Assuntos
Desnutrição , Estado Nutricional , Programas Gente Saudável , Dieta Saudável , Fome , Deficiências NutricionaisRESUMO
Background: Food insecurity leads to disturbed eating patterns, hunger or poor nutrition and is strongly correlated with poor mental health. Aims: To determine the impact of household food insecurity on maternal mental health in a rural population in Egypt. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Qulubba Village in Minia Governorate. We interviewed 497 mothers with at least one child, using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and Hopkins Symptom Check List-25. Results: Nearly 70% of women resided in food-insecure households. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly more common among food-insecure mothers. By logistic regression analysis, household food insecurity, socioeconomic status, husband working abroad, and number of children were significant predictors of maternal distress. Mothers with severe food insecurity were approximately 13 times more likely to experience mental distress than were food secure mothers. Conclusions: Household food insecurity was associated with an increased likelihood of poor maternal mental health. The study highlights the need for policies to decrease poverty and programmes for screening and addressing food insecurity. Integrating mental health into programmes addressing food insecurity and providing counselling are recommended.
Assuntos
Inocuidade dos Alimentos , Insegurança Alimentar , Saúde Mental , Saúde Materna , Estudos Transversais , Mães , População Rural , Fome , Características da FamíliaAssuntos
Promoção da Saúde , Mortalidade da Criança , Serviços de Saúde Materna , Fome , Infecções por HIV , Pobreza , Saneamento , Água Potável , MaláriaAssuntos
Promoção da Saúde , Mortalidade da Criança , Serviços de Saúde Materna , Fome , Infecções por HIV , Pobreza , Saneamento , Água Potável , MaláriaAssuntos
Promoção da Saúde , Mortalidade da Criança , Serviços de Saúde Materna , Fome , Infecções por HIV , Pobreza , Saneamento , Água Potável , MaláriaRESUMO
Only very small quantities of vitamins and minerals are needed for human health but deficiencies can have disproportionately large, often life-threatening, effects. Micronutrient deficiencies lead to a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection in poorly nourished populations. Fortification of staple foods is the cheapest, most efficient and most effective way to supply large populations with essential micronutrients. This paper reviews the case for fortification of flour supplies with iron and folic acid and concludes that it is the best way to provide daily doses of these nutrients to populations in developing countries, especially for women of child-bearing age
