African Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics

Facilitators and barriers of adherence to nutrition counseling sessions of patients with type 2 diabetes at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital

2025-11-14T05:30:36+00:00

The prevalence of diabetes is rapidly increasing, making it a major global health concern. Nutrition counseling sessions are essential for promoting healthy eating habits and dietary choices among patients with type 2 diabetes. However, adherence to these sessions remains low in Kenya. This study examined facilitators and barriers to nutrition counseling session adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes at Nakuru County Referral and Teaching Hospital. A mixed-method explanatory sequential design involved 396 patients and 4 healthcare providers. Participants were selected through probability and purposive sampling. Data collection combined cross-sectional and phenomenological approaches using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26) for descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative data were analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. A total of 392 patients aged 51–70 years participated in the quantitative phase, and 40 patients in the qualitative in-depth interviews. Adherence to nutrition counseling sessions, defined by attending more than three sessions per year, was low, with 45.2% not attending any session in the past six months and 32.7% attending only once. Sociodemographic factors showed no significant associations with session adherence (p > 0.05), while health-related factors such as diabetic complications (p = 0.036) and regular clinic attendance (p = 0.001) were significant predictors. Key facilitators included positive perceptions of sessions, supportive healthcare providers, and family support, while barriers were financial constraints, comprehension issues, and logistical challenges. Health-related factors and regular clinic attendance significantly predict nutrition counseling session adherence, suggesting areas for intervention.

Evaluation of nutrition knowledge and dietary practices of pregnant and lactating adolescents in Turkana South Sub- County

2025-11-16T11:51:23+00:00

Pregnant and lactating adolescents have increased nutritional needs due to physiological changes and fetal or neonatal demands. Despite the nutritional implications of pregnancy among adolescents, most of them often do not meet their daily requirements due to various factors, especially among marginalized communities such as the Turkana community. Despite these challenges, limited studies have examined the factors influencing dietary practices in marginalized populations such as the Turkana County. The current study, therefore assessed the nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and factors affecting pregnant and lactating adolescents in Turkana South sub-county. The study adopted a cross-sectional design and multistage sampling technique to select 384 pregnant and lactating adolescents. Data were collected using questionnaires evaluating mothers’ nutrition knowledge about breastfeeding practices, complementary feeding, consistency of meals, dietary diversity, and feeding practices, and analysed using GenStat version 18.0. The results indicated that most respondents were unemployed (62.3%), and their households were in the poorest quintile (71.5%), negatively affecting their dietary diversity. It was also noted that most of the respondents had no formal education (44.4%) and had low nutrition knowledge (67.3%), which directly affected their dietary diversity (p < 0.05). Most respondents did not meet their daily caloric intake (725.06 and 805.29 kcal for pregnant and lactating women, respectively) and other vital minerals including calcium and iron, vital during pregnancy and lactation. Improving general and nutrition-specific education among adolescent mothers may enhance dietary practices, supporting maternal and infant health.

Biochemical assessment of selected nutrients among alcohol- dependent males before and after rehabilitation at Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kenya

2025-11-16T12:07:08+00:00

Kenya faces numerous public health challenges, including alcohol abuse. Studies show that alcohol and drug abuse can disrupt nutrition, contributing to preventable diseases and deaths. Although nutrient deficiencies in alcoholism may be managed through nutrition therapy, the role of nutrition rehabilitation in Kenya remains underexplored. This study assessed the biochemical nutritional status Albumin, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc, among alcohol-dependent patients before and after rehabilitation. A pre–post xperimental design was used among 62 consecutively sampled patients, assessed on admission and after 90 days. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, and blood samples were analyzed for nutrient biomarkers and compared with reference standards. Nutrient adequacy proportions and mean levels before and after rehabilitation were compared using Chi-square and T-tests. Mean serum calcium increased significantly (t=2.428, P=0.018), while serum albumin and zinc showed slight, non-significant increases (t=0.742, P=0.461; t=0.445, P=0.658). Serum magnesium declined slightly (t=0.912, P=0.36). A significant increase in the number of patients with adequate nutrient levels was observed for albumin (χ2=7.3518, P=0.0067), magnesium (χ2=91.782, P=0.001), and zinc (χ2=8.1986, P=0.0042). Post-rehabilitation adequacy improved notably: albumin from 32.4% to 56.8%, zinc from 21.6% to 45.9%, and magnesium from 13.5% to 100%. Rehabilitation was associated with improved nutrient levels and biochemical adequacy among patients, highlighting its role in recovery. Based on these findings, comprehensive nutrition care should be integrated into alcohol rehabilitation programs. The government and program managers should consider developing and implementing a national alcohol nutrition rehabilitation policy to support recovery outcomes.

Sociodemographic and dietary determinants of oral health among the elderly: A cross-sectional study in Batouri District, Cameroon

2025-11-16T12:34:35+00:00

Global aging brings physiological and psychological changes that often result in poor oral health. Common conditions among the elderly, such as caries, gingivitis, and edentulism, impair chewing and increase the risk of malnutrition. In Batouri, Cameroon, these problems are further aggravated by socio-demographic factors and dietary habits. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary habits, socio-demographic determinants, and oral health among older adults in this region. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from February 22 to June 22, 2020, involving 410 individuals aged 60 and above. Data collection combined a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary habits, and oral health status with oral examinations and interviews. Additionally, the Food Diversity Score (FDS), an indicator of food variety, was assessed. Statistical analysis employed the chi-square test with a significance threshold of p = 0.05. The results revealed that age, gender, and education significantly influenced oral health outcomes (p = 0.001). Specifically, gingivitis was most frequent among participants aged 66–70 (19.5%), while caries was more prevalent in the 71–75 (9.3%) and 81+ (15.9%) age groups. Edentulism peaked at 15.9% in individuals aged 81 and over. Gender differences were evident, with women exhibiting higher rates of gingivitis (36.6%) and caries (16.1%), whereas men showed more cases of edentulism (17.6%). Moreover, uneducated individuals were disproportionately affected by gingivitis (39.5%) and caries (13.7%). A low FDS correlated with a higher prevalence of gingivitis (40%), and caries was common (45.9%) among those consuming sweet products three times per week. These findings underscore a strong link between oral health, dietary patterns, and socio-demographic factors in the elderly population of Batouri. Consequently, targeted community-based oral health programs that address local dietary habits and socio-demographic profiles are recommended, emphasizing nutrition education, improved access to dental care, and culturally sensitive preventive measures.