the South African food-based dietary guidelines (SAFBDG; musical play) on the transfer of nutritional knowledge towards a healthy lifestyle (healthy dietary behaviour and physical activity) in primary school children. Methods: Children (n=203; boys=93; girls=110), aged 6 to 12 years from different ethnic groups were recruited. Participation was voluntary. Only children whose parents/guardians gave written informed consent were included. Children were randomly assigned to a control group (n=99) exposed to the standard school nutrition curriculum and to an experimental group (n=104) who also participated in a musical play with short messages based on the SAFBDG for two sessions a week for five weeks. After each session pamphlets on the relevant SAFBDG message were given to the children to take home. At the end of the intervention the children performed the musical play for their parents/guardians. At baseline demographic information was obtained, anthropometrical measurements taken, a validated nutritional knowledge questionnaire administered and a 24-hour dietary recall completed. All measurements except the demographic questionnaire were repeated after the intervention. Results: Overall nutritional knowledge of the children exposed to the musical play increased with statistical and practical significance [11.9% (p < 0.05) versus. 11.1% (d> 0.05)]. Children 6 to 12 years consumed more grains and less dairy, vegetables, :fruit and meat than the recommended intakes. No measurable changes occurred in food group consumption after the intervention except for :fruit intake which increased in girls aged 8 -10 years in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Boys and girls aged 6 12 years have inadequate intakes « 67% of the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA)) of calcium, vitamins A, C, D, and B12, iron and folate. No statistically significant changes anthropometrical measurements were found after the intervention. Z-scores showed that children from the lower grades (grade 1 3) were more prone to stunting while children from the higher grades (grade 4 -6) were more prone to be obese. Furthermore, a high prevalence of overweight and obesity was found amongst white boys, whereas stunting was more prevalent amongst black boys and girls. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the musical play based on the SAFBDG improved overall nutritional knowledge in a group of primary school children. Diet quality based on food group recommendations and nutrient intakes remained low which suggests that other factors apart from nutritional knowledge influenced food choices and, therefore, the diet quality in this group of children. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Nutrition))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

No description available.

Objective. To compare energy balance and nutrient intake of elite and non-elite school-aged gymnasts, as well as to evaluate their nutritional knowledge and eating attitude and its effect on dietary intake and practices. Methods. Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, menstrual status, sources of nutritional information, nutritional habits as well as supplement use was documented. Eating attitudes were measured by the EAT26 test and nutritional knowledge by a standardised questionnaire. Dietary intake and practices were determined with a 3-day weighed food record, while energy expenditure was measured with an Actical® accelerometer (Mini Mitter Co., Inc. Bend, OR, USA). Results. The total daily energy intake (non-elite = 6 944.37 ± 1 272.28 kJ vs. elite = 6 543.01 ± 2 570 kJ) in both groups was similar to their daily energy expenditure values (non-elite = 6 393.77 ± 1 244.19 kJ vs. elite = 6 696.09 ± 1 676.58 kJ). Elite gymnasts tended to have higher protein (21.37 vs. 15.4% total energy intake (TE), small effect size, d = 0.1) and lower fat (28.9 vs. 33.6% TE, medium effect size, d = - 0.6) intakes. More non-elite gymnasts (n = 7, 88.88%) used micronutrient supplements than elite gymnasts (n = 4, 45.45%, medium effect size, d = 0.45). Most of the gymnasts (55%) ate snacks during the day, which consisted mostly of refined carbohydrates. In the total group of gymnasts the most frequently used source of nutritional information was the coach (60%). There was no difference in nutritional knowledge between the groups (elite = 61.8% vs. non-elite = 62.8% respectively). Lastly, elite gymnasts had a practically significantly higher risk than non-elite gymnasts to follow a diet (large effect size, d = 1.32), while non-elite gymnasts exercised practically significantly more self-control over their food intake com pared to elite gymnasts (large effect size, d = - 1.03). Conclusions. South African elite gymnasts do not differ from non-elite gymnasts in terms of energy-, carbohydrate-, protein-, or fat intake. There is also no difference in energy expenditure or risk in developing an eating disorder, probably due to less competitiveness compared to other international gymnasts. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Objective. To compare energy balance and nutrient intake of elite and non-elite school-aged gymnasts, as well as to evaluate their nutritional knowledge and eating attitude and its effect on dietary intake and practices. Methods. Demographic information, anthropometric measurements, menstrual status, sources of nutritional information, nutritional habits as well as supplement use was documented. Eating attitudes were measured by the EAT26 test and nutritional knowledge by a standardised questionnaire. Dietary intake and practices were determined with a 3-day weighed food record, while energy expenditure was measured with an Actical® accelerometer (Mini Mitter Co., Inc. Bend, OR, USA). Results. The total daily energy intake (non-elite = 6 944.37 ± 1 272.28 kJ vs. elite = 6 543.01 ± 2 570 kJ) in both groups was similar to their daily energy expenditure values (non-elite = 6 393.77 ± 1 244.19 kJ vs. elite = 6 696.09 ± 1 676.58 kJ). Elite gymnasts tended to have higher protein (21.37 vs. 15.4% total energy intake (TE), small effect size, d = 0.1) and lower fat (28.9 vs. 33.6% TE, medium effect size, d = - 0.6) intakes. More non-elite gymnasts (n = 7, 88.88%) used micronutrient supplements than elite gymnasts (n = 4, 45.45%, medium effect size, d = 0.45). Most of the gymnasts (55%) ate snacks during the day, which consisted mostly of refined carbohydrates. In the total group of gymnasts the most frequently used source of nutritional information was the coach (60%). There was no difference in nutritional knowledge between the groups (elite = 61.8% vs. non-elite = 62.8% respectively). Lastly, elite gymnasts had a practically significantly higher risk than non-elite gymnasts to follow a diet (large effect size, d = 1.32), while non-elite gymnasts exercised practically significantly more self-control over their food intake com pared to elite gymnasts (large effect size, d = - 1.03). Conclusions. South African elite gymnasts do not differ from non-elite gymnasts in terms of energy-, carbohydrate-, protein-, or fat intake. There is also no difference in energy expenditure or risk in developing an eating disorder, probably due to less competitiveness compared to other international gymnasts. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Dietetics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.