Nutrient Patterns and Their Association with Socio-Demographic, Lifestyle Factors and Obesity Risk in Rural South African Adolescents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify and describe the diversity of nutrient patterns and how they associate with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors including body mass index in rural black South African adolescents. Nutrient patterns were identified from quantified food frequency questionnaires (QFFQ) in 388 rural South African adolescents between the ages of 11–15 years from the Agincourt Health and Socio-demographic Surveillance System (AHDSS). Principle Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to 25 nutrients derived from QFFQs. Multiple linear regression and partial R2 models were fitted and computed respectively for each of the retained principal component (PC) scores on socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics including body mass index (BMI) for age Z scores. Four nutrient patterns explaining 79% of the total variance were identified: PCI (26%) was characterized by animal derived nutrients; PC2 (21%) by vitamins, fibre and vegetable oil nutrients; PC3 (19%) by both animal and plant derived nutrients (mixed diet driven nutrients); and PC4 (13%) by starch and folate. A positive and significant association was observed with BMI for age Z scores per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in PC1 (0.13 (0.02; 0.24); p = 0.02) and PC4 (0.10 (−0.01; 0.21); p = 0.05) scores only. We confirmed variability in nutrient patterns that were significantly associated with various lifestyle factors including obesity.

Demographic, socio-economic and behavioural correlates of BMI in middle-aged black men and women from urban Johannesburg, South Africa

“…Pisa and Pisa (2017) [30] have shown trend associations between South Africa’s economic growth and adult obesity, and the social patterning of NCD risk factors, including obesity, have been identified in populations at different stages of the epidemiological transition [31]. In this study, socio-economic status as measured by education, employment and household asset score was positively associated with BMI in men; while in women there was an inverse association between SES, as measured by education, and BMI.…”

Relationships between nutrient patterns and geodemographic characteristics in Korea

“…Compared with more traditional research on food or dietary patterns, the study of nutrient patterns has important advantages. 18 As nutrients are universal and functionally not exchangeable, in contrast to food or dietary patterns, nutrients can easily be compared across populations by characterising detailed nutritional profiles. From a public health perspective, existing food-based dietary guidelines emphasise consuming a variety of different and interchangeable foods.…”

“…However, studies of the relationship between nutrient patterns and socio‐demographic characteristics are rare. To our knowledge, only one study, conducted by Pisa et al (2015) in South Africa, investigated the relationship between nutrient patterns and socio‐demographic characteristics …”

“…[10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] However, studies of the relationship between nutrient patterns and socio-demographic characteristics are rare. To our knowledge, only one study, conducted by Pisa et al (2015) in South Africa, investigated the relationship between nutrient patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. 18 As food and dietary cultures often vary from region to region, differences in nutrient patterns may also be observed.…”

“…To our knowledge, only one study, conducted by Pisa et al (2015) in South Africa, investigated the relationship between nutrient patterns and sociodemographic characteristics. 18 As food and dietary cultures often vary from region to region, differences in nutrient patterns may also be observed. It is important to study regional nutrient patterns because these data can serve as tools for local governments that design their own public health plans.…”