https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/issue/feedSouth African Journal of Clinical Nutrition2023-12-04T15:42:27+00:00Prof D. Labadarioseditor@sajcn.co.zaOpen Journal Systems<ol> <li class="show">The Journal accepts articles from all basic and applied areas of dietetics and human nutrition, including clinical nutrition, community nutrition, food science, food policy, food service management, nutrition policy and public health nutrition.</li> <li class="show">The Journal has a broad interpretation of the field of nutrition and recognizes that there are many factors that determine nutritional status and that need to be the subject of scientific investigation and reported in the Journal.</li> <li class="show">The Journal seeks to serve a broad readership and to provide information that will be useful to the scientific community, the academic community, government and non-government stakeholders in the nutrition field, policy makers and industry.</li> <li class="show">The Journal encourages articles from all investigators in the field of dietetics, food, nutrition and related areas. In particular young researchers and researchers from historically disadvantaged backgrounds will be encouraged and supported to submit their research work for publication.</li> <li class="show">The Journal is based in South Africa and encourages articles from other African countries to act as a forum for the discussion of African nutritional issues.</li> <li class="show">The Journal is committed to high scientific and ethical standards.</li> <li class="show">The Journal will accept letters for publication, which are relevant to the Journal.</li> <li class="show">The Journal provides a forum for publication of congress abstracts, supplements, short communications and policy statements with their technical support papers.</li> <li class="show">The views expressed in the Journal are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Editorial Board.</li> <li class="show">The Journal will be managed by an Editor and Editorial Board with the following responsibilities:</li> <ul> <li class="show">Maintenance of scientific standards of the articles published and appointment of a review Panel of experts for the peer review process</li> <li class="show">Maintenance of ethical standards of the articles published</li> Encouragement and support of authors <li class="show">Promotion of the readership</li> <li class="show">Ensuring the spread of articles published</li> </ul> <li class="show">Maintenance of ethical standards with regard to sponsorship and advertisements</li> <li class="show">The Editorial Board of the SAJCN recognises the important role that advertisements and sponsorships play in meeting the costs of the publication and in ensuring the continued existence of the Journal. The SAJCN welcomes advertising or funding from all possible sources, provided the advertisements or funding arrangements are supportive of the objectives of the Journal and do not conflict with the mission, vision and values statements of ADSA, NSSA and SASPEN. The following guidelines shall be implemented for sponsorship and advertising:</li> <ul> <li class="show">The Jakarta Declaration, which clearly stipulates that “both the public and the private sector should promote health by pursuing policies and practices that ….. restrict production and trade in inherently harmful goods and substances such as tobacco and armaments, as well as unhealthy practices?</li> <li class="show">Advertisements/sponsorships should not conflict with the South African Code of Ethics for the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. The updated code will be used as soon as it is formally released.</li> <li class="show">The Journal will accept advertisements for infant-feeds, which are therapeutic in nature, for example lactose free feeds, breast milk fortifiers, hypo-allergic feeds and feeds designed for tube feeding. Any such advertisements shall include a phrase that normally exclusive breast milk feeding is the best food for babies.</li> <li class="show">There shall be full disclosure at all times of funding sources</li> <li class="show">The decision to reject an advertisement / sponsorship rests with the Editorial Board and should be recorded, so that further investigations can be conducted if required</li> <li class="show">Non-designated support will be accepted from interested organisations and shall be acknowledged in the Journal</li> <li class="show">The allocated editorial space for advertisements should not normally exceed 40% of the total editorial space in any one issue of the Journal; however, the costs of publication of the Journal should always be borne in mind in any one given situation</li> <li class="show">The Editor, in consultation with the Editorial Board as appropriate, will be responsible for the final acceptance of any advertorial material</li> </ul> </ol> <p>Other websites related to this journal:<br>NISC <a href="https://www.nisc.co.za/products/77/journals/south-african-journal-of-clinical-nutrition" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nisc.co.za/products/77/journals/south-african-journal-of-clinical-nutrition&source=gmail&ust=1684568969944000&usg=AOvVaw2GsR7m5wTo6_bDIrFD3goH">https://www.nisc.co.za/<wbr>products/77/journals/south-<wbr>african-journal-of-clinical-<wbr>nutrition</a><br>T&F <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/ojcn20" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/ojcn20&source=gmail&ust=1684568969944000&usg=AOvVaw16BF1kchMr8VCJE98Bl9Kt">https://www.tandfonline.com/<wbr>journals/ojcn20</a><br>SAJCN website <a href="http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.php/SAJCN&source=gmail&ust=1684568969944000&usg=AOvVaw2d88QwEyiZWfXx_CYQVUAl">http://www.sajcn.co.za/index.<wbr>php/SAJCN</a>)</p> <p>The <em>South African Journal of Clinical Nutrition</em> (SAJCN) is also Accredited with the <strong>DHET (SAPSE)</strong> and now on the <strong>DOAJ</strong>.</p>https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260554Prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy and associated factors in northern Uganda: a cross-sectional study2023-12-04T10:54:19+00:00Samson Udhosudho@lirauni.ac.ugJoyce Nankumbisudho@lirauni.ac.ugMariam Namutebisudho@lirauni.ac.ugDavid Mukunyasudho@lirauni.ac.ugGrace Ndeezisudho@lirauni.ac.ugJames K. Tumwinesudho@lirauni.ac.ug<p><strong>Background</strong>: Anaemia in pregnancy is associated with poor maternal and foetal outcomes. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of recent literature on the predictors of anaemia during pregnancy in the context of northern Uganda, a region emerging out of decades of war. A study was undertaken to determine the prevalence and factors associated with anaemia among pregnant women in northern Uganda.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: In this cross-sectional study, 320 pregnant women seeking care at Lira Regional Referral Hospital were consecutively enrolled. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data collected included: demographic, obstetric, nutritional and dietary characteristics of study participants. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and logistic regression with 95% confidence and a p-value of < 0.05 as significant using STATA version 14.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The mean age of the women was 25.3 ± 5.6 years while their mean gestational age was 25.4 ± 7.8 weeks. The overall prevalence of anaemia (Hb < 11 g/dl in the first and third trimesters and less than 10.5 g/dl in the second trimester) was 24.7%. Iron deficiency was prevalent in half of the women (50%) with anaemia. Factors independently associated with anaemia included taking antimalarial prophylaxis (AOR 0.44; 95% CI 0.19, 0.99) and consumption of legumes and cereals more than twice in the previous week (AOR 0.46; 95% CI 0.24, 0.89).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: One-quarter of pregnant women in this study population based in northern Uganda were anaemic. There is a need to strengthen interventions to control anaemia during pregnancy, particularly the intake of antimalarial prophylaxis and consumption of iron-rich locally available foods. </p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260555Early economic benefits of perioperative nasojejunal tube feeding in non critical care adult surgical patients with gastric feed intolerance2023-12-04T11:02:16+00:00Galya Chinnerygalya.chinnery@uct.ac.zaAnna-Lena du Toitgalya.chinnery@uct.ac.zaChanel Robinsongalya.chinnery@uct.ac.zaIlhaam Kippiegalya.chinnery@uct.ac.zaEduard Jonasgalya.chinnery@uct.ac.zaMatthias Scribagalya.chinnery@uct.ac.za<p><strong>Background</strong>: Fluoroscopy-guided endoscopic placement of nasojejunal tubes (NJT) for perioperative short- or medium-term enteral nutrition (EN) is potentially required for anatomical gastric feed intolerance.</p> <p><strong>Methods</strong>: Indication for NJT and successful insertion rates was determined. NJT insertion costs were calculated and compared with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion. Duration of NJT patency in non-critical care surgical patients was determined in days in a local cohort. EN costs were calculated over a hypothetical 28-day period factoring in expected NJT replacements due to blockage and compared with parenteral nutrition (PN) via CVC, which included routine CVC changes every 10 days. Public and private sectors were compared.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: One hundred and two (93.6%) NJTs were placed successfully, with gastric outlet obstruction the most frequent indication (40.4%) with a median 10 days’ (range 1–68 days, IQR 6–16.75 days) usage. Irrevocable blockage occurred in 33 tubes after a median 9 days (range 3–34 days; IQR 4.75–16 days). Calculated EN costs over 28 days, including NJT replacement every 9 days, reached US$1 676.12 and PN costs with CVC replacement every 10 days, US$3 461.35 (p < 0.001) in the public sector. In the private sector PN costs at 28 days were significantly higher (p < 0.001) at US$5 261.14 compared with EN US$3 780.71. The cost benefit of EN over PN is seen after three days in the public, and four days in the private sector.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Exponential cost saving occurs with EN via NJT over time, even when factoring in the likelihood of NJT replacements. </p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260568Effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy on self-efficacy and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women2023-12-04T14:08:22+00:00Arezo Jamshidiaparvinabedi@ymail.com Parvin Abediparvinabedi@ymail.comNajmeh Hamidparvinabedi@ymail.comMohammadhossein Haghighizadehparvinabedi@ymail.com<p><strong>Objective</strong>: While usually associated with weight gain, pregnancy and the postpartum period are also considered as an opportunity to prevent weight gain and its complications. Therefore, the prevention of ‘excessive/unnecessary’ weight gain is a necessary issue. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on self efficacy and lifestyle to control weight and anthropometric indices among overweight and obese postpartum women.</p> <p><strong>Design</strong>: Quasi-experimental study.</p> <p><strong>Setting</strong>: Public health centres in Izeh, Iran.</p> <p><strong>Subjects</strong>: Sixty eligible women were divided into two groups of intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 30) using a simple randomisation method. A demographic questionnaire, a checklist and Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire (WELQ) were used to collect the data. The intervention group received eight sessions of group CBT, while the control group received routine care. All variables were measured at baseline and four weeks after the completion of the intervention. Data were analysed using an independent t-test, paired t-test, chi-square and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 24.</p> <p><strong>Outcomes measures</strong>: Self-efficacy, weight, height, body mass index, waist, hip, and arm circumference, waist/hip ratio,and body fat percentage were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after intervention.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The results showed that in the CBT group, there was a significant increase in the total score of self-efficacy and its components, while weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, mid-upper arm circumference and body fat percentage significantly reduced in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: Cognitive behavioural therapy can improve self-efficacy, affecting weight and anthropometric indices in overweight and obese postpartum women. Therefore, CBT can be used as an adjunct to weight-loss intervention such as physical activity and diet or it can be used as a sole form of therapy to facilitate weight loss among overweight/obese postpartum women.</p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260570Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices: a comparison of urban and rural adults in the Free State province of South Africa2023-12-04T14:21:44+00:00Wasiuddin Najamawnajam@ttu.eduCorinna Walshwnajam@ttu.eduWilna Oldewage-Theronwnajam@ttu.edu<p><strong>Objective</strong>: A study was undertaken to explore the differences in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices and their correlations among adults in both urban and rural communities in the Free State province of South Africa.</p> <p><strong>Design</strong>: This study forms part of the cross-sectional Assuring Health for All in the Free-State (AHA-FS) study.</p> <p><strong>Setting</strong>: The AHA-FS study is conducted in urban and rural parts of the Free State province of South Africa. The rural and urban stages of the study were conducted in 2007 and 2009, respectively.</p> <p><strong>Subjects</strong>: The sample included 846 adult household members, aged between 25 and 65 years, from both rural and urban areas of the Free State province.</p> <p><strong>Outcome measures</strong>: Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices were measured.</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: The sample included predominantly females (78.2%). Rural adults had significantly better nutrition knowledge (p < 0.001), positive attitudes (p < 0.001) and positive beliefs (p < 0.001) and their nutrition knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.27, p < 0.001), nutrition knowledge and beliefs (r = 0.16, p < 0.001), and nutrition attitudes and beliefs (r = 0.38, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with each other. However, nutrition knowledge, attitudes and beliefs were not correlated with nutrition practices among our sample in either the urban or rural setting.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion and implication</strong>: The results of the current study confirm that relevant and culturally acceptable nutrition education interventions for translating nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and beliefs into practices are required. </p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260571The use of social media as a source of nutrition information2023-12-04T14:39:49+00:00Megan Kreftmgnkrft@gmail.comBrittany Smitmgnkrft@gmail.comDaniella Hopwoodmgnkrft@gmail.comRenee Blaauwmgnkrft@gmail.com<p><strong>Introduction</strong>: There is an increase in young people’s engagement with social media (SM), specifically nutrition information. Nutrition misinformation is, however, prevalent on SM due to lack of professional gatekeeping of this user-generated content.</p> <p><strong>Objectives</strong>: The study aimed to assess the use of SM as a platform for obtaining nutrition information and how the accuracy thereof is evaluated.</p> <p><strong>Design</strong>: A descriptive cross-sectional study with an analytical component was conducted. Data were collected from 2 318 participants using a content- and face-validated self-administered online questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and relevant inferential statistics were used. A p < 0.05 indicates statistical significance.</p> <p><strong>Setting</strong>: The survey was completed by students from Stellenbosch University, South Africa.</p> <p><strong>Subjects</strong>: Undergraduate students (18–25 years) registered at Stellenbosch University (2021), South Africa (n = 2 318).</p> <p><strong>Results</strong>: Of 2 318 participants (69% female), 1 615 used SM to access nutrition information, with YouTube being the most used platform for this purpose (96%). Females used SM significantly more than males (p < 0.001) and participants living in shared accommodation used SM significantly less than those in other living arrangements (p < 0.001). A minority (17%) of participants ‘actively’ turn to SM for nutrition information, while the majority (54%) engaged only if it happened to appear on their feed. The preferred nutrition content was ‘what to eat in a day’ (83%). Participants felt most comfortable following a registered dietitian (64%) for accurate nutrition information. Relatability (87%) was a characteristic that motivated participants to follow SM influencers and 16% trusted claims from health influencers on SM. Although 91% understood what evidence-based nutrition information means, 77% of participants struggled to determine the accuracy of nutrition information on SM, with females indicating significantly more difficulty than males (chi2= 39, p < 0.001).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The participants engaged with nutrition information on SM and understood what evidenced-based nutrition information is. However, the majority lack skill in determining information accuracy on SM. A dietitian was trusted most as a source of nutrition information.</p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260572Development and testing of a nutrition education tool on iron supplementation for pregnant women2023-12-04T14:53:21+00:00P. Mahundipillayk@ukzn.ac.zaK. Pillaypillayk@ukzn.ac.zaN. Wilespillayk@ukzn.ac.za<p><strong>Background</strong>: Although iron supplementation may prevent iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) during pregnancy, a nutrition education tool highlighting the importance of iron supplementation during pregnancy is also important.<br><strong>Objectives</strong>: The aim was to develop and test a nutrition education tool on iron supplementation for pregnant women.<br><strong>Design</strong>: A cross-sectional study was conducted.<br><strong>Setting</strong>: Mutare City Clinic, Manicaland province, Zimbabwe.<br><strong>Subjects</strong>: Sixty-seven pregnant women in their second or third trimesters of pregnancy and attending Mutare City Clinic for antenatal care (ANC) participated in the study.<br><strong>Outcome measures</strong>: The preferences of pregnant women regarding form, structure and content of the nutrition education tool were established using eight focus-group discussions (FGDs) in which 67 pregnant women participated. Three additional FGDs were conducted with another 28 pregnant women to assess the user-friendliness and acceptability of the developed tool.<br><strong>Results</strong>: A pamphlet was the most preferred tool, with English being the most preferred language, along with some Shona phrases. Women wanted information on IDA, dosage, duration and side-effects of iron supplementation and iron food sources to be included in the pamphlet. The participants identified clinics, pharmacies and churches as ideal sites for dissemination of the tool.<br><strong>Conclusions</strong>: A pamphlet on iron supplementation in simple English with some Shona phrases was the nutrition education tool most preferred by the pregnant women. Offering the pamphlet together with iron supplements to pregnant women could improve compliance with iron supplements. However, follow-up ANC consultations are important for effective implementation of all key messages in the pamphlet.</p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260574Perioperative nutritional management of a Whipple’s patient2023-12-04T15:19:06+00:00Safiyah HassonSafiyah.hasson@westerncape.gov.za<p>Pancreatic cancers comprise one of the most difficult cancers to diagnose and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the world.1,2 A 70-year-old male presenting with a head of pancreas malignant mass was referred for nutritional optimisation as part of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programme. He was planned for a pancreatoduodenectomy procedure, also known as a Whipple’s procedure. The patient’s nutritional status was assessed using the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) tool and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). He was classified as nutritionally at risk. This case study highlights the importance of perioperative nutrition care, the use of appropriate monitoring of body composition changes, where available, and employment of appropriate pharmacologic strategies. A significant improvement in weight, muscle mass and percentage body fat were observed once nutrition was initiated perioperatively. Despite complications during the patient’s postoperative phase, he still maintained a good nutritional status through adequate nutrition support.</p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023 https://www.ajol.info/index.php/sajcn/article/view/260553Social media and nutrition (mis)information: Navigating the maze2023-12-04T10:47:55+00:00Nelene Koennelene@sun.ac.za<p>No Abstract</p>2023-12-04T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2023