Nutrient intake and nutritional status indicators of participant and nonparticipant pupils of a parent-supported school lunch program in Kenya

Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Mary K Walingo, Betty Musamali

Abstract

To compare nutrient intake and indicators of nutritional status of western Kenyan pupil participants and nonparticipants of a parent-supported school lunch program. Pupils and their caregivers were interviewed to assess their 24-hour dietary intake and the socioeconomic status of the family. Pupils' weights and heights were measured. Eight randomly selected schools with parent-supported school lunch programs in Emuhaya, western Kenya. 320 pupils aged between 10 and 12 years in Standard 5 and Standard 6 were disaggregated into school lunch participants (n = 160) and nonparticipants (n = 160). Pupils' energy and protein intake; nutritional status indicators; household socioeconomic characteristics. Independent t test for comparison of group means; chi-square for socioeconomic characteristics. Level of significance was P = .05. Energy and protein consumption of participants was higher than that of the nonparticipants. Severe underweight, severe stunting, and severe wasting were significantly higher among the nonparticipants. Hunger and a higher absenteeism rate from school were more commonly reported among the nonparticipants. This study demonstrates the interaction of poverty, nutrition status, and education. To improve the nutri...Continue Reading

References

Oct 1, 1995·Journal of the American Dietetic Association·E Pollitt
Apr 16, 1999·Journal of the American College of Nutrition·M C BollellaC L Williams

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Aug 30, 2008·Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·Karen Chapman-Novakofski

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Cardiac Cachexia

Cardiac cachexia is a syndrome associated with the progressive loss of muscle and fat mass. It most commonly affects patients with heart failure and can significantly decrease the quality of life and survival in these patients. Here is the latest research on cardiac cachexia.

Cachexia & Brown Fat

Cachexia is a condition associated with progressive weight loss due to severe illness. In cancer patients, it is proposed to occur as a result of tumor-induced energy wasting. Several proteins have been implicated in browning and depletion of white adipose tissue. Here is the latest research on cachexia and brown fat.