Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, Nairobi

Comparative effects of water and microwave blanching on mineral and anti- nutrients composition in pumpkin components

Lyn Shatsala Wangusi — 2026-09-01

Pumpkins offer high nutritional benefits, though the peels and seeds are often discarded due to perceived antinutritional factors. However, there is need to promote utilization of the different parts through anti-nutrients reduction and development of composite flour. This study investigated the effect of water and microwave blanching on mineral content and anti-nutrient levels in pumpkin peels, pulp and seeds. The samples for the different treatments were analyzed for mineral content by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Ultraviolet- Visible Spectroscopy methods while anti-nutrients were determined by titration and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy method. Pumpkin seeds had significantly higher mineral levels than peels and pulp. For the unblanched samples, copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus ranged from 0.86±0.27 to 1.55±0.21mg/100g, 23.81±4.71 to 32.27±0.70mg/100g, 54.27±1.44 to 91.01±0.68, 5.45±1.37 to 16.14±1.35 mg/100g, 248.57±3.18 to 312.76± 4.18mg/100g respectively in the pumpkin peels, pulp and seeds. For blanched samples copper, zinc, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus ranged from 0.33±0.02 to 0.92±0.02, 16.95±1.31 to 24.44±1.29, 16.04±2.32 to 89.76±0.32, 2.92±0.79 to 12.75±1.55, 219.90±1.42 to 276.04±1.17 in mg/100g respectively. All microwave blanched samples had significantly higher levels of minerals than the water blanched samples. Seeds had significantly higher levels of phytic acid but showed the lowest levels of tannins than the other parts. Water blanching led to higher loss of phytates, tannins and minerals compared to microwave blanching. Therefore, microwave blanching is recommended for pumpkin parts composite flour production, as it better retains minerals while reducing anti-nutrients. Utilizing peels and seeds can enhance nutrition, reduce waste, and ultimately support sustainable, value-added food processing.

Effect of umbilical cord clamping time on hemoglobin status of infants, randomized control trial in Longisa County Referral Hospital, Bomet County, Kenya.

Wesley Bor — 2026-09-01

Background: Although the benefits of delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping on haemoglobin are documented globally, including by the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya and many Sub-Saharan African Countries continue to record variation in the Clamping time. These variations may have a significant effect on the iron levels and the nutritional status of the infant.

Objective: This study sought to establish the effects of umbilical cord clamping time, iron and possibly the infant nutritional status at six months at Longisa County Referral Hospital.

Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial design. Mother-infant pairs were randomized into the experimental and control groups. A sample size of 204 mother-infant pairs was enrolled in both arms of the study. The recruitment of study participants took place at the onset of labour for all eligible mothers admitted to the labour and delivery ward. The experimental group involved clamping the umbilical cord between three five minutes after delivery, while the control group involved clamping of the umbilical cord as per the standard routine practice after delivery in the health facility. Infant weight, Length and haemoglobin were assessed at baseline, at six weeks and at six (6) months. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Stata Statistical software and Microsoft Excel. Comparison of the effect of umbilical cord clamping time on Length, height, and haemoglobin at six weeks and six months was performed using an unpaired t-test with 95% CI, significance set at p<0.05. Two-sample t-test, the results for weight, Length and hemoglobin was determined. Research permits and ethical approval were obtained from the respective authorities.

Results: The mean weight at six months of life for the control group of the study was 7.41 ± 0.65 kg, while for the experimental group, the mean weight was 8.51 ± 0.60 kg. The mean Length at six months for the control group was 56.91 ± 14.36cm, and the experiment group was 58.18 ± 16.72cm. The mean haemoglobin levels for the control group were 11.35 (11.08-11.62), and for the experimental group, 12.22 (11.95-12.49).

Conclusion: Delayed umbilical cord clamping is beneficial for improving infant hemoglobin levels and possibly nutrition status. In addition, delayed umbilical cord clamping time improves the infant's weight gain in the first six months of life. There is a need to develop guidelines for the implementation of delayed umbilical cord clamping. The recommendation for further research is to study child survival and long-term health and cognitive effects of nutrition and care during the first 1,000 days.

The influence of media on the beliefs and attitudes of young mothers towards breastfeeding practices in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

Jelili Akorede Quadri — 2026-09-01

Background: Breastfeeding is an important public health intervention, yet its prevalence among young women in Nigeria is low. Media exposure significantly influences mothers' feeding choices. The study investigated the extent to which various media forms affect young mothers' beliefs and attitudes toward breastfeeding behaviour in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative survey of 384 young mothers aged 18- 35 years with children aged 0-24 months in Osogbo, Osun State, was conducted from April to July 2025. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that captured media exposure patterns, breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Multistage sampling (using purposive and simple random sampling at different stages) was employed within sampled health facilities and communities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression using SPSS version 26.0 were employed in the data analysis.

Results: Most participants (73.4%) were aged 25-35years, and 68.5% had secondary education and above. Mobile phone ownership was almost universal (98.4%), and high prevalence of social media use was observed: WhatsApp (94.8%), Facebook (78.1%), and Instagram (62.2%). TV watching was reported by 85.2% of the participants. Exclusive breastfeeding for six months was practiced by only 34.6% of the mothers. Greater media exposure to education health content was also significantly associated with better breastfeeding practices (OR=2.34, 95% CI: 1.45- 3.78, p<0.001). High social media users presented conflicting results, where positive practices were reinforced by peer support groups (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.12-3.19, p=0.017) but exposure to formula advertising had a detrimental influence on exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.58, 95% CI: 0.36-0.94, p=0.027).

Conclusion: The media plays a major role in breastfeeding practice among young mothers in Osogbo. Educational media content promotes the best practices, but commercial promotion and misinformation exist. Effective health communication programmes that leverage popular mass media channels and replace misleading messages with accurate, evidence-based breastfeeding information.

Effectiveness of diabetes self-management education on glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes: Evidence from Juba County, South Sudan.

Hedwig Acham — 2026-09-01

Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health challenge, affecting over 6% of the global population and contributing to rising mortality rates. In South Sudan, the burden is intensified by fragile health systems, limited resources, and poor access to education and care, making the effective management of chronic conditions difficult. Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is widely appreciated for its role in improving glycemic control. Although its efficacy has been demonstrated in various global contexts, it remains underutilized in South Sudan, and its impact has not been systematically evaluated.

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a culturally adapted DSME program in improving glycemic control among adults (45+ years) with T2D attending the Malakia Primary Health Care Centre in Juba County.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted involving 132 participants. The intervention group received structured DSME sessions, while the control group received general health education (GHE). The outcomes included clinical and self-care behaviors, diabetes knowledge, and quality of life among adults. Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests, ANCOVA, logistic and linear multivariate regressions.

Results: The intervention group showed statistically significant improvements in fasting blood glucose levels (−16.6 mg/dL), body mass index (−2.18 kg/m²), and blood pressure (−4.51 mmHg systolic, −2.28 mmHg diastolic), all at p<0.001. Both Diabetes knowledge and quality of life improved (+1.75, p < 0.001; -1.82, p < 0.001; respectively). Results of ANCOVA demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention, significantly improving glycaemic control, BMI, blood pressure, self-care behavior, dietary knowledge, and quality of life after adjusting for baseline differences (P<0.01); the largest intervention effects were observed for dietary knowledge and quality of life.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that DSME is a feasible, impactful, and scalable intervention for South Sudan.

Factors influencing complementary feeding practices in Makueni County, Kenya: A qualitative study

Grace Wairimu Waweru — 2026-09-01

Poor complementary feeding (CF) is a major contributor to undernutrition, child mortality, and poor health outcomes among children. However, little is known about the contextual factors influencing complementary feeding practices in Kenya, as qualitative evidence remains limited. A qualitative study was conducted to explore the factors influencing CF practices in rural Kenya. A total of five focus group discussions were conducted among primary caregivers of children aged 6-23 months (n=50) in Makueni County, Kenya. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using NVivo 14 software. Most caregivers were aged 30 years and younger (66%), and 44% had achieved at least secondary-level education. Caregivers reported that they received information on CF mainly from the health care workers. The findings revealed that caregivers were the key decision makers in CF. Although the caregivers demonstrated knowledge of the timely initiation of complementary foods and dietary diversity, the knowledge did not translate into practice. The majority reported early initiation of CF due to the perception that breast milk production was inadequate. The commonly consumed complementary foods included starchy staples, thin tomato soups and animal milk. Protein-rich foods such as meats, eggs, nuts and seeds were rarely fed to the children. Fruit and vegetable consumption was limited due to seasonality and poor access. Our research established that several factors influence CF practices among the study population. These include nutrition knowledge and perceptions regarding CF; physical factors such as limited availability and seasonal access to diverse nutrient-rich foods; social factors including prevailing norms and food taboos; economic factors such as poverty, which reduced the ability to buy diverse food and food modification equipment such as blenders. These findings underscore the need for the government and development partners to design community-specific interventions that address not only knowledge gaps but also the socio-cultural, economic, and practical realities influencing feeding practices among children.