A Scientific Assessment of Sociodemographic Factors, Physical Activity Level, and Nutritional Knowledge as Determinants of Dietary Quality among Indo-Mauritian Women

Abstract

A healthy diet is of particular concern throughout the life of women to avoid many chronic illnesses especially during their 30s to 50s. There are published data on dietary quality and its determinants among women, but there is a lack of similar data regarding women in Mauritius. This study aimed to investigate the association between age and dietary quality in relation to sociodemographic factors, physical activity level (PAL) and nutritional knowledge (NK). A survey-based study was conducted in 2012 among Indo-Mauritian women including 117 young (21.35 ± 1.98), 160 reaching middle age (34.02 ± 5.09) and 50 middle-aged (37.85 ± 8.32). Validated questionnaires were used to elicit information on the determinants. A food frequency table consisting of 18 food items was used to assess dietary quality. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the association between various factors and dietary quality. The mean dietary score of middle-aged women (18.70 ± 2.67) was closer to recommended dietary guidelines compared to young women (17.22 ± 3.40), and women reaching middle age (17.55 ± 3.29). Educational level, PAL, NK, and age were main determinants of dietary quality among Indo-Mauritian women (P < 0.05). Younger women with low educational level, PAL, and NK are at risk of poor dietary quality.

A Pre and Post Survey to Determine Effectiveness of a Dietitian-Based Nutrition Education Strategy on Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Energy Intake among Adults

“…The investigation resulted in a statistically significant relationship between nutrition knowledge and age ( p = 0.000), gender (0.039) and education level ( p = 0.000). Previous studies also demonstrated higher nutrition knowledge among younger adults [ 60 ], males [ 61 ] and those with higher education level [ 62 ]. Compared to the CG, a statistically significant increase in nutrition knowledge ( p = 0.000) was observed in the IG after the nutrition education intervention.…”

Overweight and Obesity Epidemic in Developing Countries: A Problem with Diet, Physical Activity, or Socioeconomic Status?

“…However, little data exists regarding its effectiveness on PAL in different regions in Mauritius. Published statistics among several target populations revealing elevated levels of overweight and obesity [ 10 – 12 ] inevitably calls into question the implementation of such a program. In fact, publishing a nutrition and physical activity plan is just the first step of many that a state must take as implementation and follow-through are the most important steps [ 40 ].…”

“…However, more recent trends demonstrate a shift in the prevalence from the higher to the lower socioeconomic level [ 9 ]. For instance, to date, in Mauritius (middle-income country), recent studies indicate clearly that obesity is on the rise on several target populations, namely, among middle-aged [ 10 ] and postmenopausal women [ 11 ] and adolescents of low SES [ 12 ]. Notably, low level of education and moderate PAL, cost per calorie, and weight of food items are important mediators identified in the SES-BMI relationship [ 10 , 12 ].…”

Persistent organic pollutants and obesity: are they potential mechanisms for breast cancer promotion?

“…A meta-analysis of 43 studies of obesity and breast cancer revealed that obese patients were 33% more likely than non-obese patients to die of breast cancer (Protani et al 2010). Socioeconomic status has been classically known to impact on diet, with low level of education and moderate physical activity level, cost per calorie as important mediators identified in the socioeconomic status-BMI relationship (Dunneram and Jeewon 2013; Fokeena and Jeewon 2012). Previous trends have shown an increase in BMI and metabolic syndrome in the populations of higher socioeconomic strata among developing countries (Caballero 2007).…”

“…But, the impact of socioeconomic status on obesity has been shifting, affecting a broader range of societies, and is suggested to be due to increased consumption of sweetened beverages, and increased availability of low-cost, energy-dense foods in urban areas of developing countries (Caballero 2007). Recent studies show obesity is rising among middle-aged (Caballero 2007; Dunneram and Jeewon 2013) and postmenopausal women (Bhurosy and Jeewon 2013; Caballero 2007) and adolescents of low socioeconomic status in middle-income countries in Africa, as well as urban and rural areas in the poorest countries of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia to populations in countries with higher income levels (Bhurosy and Jeewon 2014; Popkin, et al 2012). Similarly, another socioeconomic study across 22 western European countries reported that obesity (BMI>30) was more common among women of lower education level (Mackenbach, et al 2008).…”