Effect of Buffalo Milk Consumption on the Growth of 10 to 12 years Old Schoolgirls in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines.

Background: Milk contains essential nutrients that help can improve the growth and development of adolescent girls. Objectives: The study determined the effect of milk consumption on the nutritional status of schoolgirls ages 10 to 12 years old in Magdalena, Laguna, Philippines. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study design was used to determine the impact of daily consumption of 200 ml buffalo milk on the prevalence of undernutrition among the 57 schoolgirl participants before and after 160 days. One sample t-test and paired t-test were used to compare the actual and expected total increment and monthly changes in the height and body mass index (BMI) of the participants, while a one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the actual total changes in height and BMI by age. Factors that are correlated with these measurements were identified based on Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results: The percentage of stunting (31.6%-22.8%) and thinness (21.1%-15.8%) decreased after the milk feeding. Significant differences were observed in the means of total actual and expected changes in height (P < .00) and BMI (P < .00). While there were significant differences in the means of actual and expected monthly changes in height every month, this was only observed in the first 2 months for BMI. Only the mean actual changes in height had significant differences when compared by age (P = .04). Lastly, the age and education of the father were found to be correlated with the height of the schoolgirls. Conclusion: Buffalo milk consumption can improve the growth outcomes of schoolgirls.

Factors Influencing Measure-based Adaptation of Rice Farmers for Slow-Onset Hazard: the Case of Saltwater Inundation in the Philippines and Vietnam.

This study sought to determine the factors influencing rice farmers' adaptation to a slow-onset hazard such as saltwater inundation. The research is based on a survey conducted through personal interviews using Kobotool App consisting of 326 coastal rice farmers in Northern Mindanao, the Philippines and 258 rice farmers in two provinces in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam. There were four levels of analyses for the assessment of the feasibility of the adaptation measures implemented by the farmers. First, it classified adaptation measures into specific categories: technology based, farm-based crop management, ecosystem-based adaptation, off-farm income diversification, and other measures. Second, it developed a multi-criteria assessment tool on adaptation measures based on stakeholder analysis and expert judgment based on four major feasibility criteria. Third, it determined the level of adaptation based on the combination of measures and the feasibility of the chosen measures by constructing a measure-based adaptation index (MAI). Finally, it came up with a model showing the factors influencing the MAI of the farmers. The results revealed that adaptation takes place at different levels in the two countries based on the diversity of measures, the feasibility of the various measures, and the varying conditions of saltwater inundation. The empirical evidence provides systematic support for the hypothesis that adaptation measures are influenced by a confluence of social, institutional, and economic factors.

Acceptance and Compliance With Micronutrient Powder and Complementary Food Blend Use by Filipino Mothers and Their Promotion by Community Workers.

BACKGROUND: Despite the nationwide micronutrient powder (MNP) supplementation, the Philippines only saw limited success in reducing the prevalence of anemia-a condition that has remained a public health concern among young children. OBJECTIVE: To assess and explore the acceptability and compliance to MNP and Bigas-Mongo (BigMo) complementary food blend among mothers/caregivers of children aged 6 to 23 months and the promotion of these products by community health workers (CHWs). METHODS: This study was part of the randomized controlled trial involving 3 methods of data collection: (1) bimonthly visits to mothers and caregivers for 6 months to determine the level of acceptability and compliance of the 4 intervention groups; (2) initial and final interviews with mothers/caregivers (initial = 141; final = 130) to gather their experiences and difficulties in MNP and BigMo preparation and feeding; and (3) focus group discussion (n = 4) among CHWs (n = 13) to understand their perceptions and difficulties in promoting MNP and BigMo. RESULTS: The overall compliance to MNP consumption was 74.7%, with some difference between the groups. Analysis of the information received from mothers/caregivers showed that maternal adaptive strategies in preparing and feeding MNP to their children could affect MNP use, while nonreceptiveness of mothers to integrating MNP into the child's feeding routine, perceived side effects, and perceived unfavorable taste and smell were key factors considered to limit MNP use. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into MNP and BigMo acceptability and compliance by mothers and their promotion by CHWs, which may be useful in improving MNP program and complementary feeding projects and programs in similar settings.