Impact of a school-based health intervention program on body composition among South African primary schoolchildren: results from the KaziAfya cluster-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing among African children potentially predisposing them to greater obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in adulthood. This risk may be higher among growth-impaired children who may have greater fat mass. Therefore, we examined the effects of school-based physical activity (PA) promotion and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) on body composition among South African children enrolled in a longitudinal school-based randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Children were cluster-randomized by class to one of four groups: (a) a physical activity group (PA), (b) a multi-micronutrient supplementation group (MMNS), (c) a physical activity + multi-micronutrient supplementation group (PA + MMNS), and (d) control group, and were being followed for 3 years. Linear random effects regression models with random intercepts for school classes tested the associations of each intervention arm with overall fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), truncal fat mass (TrFM), and truncal fat-free mass (TrFFM) at 9 months (T2) for boys and girls. These differences were then explored among children who differed in height velocity (HV). RESULTS: A total of 1304 children (614 girls, 667 boys) in twelve clusters were assessed at baseline and after 9 months follow-up (T2). At baseline, approximately 15% of children were classified as overweight or obese while approximately 38% of children were classified as mildly stunted or moderately/severely stunted. Among girls, promotion of PA was associated with reduced FM and TrFM at T2 while MMNS was associated with increased FFM. Children with reduced HV in the PA arm had reduced FM while children in the MMNS arm with lower HV had increased FM compared to children in the control arm. Similarly, children with lower HV in the MM and PA groups had reduced TrFM compared to children in the control arm. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that the promotion of school-based physical activity programs and micronutrient supplementation can reduce childhood adiposity and so reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases later in adulthood. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN29534081 . Registered on August 9, 2018. The trial was designed, analyzed, and interpreted based on the CONSORT protocol (Additional file 1: CONSORT checklist for randomized trial).

Dietary diversity in primary schoolchildren of south-central Côte d'Ivoire and risk factors for non-communicable diseases.

BACKGROUND: A balanced nutrition is important for children's physical and cognitive development; yet, remains a challenge in many parts of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection of nutritional deficiency and metabolic syndrome in school-aged children is necessary to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in later life. This study aimed at obtaining baseline data on health, nutritional status, and metabolic markers of NCDs among primary schoolchildren in Côte d'Ivoire. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 620 children from 8 public primary schools located in the south-central part of Côte d'Ivoire. Underweight and overweight were defined as a body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) < 5th and 85th up to 95th percentile for sex and age, respectively. Dietary diversity of children was calculated based on a 24-hour recall conducted with the primary caretaker according to the guideline of Food and Agriculture Organization. Anaemia, malaria, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood glucose levels (HbA1c) were assessed, using capillary blood samples. Logistic models were performed to identify risk factors associated with overweight, HDL-C, LDL-C, and HbA1c. RESULTS: Among the 620 children (330 girls, 290 boys; Mage 8.0 (± 1.7) years), 530 children attended school in a semi-urban and 90 in a rural area. Around 60% of children had a medium dietary diversity score (DDS). Children in peri-urban areas consumed more cereals (80.2% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.05). Most children were normal weight (n = 496), whereas 3.9% of children classified as prediabetic, 5% were underweight, and 15% overweight. LDL-C and HDL-C levels of children were associated with age, high DDS, and moderate anaemia. A significant association was found between prediabetes and malaria infection, as well as medium and high DDS. Overweight was associated with malaria infection and moderate anaemia. CONCLUSION: Overweight, prediabetes, low HDL-C, malaria, and anaemia are the main concerns of children's health in Taabo. Our findings highlight interactions between infectious diseases, particularly malaria, and NCD risk factors. Monitoring NCD risk and infectious disease comorbidity in LMIC paediatric populations simultaneously is essential to better understand the dual diseases burden and apply early prevention measures.

How are academic achievement and inhibitory control associated with physical fitness, soil-transmitted helminth infections, food insecurity and stunting among South African primary schoolchildren?

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular fitness has been associated with both executive function and academic achievement in multiple cohort studies including children and adolescents. However, research is scarce among children from low- and middle-income countries. Hence, this paper focuses on South African primary schoolchildren living in marginalized areas and examines if academic achievement and inhibitory control can be explained by children's age, socioeconomic status, soil-transmitted helminth infections, food insecurity, stunting, grip strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. METHODS: The sample of this cross-sectional study consisted of 1277 children (48% girls, mean age: 8.3 years). Data were assessed via questionnaires, stool samples, anthropometric measurements, 20 m shuttle run test, grip strength test, Flanker task, and school grades. Data were analysed with mixed linear regression models with random intercepts for school classes, separately for boys and girls. RESULTS: Higher socioeconomic status was most closely associated with academic achievement among boys (p < 0.05), whereas higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and not being stunted explained most variance in academic achievement in girls (p < 0.05). Higher age turned out to be associated with better performance in the Flanker task (p < 0.01). Additionally, in boys, higher grip strength was associated with better information processing and inhibitory control of attention (p < 0.01), whereas in girls, higher cardiorespiratory fitness levels were positively associated with these cognitive abilities (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Academic performance has been shown to be compromised in schoolchildren living in marginalised areas, compared to schoolchildren in less disadvantaged parts of South Africa. The present study suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness and grip strength are two potentially modifiable factors that are associated with children's academic achievement and cognitive performance, and that should be targeted in future school-based interventions.

Health care cost of overweight-related diseases in Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the economic burden of overweight in Bangladesh. DESIGN: We used data from Household Income and Expenditure Survey, 2010. A prevalence-based approach was used to calculate the population attributable fraction (PAF) for diseases attributable to overweight. Cost of illness methodology was used to calculate annual out of pocket (OOP) expenditure for each disease using nationally representative survey data. The cost attributable to overweight for each disease was estimated by multiplying the PAF by annual OOP expenditure. The total cost of overweight was estimated by adding PAF-weighted costs of treating the diseases. SETTING: Nationwide, covering the whole of Bangladesh. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals whose BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. RESULTS: The total cost attributable to overweight in Bangladesh in 2010 was estimated at US$147·38 million. This represented about 0·13 % of Bangladesh's Gross Domestic Product and 3·69 % of total health care expenditure in 2010. The sensitivity analysis revealed that the total cost could be as high as US$334 million or as low as US$71 million. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial amount of health care resource is devoted to the treatment of overweight-related diseases in Bangladesh. Effective national strategies for overweight prevention programme should be established and implemented.

Double burden of underweight and overweight among Bangladeshi adults differs between men and women: evidence from a nationally representative survey.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of underweight and overweight among Bangladeshi adults and to determine if the double burden of underweight and overweight differs by gender and other socio-economic characteristics of individuals. DESIGN: We used data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011. Multinominal logistic regression was used to examine associations between the different nutritional statuses of individuals and related determinants. Interaction effect was checked between gender and various socio-economic factors. SETTING: Nationwide, covering the whole of Bangladesh. SUBJECTS: Individuals aged >18 years (women, n 16 052; men, n 5090). RESULTS: Underweight was observed among 28·3 % of men and 24·4 % of women, whereas overweight was observed among 8·4 % of men and 16·9 % of women. The odds of being overweight were significantly lower among urban men (OR=0·46; 95 % CI 0·37, 0·57) compared with urban women, whereas the odds of being underweight were significantly higher among urban men (OR=1·33; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·64) compared with urban women. The odds of being overweight were lower among higher educated men (OR=0·48; 95 % CI 0·39, 0·58) and men of rich households (OR=0·45; 95 % CI 0·37, 0·54) compared with higher educated women and women of rich households, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are important gender differences in the prevalence of underweight and overweight among the adult population in Bangladesh. Women with higher education, in rich and urban households have higher chances of being overweight and lower chances of being underweight compared with their male counterparts.

Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among 6-24-month-old underweight and normal-weight children living in an urban slum of Bangladesh.

OBJECTIVE: We quantified the prevalence of vitamin D status in 6-24-month-old underweight and normal-weight children and identified the socio-economic and dietary predictors for status. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, baseline data from a nutritional intervention study were analysed. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of being vitamin D deficient or insufficient with the reference being vitamin D sufficient. SETTING: Urban slum area of Mirpur field site, Dhaka, Bangladesh. SUBJECTS: Underweight (weight-for-age Z-score <-2·00) and normal-weight (weight-for-age Z-score ≥-1·00) children aged 6-24 months. RESULTS: Among 468 underweight children, 23·1 % were sufficient, 42·3 % insufficient, 31·2 % deficient and 3·4 % severely vitamin D deficient. Among 445 normal-weight children, 14·8 % were sufficient, 39·6 % insufficient and 40·0 % deficient and 5·6 % severely deficient. With adjusted multinominal regression analysis, risk factors (OR (95 % CI)) for vitamin D deficiency in underweight children were: older age group (18-24 months old; 2·9 (1·5-5·7)); measurement of vitamin D status during winter (3·0 (1·4-6·4)) and spring (6·9 (3·0-16·1)); and maternal education (≥6 years of institutional education; 2·2 (1·0-4·9)). In normal-weight children, older age group (3·6 (1·2-10·6)) and living in the richest quintile (3·7 (1·1-12·5)) were found to be significantly associated with vitamin D insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates a significant burden of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in both underweight and normal-weight children <2 years of age from an urban slum of Bangladesh. Identification of risk factors may help in mitigating the important burden in such children.

Economic burden of underweight and overweight among adults in the Asia-Pacific region: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the economic burden of underweight and overweight among adults in the Asia-Pacific region. METHOD: Systematic review of articles published until March 2015. RESULTS: Seventeen suitable articles were found, of which 13 assess the economic burden of overweight/obesity and estimate that it accounts for 1.5-9.9% of a country's total healthcare expenditure. Four articles on the economic burden of underweight estimate it at 2.5-3.8% of the country's total GDP. Using hospital data, and compared to normal weight individuals, four articles estimated extra healthcare costs for overweight individuals of 7-9.8% and more, and extra healthcare costs for obese individuals of 17-22.3% and higher. CONCLUSION: Despite methodological diversity across the studies, there is a consensus that both underweight and overweight impose a substantial financial burden on healthcare systems in the Asia-Pacific region.

The effect of zinc supplementation on body composition and hormone levels related to adiposity among children: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive synthesis of the effects of Zn supplementation on childhood body composition and adiposity-related hormone levels. DESIGN: Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of Zn supplementation studies published before 28 February 2015. No statistical pooling of results was carried out due to diversity in study designs. SETTING: Community- or hospital-based, from fourteen developing and developed countries. SUBJECTS: Children and adolescents aged 0 to 10 years. RESULTS: Seven of the fourteen studies reported an overall or subgroup effect of Zn supplementation on at least one parameter of body composition, when determined by anthropometric measurements (increased mid upper-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, subscapular skinfold and mid upper-arm muscle area, and decreased BMI). Three out of the fourteen studies reported increased mean value of total body water estimated by bio-impedance analysis and increased fat-free mass estimated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and by total body water. Zn supplementation was associated with increased fat-free mass among stunted children. One study found supplementation decreased leptin and insulin concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the use of anthropometry when determining body composition, a majority of the studies could not accurately address whether alterations in the fat and/or fat-free mass components of the body were responsible for the observed changes in body composition. The effect of Zn supplementation on body composition is not consistent but may modify fat-free mass among children with pre-existing growth failure.

Beliefs and motives related to eating and body size: a comparison of high-BMI and normal-weight young adult women from rural and urban areas in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Effective treatment and prevention of obesity and its co-morbidities requires the recognition and understanding of cultural and social aspects of eating practices. The objective of the present study was to identify social factors and beliefs that may explain undesirable eating practices among women with high body mass index (HBMI) compared with normal-weight (NW) women from rural and urban areas classified as middle-low socioeconomic status (SES) in the State of Querétaro, Mexico. METHODS: A qualitative technique with individual in-depth interviews was used. Fifty-five women with either NW or HBMI from rural and urban areas participated in the study. The responses were analyzed by coding and grouping text fragments into categories in a data matrix, in order to make comparisons between BMI groups and between rural and urban women. RESULTS: The habit of skipping breakfast prevailed among women with HBMI who also reported childhood food deprivation. Feelings related to eating seemed to be more important than losing weight among women with HBMI from urban and rural areas. Thus, overweight might be interpreted as a social symbol of the enjoyment of a good life, primarily in rural areas. Overweight was socially accepted when it occurred in children and in married woman, mainly because it is a symbol of the good life that the head of the household provides, and also because women may feel more relaxed about their weight when they already have a partner. The study also revealed that women with HBMI were not sufficiently motivated to lose weight unless they experience a physical indication of poor health. CONCLUSION: The findings from this study are helpful in the understanding of the reasons why strategies for the prevention and treatment of obesity may not be as effective as expected. The belief system of particular social groups within different SESs should be considered in order to understand the etiology of obesity and develop effective strategies.

Low serum vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations and low thiamin and riboflavin intakes are inversely associated with greater adiposity in Mexican American children.

BACKGROUND: Micronutrient status may be a contributing factor to the development of childhood obesity in many industrializing countries passing the nutritional transition. The few studies investigating associations between serum concentrations of vitamin B and intake of B vitamins with adiposity, however, have reported inconsistent findings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine associations between serum vitamin B-12 and folate concentrations and intakes of B vitamins with body fat by using data on 1131 Mexican American children 8-15 y of age included in NHANES 2001-2004. METHODS: Children's body mass index (BMI), trunk fat mass (TrFM), and total body fat mass (TBFM) were used as body adiposity (BA) measures. Serum concentrations of folate and vitamin B-12 were measured in blood samples collected from children. Intake of B vitamins was collected according to 24-h dietary recall. Associations of BA with serum concentrations of vitamin B-12 and folate and intake of B vitamins were determined by using linear and multinomial regression models. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of vitamin B-12 and folate were inversely associated with BMI (ß: -2.68, P < 0.01; ß = -1.33, P < 0.01), TrFM (ß:-3.32, P < 0.01; ß: -0.14, P < 0.05), and TBFM (ß:-1.93, P < 0.01; ß: -3.19; P < 0.01). Higher serum concentrations of vitamin B-12 were associated with a reduced risk of obesity (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.31, 0.77; P < 0.001). Thiamin and riboflavin intakes were inversely associated with BMI (ß:-1.35, P < 0.05; ß: -1.11, P < 0.05) and TrFM (ß:-1.26, P < 0.05; ß: -1.37, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Similar inverse associations between BA and status of both vitamin B-12 and folate and intake of thiamin and riboflavin suggest that these micronutrients may play a role in adipogenesis and risk of childhood obesity.

Low serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin E are associated with high adiposity in Mexican-American children.

Mexican-American children have a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Micronutrient deficiencies may be contributing to the development of greater adiposity in these children. This study investigated the relations between adiposity and serum concentrations of carotenoids, retinol, and vitamin E among Mexican-American children 8-15 y of age included in the 2001-2004 U.S. NHANES. Associations of the outcomes of children's body mass index (BMI), truncal fat mass (TrFM), and total body fat mass (TBFM) with serum concentrations of α-carotene, cis-ß-carotene, trans-ß-carotene, retinol, and α-tocopherol were determined by using linear, quantile, and multinomial regression models. BMI was inversely associated with serum concentrations of α-carotene (ß = -0.88, P < 0.05), trans-ß-carotene (ß = -2.21, P < 0.01), cis-ß-carotene (ß = -2.10, P < 0.01), and α-tocopherol adjusted for total cholesterol ratio (ß = -3.66, P < 0.01), respectively. Similar inverse associations were found with TrFM and TBFM. Higher cis-ß-carotene and α-tocopherol serum concentrations were associated with reduced probability of overweight (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.89; P < 0.05; and OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.86; P < 0.05; respectively) and obesity (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.58; P < 0.01; and OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.60; P < 0.01; respectively). Higher retinol serum concentrations were associated with increased probability of overweight and obesity (OR: 2.01; 95% CI: 1.26, 3.22; P < 0.01; and OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.65, 5.09; P < 0.01; respectively). Significant inverse associations were found between serum concentrations of carotenoids and vitamin E and adiposity among Mexican-American children, but serum retinol concentrations were positively associated with adiposity. Future research is needed to understand the causes and consequences of micronutrient status on adiposity and comorbidities.

Randomized Trial to Improve Body Composition and Micronutrient Status Among South African Children.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) promotion combined with multimicronutrient supplementation (MMNS) among school-age children may reduce fat mass accrual and increase muscle mass through different mechanisms and so benefit child health. This study determined the efficacy of combined interventions on body composition among South African schoolchildren and determined if micronutrients mediate these effects. STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cluster randomized controlled trial of children followed from 2019 to 2021. Statistical analyses carried from 2022 to 2023. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1,304 children 6-12 years of age recruited from public schools in Gqeberha, South Africa. INTERVENTION: Children were randomized by classes to either: (a) a physical activity group (PA); (b) a MMNS group; (c) a physical activity + multimicronutrient supplementation group (PA + MMNS); and (d) a placebo control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trajectories of overall and truncal fat free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) estimates in modeled at 9 and 21 months using latent growth curve models (LGCM). Changes in micronutrient concentrations at 9 months from baseline. RESULTS: An increased FFM trajectory was found among children in the MMNS arm at 9 months (Beta 0.16, 95% CI = 0.12, 0.31). The PA and MMNS arms both had positive indirect effects on this trajectory at 9 months (Beta 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44, 0.88 and Beta 0.32 95% CI = 0.1 0.5, respectively) and similarly at 21 months when mediated by zinc concentration changes. A reduced FM trajectory was found among children in the PA promotion arm at 9 months when using this collection point as the referent intercept. This arm was inversely associated with the FM trajectory at 9 months when mediated by zinc changes. CONCLUSIONS: PA and MMNS promotion in school-based interventions directly contributed to reductions in FM and increased FFM among South African children and indirectly through changes in micronutrient status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN29534081. Registered on August 9, 2018 Institutional review board: Ethikkommission Nordwest- und Zentralschweiz" (EKNZ, project number: Req-2018-00608). Date of approval: 2018.

Identification of Enteric Pathogen Reservoirs and Transmission Pathways Associated with Short Childhood Stature in the Kolkata Indian Site of the Global Enteric Multicenter Study.

Age-stratified path analyses modeled associations between enteric pathogen reservoirs, transmission pathways and height-for-age z-scores (HAZ) to identify determinants of childhood growth in the Kolkata, India site of the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS). Models tested direct associations of potential pathogen reservoirs with HAZ at 60-day follow-up in separate moderate and severe diarrhea (MSD) case and control cohorts or indirectly when mediated by enteric infections. In the MSD cohort, rotavirus and typical EPEC (tEPEC) infections among children 0-11 months of age and ST-ETEC infections among children 12-23 months of age were associated with lower HAZ. Handwashing after defecating and before cooking reduced impaired growth through reductions in rotavirus and tEPEC infections. Water storage increased rotavirus and ST-ETEC infection risks, resulting in increased impaired growth, but was reduced with reported child feces disposal. The GII norovirus variant was inversely associated with HAZ among children 12-59 months of age in the control cohort. Reported handwashing before the handling of children reduced GII infections and impaired growth. Boiling water and the disposal of children's feces mediated by stored water were positively associated with HAZ. The targeting of pathogen-specific reservoirs and transmission pathways may more effectively improve childhood linear growth in South Asian urban communities.

Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition in Schoolchildren in the Kilombero District, South-Eastern Tanzania.

Childhood undernutrition is a major issue in low- and middle-income countries, affecting the health, well-being, and educational outcomes of schoolchildren. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stunting, wasting, and underweight among schoolchildren in peri-urban areas in the south-eastern part of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 930 children aged 6-12 years from four primary schools from July to August 2019. The WHO Anthro Survey Analyzer was employed to estimate the prevalence of stunting, wasting, and underweight, while logistic regression analyses examined sociodemographic background, malaria infection, anaemia, anthropometric measures, and dietary diversity score as potential factors. The prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight, overweight, and obesity was 11.8%, 4.3%, 3.9%, 11.1%, and 2.0%, respectively. Overall, 1.5% of the children had malaria, as determined by rapid diagnostic tests, and 0.4% had severe anaemia. Univariate analysis indicated higher odds of undernutrition among children aged 9-12 compared to their younger peers. Stunting was more common among children with low and medium dietary diversity. Anaemia was found in 11.2% of schoolchildren, and severe anaemia was associated with wasting. Multivariate analysis revealed that age and low dietary diversity were significantly associated with undernutrition. These findings emphasise the need for school-based health and nutrition programmes targeting children beyond the age of 5 to improve their nutritional status and mitigate potential adverse effects on health, cognition, and academic achievement. Regular assessment of the nutritional status of schoolchildren is warranted.

Specific micronutrient concentrations are associated with inflammatory cytokines in a rural population of Mexican women with a high prevalence of obesity.

It has been recognised recently that obese individuals have lower concentrations of micronutrients and this may affect the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the association of specific micronutrients' status with chronic inflammation caused by obesity in 280 women (36·1 (SD 7·5) years) from seven rural communities in Mexico. Measurements of weight, height and waist circumference were made on all women and body composition was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Concentrations of the cytokines IL-1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12, lipid profile, and the micronutrients Zn and vitamins A, C and E were determined in fasting blood samples. Ordered logistic regression models were used to determine associations between categorised cytokine levels and micronutrients. It was found that 80% of women were overweight or obese, and had significantly higher concentrations of C-reactive protein than normal-weight women (P= 0·05). The risk of higher levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-12 was reduced significantly among women with higher Zn concentrations (OR 0·63, 95% CI 0·42, 0·96, P= 0·03; OR 0·57, 95% CI 0·39, 0·86, P= 0·025; OR 0·63, 95% CI 0·41, 0·96, P= 0·04; OR 0·62, 95% CI 0·41, 0·95, P= 0·03, respectively). Higher concentrations of vitamin A were slightly associated with reduced risks of higher levels of IL-1 and IL-12 (OR 0·97, 95% CI 0·95, 0·99, P= 0·03; OR 0·97, 95% CI 0·94, 0·99, P= 0·03, respectively); when adjusting for BMI, this association was lost. No associations were found between vitamin C or vitamin E:lipids concentrations and inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, higher Zn concentrations are associated with reduced risks of higher concentration of inflammation markers in a population of women with a high prevalence of obesity.

Correlation of Cytokines with Parasitic Infections, Undernutrition and Micronutrient Deficiency among Schoolchildren in Rural Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Malnutrition and parasitic infections are often interconnected in a vicious cycle. Malnutrition can lead to changes in immune response, which may affect cytokine concentrations and potentially increase susceptibility to infections. In turn, parasitic infections can exacerbate malnutrition by impairing nutrient absorption. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore this interplay. Schoolchildren aged 6-12 years living in rural Tanzania (n = 120) provided blood, stool and urine samples to determine the relationship between cytokine concentrations (interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon gamma (IFNγ) and interleukin 17A (IL-17A)), parasitic infections, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency adjusting for sex, age, inflammatory markers, socioeconomic status and school categories. All schoolchildren had a normal blood cell count. The concentration of IL-4 was significantly higher in schoolchildren diagnosed with stunting, Schistosoma mansoni infection, a high C-reactive protein concentration, nausea, poor housing and increasing age. The concentration of IFNγ was associated with Plasmodium falciparum and Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar/Entamoeba moshkovskii infections, vitamin A deficiency, attending the most remote schools and low socioeconomic status. Our study confirms a potential relationship between cytokine concentrations and parasitic infections, malnutrition and low socioeconomic status. A better understanding of long-term effects of parasitic infections and malnutrition on the immune function could help in designing tailored and effective interventions.

Associations between soil-transmitted helminth infections and physical activity, physical fitness, and cardiovascular disease risk in primary schoolchildren from Gqeberha, South Africa.

BACKGROUND/AIM: School-aged children in low- and middle-income countries carry the highest burden of intestinal helminth infections, such as soil-transmitted helminths (STH). STH infections have been associated with negative consequences for child physical and cognitive development and wellbeing. With the epidemiological transition and rise in cardiovascular disease (CVD), studies have shown that helminth infections may influence glucose metabolism by preventing obesity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the association of STH infections in schoolchildren from Gqeberha, focusing on physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 680 schoolchildren (356 girls and 324 boys; mean age 8.19 years, SD±1.4) from disadvantaged communities in Gqeberha (formerly, Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Stool samples were collected and examined for STH infections using the Kato-Katz method. Physical activity (accelerometer) and physical fitness (grip strength, 20 m shuttle run) were measured using standard procedures. Furthermore, anthropometry, blood pressure, as well as glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile from capillary blood samples were assessed. We employed one-way ANOVAs to identify the associations of STH infections in terms of species and infection intensity with physical activity, physical fitness, and clustered CVD risk score. RESULTS: We found a low STH infection prevalence (7.2%) in our study, with participants infected with at least one intestinal helminth species. In comparison to their non-infected peers, children infected with STH had lower mean grip strength scores, but higher mean VO2max estimation and higher levels of MVPA (p < .001). When considering type and intensity of infection, a positive association of A. lumbricoides infection and MVPA was found. In contrast, light T. trichiura-infected children had significantly lower grip strength scores compared to non and heavily-infected children. VO2max and MVPA were positively associated with light T. trichiura infection. No significant association between the clustered CVD risk score and infection with any STH species was evident. CONCLUSIONS: STH-infected children had lower grip strength scores than their non-infected peers, yet, achieved higher VO2max and MVPA scores. Our study highlights that the type and intensity of STH infection is relevant in understanding the disease burden of STH infections on children's health. The findings of our study must be interpreted cautiously due to the low infection rate, and more research is needed in samples with higher prevalence rates or case-control designs.

Malnutrition, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections among schoolchildren in rural Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Malnutrition, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections continue to impact the nutritional status and health of children in lower-income countries. However, not enough data concerning this issue is available. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of nutritional indicators, anemia and micronutrient deficiency and their underlying risk factors among schoolchildren in south-eastern Tanzania. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This cross-sectional study enrolled primary schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from Kikwawila and Kiberege wards, Tanzania. In total, 471 schoolchildren underwent a physical examination and provided blood, stool and urine samples for an assessment of the levels of different micronutrients, nutritional and anemia status, and parasitic infection status. We employed bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between nutritional statuses, anemia, micronutrient deficiency and parasitic infections. We found that 23.90%, 12.60% and 16.20% of schoolchildren were stunted, underweight and wasted, respectively. About 14.0% of schoolchildren were found to be anemic. Children diagnosed with Plasmodium falciparum infection were more likely to have low levels of ferritin (aOR: 10.40, 95% CI: 2.88-40.53) and elevated levels of serum soluble transferrin receptor (aOR: 3.59, 95% CI: 1.27-11.23), respectively. Vitamin A (34.71%) and vitamin B12 (8.79%) were the most prevalent micronutrients found to be deficient in diagnosed children. Finally, we found that schoolchildren attending the most rural schools were five times more likely to be diagnosed with at least one micronutrient deficiency (aOR: 5.04, 95% CI: 2.38-11.44). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Malnutrition, anemia and micronutrient deficiency still pose a significant health burden among schoolchildren living in rural Tanzania. To effectively tackle this burden, health interventions such as deworming, micronutrient supplementation, vector control, health education and access to clean water and improved sanitation should be strengthened and made sustainable.

Evaluation of a Physical Activity and Multi-Micronutrient Intervention on Cognitive and Academic Performance in South African Primary Schoolchildren.

Executive functions (EFs) are essential for optimal academic development. Appropriate nutrition and physical activity (PA) have been shown to facilitate optimal cognitive development. Therefore, this study examined whether a 12-week school-based PA and multi-micronutrient supplementation (MMNS) intervention would improve cognitive and academic performance. A cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted. Children from four schools located in a peri-urban area of South Africa were randomly assigned to (i) PA + MMNS, (ii) PA + placebo, (iii) MMNS or (iv) placebo. Information processing and inhibitory control were measured with a computerized Flanker task. End-of-year results provided insight into academic achievement. Anthropometric measures were used to determine nutritional status. Data were analyzed with linear mixed-models, adjusting for baseline scores, school classes and age; 932 children (458 girls (49.1%), Mage (mean age) = 8.42 ± 1.94 years) completed baseline and post-intervention assessments. Cognitive performance improved among all four groups, with no significant group × time effects. For academic achievement, there was no significant interaction effect between the combined intervention group and placebo. We encourage future studies in this neglected area in order to determine the most optimal design of school-based nutrition and PA programs to enhance overall cognitive performance.

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Weight Status, and Body Composition among South African Primary Schoolchildren.

Background: Over the past decades, childhood overweight has increased in many African countries. We examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body composition in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings. Methods: MVPA was measured via 7-day accelerometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis in 1090 learners (49.2% girls, Mage = 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The relationships between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with the various body composition indicators (body fat and fat-free mass [total, truncal, arms, and legs], bone mass, muscle mass, and body water) were tested with mixed linear regressions. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 6.6%, respectively; 77.1% of the children engaged in ≥60 min of MVPA/day. Girls were more likely to be overweight/obese, to accumulate less than 60 min of MVPA/day, and had significantly higher relative body fat than boys (ps < 0.001). Lower MVPA was associated with a higher likelihood of being overweight/obese, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water (ps < 0.001). For lower sedentary behaviour, the associations with body composition pointed in the opposite direction. Conclusions: In this South African setting, girls are a particularly relevant target group for future physical activity interventions to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases in later life.