Search results

1 – 2 of 2
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2018

Tracy Bonsu Osei, Charles Apprey, Felix Charles Mills-Robertson and Agartha N. Ohemeng

This study aims to assess the nutritional status of children with sickle cell diseases using anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers and dietary intakes.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the nutritional status of children with sickle cell diseases using anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers and dietary intakes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in 100 children of 3-12 years of age with sickle cell diseases (SCDs) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana. Weight, height and age of participants were used to calculate body mass index-for-age. The mid-upper-arm-circumference-for-age, weight-for-age (percentiles) and height-for-age (percentiles) were compared with standards growth charts for children. Biochemical measures such as serum albumin and ferritin, as well as full blood count, were assessed. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire.

Findings

From the study, 73 and 37 per cent of the children with SCD recorded inadequate intake of iron and vitamin E, respectively, when compared to the recommended daily allowance. Out of the 100 participants, 37 per cent were underweight and 22 per cent were stunted. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in underweight (weight-for-age) prevalence by gender. A multiple variate regression showed a significant association between zinc (r2 = 0.763, p < 0.05) and haemoglobin levels.

Originality/value

The evidence in this paper is relevant for treatment, health education and nutritional counselling of parents with children who have SCD.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Marina Aferiba Tandoh, Felix Charles Mills-Robertson, Michael David Wilson and Alex Kojo Anderson

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between helminth infections, dietary parameters and cognitive performance, as well as the predictors of undernutrition…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the association between helminth infections, dietary parameters and cognitive performance, as well as the predictors of undernutrition among school-age children (SAC) living in helminth-endemic fishing and farming communities in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

This was a cross sectional study involving 164 (9 to 12 years old) SAC from fishing (n = 84) and farming (n = 80) communities of the Kwahu Afram Plains South District of the Eastern Region of Ghana, using structured questionnaires and anthropometric and biochemical assessments.

Findings

Overall, 51.2% of the children were males, with no significant gender difference between the communities (p = 0.88). Average age of the children was 10.5 ± 1.25 years, with no significant difference between the farming and fishing communities (p = 0.90). About 53.1% of all children were anemic, with no significant differences between farming versus fishing communities (p = 0.87). Helminth-infected children were significantly anemic (p = 0.03). Mean serum zinc level of all children was 13.1 ± 4.57 µmol/L, with zinc deficiency being significantly higher in children in the farming community (p < 0.0001). About 7.5% of all the children were underweight, whilst 13.8% were stunted with a higher proportion of stunting occurring among older children (p = 0.001) and girls (p = 0.117). There was no significant difference in the Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices cognitive test scores between the two communities (p = 0.79). Predictors of anemia were helminthiasis and pica behavior.

Originality/value

These findings are relevant and have the prospect of guiding the development of intervention programs in addressing the persistent problem of nutritional and cognitive deficits among SAC.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 50 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

1 – 2 of 2