Dietary diversity in primary schoolchildren of south-central Côte d’Ivoire and risk factors for non-communicable diseases

Abstract

Background A balanced nutrition is important for children’s physical and cognitive development; yet, remains a challenge in many parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection of nutritional deficiency and metabolic syndrome in school-aged children is necessary to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. This study aimed at obtaining baseline data on health, nutritional status, and metabolic markers of NCDs among primary schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 620 children from 8 public primary schools located in the south-central part of Côte d’Ivoire. Underweight and overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) < 5th and 85th up to 95th percentile for sex and age, respectively. Dietary diversity of children was calculated based on a 24-hour recall conducted with the primary caretaker according to the guideline of Food and Agriculture Organization. Anaemia, malaria, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood glucose levels (HbA1c) were assessed, using capillary blood samples. Logistic models were performed to identify risk factors associated with overweight, HDL-C, LDL-C, and HbA1c. Results Among the 620 children (330 girls, 290 boys; Mage 8.0 (± 1.7) years), 530 children attended school in a semi-urban and 90 in a rural area. Around 60% of children had a medium dietary diversity score (DDS). Children in peri-urban areas consumed more cereals (80.2% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.05). Most children were normal weight (n = 496), whereas 3.9% of children classified as prediabetic, 5% were underweight, and 15% overweight. LDL-C and HDL-C levels of children were associated with age, high DDS, and moderate anaemia. A significant association was found between prediabetes and malaria infection, as well as medium and high DDS. Overweight was associated with malaria infection and moderate anaemia. Conclusion Overweight, prediabetes, low HDL-C, malaria, and anaemia are the main concerns of children’s health in Taabo. Our findings highlight interactions between infectious diseases, particularly malaria, and NCD risk factors. Monitoring NCD risk and infectious disease comorbidity in LMIC paediatric populations simultaneously is essential to better understand the dual diseases burden and apply early prevention measures.

Associated factors of dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso: a cross-sectional study

“…This proportion of students with a high dietary diversity score was better than the 22.2% reported by Ayogu among primary school children in rural Nigeria [ 7 ]. Other similar studies of pupils in elementary school also revealed low levels of dietary diversity, in south-western Nigeria (24.2%) [ 38 ], Kenya (28.5%) [ 31 ], Côte d'Ivoire (30.9%) [ 37 ] and Ghana (32.9%) [ 3 ], compared with the results of the present study. These differences can be explained by the number of days observed to calculate the dietary diversity score.…”

Associated factors of dietary diversity among schoolchildren in Plateau Central region of Burkina Faso

“…However, in-depth reviews of empirical research [18] and program evaluation reports [19] have shown that, although the school feeding program had positive effects on educational participation, its effects on nutritional outcomes were rather unclear [20] and that the substitution effect of school feeding for home consumption was partly responsible for the lack of effect.…”

Ultra-processed foods, dietary diversity and micronutrient intakes in the Australian population

“…Dietary diversity is known as an important construct of dietary metrics linked to Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) prevention [ 21 ]. In studies among adult men in India [ 22 ], primary schoolchildren in Côte d’Ivoire [ 23 ], and community-dwelling older people in Thailand [ 24 ], low dietary diversity was associated with a higher prevalence of NCDs. In addition to dietary diversity and micronutrient intake, the variety of hyper-palatable foods in UPF-rich diets may promote compulsive eating, which along with the large portion sizes of UPFs, can lead to a excessive energy intake [ 25 ].…”