Zorada Hattingh

Socio-demographic risk factors for Hiv infection in women living in Mangaung, Free State

Abstract Objective: To determine socio-demographic risk factors associated with HIV infection in women in Mangaung. Design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Mangaung, Bloemfontein. Subjects and methods: A representative group of 500 black women (25–44 years) was randomly selected to participate. Socio-demographic data were determined with a structured questionnaire and compared between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women. Results: After screening for eligibility, 488 women qualified. Sixty-one per cent of the younger women (25–34 years) and 38% of the older women (35–44 years) were HIV infected. It is possible that healthy women would be more likely to be working and were not included. HIV-infected women had been living significantly longer in urban areas (p = 0.0001 for both age groups) than HIV-uninfected women. Significantly more HIV-infected younger women than their HIV-uninfected counterparts snuffed tobacco (p = 0.002). Significantly more HIV-uninfected older women than HIV-infected older women were married or traditionally married (p = 0.010). Significantly more HIV-uninfected (p = 0.012 for younger and p = 0.002 for older) women than HIV-infected women reported a husband-headed household. Significantly more of the HIV-uninfected older women (p = 0.018) than the HIV-infected older women had no formal schooling or only primary school education. Unemployment ranged between 64.7 and 78.3%. Median room density between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women did not differ significantly. Conclusions: Unemployment and low levels of education were commonly reported. A self-headed household, urbanisation and being unmarried appeared to be possible risk factors for HIV infection.

Anthropometric profile of HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women aged 25-44 years in Mangaung, Free State

Abstract Background: Obesity and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) affect significant numbers of black women in South Africa. Method: Using township maps, a random sample of 500 black women residing in Mangaung in the Free State was selected to participate in this study in the year 2000. The women were divided into two age groups, namely 25–34 years (n = 273) and 35–44 years (n = 215). Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight [to calculate the body mass index (BMI)] and waist circumference (WC) were taken. Fat percentage was measured with bioelectrical impedance. HIV status was determined using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay method. Socio-demographic status, health status, dietary intake, level of physical activity, body perception and attitude toward weight control, as well as prevalence and risk of lifestyle diseases were determined as part of the larger study. Results: Sixty-one per cent of younger women (25–34 years) and 38% of older women (35–44 years) were infected with HIV. In younger HIV-infected women, median BMI, WC and fat percentage were significantly lower than in HIV-uninfected women. Conclusions: HIV infection rates were found to be higher among younger than older women. The prevalence of obesity was high overall. Median BMI values ranged between 24.4 kg/m2 and 27.6 kg/m2. A large percentage of all women fell in the unhealthy fat percentage category (excessive body fat), ranging between 65.9% of HIV-infected young women and 79.3% of older HIV-infected women. HIV, even in the asymptomatic stage, influences anthropometric indicators.

Assessment of the physical activity, body mass index and energy intake of HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected women in Mangaung, Free State province

Background: Declining levels of physical activity at workplaces, during leisure time and when travelling, accompanied by increasing exposure to the mass media, are major determinants of the global obesity epidemic. This study aimed to assess physical activity, the body mass index (BMI) and energy intake of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-uninfected and HIV-infected black women in Mangaung. Method: A random sample of 500 black women was selected in Mangaung. Physical activity levels, dietary intake and BMI were determined in younger and older women, aged 25–34 and 35–44 years, respectively. Results: Of the 488 women who qualified for participation, 61% of the younger women and 38% of the older women were HIV-infected. Low physical activity levels were reported in most women, and more than 50% were overweight or obese. The BMI of HIV-infected younger women with low physical activity levels (24.9 kg/m2) was significantly lower than that of the HIV-uninfected younger women (27.2 kg/m2) (p-value 0.02). The energy intake of older HIV-infected women with low physical activity levels was significantly lower (10 090 kJ) than that of the older HIV-infected women in the normal to high physical activity category (14 519 kJ) (p-value 0.03). Conclusion: A more active lifestyle and energy-reduced diet that focuses on food quality could partially address BMI parameters in HIV-uninfected women. Safeguarding a lean BMI in HIV-infected women, by increasing physical activity levels while maintaining current energy intake, with an emphasis on healthy eating practices, could support quality of life.

Association between sugar consumption, sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical profiles

Abstract Background The increase in prevalence of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and abnormal blood lipid levels has raised the question of a possible relationship between these conditions and the consumption of sugar. Objectives This study investigated the sugar consumption of financially-restricted Black women in Mangaung, South Africa. Method Five hundred women were selected randomly and divided into younger (25–34 years) and older (35–44 years) groups. Dietary intake, sociodemographic status, anthropometry and biochemical data were obtained. Total sugar (TS) and added sugar (AS) consumption were compared between older and younger women as well as sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical categories. Results AS intake contributed 12% and 13% of total energy intake in younger and older women, respectively. AS consumption was higher in younger women living in brick houses and those who possessed a microwave oven. In older women, it was higher in husband-headed households. Underweight women with the lowest body mass index had higher sugar consumption than overweight and/or obese women. Women with a lower body fat percentage had a higher AS consumption than women with a high body fat percentage. Sugar consumption was significantly lower in younger women with elevated serum lymphocyte counts. TS and AS consumption was higher in younger women with elevated serum glucose levels. Older women with elevated serum insulin had a significantly higher TS consumption compared to those with normal insulin concentrations. Conclusion The amounts of TS and AS consumed by women in this observational study were unlikely to contribute to overweight and/or obesity.