Research Article
Influence of Maternal Feeding Practices and Associated Factors on the Nutritional Status of Children Aged 6 to 59 Months in Koza (Far North, Cameroon)
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
108-116
Received:
19 February 2026
Accepted:
28 February 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
Abstract: Malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of maternal feeding practices and related factors on the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in Koza, Far North Cameroon, a region that has been affected for several years by the Boko Haram conflict. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 200 children aged 6 to 59 months and their mothers. Participants were randomly recruited after verification of their place of residence. Children’s anthropometric measurements were taken, and height-for-age and weight-for-age indices were calculated based on WHO growth standards. Children’s feeding practices, as well as mothers’ dietary habits and sociodemographic characteristics, were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Mothers’ body mass index was also calculated according to WHO criteria. The chi-square test was used to examine associations between the different variables. Among the 200 children included in the study, 39% were underweight (21% in the severe form) and 47.5% were stunted (19% in the severe form). A significant association was found between age group and underweight (P= 0.03), as well as stunting (P= 0.04). The type of breastfeeding was also significantly associated with the occurrence of underweight (P= 0.02) and stunting (P= 0.03) among the children. The age at which complementary foods were introduced was significantly associated with underweight (P= 0.03). Maternal characteristics including age group (P= 0.005), nutritional status (P< 0.001), marital status (P= 0.02), and employment status (P< 0.001) were significantly associated with child underweight. An association was also observed between stunting and maternal age (P= 0.03). The prevalence of chronic malnutrition among children in Koza was higher than the national average of 33% and the 40.2% reported in the North Region of Cameroon. Strengthening nutrition education and promoting appropriate complementary food formulations could help reduce this burden.
Abstract: Malnutrition remains a major public health concern in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of maternal feeding practices and related factors on the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 59 months in Koza, Far North Cameroon, a region that has been affected for several years by the Boko Haram conflict. A cross-section...
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Research Article
Extraction Yield and Physicochemical Quality of Artisanal Palm Oil Produced in Koba–Totema, Guinea
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
117-126
Received:
23 February 2026
Accepted:
9 March 2026
Published:
26 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261402.12
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Abstract: This study investigated the production performance and physicochemical characteristics of palm oil obtained through artisanal processing in Koba–Totema, Boffa (Republic of Guinea). Eight independent processing batches involving 80 mature oil palm fruit bunches were carried out under traditional extraction conditions. Extraction efficiency was estimated as the percentage ratio between the mass of oil obtained and the mass of processed fruits. The physicochemical quality of the oil was evaluated using standard analytical methods. Moisture content and insoluble impurities were determined by gravimetric techniques, while peroxide value was measured by iodometric titration and expressed in meq O2/kg of oil. Acid value was determined by titration with potassium hydroxide (KOH) and expressed in mg KOH/g of oil according to standard calculation procedures. The average extraction yield was 16%, reflecting a moderate but relatively stable extraction performance. Mean values recorded for moisture content, peroxide value, acid value, and insoluble impurities were 0.43 ± 0.26%, 13.05 ± 1.92 meq O2/kg, 12.47 ± 9.94 mg KOH/g, and 2.74 ± 2.14%, respectively. While extraction yields remained fairly consistent across batches, notable variations were observed in chemical quality parameters. These differences appear to be mainly related to variations in clarification, dehydration, and filtration practices during artisanal processing. Overall, the results highlight the importance of improving post-extraction handling and processing practices to enhance the chemical stability and quality of artisanal palm oil.
Abstract: This study investigated the production performance and physicochemical characteristics of palm oil obtained through artisanal processing in Koba–Totema, Boffa (Republic of Guinea). Eight independent processing batches involving 80 mature oil palm fruit bunches were carried out under traditional extraction conditions. Extraction efficiency was estim...
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Research Article
HPLC Analysis of Ascorbic Acid Content in Four Orange Varieties in Ghana
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, April 2026
Pages:
127-133
Received:
25 February 2026
Accepted:
13 March 2026
Published:
27 March 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfns.20261402.13
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Oranges are one of Ghana's most popular citrus fruits and constitute an essential dietary source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other phytochemicals that improve human health and well-being. In spite of their importance as nutrients and economic sources, only a limited number of studies have been conducted to compare the ascorbic acid content of local orange varieties in Ghana. This study aimed to evaluate the ascorbic acid content of four local orange varieties (i.e. Abofour, Water Grape, Mediterranean Sweet and Washintong) cultivated in Ghana. 15 fresh orange fruits from each variety totaling 60 orange fruits were obtained from the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) farm in Bunso in Eastern Region, Ghana. The orange juices were manually extracted and analyzed for their ascorbic acid content using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results showed the Washintong variety had the highest ascorbic acid content (4.49 mg/10 mL), followed by Abofour (4.31 mg/10 mL), Water Grape (4.28 mg/10 mL), and Mediterranean Sweet (3.70 mg/10 mL). The study analyzed the ascorbic acid content in four local orange varieties. The findings highlight the nutritional value of each orange variety as a dietary source of vitamin C. The results also provides scientific evidence for agricultural policy, nutrition education, and value-added strategies for the promotion of vitamin C rich orange fruits for consumers’ health in Ghana.
Abstract: Oranges are one of Ghana's most popular citrus fruits and constitute an essential dietary source of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and other phytochemicals that improve human health and well-being. In spite of their importance as nutrients and economic sources, only a limited number of studies have been conducted to compare the ascorbic acid content of ...
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,
William Asongni Djeukeu
