Theses & Desertations

EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED IMPROVED CASSAVA VARIETIES DEVELOPED THROUGH GAMMA IRRADIATION

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

EVALUATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL, FUNCTIONAL AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS OF SELECTED IMPROVED CASSAVA VARIETIES DEVELOPED THROUGH GAMMA IRRADIATION CHEBITOK, VALENTINE Cassava has significant potential for utilization and diversification at household and industrial levels. New varieties (CAS 1, CAS 2, and CAS 3) with proven high yields and disease resistance were previously developed from KME 4 through mutation breeding with gamma irradiation dose rates of 15, 20, and 30 Gy respectively administered at 2 Gy/min. However, the applicability of these varieties in ensuring food and nutrition security has not been comprehensively studied. Consequently, this study sought to evaluate the physicochemical, functional, pasting, and sensory characteristics of flour and products derived from the new cassava varieties. The tests were conducted using standard official procedures. The cassava flour exhibited high lightness (L*) and whiteness, along with low redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). Porridge displayed a lightness (L*) value indicative of a bright appearance, with a consistent yellowish hue (b*). Cookies showed distinct lightness (L*) values, with the top side of the cookies generally exhibiting higher lightness compared to the bottoms, attributed to increased browning from direct heat exposure during baking and Maillard reactions. Browning Index (BI) values reflected a greater degree of browning in the bottoms of the cookies, highlighting the impact of baking conditions on color development. The results indicated that gamma irradiation significantly (p<0.05) increased the levels of carbohydrates, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Conversely, it significantly (p<0.05) decreased the pasting properties, oil absorption, and solubility index. Overall, the cassava varieties developed through gamma irradiation recorded higher mineral content and comparable functional properties to the parent variety. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed stretching of O-H, C=O, C-O-H, and O-H functional groups in the flours. Water/hydroxyl groups stretching increased due to gamma irradiation leading to higher intensity of peaks in the 3800-3200 cm-1 range and it also shifted the peaks at the fingerprint region peaks 473- 927cm-1. Based on the pasting properties, KME 4 and CAS 1 are more suitable for baking products, KME4, while CAS 2 and CAS 3 are ideal for porridge preparation. Consumer acceptability for porridge was moderately favorable across all varieties, while for cookies, formulation V5 variety (50% cassava and 50% wheat) was the most preferred. In conclusion, gamma irradiation influences were varietal dependent and the products made from these flours have good overall acceptance. As a result, consumers should be enlightened about such products and their role in enhancing food and nutrition security.

FOOD PRICE EFFECTS ON DIETARY INTAKE OF PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN IN LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN ELDORET, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

FOOD PRICE EFFECTS ON DIETARY INTAKE OF PRE-PRIMARY CHILDREN IN LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN ELDORET, UASIN GISHU COUNTY, KENYA WAHU, JANE Unpredictable fluctuations in food prices have a direct impact on household’s real income. High and volatile prices of food raise malnutrition through both substitution of food commodities and income effects on consumption. When food prices increase people often shift from more costly foods to cheap foods which may be of less nutrition value to compensate for reduced income. Children in these households are immediate victims of such adjustments. The study sought to determine the food price effects on dietary intake of pre-primary children in low-income peri- urban households in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. The study was descriptive survey research by design conducted in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County. Theory of Planned Behaviour and Consumer Theory informed the study. A sample size of 399 low-income households was targeted, cluster, stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select 399 low-income households with pre-primary children, using Taro Yamane (1973) formula. Data was collected using researcher administered questionnaires to the caregivers. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 23, for the dietary intake of pre-primary children in low-income households. The study employed descriptive techniques to understand the current dietary trends in the region. Chi-square test established relationships between food prices and dietary intake and diversity. The study findings showed that there was a statistically significant relationship between increased food prices and dietary diversity score of households with pre-primary children (10, N=399) = 28.448, p=.002). The findings showed that there was a weak relationship between dietary diversity and education level of caregivers (r=0.184, p=0.002 which is less than 0.05). Majority of pre-primary children in these low-income households had three meals in a day with the cereal group being the highest consumed. Most households had a medium dietary diversity score. They adopted different coping strategies such as eating less preferred foods. The findings indicated a significant link between food accessibility for utilization and minimum dietary diversity (8, N=399) =26.32, p=0.013). The study concludes that food prices affect the dietary intake of pre-primary children in low-income households. The study recommends that the government should protect the populace against hunger by giving money monthly to low-income household. Stakeholders to adopt multiple ways to improve food security and dietary intake of low-income households. The government should enforce the existing policies that protect consumers against unpredictable food price spikes.

ASSESSMENT OF OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT AMONG WOMEN TRADERS AGED 20-50 YEARS IN ELDORET MUNICIPAL MARKETS, KENYA

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

ASSESSMENT OF OBESITY AND OVERWEIGHT AMONG WOMEN TRADERS AGED 20-50 YEARS IN ELDORET MUNICIPAL MARKETS, KENYA M’MBAITSA, MUGOTITSA L. Overweight (BMI 25-29) and obesity (BMI ≥30) is a global epidemic. Increase in non-communicable diseases is a major cause of death globally that is linked to nutritional imbalances like overweight and obesity. The main objective of this study was to assess overweight and obesity conditions among women traders aged 20-50 years at Eldoret Municipal markets, Kenya. The women's anatomy, physiology and metabolism, diet and sedentary lifestyle plays significant roles in predisposing them to overweight and obesity which increases in a cross sectional manner as people age. This was a cross sectional descriptive survey. The significance of this study is to bring into focus the magnitude of overweight and obesity and be a benchmark for implementation of strategies to mitigate the risks associated with the two conditions not only among women, but the society at large. To sample the 238 women traders, stratified random sampling was used followed by systematic sampling whereby the 3rd woman aged 20-50 years in each stratum was selected. Proportionate sampling was used to identify the number of participants per market because all the four markets differ in size. Data on demographic information, their physical activity patterns and feeding habits and dietary choices as well as anthropometric measurements was collected from 238 registered female traders aged 20-50 years from the Eldoret Municipal markets. Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to assess overweight and obesity. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (Version 26). Descriptive statistics was used to describe the data. The risk of overweight (24%) and obesity (37%) among the women traders was 61%, parity was high for 3-5 children (47%), and level of education was high for primary education at (48%). It was concluded that the overweight and obesity among women traders (61%) hence the need to address nutritional needs, promoting healthy dietary practices, encouraging physical activity and enhancement of knowledge and awareness of overweight and obesity.

AN ASSESSMENT OF LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA

Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

AN ASSESSMENT OF LAUNDRY AND DRY CLEANING PRACTICES AMONG HOUSEHOLD AND COMMERCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN KISUMU CITY, KENYA OCHIENG, MATTHEWS ODEK Laundry and dry cleaning practices are a global process that contributes to the length and life of apparel and textile products. Therefore, it is important that the right cleaning method is selected for a given fabric because they differ in quality and use. Knowledge of these differences is very essential. Studies have indicated that consumers have raised concerns over the distortion of their clothes after laundry and dry cleaning (LDC) practices but it was not clear whether the distortion was due to poor fabric quality or poor cleaning practices. Therefore, there was a need for this study whose purpose was to assess LDC practices among households and commercial service providers in Kisumu City, Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to i) investigate the procedures used in LDC, ii) evaluate the level of consumer satisfaction with LDC services, iii) determine the awareness and practices of LDC service providers towards environmental and self-protection during LDC, iv) determine the waste disposal practices, and v) determine the levels of wastewater physical-chemical parameters disposed of LDC practices concerning environmental pollution. The conceptual framework borrowed ideas from the Expectation Disconfirmation Theory. Cross-sectional and descriptive surveys were employed. Seventy-two (72) respondents from commercial LDC outlets and three-hundred and twelve (312) respondents from households were selected to form the sample size (384). Quota, Census, and snowball techniques were used to determine and identify commercial LDC outlets. Quota, stratified and simple random sampling were used to identify locations and sub-locations within Kisumu City while systematic sampling was used to determine and identify the households. Lastly, purposive and convenient sampling were used to identify and qualify respondents from both households and commercial LDC outlets. Interview schedules, observations, and laboratory analyses were used to gather data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by SPSS version 20 (2007) and the findings were presented in tables and charts. On the other hand, qualitative data were grouped into themes, coded, and analyzed using the SPSS tool and the results were also presented in tables and charts. Samples of waste water from both household and commercial LDC practices were collected and analyzed for BOD, COD, PO3-, Cd, Hg, detergent, pH, NO3-, and NO2- at Lake Victoria Environmental Management Program (LVEMP) and Safe Water and Aids (SWAP) project laboratories. Statistical analyses of the laboratory data were done using oneway ANOVA in the SPSS software. The study established that LDC service providers did not follow standard recommended procedures used when delivering their services and that customer satisfaction and, or dissatisfaction varied among consumers and with different LDC aspects as well. The study further showed that commercial LDC consumers were more satisfied than household LDC consumers. The findings showed that most commercial LDC service providers used better methods of waste water disposal compared to household LDC service providers who were not well conversant with safe methods of waste water disposal. Physical-chemical waste water parameters at the household level ranged as follows; pH: 7.39-8.17, BOD: 28.83-38.0, COD: 305.83-390.83, NO3-: 22.5-28.8, NO2-: 2.8-3.4, and lastly PO3-: 0.304-0.392. At commercial level, the physical-chemical waste water parameters ranges were: pH: 4.91-9.98, detergent: 0.83-0.93, BOD: 34.0-44.0, COD: 316.67-433.33, NO3- : 37.63- 49.63, PO3-:0.53-0.98, Hg: 0.000-0.003, and lastly Cd: 0.000-0.003. Physicalchemical wastewater parameters from household LDC services were above the NEMA/WHO effluent standards while those of the commercial LDC services were within the same standards.

FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN LIVING IN BANANA PRODUCING AREAS IN KISII COUNTY

Thu, 01 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT

FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERNS AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN LIVING IN BANANA PRODUCING AREAS IN KISII COUNTY ONYONO, EDNA KWAMBOKA Under-nutrition is a major public health problem in most developing countries where due to poverty, majority of the population depend on a single starchy staple for all their nutrient needs. Kisii County, the highest banana production area in Kenya has a 24% prevalence of malnutrition. In Uganda bio-fortification of the banana fruit with vitamin A and iron has been used as a means to alleviate deficiency among children who are dependent on the banana. Therefore, this study investigated the extent of dependence on the banana fruit as a staple food and its influence on the quality of diet and nutritional status of children in Kisii County. A sample of 280 children from two divisions (Kenyenya and Keumbu), in Kisii County, Kenya was randomly selected for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. A pre tested Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (QFFQ) was used to collect information on nutrient intake. Focus Group (FG) discussions were conducted in the two divisions separately and Anthropometric measures (MUAC, height, weight) were taken to determine the overall nutritional status of the children. Chi-square test was done to identify variables that affected banana consumption. Nutrient intake was analyzed by the Nutri-Survey program. ENA for SMART was used to analyze anthropometric data which was then compared against the WHO z-score standards. Results showed that Educational level of caregivers, mother‟s employment status, household income per month and nutritional knowledge of the caregiver influenced the consumption patterns of the children and also form the basic causes of malnutrition. The children‟s diet was diversified including legumes, dairy products, eggs, meats, fish, vegetables and fruits resulting in sufficient nutrient intake. Bananas were the most consumed food item in terms of weight while maize was the highest contributor in nutrients. The daily contribution by banana was 266 g/day. The nutrient contribution made by banana was; energy 252.9 Kcal (13.8%), Protein 3.1 g (5.7%), Vitamin A 101 µg (14.7%), Iron 1.5 mg (11.6%), Vitamin E 0.7 mg (8.9%), zinc 0.6 mg (5.5%). Plants mainly in the form of beans contributed 77% protein while 23% was animal sourced. There were cases of moderate malnutrition among children in households of low income status of which 0.7% were wasted, 1.1% were stunted and 2.1% of the children were underweight. The population was not at risk of protein, energy, vitamin A and iron deficiency but was deficient in calcium and potassium. Banana is the food item consumed in the largest amounts by 2-5 year old children in Kenyenya and Keumbu divisions, making it the most suitable vehicle for biofortification and any other intervention programs to alleviate malnutrition in the community. It is recommended that this population be encouraged to consume more animal sourced foods, green leafy vegetables and fruits or be provided with supplements to increase calcium and potassium intake.

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN KENDU BAY AREA-HOMA BAY COUNTY

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT

NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN KENDU BAY AREA-HOMA BAY COUNTY ODUOR, JAMES, O. Nutrient analysis of vegetables plays a crucial role in assessing their nutritional significance. Plant foods provide almost all essential nutrients for human diet. Many stakeholders in human nutrition have emphasized the need for cheap and quality food alternatives. Information on nutrition is used more often by agencies in food production and public health like Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to promote consumption of the food products. People are looking for variety in their diets and are aware of the health benefits of fresh vegetables and are keen in food sources rich in antioxidant vitamins (vitamins A, C and E), Ca, Mg, K and fibre. These nutrient requirements can be realized through improved consumption of fresh vegetables. This study aimed at assessing the nutritional and mineral composition of various selected indigenous vegetables, which are commonly consumed in Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County. Consumption of foods that meet nutritional requirements is essential for good health. There is risk of people suffering from malnutrition and related diseases if the nutritional status of the foods they consume is not known. A total of 48 samples of each vegetable variety; Solanum nigrum, Cleome gynandra, Justicia flava, Amaranthus hybridus, Vigna unguiculata and Crotalaria brevidens together with corresponding soil samples where the vegetables grow were collected from various parts around Kendu Bay and analysed for nutrient contents. Samples were collected from selected plants during flowering stage for purposes of botanical identification. The samples were manually washed with distilled water and residual moisture evaporated at room temperature. Samples were oven dried in paper envelope at 55◦C for 24 hours, ground into fine powder using pestle and mortar and sieved through 20-mesh sieve. The sieved samples were weighed and 2.0 g subjected to wet ashing and analysed for K, Mg, Ca, Fe, and Mn. Minerals were extracted from the soil using 10.0 g of the sample and 20 ml of aqua regia. Fresh vegetable samples were macerated for provitamin A and vitamin C analyses. Moisture was analyzed through oven drying. Minerals Mg, Ca, Fe and Mn were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) while K was analyzed using both AAS and flame photometer. The vitamins; Beta carotene and vitamin C were analyzed using UV-spectrophotometry and titrimetric methods, respectively. The beta carotene contents of the vegetables were used to estimate retinol equivalent. Moisture and ash contents of these vegetable species were determined using Association Official of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Validity of the instruments was tested by regression, Horwitz ratio and standard recovery method. The results obtained were ash 9.71-19.83 mg / 100 g, moisture 77-87%, all the vegetables had vitamin C contents above recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 40-70 mg , Vigna unguiculata gave 64.9-80.8 mg / 100 g vitamin C (wet weight), β-carotene contents were in the range 3.34-9.40 mg / 100 g. Mineral contents varied among species with K 309 mg / 100 g in Amaranthus hybridus, Mg 17-24 mg / 100 g, Ca 90-149 mg / 100 g, Mn 5.78-22 mg / 100 g, and Fe 41-77 mg / 100 g. There was a positive correlation between soil and vegetable mineral contents with Vigna unguiculata giving a strong positive correlation coefficient (r = 0.952) while Crotalaria brevidens gave a weak correlation of 0.26645. The Ca contents were below detectable limits in some of the samples. The findings of the study will provide additional information on the nutritional status of the selected vegetables in Kendu Bay and will be of great interest to the consumers, farmers, the Ministry of Public health and nutritionists in the provision of public awareness.

ASSESSMENT OF DETERMINANTS OF UNDER-NUTRITION AND FOOD SECURITY AMONG THE ELDERLY IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

ASSESSMENT OF DETERMINANTS OF UNDER-NUTRITION AND FOOD SECURITY AMONG THE ELDERLY IN MOIBEN SUB-COUNTY, UASIN GISHU COUNTY BORE, CYNTHIA Food insecurity is an issue of great concern across the globe. Attainment of food security is a prerequisite towards realization of vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of which Kenya is a signatory. nutritional status of the elderly is an important determinant of their health and quality of life. Under-nutrition among the elderly people is becoming significantly high regardless of the progress on health care system. The aim of this study was to assess the determinants of under-nutrition and food security among the elderly aged 60 years and above in Moiben Sub- County, Uasin-Gishu County. To achieve this the following objectives were used; To establish factors associated with nutritional status, determine the nutrition status of the elderly, assess the household food security status of the elderly and lastly to determine nutrition related morbidity ailments of the elderly in Moiben Sub-County. A cross sectional survey was done using questionnaire and anthropometric measurements to collect data from 324 elderly persons. A multistage proportional-to-size cluster sampling involving four stages was followed to obtain a total of 324 respondents that were used in this study. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science version 23. Descriptive statistics like frequency distributions percentages, means and standard deviation were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of the elderly people in Moiben Sub-County. Chi- square was used to test the relationship between Food Security nutritional status and the socio-economic factors of the elderly people at 5% level of significance. Majority of the households (50.6%) depended on farming as a source of income. The prevalence of undernutrition according to the findings was (41%). The study found a strong significant relationship between food security and nutrition status of the elderly people (chi-square =291.731a, df=6, p-value=0.000). The study also showed a strong association between food security and some of the socio-economic factors such as household size, gender, source of income and substance abuse (chi-square= 39.105a, df=6 and p-value=0.000; chi-square=41.502a, df=2 and p-value 0.000; chi-square=25.218a, df=10 and p-value=0.005 and chi-square=26.263a, df=4 and p-value=0.003) respectively. In conclusion, optimal nutrition in the elderly has implications for improving their health status and general well-being, as well as for reducing the burden on limited health care resources. The challenge is to identify and tackle the basic and underlying causes of food insecurity and poor nutritional status of the elderly in Moiben Sub-County, Uasin-Gishu County. The study recommends establishment of nutrition awareness compaign in Moiben Sub-County, provision of monthly stipend to the elderly people and sensitization of the elderly people on side effects of engaging in irresponsible behaviors like alcoholism and smoking.

EFFECT OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max) FORTIFIED PORRIDGES ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN 36-60 MONTHS OLD IN MATEKA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

Sun, 01 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

EFFECT OF SOYBEAN (Glycine max) FORTIFIED PORRIDGES ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN 36-60 MONTHS OLD IN MATEKA EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA RONOH, AMOS KIPKEMOI Protein energy deficiency is still common in developing countries, particularly among pre-school children and therefore there should be sustainable ways to alleviate this. Bungoma is one of the counties with high prevalence of Protein Energy under nutrition among young children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of soybean fortified porridges on the nutritional status of children 36-60 months old in Mateka Early Childhood Development Centre, Bungoma County. A longitudinal survey and experimental designs were employed in this study. One hundred and twenty five (125) children selected from three Eearly Childhood Development classes in the school formed the sample size. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the study area and the children respectively. The treatments were; 100% maize, 75:25 maize:soybean and 50:25:25 maize:sorghum: soybean porridges, randomly assigned to the baby, middle and top classes. The treatment groups were fed on maize-sorghum-soybean fortified porridges while the control was fed on a maize-only porridge. Structured questionnaires were administered to the caregivers of the children. Information on demographics, socio-economic status, and food consumption patterns were gathered. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, mid upper arm circumference) were used to assess the nutritional status of the children at baseline and at monthly intervals for six months and the ninth month. Anthropometric measurements were analyzed using the ENA for SMART computer program, nutrient adequacy data was analyzed using Nutri-survey for Windows (2007) while the rest of the data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 (2007). A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results revealed that most of the children were deficient of Energy, Protein, Vitamin A, Iron and Zinc. Majority (55.2%) of the children had a low dietary diversity score. Findings revealed that the prevalence of under nutrition at baseline 30.1% stunting, 6.7% wasting and 10.8% underweight. Introduction of soybean as a fortificant in an experimental study revealed reduced levels of wasting to 3.8% and underweight (5.4%). It can be concluded that most of the households were of poor socio-demographic characteristics, there was nutrient inadequacy among the children, and that soybean fortified porridges improved the nutritional status of the children. It is recommended that most o awareness of the nutritional benefits of soybean should be raised to increase consumption at household level and in the school feeding programs to alleviate Protein Energy under nutrition.

DIETARY HABITS, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG 5-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL CHILDREN IN UASIN-GISHU COUNTY, KENYA

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

DIETARY HABITS, NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND PREVALENCE OF DENTAL CARIES AMONG 5-YEAR-OLD SCHOOL CHILDREN IN UASIN-GISHU COUNTY, KENYA WAKHUNGU, HILLARY KIPCHUMBA Dental caries affects 60-90% of children globally with the burden in both industrialized and less industrialized countries undergoing nutrition transition. Nutritional deprivation due to difficulty in eating a variety of foods because of pain from dental caries when chewing food translates into prolonged negative effects on physical growth, cognitive development and overall academic performance. The aim was to assess the link between dental caries, dietary habits and nutritional status of 5-year-old school in Uasin-Gishu County. A cross-sectional survey design was used. Multi-stage systematic and simple random sampling procedures were employed in selecting three hundred and eighty-two (382) 5-year-old children and their parents/caregivers who participated in the study. The criteria proposed by WHO for oral health surveys was used to assess dental caries among 5-year-old. Information on demographic and socio-economic and oral health practices was gathered using structured questionnaires. Dietary intake was collected using quantitative food frequency questionnaire and nutritional status of the children assessed using anthropometric measurements. ENA for SMART computer programmes was used analyze the anthropometric and dietary intake data, while Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 (2014) analyzed the rest of the data. The relationship between nutritional status and dft was analyzed using Pearson’s with a statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results showed that 39.3% of children had dental caries (mean dft of 1.55). Children from urban areas (228) had the highest mean dft of 1.83±1.37 while those from rural areas (154) had a mean dft score of 1.16±1.13. Nutrient requirements for protein, vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus was met by the children, but did not meet the requirements for energy, folate, vitamin A, and iron. Children from urban area had higher overweight than rural children at 13.6% and 8.9% respectively. The prevalence of underweight was higher in rural areas at 10.7%, stunting at 14.6% and wasting at 6.8%. Underweight, overweight, obesity and wasting at (9.0%), (13.9%), (4.2%) and (6.7%) respectively had a significant relationship with dft. More children brushed their teeth (52.6%) with 16.5% brushing at least twice each day. Parents/caregivers had sufficient knowledge and a positive attitude towards oral health hygiene of the children where the techniques of brushing teeth and reduction in the rate of intake of cariogenic foods is not well implemented. In conclusion, the prevalence of dental caries is significantly higher among 5-year-old children in urban than rural areas. Parents displayed good knowledge and attitude towards oral health hygiene, however, they did not implement the right oral hygiene techniques. It is recommended that programs targeting alleviation of malnutrition among children be modified to include dental caries mitigation in both rural and urban areas, and that children should be fed on nutrient rich foods and cariogenic foods should be consumed occasionally.

DEVELOPMENT OF A FERMENTED SOY BEAN FORTIFIED MAIZE MEAL SNACK (MKARANGO) TO ALLEVIATE PROTEIN ENERGY MALNUTRITION IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

DEVELOPMENT OF A FERMENTED SOY BEAN FORTIFIED MAIZE MEAL SNACK (MKARANGO) TO ALLEVIATE PROTEIN ENERGY MALNUTRITION IN SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN RAPANDO, PRISCA LINDA Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a serious public health problem among school going children in Africa and other developing countries. Fortification of food fed to children with legumes is one of the most sustainable methods of alleviating PEM. The aim of this study was to improve the protein quality and increase the nutrient density of a Kenyan traditional fermented maize meal snack by fortifying with soy bean for use among school-age children to alleviate PEM. Nine variations of the snack were produced by compositing maize meal with soy at ratios of 100;0 70;30 and 50;50. Each variation was fermented for 0, 3 and 5 days at ambient temperature. To establish the nutrient composition, proximate analyses including, moisture, protein, ash, fat, carbohydrate and energy were conducted. Functional properties determined were bulk density, water and oil absorption capacities, titratable acidity and pH. Sensory characteristics were evaluated using a 12-member descriptive panel. Acceptability was evaluated using adults and eight to nine-year-old school children. Satiety was further analyzed from the acceptability study and proximate results. Compared to the 100% maize fermented snack, fortification of maize meal with soy bean at 1:1 ratio increased the protein, fat and ash contents by 256, 78 and 285%, respectively while carbohydrate reduced by 30%. Fortification and fermentation increased the titratable acidity, water and oil holding capacities and reduced the bulk density. Principal component analysis revealed that 45%, 29% and a further 12% of the variation in sensory properties among the samples was due to fermentation, fortification with soy and level of soy fortification, respectively. The fermented and soy fortified samples were associated with sour, fermented maize and soy bean flavour, aroma and aftertaste while the unfermented samples were described as sweet, vanilla and roasted flavour, aroma and aftertaste. Adults and children scored the 100% maize: soy, 3 day fermentation snack highest and its liking by children increased in 4 days. The 50:50 maize: soy snack had the highest drop in liking from the sensory specific satiety test. The glycemic load changed from high to medium in the 50:50 maize: soy snack. Fortification with Soy bean and fermentation of the snacks improves nutrient density, functional properties, imparts some desirable sensory characteristics, and satiating ability. Soy fortified fermented maize meal snack has considerable potential for use as supplementary food for increased protein and energy content in the prevention of PEM among school going children in developing countries.