Associations among Food Systems, Food Environments, Food Choices, Food Security, and Nutrition Transition in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Published:2023-08-10
Issue:16
Volume:20
Page:6557
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ISSN:1660-4601
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Container-title:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
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language:en
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Short-container-title:IJERPH
Author:
Nedzingahe Vhushavhelo1, Tambe Betrand Ayuk12ORCID, Zuma Mthokozisi Kwazi13, Mbhenyane Xikombiso Gertrude1ORCID
Affiliation:
1. Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa 2. Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon 3. Impact and Partnerships Division, Agricultural Research Council, P.O. Box 8783, Pretoria 0084, Gauteng, South Africa
Abstract
A cross-sectional study was applied to investigate the influence of food systems and food environments on food choices and nutrition transition of households in Limpopo province, South Africa. A sample of 429 households was systematically selected using a paper selection draw from three districts. This paper determines the association among food systems, food environments, food choices, and nutritional measurements of the respondents. A validated questionnaire was used. Most of the respondents responsible for food procurement were females (80.4%). There was a significant association (p < 0.001) between proximity to food stores and dietary diversity of the households. Staple foods such as bread, maize, rice, samp, and mealie rice were available in almost all surveyed households (95.6%). More than half of the households (59.8%) had home gardens in their yards. Almost half of the households (48.4%) had a low Dietary Diversity Score. The study further revealed that 46.0% of households were food secure. Over a third (36.2%) of the respondents were obese, and 32.5% were diabetic. The mean total blood cholesterol was 3.69 ± 0.74 mmol/L. A high percentage of both females (89.6%) and males (91.5%) had normal hemoglobin levels. Almost half of the respondents had normal systolic blood pressure levels (45.6%), and nearly a quarter had high diastolic levels (21.4%). The 25 coping strategies were applied during food shortage periods. Even though the food environments provided both obesogenic and protective foods, the consumption of unhealthy foods was high.
Funder
National Research Foundation
Subject
Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
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