-
Frequency of Vending Machine Usage as a Predictor of Weight Status Among College Students
Morgan Faulk Sowers,
Sarah Colby,
Wenjun Zhou,
Agricola Odoi,
Elizabeth Anderson Steeves,
Katie Kavanagh
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, March 2018
Pages:
39-46
Received:
30 December 2017
Accepted:
25 January 2018
Published:
12 February 2018
Abstract: Background: College students have identified frequent unhealthy snacking from vending machines as influencing their dietary intake and weight status. However, research on associations between vending usage and weight status is lacking. Objectives: 1.) Compare college students’ demographic characteristics by frequency of vending machine usage (FVU) and body mass index (BMI). 2.) Determine associations between FVU and BMI levels among college students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, a convenience sample of college students (n=110) completed an online survey providing demographics, height and weight, and FVU – categorized as “none” (never or rarely), “low” (less than once per month, or “high” (once per month or more). Demographics were analyzed using descriptive statistics with comparisons by FVU and BMI levels. Associations between FVU and BMI levels, alone and controlling for sex and race/ethnicity, were tested using a proportional odds logistic model. Results: The majority of participants were in the lowest FVU (50%) and normal BMI (56%; M=24.2 kg/m2) levels. BMI was significantly different by FVU levels (p=.012). Logistic regression indicated the highest FVU category was associated with a 4.6 times greater odds of being overweight or obese (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study described a significant relationship between higher levels of FVU and higher levels of BMI among college students. This formative evidence can inform future vending interventions in this population.
Abstract: Background: College students have identified frequent unhealthy snacking from vending machines as influencing their dietary intake and weight status. However, research on associations between vending usage and weight status is lacking. Objectives: 1.) Compare college students’ demographic characteristics by frequency of vending machine usage (FVU) ...
Show More
-
Co-Administered Vitamin E Isoforms d-α-tocopherol and d-δ-tocotrienol Rich Fraction Promote Regeneration of Skeletal Muscle in Diabetics
Bijo Elsy,
Aijaz Ahmed Khan,
Veena Maheshwari
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, March 2018
Pages:
47-55
Received:
22 January 2018
Accepted:
5 February 2018
Published:
27 February 2018
Abstract: In diabetes the structural and functional recovery of skeletal muscle is impaired due to persistent hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Vitamin E is known to be essential antioxidant for maintains the skeletal muscle homeostasis thus preventing oxidative damages. This study is designed to explore the effect of d-α-tocopherol and d-δ-tocotrienol rich fraction (d-δ-TRF) on crushed muscle regeneration in both healthy and diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced through single subcutaneous injection of aqueous alloxan at the dose of 100 mg/kg. Twenty four albino rats were divided into four groups; healthy control, diabetic control, healthy treated and diabetic treated. Treated groups received 100 mg/kg of d-α-tocopherol and d-δ-TRF each, orally, daily for three weeks. Through a horizontal mid-thigh skin incision and splitting of the fascia gluteus maximus was approached and crushed with Kocher’s forceps. Skin wound was closed with an absorbable suture. The crush-induced degenerative and regenerative changes in the muscle were studied by assessing the histological features, histomorphological measurements and biochemical analyses at the end of 3rd weeks. One- way ‘ANOVA’ and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis. All results revealed that the vitamin E isoforms have potency to maintain glycemic level, improve the antioxidant capacity and hasten the process of regeneration, revascularization, reinnervation and connective tissue remodeling in skeletal muscle after crush injury. It is therefore, concluded that the vitamin E isoforms are useful nutritional supplements for skeletal muscle functional and structural recovery in both healthy and diabetics.
Abstract: In diabetes the structural and functional recovery of skeletal muscle is impaired due to persistent hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress. Vitamin E is known to be essential antioxidant for maintains the skeletal muscle homeostasis thus preventing oxidative damages. This study is designed to explore the effect of d-α-tocopherol and d-δ-tocotrienol...
Show More
-
A Cross-sectional Study of Bovine Trypanosomosis in Sayo District, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia
Efrem Degneh,
Hagos Ashenafi,
Getachew Terefe,
Tesfu Kassa,
Nigatu Kebede,
Workineh Shibeshi,
Kaleab Asres
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, March 2018
Pages:
56-64
Received:
15 November 2017
Accepted:
25 December 2017
Published:
20 March 2018
Abstract: A cross sectional study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in Sayo district of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Oromia Region, during early dry (December, 2016) and early rainy (June, 2017) seasons employing parasitological blood examination and survey of vectors. A total of 860 representative blood samples were collected from randomly selected cattle and examined using standard methods of parasitological examination techniques. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was found to be 11.16%. The species of trypanosomes encountered include Trypanosoma congolense (52.10%) followed by T. vivax (32.30%), T. brucei (10.40%) and mixed infection of T. congolense and T. vivax (5.20%). The seasonal prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 15.11% and 7.20% in early dry and early rainy seasons, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) in the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis between low land (13.8%) and mid land altitude (8.5%). Similarly, there was also a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) in the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis between poor body conditioned cattle compared to both medium and good categories. On the contrary, there were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis between different sex categories. The mean PCV value of trypanosome infected animals was (22.94% ± 0.15%) compared to non infected groups (26.47 ± 0.35%) with statistically significant difference (P<0.05). As part of survey of vectors of bovine trypanosomosis a total of 1575 flies were caught during the study period. The findings encountered revealed that 807 (51.24%), 667 (43.35%) and 101(6.41%) were Stomoxys, Glossina and Tabanus respectively. The apparent density of Glossina, Stomoxys and Tabanus were 4.16, 5.04 and 0.63 f/t/d, respectively. The present study disclosed that despite vector control implementation practices in the study area, bovine trypanosomosis still remain to be a core problem. Therefore, the current control strategies being implemented in the study area should be further assessed and consideration of integrated trypanosomosis and vector control approaches should be instituted.
Abstract: A cross sectional study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in Sayo district of Kellem Wollega zone, Western Oromia Region, during early dry (December, 2016) and early rainy (June, 2017) seasons employing parasitological blood examination and survey of vectors. A total of 860 representative blood samples were collected from randomly selected cat...
Show More
-
Assessment of Nutritional Status and Its Determinants Among Pre-School Children Within Dalit Communities of Jessore City in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study
Akimul Islam,
Md Tarek Hasan,
Nazia Nawshad Lina,
Fatema-Tuj-Johra,
Shovon Al-Fuad,
Rajib Kanti Roy
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, March 2018
Pages:
65-70
Received:
3 February 2018
Accepted:
24 February 2018
Published:
24 March 2018
Abstract: Background: The socio-religiously considered low class Dalit communities are living below extreme poverty line in Bangladesh. They face discrimination at all levels of social interactions. Lack of access to education, extreme poverty issues, health and housing problems, and unequal access to work and employment may put this underprivileged community at the risk of malnutrition. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the nutritional status and associated factors among preschool children within various Dalit communities in Jessore city, Bangladesh. Study Design: A cross sectional study was undertaken among 165 pre-school children (24-60 months) randomly selected from different Dalit families living in Jessore city, Bangladesh. Anthropometric methods and a structured questionnaire were used to collect the required data. WHO based anthropometric Z scores and MUAC (Mid Upper Arm Circumference) indicators were used to measure nutritional status of the children. Data analysis at 5% level of significance was performed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS)-22 software. Results: About 58% and 45% of the studied preschool children were stunted and underweight respectively while 22.5% children were wasted. Nearly 8.5% children were obese or at risk of being obese. Most of the parents were illiterate or just completed only primary education. Mother and father education status was not statistically significant with stunting, wasting and underweight status of pre-school children. Moderate and severe stunting were relatively higher among younger children (p<0.05). According to MUAC assessment 82.4% of the children were normal, 16.9% had mild to moderate and 0.6% was severely malnourished. Most of those malnourished children belonged to younger age groups (p<0.01). MUAC of the children was significant with their mother education status (p<0.05). 61.2% children who suffered diarrhea or pneumonia in last 2 months had lower weight for age (p<0.05) and weight for height (p<0.01) than who didn’t. Conclusions: About half of preschool children among Dalit communities in Jessore city live with chronic malnutrition like stunting and underweight. Maternal health status as well as other socio-demographic factors can affect the nutritional status of children.
Abstract: Background: The socio-religiously considered low class Dalit communities are living below extreme poverty line in Bangladesh. They face discrimination at all levels of social interactions. Lack of access to education, extreme poverty issues, health and housing problems, and unequal access to work and employment may put this underprivileged communit...
Show More
-
Factors Affecting Consumers’ Choice in Consumption of Organic Vegetables and Methods Used to Avoid Consumption of Unhealthy Foods in Tanzania
Willbroad Kawemama,
Jovin Mugula,
Alex Wostry,
Janet Maro
Issue:
Volume 7, Issue 2, March 2018
Pages:
71-80
Received:
29 January 2018
Accepted:
21 March 2018
Published:
11 April 2018
Abstract: In the previous decades, there has been an upsurge of use of pesticides on food produces. Many consumers now perceive or are knowledgeable that consumption of organic vegetables is healthier than consuming their corresponding items. A cross sectional study was done to assess the factors affecting consumers’ choice in consumption of organic vegetables and methods used to avoid consumption of unhealthy foods in Morogoro and Kinondoni municipalities. A total of 200 paticipants half from each segment were interviewed using a constructed and pretested structured questionnaire. However, the analysis was done to 192 residents, half from each study segment. Data analysis was done through SPSS version 20. Scale liability was tested with Cronbach alpha. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine factors that affected the consumers’ choice and identify as well as the approaches used by them to avoid the consumption of unhealthy foods. To avoid consumption of foods that were perceived perilous, physical appearance was a common method used by most (52%, β = 0.493) consumers compared to reading product labels (45.3%, β = 0.296), asking product information (38%, β = 0.434) and product tasting (26%, β = 0.146). The low purchasing and consumption rates of organic vegetables were significantly different (P< 0.05), affected by their perceived low shelf life (β = 0.108), lack of uniqueness (β = 0.071) and unavailability in the market (β = 0.032). Most organic food growers (97%) needed an external participatory guarantee system for liable market so that producers and investors cooperate with organic growers for business-oriented aspects.
Abstract: In the previous decades, there has been an upsurge of use of pesticides on food produces. Many consumers now perceive or are knowledgeable that consumption of organic vegetables is healthier than consuming their corresponding items. A cross sectional study was done to assess the factors affecting consumers’ choice in consumption of organic vegetabl...
Show More
