Nutritional status and food intake of women residing in rural and urban areas of Lesotho

Abstract

Objective: The socio-demography, anthropometry and food intake of women residing in rural and urban areas of Lesotho were determined. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Basotho women from four randomly selected villages in Maseru and Berea, which includes both urban and rural areas. Subjects: A total of 452 women were included in the study. Outcome measures: Socio-demographic information was collected using a structured questionnaire completed in an interview with each participant. Standard methods were used to determine anthropometric measurements, while usual food intake was determined using a short unquantified food frequency questionnaire. Results: A large percentage of participants were unemployed with a significantly higher percentage in urban compared with rural areas (65.5 vs. 49.2%; CI 6.8%; 25.4%). A higher percentage of urban than rural participants had a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 (53.5 vs. 44.4%, respectively) and waist circumference ≥ 88 cm (62.7 vs. 54.1%, respectively). For both rural and urban participants, stiff maizemeal porridge was commonly consumed with all meals, often with moroho (cooked green leafy vegetables). Although a variety of vegetables (onions, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, turnips and potatoes) were frequently eaten by most participants, quantities of intake were not determined. Protein sources consumed almost every day by more than 50% of all participants were dried beans. Chicken, eggs and full cream milk were consumed significantly more frequently by urban participants. Significantly more urban participants had access to a variety of fruits and vegetables, and they were also more likely to consume foods such as polony, russians (sausage containing pork and beef), sausage, sweetened drinks, mayonnaise and margarine more frequently than rural participants. Conclusions: A nutrition transition associated with the frequent intake of processed, sugary and high-fat foods was identified in urban participants. These unhealthy dietary practices may lead to an increased risk of obesity and poor health outcomes. The development of culturally acceptable and relevant interventions is thus recommended.

Determinants of bone health in adults Polish women: The influence of physical activity, nutrition, sun exposure and biological factors

“…Differences in data collection methodologies, assessment of diet quality, urban and rural environment definitions and socio-economic differences between developed and developing countries may partly explain the differences reported. However, it is still emphasized that the rural population continues to consume more milk products with high calcium and protein content and more healthy agricultural products [45]. A recent study on the nutrition of Polish women showed that most of the diets studied did not meet the health criteria included in the pro-Healthy Diet Index (pHDI-10) [46].…”

The Impact of a Household Food Garden Intervention on Food Security in Lesotho

“…The results from South African studies have shown that a high DDS may be related to an increased intake of unhealthy foods, such as fast foods [ 30 , 31 ]. The study of Rothman et al confirmed that women from both rural and urban households in Lesotho underwent a nutrition transition and consumed unhealthy foods such as refined starches, fatty, and sugary foods [ 9 ]. The results of the current study are consistent with these findings, with a large percentage of participants reporting daily intake of unhealthy foods such as fats, oils, and sweets.…”

“…The main staple of Lesotho is white maize that is imported from South Africa [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Although the country is largely dependent on imports, maize, sorghum, and wheat are grown by smallholders.…”

“…Women from rural households in Lesotho consume fermented and stiff porridge as staples. Protein is mainly obtained from dried beans, while vegetables like onions, cabbage, tomatoes, turnips, and potatoes are consumed almost daily, but are often prepared with fat or oil and eaten in small quantities [ 9 ].…”

Assessment of the Nutritional Value of Selected Wild Leafy Vegetables Growing in the Roma Valley, Lesotho

“…There are hundreds of herbaceous plants that have their natural habitats in sub-Saharan Africa and are consumed primarily as vegetables in many countries in the region [1]. These wild leafy vegetables have been part of the food systems in sub-Saharan African communities for generations and form a vital component of diets and are indispensable ingredients in soups and sauces [2]. Generally, these wild leafy vegetables have higher protein content than cultivated leafy vegetables [3].…”