Jean H. Sabry

The validity of the 24 hour recall for estimating the energy and selected nutrient intakes of a group of rural Malawian preschool children

The validity of the 24‐hour recall (24 HR) for estimating group aggregate and individual daily energy, protein, calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin C intakes of 29 rural Malawian children (4–6 years) was assessed by comparing weighed record (WR) and 24 HR dietary data collected for the same day of food intake. There were no significant differences comparing group median energy and nutrient intakes estimated using the two techniques. The percentage differences between group mean intakes ranged from 1% (vitamin C) to 16% (Ca). In general, these differences were reduced when morning meal intakes were omitted to eliminate the systematic bias affecting estimates of porridge intake. Spearmans and intra‐class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.28 (vitamic C) to 0.55 (Zn), and from 0.14 (vitamin C) to 0.51 (Zn), respectively. Less than 35% of the nutrient intakes estimated using the 24 HR were within ± 10% of those estimated via the WR (range = 12% for vitamin C and Ca to 33% for protein), and over 50% of the sub...

Food health beliefs and preferences of northern native Canadians

Beliefs about the health value of 22 selected country (native) and store‐bought foods and preference (degree of like or dislike) for these foods were examined among 208 northern native Canadians (Indian and Metis) representing three generations (adolescents and young adults, middle adults, older adults). Ratings were obtained by use of five‐point Likert‐type scales presented in pictorial format. Of the 22 foods studied highest health value scores were assigned to vegetables, fruits, fish, and country meats, and lowest were assigned to modern snack foods. Preference scores were highest for moose, bannock, and caribou, and lowest for luncheon meat. Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) among the three generations were found in the health scores of 9 foods and in the preference scores of 8 foods. Of the three age groups, older adults were least skeptical of the health value of modern snack foods. Northern native people perceive differences in the health value of foods. Preference for country foods...

Nutrient intakes of native canadians near Wood Buffalo National Park

Abstract Dietary intakes of 178 native Canadian (Indians and Metis) in three age groups (13–24, 25–29, and 50–86 years) living near Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Canada were examined over two seasons (fall and spring). Mean nutrient intakes (not including vitamin supplements) met Canadian recommended levels except for calcium by all groups, vitamin A and folate by middle and older adults, and iron by middle adult females. The probability of inadequate intake was greatest for calcium, vitamin A and folate, followed by vitamin D, vitamin C for men and iron for women. Fat provided 35–38% energy. Dietary fiber intakes were low. More frequent use of country foods (wild game, birds, fish and berries) was associated with higher intakes per 1000 kcal of protein, iron, phosphorus, riboflavin and niacin and lower intakes of fat and calcium. The results support the desirability of increased consumption of traditional and store foods which provide calcium, vitamin A and folate and the wisdom of encouraging the use of country foods by this population.

Nutrition knowledge and misconceptions of university students: 1971 vs. 1984

Abstract The purpose of this study was to obtain an indication of changes in the level of nutrition knowledge and prevalence of misconceptions of Canadian university students over a 13-year period. We replicated a study which measured nutrition knowledge, misconceptions, and uncertainty of knowledge of young adults entering a university. Thus, we were able to directly compare the data collected in 1971 with those collected from a comparable sample in 1984. The level of nutrition knowledge was higher in 1984 than in 1971; however, the prevalence of misconceptions and the rank order of misconceptions was similar to what was observed in 1971. These findings suggest that although university students in 1984 had a slightly higher level of nutrition knowledge than their counterparts in 1971, they still held many of the same misconceptions.

Correlates of nutrition knowledge in Canadian businessmen

Abstract We studied 195 men employed in management and executive positions in the insurance industry to determine their level of nutrition knowledge and to examine the relationship of social, demographic, and personality variables to nutrition knowledge. The respondents, who ranged in age from 18 to 72 years, scored 59% on a validated 20-item multiple-choice test of nutrition knowledge. Higher nutrition knowledge, correlated with increasing age, higher education, and higher socioeconomic status. Knowledge was also related to participation in nutrition-related activities in the home and to several personality dimensions as measured by the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire. Between men high and low in knowledge were several personality differences, including differences in imaginativeness, emotional sensitivity, and extraverted orientation. The study reaffirmed some established demographic factors and added new variables, including participation in nutrition-related activities and personality factors, as contributors to understanding nutrition knowledge.

Production Activities, Food Supply and Nutritional Status in Malawi

There is continuing concern throughout most of Africa about the supply of food, notably because of its impact on the nutritional status of so many millions.2 In 1984, John Mellor and Bruce Johnston reported on trends in production and indicated that Africa had the slowest food growth rates in comparison with other country groupings throughout the world. They also acknowledged the extent of malnutrition and the complex system of interactions which influence food production and consumption.3 Earlier reviews of the food-deficit problems called attention to environmental constraints and the variety of experimental strategies for agricultural development tried in Africa. Michael Lofchie and Stephen Commins concluded that fundamental changes in governmental policies are needed in order to facilitate peasant production and participation, and they suggested a balance between the retention of traditional agricultural systems and the introduction of modern agricultural practices.4 Carl Eicher emphasised the need for intensive investigation into production constraints in order to provide the knowledge base for better strategies and programmes, and among the research priorities identified were those related to food consumption and nutrition.5 However, although more national macro-level surveys are obviously needed, they alone will not help us to understand the relationships between household-based food production and consumption systems, nor the role of the family in allocating labour and food. Research reports have suggested that the food-producing capacities of households are reduced, along with the nutritional status of their members, when cash-crop farming replaces subsistence communities.6 In many situations, the responsibilities of women for agricultural production have increased, and yet they continue to use backward techniques of cultivation which

Personality Correlates of Selected Elements of the Health Belief Model

Summary One hundred and ninety-five men with an average age of 38 years and employed in sedentary work [and thus statistically at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD)] replied to a questionnaire assessing the degree to which they felt susceptible to CVD, their expectations regarding the severity of an attack, if they should have one, and their perception of the benefits to be derived from engaging in appropriate preventive behavior. These three elements of the Health Belief Model (HBM) were correlated with the primary source traits of the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16 PF). A total of eight 16 PF factors correlated with one or more elements of the HBM, five of them contributors to the second-order factor of anxiety. There was a clear tendency for anxiety dimensions to correlate with perceived susceptibility and severity, but not with benefits. These findings were interpreted as having implications for both researchers and practitioners. On the one hand, such data should encourage ...

Evaluative techniques for use with children's diets

Summary A study with 49 children, aged 18 to 48 months, examined the appropriateness of scalogram techniques for assessment of dietary patterns of preschool children. Data from food frequency questionnaires were utilized in developing the scalogram. The mothers subjective evaluation of her childs diet was obtained. Both of these assessments were compared with the level of dietary adequacy based on nutrient intakes obtained from three-day dietary records. The diets were classified into four levels of adequacy relative to the nutrient intakes recommended by the Canadian Dietary Standard. Approximately one-quarter of the diets fell in the lower two levels of adequacy. Calories, calcium, and iron were nutrients most frequently below recommended levels. Scalogram analysis as applied and evaluated in this study did not provide a reliable estimate of dietary adequacy. Possible reasons for inconsistencies between food scale scores and dietary levels were discussed. The scaling technique did indicate, however, that the reported frequency of food consumption for the preschool children in this sample followed a consistent and ordered pattern. Further investigation of the application of scaling to the assessment of dietary patterns of young children appears warranted. The mothers subjective evaluation of her childs diet was judged to be accurate for only-third of the sample. The evaluation mothers made of their childrens diets appeared to be related to certain family characteristics such as locality of residence, family income, and mothers country of birth.