The double burden of malnutrition among adults in India: evidence from the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16)

Machine learning prediction of nutritional status among pregnant women in Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh demographic and health survey 2017-18

AIM

Malnutrition in pregnant women significantly affects both mother and child health. This research aims to identify the best machine learning (ML) techniques for predicting the nutritional status of pregnant women in Bangladesh and detect the most essential features based on the best-performed algorithm.

METHODS

This study used retrospective cross-sectional data from the Bangladeshi Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18. Different feature transformations and machine learning classifiers were applied to find the best transformation and classification model.

RESULTS

This investigation found that robust scaling outperformed all feature transformation methods. The result shows that the Random Forest algorithm with robust scaling outperforms all other machine learning algorithms with 74.75% accuracy, 57.91% kappa statistics, 73.36% precision, 73.08% recall, and 73.09% f1 score. In addition, the Random Forest algorithm had the highest precision (76.76%) and f1 score (71.71%) for predicting the underweight class, as well as an expected precision of 82.01% and f1 score of 83.78% for the overweight/obese class when compared to other algorithms with a robust scaling method. The respondent's age, wealth index, region, husband's education level, husband's age, and occupation were crucial features for predicting the nutritional status of pregnant women in Bangladesh.

CONCLUSION

The proposed classifier could help predict the expected outcome and reduce the burden of malnutrition among pregnant women in Bangladesh.

Temporal change in prevalence of BMI categories in India: patterns across States and Union territories of India, 1999-2021

BACKGROUND

The problem of overweight/obesity often coexists with the burden of undernutrition in most low- and middle-income countries. BMI change in India incorporating the most recent trends has been under-researched.

METHODS

This repeated cross-sectional study of 1,477,885 adults in India analyzed the prevalence of different categories of BMI among adults (age 20-54) in 4 rounds of National Family Health Surveys (1998-1999, 2005-2006, 2015-2016, and 2019-2021) for 36 states/UTs. State differences across time were harmonized for accurate analysis. The categories were Severely/Moderately Thin (BMI < 17.0), Mildly Thin (17.0-18.4), Normal (18.5-24.9), Overweight (25.0-29.9), and Obese (≥ 30.0). We also estimated change in Standardized Absolute Change (SAC), ranking of states, and headcount burden to quantify the trend of BMI distribution across time periods for all-India, urban/rural residence, and by states/UTs.

RESULTS

The prevalence of thinness declined from 31.7% in 1999 to 14.2% in 2021 for women, and from 23.4% in 2006 to 10.0% in 2021 for men. Obesity prevalence increased from 2.9% (1999) to 6.3% (2021) for women, and from 2.0% (2006) to 4.2% (2021) for men. In 2021, the states with the highest obesity prevalence were Puducherry, Chandigarh, and Delhi. These states also had a high prevalence of overweight. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Diu, Gujarat, Jharkhand, and Bihar had the highest prevalence of severe/moderately thin. Prevalence of extreme categories (severely/moderately thin and obese) was larger in the case of women than men. While States/UTs with a higher prevalence of thin populations tend to have a larger absolute burden of severe or moderate thinness, the relationship between headcount burden and prevalence for overweight and obese is unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

We found persistent interstate inequalities of undernutrition. Tailored efforts at state levels are required to further strengthen existing policies and develop new interventions to target both forms of malnutrition.

Comparing Mid-Upper Arm Circumference With Body Mass Index for Assessing Nutritional Status in Indian Adults: Evidence From the National Family Health Survey 2015-16 (NFHS-4)

Background The surge in the twin burden of malnutrition - undernutrition and overweight/obesity - poses a severe threat worldwide including India. The adult group, primarily considered as an economic pillar of the society, suffered significant health problems, yet their nutritional issues are often neglected. Screening of nutritional status through anthropometric measurements is widely accepted. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used but has certain limitations. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), another simpler tool, is universally accepted in children, but its use in adults is debatable. The current research aims to determine the MUAC cutoffs and their predictive accuracies corresponding to BMI cutoffs for adult men and nonpregnant women. Subject and methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted of the anthropometric data of Indian adult men and nonpregnant women collected in 2015-16 via the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to derive the MUAC cutoffs against BMI cutoffs. Results A significant moderate correlation for both men (r=0.56) and women (r=0.68) was observed. In relation to ROC analysis, the MUAC cutoffs against the BMI cutoffs of 18.5, 23, 25, and 30 kg/m2 were approximated to be 25, 26, 28, and 30 cm for men and 23, 25, 27, and 28 cm for women, respectively. These MUAC cutoffs showed good predictive accuracy with a high range of sensitivity and specificity for both men and women. Conclusions The non-invasive MUAC method correlates very well with BMI and offers several advantages, including accuracy, ease of measurement, and minimal logistical support and training, and can assess the nutritional status even in geographically remote areas. Therefore, it can be an important tool in public health, especially in resource-limited settings, for identifying populations at risk of malnutrition.

Variations in adult BMI among Indian men: a quantile regression analysis

India has not only maintained its top position among countries with the largest number of underweight adults but has also jumped to a higher position among countries with largest increase in the proportion of overweight people in the last three decades. More studies focus on double burden of malnutrition among women than on men. This study uses the quantile regression model to analyse the covariates associated with low and high body mass index (BMI) primarily among men aged 20-54 years during 2015-2016 in India. Occupations that involve more manual work help in maintaining a normal BMI along with better education, dietary diversity, and less sedentary lifestyle. A gendered comparison of men and their spouses highlights the differences in the association of covariates with BMI for men and women. The results from this study will provide insights for behavioural change at an individual level and inputs for public health intervention for addressing ill health concerns arising from underweight, overweight, or obesity.

Inequalities in the prevalence of double burden of malnutrition among mother-child dyads in India

In the midst of rapid urbanization and economic shifts, the global landscape witnesses a surge in overweight and obese individuals, even as child malnutrition persists as a formidable public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study seeks to unravel the prevalence of the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) within the context of India and delve into the associated disparities rooted in wealth. This study leverages data from the fifth wave of the National Family and Health Survey (NFHS-5), a nationally representative survey conducted in the year 2019-21 in India. This study focuses on mother-child dyads with children under the age of 3 years. Descriptive, bivariate and logistic regression analysis is used to decipher the intricate web of DBM's prevalence and risk factors, as underscored by socio-demographic attributes. Wagstaff decomposition analysis is applied to quantify the contribution of each inequality in the social determinants on the observed income-related inequality in the DBM. Result from bivariate and logistic regression indicated a heightened risk of DBM within households marked by C-section births, affluence, ongoing breastfeeding practices, advanced maternal age, and larger household sizes. Additionally, households harbouring women with abdominal obesity emerge as hotspots for elevated DBM risk. Notably, the interplay of abdominal obesity and geographical disparities looms large as drivers of substantial inequality in DBM prevalence, whereas other factors exert a comparably milder influence. As India grapples with the burgeoning burden of DBM, a conspicuous imbalance in its prevalence pervades, albeit inadequately addressed. This juncture warrants the formulation of dual-purpose strategies, and a slew of innovative actions to deftly navigate the complex challenges poised by the dual burden of malnutrition. Amidst these exigencies, the imperative to forge a holistic approach that encompasses both sides of the malnutrition spectrum remains a beacon guiding the quest for equitable health and nutrition outcomes.

Concurrent Undernutrition and Overnutrition within Indian Families between 2006 and 2021

Background

The double burden of malnutrition (DBM), characterized by concurrent undernutrition and overnutrition, is a growing global concern. Families share resources and eating behaviors and programs often target households, yet evidence of the DBM at the family level is scarce.

Objectives

This study examined trends and inequality in the intrahousehold DBM in India between 2006 and 2021.

Methods

Data were from 3 waves of India's National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2006, 2016, and 2021). We examined 3 types of household member (with children aged <5 y) combinations: mother-child (N = 328,039 across 3 waves), father-child, and parent (mother and father)-child (N = 47,139 for each pair). The DBM was defined as one or more individuals with undernutrition (either wasting or stunting in children or underweight in adults) and one or more overweight individuals within the same household. DBM was examined over time, at national and subnational levels, and by residence and wealth.

Results

Nearly all DBM was in the form of an overweight parent and an undernourished weight or stunted child. The prevalence of parent-child DBM increased from 15% in 2006 to 26% in 2021. Father-child pairs experienced the most rapid DBM increase, from 12% in 2006 to 22% in 2021, an 83% increase, driven by increasing overweight among men. In 2021, the DBM was highest in North-Eastern and Southern states, and among relatively rich households from urban areas. The increase in the DBM was faster in rural areas and among poor households compared with that in urban areas and rich households. Urban-rural and rich-poor inequalities in the DBM have decreased over time.

Conclusions

The intrahousehold DBM has increased over time, affecting 1 in 4 households in India in 2021. Family-based interventions that can simultaneously address child underweight and parent overweight are required to address India's increasing intrahousehold DBM.

Not Hungry, but Still Snacking: The Association Between Hedonic Hunger and Snacking Behaviour Among Young Adults in Vadodara, Gujarat

BACKGROUND

Hedonic hunger refers to the recurring thoughts, desires, and feelings about food in the absence of energy deprivation. The influence of hedonic hunger on snacking behaviour remains unclear, particularly among young adults in India.

AIM

The present study aimed to understand the association between hedonic hunger and snacking behaviour among young adults aged 15-24 years in Vadodara, Gujarat.

METHODS

The study utilized a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 young adults from Vadodara, Gujarat, were included in the study. Participants were administered a structured questionnaire. Hedonic hunger scores were measured using the Power of Food Scale assessment. Anthropometric assessment was carried out using validated instruments. The associations between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, emotional eating, willpower, exercise, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were examined.

RESULTS

Results showed that 51.3% of individuals had moderate levels of hedonic hunger, while 23.3% exhibited severe signs, indicating a strong inclination towards consuming appetizing foods rich in salt, sugar, and fat. The study found a significant association between hedonic hunger and consumption of certain snacking items. Furthermore, hedonic hunger scores were related to additional factors such as emotional eating, willpower, and exercise. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between hedonic hunger scores and participants' weight (r=0.170; P= 0.039), but no such correlation was found with BMI.  Conclusion: These findings shed light on the relationship between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, and related factors, contributing to our understanding of the complex interplay between food cravings and eating habits among adolescents.

Rural-urban disparities in nutritional status among women in Ethiopia based on HIV serostatus: a cross-sectional study using demographic and health survey data

BACKGROUND

Ethiopia is one of the sub-Saharan African countries most affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic and also by severe undernutrition, which is particularly prevalent among women. HIV infection, reproductive biology, and their role in society increase the vulnerability of women to malnutrition. Various factors including urbanization could cause differences in the nutritional status of rural and urban residents. In this study, we aimed to assess rural-urban disparities in nutritional status among women of reproductive age based on HIV serostatus in Ethiopia.

METHOD

Data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) conducted in 2016 were used. Among 15,683 women included in the survey, 8822 non-pregnant women aged 15-49 years, including those who gave birth two months before the DHS survey were included in this study. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the relative risk ratios (RRR) for the associations between study variables.

RESULTS

Generally, the prevalence of underweight among women of reproductive age was higher in rural residents (28.9%) than in urban residents (12.3%) in Ethiopia. Being overweight was more prevalent among urban women than rural women, (35.1% vs. 4.8%). About 32% of HIV-positive women were underweight in both rural and urban areas. About 29% of HIV-positive urban women were overweight compared to 3.4% of HIV-positive rural women. Among urban residents, HIV-positive women were about 4 times more likely to be underweight than their HIV-negative counterparts, RRR 3.8 (95% CI: 1.58, 9.26). However, there was no significant difference in nutritional status between HIV-positive and HIV-negative women living in rural areas. Anemic women were more likely to be underweight while, wealthy women were less likely to be underweight in both rural and urban areas. Women aged 25-49 years were generally more likely to be overweight/obese and less likely to be underweight compared to younger women aged [Formula: see text]years.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition was more prevalent among HIV-positive women living in urban Ethiopia. Targeted nutritional interventions for HIV-positive women of reproductive age living in urban areas could be considered. Furthermore, efforts should be made to improve the nutritional status of women of reproductive age across the country.

Maternal nutritional status and milk volume and composition in India: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Human milk provides essential nutrition for infants, and its benefits are well established. We lack data on the influence of maternal nutritional status on milk volume and composition in low-middle income countries.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to 1) assess lactation performance (human milk volume, macronutrient composition, and infant energy intake) in Indian females and 2) examine the associations between maternal anthropometry (BMI, percentage body fat) and lactation performance.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study among 232 mother-infant dyads, 2 to 4 mo postpartum in Haryana, India. We used deuterium oxide dose-to-mother technique to measure milk volume and maternal percentage body fat and collected human milk samples to determine macronutrient and energy concentrations. Adjusted multiple linear regression models were used to examine the associations between maternal anthropometry and lactation performance.

RESULTS

The mean BMI and percentage body fat of mothers were 21.7 ± 3.6 kg/m² and 29.5 ± 7.7, respectively. Milk volume and macronutrient composition were similar to the reference values (means ± standard deviations: milk volume, 724 ± 184 mL/d; median (25th, 75th percentile); protein, 9.9 (8.3, 11.7) g/L; fat, 41.0 ± 15.2 g/L; energy density, 0.71 ± 0.14 kcal/g; lactose, 65.5 (55.3, 71.3) g/L). Maternal BMI and percentage body fat were not significantly associated with macronutrient composition. Both maternal BMI and percentage body fat were negatively associated with milk volume (-7.0, 95% CI: -12.4, -1.6 mL/d; -3.5, 95% CI: -6.0, -1.1mL/d, respectively) but there were no effects on the total energy intake of infants after adjusting for covariates.

CONCLUSION

Most mothers had a normal BMI and milk of similar composition and volume to reference values. Future work in populations with a greater burden of underweight and/or obesity are needed to examine the underlying mechanisms between maternal body composition and milk volume. This trial was registered at The Clinical Trials Registry- India as CTRI/2017/01/007636.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Ferrous Sulfate and Iron Sucrose in Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION

 Anemia among pregnant women is one of the major health concerns for healthcare workers. The management becomes a concern in the pregnancy where the question arises of which is better the intravenous iron sucrose or the oral ferrous sulfate tablets. To answer this, a randomized control trial comparing both the treatment options in a tertiary care government hospital was set up in the hilly terrains of India. This study discusses the effectiveness and practical aspect of using both, which seems to be the better out of both, and why.

METHODS

 The study was conducted as a parallel-group, open-label randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of a tertiary care government hospital in India, with approximately 4,000 delivery loads annually. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institute's ethics committee (IEC), and the trial was registered with the Clinical Trial Registry of India (REF/2022/06/055013). Two hundred sixty-eight pregnant women between 18 and 45 years of age with moderate iron deficiency anemia (IDA) (hemoglobin (Hb) 7-9g/dl, microcytic-hypochromic, and serum ferritin <30ng/ml) were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 with 134 patients to receive intravenous iron sucrose and group 2 with 134 patients to receive oral ferrous sulfate tablets.

RESULTS

The intravenous iron sucrose is superior in terms of tolerability and correction of iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

It yields a quicker rise in Hb and serum ferritin with no major side effects. In the difficult terrain of Himachal Pradesh, this makes IV iron sucrose a better option for anemic pregnant women who do not have easy access to health facilities resulting in a large number of them reaching hospitals with moderate to severe anemia at a later gestation.

Nutrition in the prevention and management of sarcopenia - A special focus on Asian Indians

Sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass and strength, is common in advanced old age but can be accelerated by chronic disease, malnutrition and physical inactivity. Early initiation of intervention to achieve and maintain a higher peak muscle mass and strength may allow for prevention or delay of sarcopenia and facilitate independent living even in old age. In this context, malnutrition, a significant contributor to sarcopenia, is often overlooked among the Indian population. Maintenance of an optimal energy and protein balance with adequate physical activity level is essential to preserve physical function in the aging population. However, research on the role of micronutrients in muscle maintenance, is still in its infancy. This narrative review, therefore, aims to explore the current status of International and Indian research on the role of nutrition in sarcopenia mitigation and the way forward.

Double burden of malnutrition in Nepal: A trend analysis of protein-energy malnutrition and High Body Mass Index using the data from Global Burden of Disease 2010–2019

Background

The co-existence of undernutrition and overnutrition is a global public health threat. We aim to report the burden of both nutritional deficiency (Protein-Energy Malnutrition) and overweight (high Body Mass Index) in Nepal over a decade (2010–2019) and observe the changes through trend charts.

Methods

We did a secondary data analysis using the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)’s Global Burden of Disease (GBD) database to download age-standardized data on Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) and high Body Mass Index (BMI). We presented the trend of death, Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), Years of Life Lost (YLL), and Years Lost due to Disability (YLD) of PEM and high BMI in Nepal from 2010 to 2019 and also compared data for 2019 among South Asian countries.

Results

Between 2010 and 2019, in Nepal, the Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) due to PEM were declining while high BMI was in increasing trend. Sex-specific trends revealed that females had higher DALYs for PEM than males. In contrast, males had higher DALYs for high BMI than females. In 2019, Nepal had the highest death rate for PEM (5.22 per 100,000 populations) than any other South Asian country. The burden of PEM in terms of DALY was higher in under-five children (912 per 100,000 populations) and elderly above 80 years old (808.9 per 100,000 populations), while the population aged 65–69 years had the highest burden of high BMI (5893 per 100,000 populations). In the last decade, the DALYs for risk factors contributing to PEM such as child growth failure (stunting and wasting), unsafe water, sanitation and handwashing, and sub-optimal breastfeeding have declined in Nepal. On the contrary, the DALYs for risk factors contributing to high BMI, such as a diet high in sugar-sweetened beverages, a diet high in trans fatty acid, and low physical activity, have increased. This could be a possible explanation for the increasing trend of high BMI and decreasing trend of PEM.

Conclusion

Rapidly growing prevalence of high BMI and the persistent existence of undernutrition indicate the double burden of malnutrition in Nepal. Public health initiatives should be planned to address this problem.

Nutritional Supplementation Would Be Cost-Effective for Reducing Tuberculosis Incidence and Mortality in India: The Ration Optimization to Impede Tuberculosis (ROTI-TB) Model

BACKGROUND

Undernutrition is the leading cause of tuberculosis (TB) in India and is associated with increased TB mortality. Undernutrition also decreases quality of life and economic productivity.

METHODS

We assessed the cost-effectiveness of providing augmented rations to undernourished Indians through the government's Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). We used Markov state transition models to simulate disease progression and mortality among undernourished individuals in 3 groups: general population, household contacts (HHCs) of people living with TB, and persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The models calculate costs and outcomes (TB cases, TB deaths, and disability-adjusted life years [DALYs]) associated with a 2600 kcal/day diet for adults with body mass index (BMI) of 16-18.4 kg/m2 until they attain a BMI of 20 kg/m2 compared to a status quo scenario wherein TPDS rations are unchanged. We employed deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to test result robustness.

RESULTS

Over 5 years, augmented rations could avert 81% of TB cases and 88% of TB deaths among currently undernourished Indians. Correspondingly, this intervention could forestall 78% and 48% of TB cases and prevent 88% and 70% of deaths among undernourished HHCs and persons with HIV, respectively. Augmented rations resulted in 10-fold higher resolution of undernutrition and were highly cost-effective with (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio [ICER] of $470/DALY averted). ICER was lower for HHCs ($360/DALY averted) and the HIV population ($250/DALY averted).

CONCLUSIONS

A robust nutritional intervention would be highly cost-effective in reducing TB incidence and mortality while reducing chronic undernutrition in India.

Does maternal overnutrition carry child undernutrition in India?

Background and objectives

Studies in low-and middle-income countries where nutrition transition is underway provides mixed evidence of double burden of maternal overnutrition and child undernutrition among mother-child pairs. Shifting dietary pattern and rapid increase in overweight/obesity among adults with persistent child undernutrition indicate that India is experiencing nutrition transition and double burden of malnutrition. Hence, the study explores the presence of and the factors associated with mother-child dyads of over- and undernutrition in India.

Methods and materials

The study uses National Family Health Survey 2015–16 data. The analytic sample consists of 28,817 weighted mother-child pairs where an overweight/obese mother is paired with an undernourished child. The nutritional status of children is defined according to WHO 2006 child growth standards as underweight (i.e., low weight-for-age), stunting (i.e., low height-for-age) and wasting (i.e., low weight-for-height). Maternal overweight/obesity (i.e., BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) is defined using adult BMI criterion. Descriptive, bivariate, and adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis are conducted.

Results

Of the overweight/obese mothers, 21.3%, 26.5%, and 14% have underweight, stunted, and wasted children respectively. In adjusted models, maternal short stature (aOR: 2.94, 95% CI: 2.30–3.75), age of child (aOR: 3.29, 95% CI: 2.76–3.92), and poorest wealth status (aOR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.59–2.54) are significant predictors of overweight/obese mothers and stunted child pairs. Similarly, poor wealth status (aOR: 1.68, 95% CI:1.32–2.14), maternal stature (aOR: 2.70, 95% CI: 2.08–3.52), and child aged 2–5 years (aOR: 1.77, 95% CI:1.51–2.08) are also significantly associated with higher occurrence of overweight/obese mother and-underweight child pairs.

Conclusion

Findings of the study are consistent with the phase of nutrition transition and double burden of malnutrition. The paper concludes with suggestions to improve the socioeconomic condition, more strategic nutrition specific investments and policy interventions to eliminate all forms of malnutrition for achieving SDGs.

Modern Processing of Indian Millets: A Perspective on Changes in Nutritional Properties

Globally, billions of people are experiencing food insecurity and malnutrition. The United Nations has set a global target to end hunger by 2030, but we are far from reaching it. Over the decade, climate change, population growth and economic slowdown have impacted food security. Many countries are facing the challenge of both undernutrition and over nutrition. Thus, there is a need to transform the food system to achieve food and nutrition security. One of the ways to reach closer to our goal is to provide an affordable healthy and nutritious diet to all. Millets, the nutri-cereals, have the potential to play a crucial role in the fight against food insecurity and malnutrition. Nutri-cereals are an abundant source of essential macro- and micronutrients, carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, lipids, and phytochemicals. The nutrient content and digestibility of millets are significantly influenced by the processing techniques. This review article highlights the nutritional characteristics and processing of Indian millets, viz. foxtail, kodo, proso, little, and pearl millets. It also envisages the effect of traditional and modern processing techniques on millet’s nutritional properties. An extensive literature review was conducted using the research and review articles related to processing techniques of millets such as fermentation, germination, dehulling, extrusion, cooking, puffing, popping, malting, milling, etc. Germination and fermentation showed a positive improvement in the overall nutritional characteristics of millets, whereas excessive dehulling, polishing, and milling resulted in reduction of the dietary fiber and micronutrients. Understanding the changes happening in the nutrient value of millets due to processing can help the food industry, researchers, and consumers select a suitable processing technique to optimize the nutrient value, increase the bioavailability of nutrients, and help combat food and nutrition security.

Mustard oil and cardiovascular health: Why the controversy?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States (US) and worldwide. Among South Asians living in the US, ASCVD risk is four-fold higher than the local population. Cardioprotective dietary patterns necessitate replacement of dietary saturated fats with healthier oils such as canola, corn, olive, soybean, safflower, and sunflower oil. Mustard oil is a liquid oil that is low in saturated fat and is popular in South Asia.It contains a large proportion of erucic acid, a fatty acid associated with myocardial lipidosis in rodents. This evidence prompted the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the use of mustard oil for cooking. However, Australia, New Zealand and the European Union (27 countries) have established upper limits for tolerable intake of mustard oil. In contrast mustard oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in Asia, particularly in India where it is recommended as a heart-healthy oil by the Lipid Association of India (LAI). The conflict between various guidelines warrants clarification, particularly because use of mustard oil in cooking is increasing among both Americans and Indian immigrants in the US, despite the FDA ban on human consumption of mustard oil. Hence, we endeavored to: (1) Review current evidence regarding potentially harmful versus beneficial effects of cooking with mustard oil, (2) Clarify the basis for disparities between the FDA ban on human consumption of mustard oil and dietary recommendations from the LAI and other groups, and (3) Provide practical suggestions for Indians and other South Asians who are accustomed to consuming mustard oil on ways to incorporate alternate heart-healthy oils (E.g. Canola, Olive, Sunflower, Soybean oil) in the diet while enhancing flavor and texture of food. A new FDA review is recommended on the safety limits of erucic acid because 29 countries have allow limited amounts of mustard oil (erucic acid) for human consumption and also because there are some health benefits that have been reported for mustard oil in humans.

‘Bhavishya Shakti: Empowering the Future’: establishing and evaluating a pilot community mobile teaching kitchen as an innovative model, training marginalised women to become nutrition champions and culinary health educators in Kolkata, India

Background

Malnutrition is a global emergency, creating an overlapping burden on individual, public and economic health. The double burden of malnutrition affects approximately 2.3 billion adults worldwide. Following 3 years of capacity building work in Kolkata, with assistance of local volunteers and organisations, we established an empowering nutrition education model in the form of a ‘mobile teaching kitchen (MTK)’ with the aim of creating culinary health educators from lay slum-dwelling women.

Aims

To evaluate the piloting of a novel MTK nutrition education platform and its effects on the participants, alongside data collection feasibility.

Methods

Over 6 months, marginalised (RG Kar and Chetla slums) women underwent nutrition training using the MTK supported by dietitians, doctors and volunteers. Preintervention and postintervention assessments of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), as well as anthropometric and clinical nutritional status of both the women and their children were recorded. The education was delivered by a ‘See One, Do One, Teach One’ approach with a final assessment of teaching delivery performed in the final session.

Results

Twelve women were trained in total, six from each slum. Statistically significant improvements were noted in sections of KAP, with improvements in nutrition knowledge (+4.8) and practices (+0.8). In addition, statistically significant positive changes were seen in ‘understanding of healthy nutrition for their children’ (p=0.02), ‘sources of protein rich food’ (p=0.02) and ‘not skipping meals if a child is ill’ (p≤0.001).

Conclusion

The MTK as a public health intervention managed to educate, empower and upskill two groups of lay marginalised women into MTK Champions from the urban slums of Kolkata, India. Improvements in their nutrition KAP demonstrate just some of the effects of this programme. By the provision of healthy meals and nutritional messages, the MTK Champions are key drivers nudging improvements in nutrition and health related awareness with a ripple effect across the communities that they serve. There is potential to upscale and adapt this programme to other settings, or developing into a microenterprise model, that can help future MTK Champions earn a stable income.

Tuberculosis-Learning the Impact of Nutrition (TB LION): protocol for an interventional study to decrease TB risk in household contacts

BACKGROUND

Comorbidities such as undernutrition and parasitic infections are widespread in India and other tuberculosis (TB)-endemic countries. This study examines how these conditions as well as food supplementation and parasite treatment might alter immune responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection and risk of progression to TB disease.

METHODS

This is a 5-year prospective clinical trial at Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research in Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, India. We aim to enroll 760 household contacts (HHC) of adults with active TB in order to identify 120 who are followed prospectively for 2 years: Thirty QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) positive HHCs ≥ 18 years of age in four proposed groups: (1) undernourished (body mass index [BMI] < 18.5 kg/m2); (2) participants with a BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 who have a parasitic infection (3) undernourished participants with a parasitic infection and (4) controls-participants with BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m2 and without parasitic infection. We assess immune response at baseline and after food supplementation (for participants with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2) and parasite treatment (for participants with parasites). Detailed nutritional assessments, anthropometry, and parasite testing through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microscopy are performed. In addition, at serial time points, these samples will be further analyzed using flow cytometry and whole blood transcriptomics to elucidate the immune mechanisms involved in disease progression.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will help determine whether undernutrition and parasite infection are associated with gene signatures that predict risk of TB and whether providing nutritional supplementation and/or treating parasitic infections improves immune response towards this infection. This study transcends individual level care and presents the opportunity to benefit the population at large by analyzing factors that affect disease progression potentially reducing the overall burden of people who progress to TB disease. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03598842; Registered on July 26, 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03598842.

Imperatives of recognising the complexities: gendered impacts and responses to COVID-19 in India

This paper argues that the gendered impact of COVID-19 has both visible and hidden dimensions, and both immediate effects linked with lockdowns and longer-term effects that are likely to emerge sequentially in time and affect recovery. Much of the existing feminist literature on the impact of COVID-19 has neglected these complexities and focused mainly on care work and domestic violence. This has diverted attention away from other key concerns such as livelihood loss, food and nutritional insecurity, indebtedness, rising poverty, and the low resilience of most women in developing economies. Even care work and domestic violence have complex facets that tend to be missed. Using examples from India, the paper outlines the kinds of gendered effects we might expect, the extent to which these have been traced in existing surveys, and the data gaps. It also highlights the potential of group approaches in enhancing women's economic recovery and providing social protection from the worst outcomes of the pandemic-approaches that could guide us towards effective policy pathways for 'building back better.'

Double burden of underweight and overweight among Indian adults: spatial patterns and social determinants

OBJECTIVE

The current study explores the spatial patterns of underweight and overweight among adult men and women in districts of India and identifies the micro-geographical locations where the risks of underweight and overweight are simultaneously prevalent, after accounting for demographic and socio-economic factors.

DESIGN

We relied on BMI (weight (kg)/height squared (m2)), a measure of nutritional status among adult individuals, from the 2015-2016 National Family and Health Survey. Underweight was defined as <18·5 kg/m2 and overweight as ≥25·0 kg/m2.

SETTING

We adopted Bayesian structured additive quantile regression to model the underlying spatial structure in underweight and overweight burden.

PARTICIPANTS

Men aged 15-54 years (sample size: 108 092) and women aged 15-49 years (sample size: 642 002).

RESULTS

About 19·7 % of men and 22·9 % of women were underweight, and 19·6 % of men and 20·6 % of women were overweight. Results indicate that malnutrition burden in adults exhibits geographical divides across the country. Districts located in the central, western and eastern regions show higher risks of underweight. There is evidence of substantial spatial clustering of districts with higher risk of overweight in southern and northern India. While finding a little evidence on double burden of malnutrition among population groups, we identified a total of sixty-six double burden districts.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that the geographical burden of overweight in Indian adults is yet to surpass that of underweight, but the coexistence of double burden of underweight and overweight in selected regions presents a new challenge for improving nutritional status and necessitates specialised policy initiatives.

Screening of cardiovascular risk assessment accuracy of anthropometric indices in Indian children and adolescents

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the most popular anthropometric marker to define obesity and cardiometabolic risk. BMI is limited in its ability to discriminate central adiposity and other indices such as waist circumference (WC), and waist to height ratio (WHtR) could be a better choice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relative accuracy of these indices for the prediction of hypertension in Indian children and young adults. Methods: Anthropometric indices and blood pressure measurements were obtained in 2609 adolescent children and young adults (10-20 years) across a national residential school system. Z-scores were calculated for anthropometric parameters using the Box-Cox-Cole-Green method and World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. Hypertension was defined using the sex, age and height specific cutoffs for systolic blood pressure. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the predictive ability.  Results: Girls had higher BMI for age in our dataset (p < 0.001), along with higher odds for stunting (95% CI: 1.21 - 1.88) as well as central obesity (95% CI: 2.44 - 3.99). Hypertension was seen in 10.6% of the subjects, with higher age, and higher BMI or WHtR as the predictors. Prehypertension was higher in males (p <0.001). WHtR had acceptable but modest discrimination ability for hypertension (AUC > 0.6) in boys (AUC=0.62) and girls (AUC=0.66). Performance of BMI was better in boys (AUC = 0.67) but poor in girls (AUC = 0.55) Conclusion: WHtR was a better predictor of hypertension in Indian adolescent girls and could be used as an augmented parameter to BMI for a better assessment of cardiovascular risk.

The double burden of malnutrition in India: Trends and inequalities (2006-2016)

Rapid urban expansion has important health implications. This study examines trends and inequalities in undernutrition and overnutrition by gender, residence (rural, urban slum, urban non-slum), and wealth among children and adults in India. We used National Family Health Survey data from 2006 and 2016 (n = 311,182 children 0-5y and 972,192 adults 15-54y in total). We calculated differences, slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index to examine changes over time and inequalities in outcomes by gender, residence, and wealth quintile. Between 2006 and 2016, child stunting prevalence dropped from 48% to 38%, with no gender differences in trends, whereas child overweight/obesity remained at ~7–8%. In both years, stunting prevalence was higher in rural and urban slum households compared to urban non-slum households. Within-residence, wealth inequalities were large for stunting (SII: -33 to -19 percentage points, pp) and declined over time only in urban non-slum households. Among adults, underweight prevalence decreased by ~13 pp but overweight/obesity doubled (10% to 21%) between 2006 and 2016. Rises in overweight/obesity among women were greater in rural and urban slum than urban non-slum households. Within-residence, wealth inequalities were large for both underweight (SII -35 to -12pp) and overweight/obesity (+16 to +29pp) for adults, with the former being more concentrated among poorer households and the latter among wealthier households. In conclusion, India experienced a rapid decline in child and adult undernutrition between 2006 and 2016 across genders and areas of residence. Of great concern, however, is the doubling of adult overweight/obesity in all areas during this period and the rise in wealth inequalities in both rural and urban slum households. With the second largest urban population globally, India needs to aggressively tackle the multiple burdens of malnutrition, especially among rural and urban slum households and develop actions to maintain trends in undernutrition reduction without exacerbating the rapidly rising problems of overweight/obesity.

Chronic Energy Deficiency and Its Determinant Factors among Adults Aged 18-59 Years in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The prevalence of undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries is still remarkably high. Undernutrition during adulthood is a greater risk factor for low productivity, poor health, and mortality. There is limited information on the prevalence and determinants of chronic energy deficiency in Ethiopia.

Objective

To assess the prevalence and determinants of chronic energy deficiency among adults aged 18–59 years in Ethiopia.

Method

A secondary data analysis was conducted using the data obtained from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Data were collected using a multistage stratified cluster sampling technique, and the analytic sample consisted of 9,280 adults aged 18–59 years. The chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used, and p value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Result

A total of 9280 adults aged 18–59 years were included in the study and 2911 (28.7%) (95% CI: 27.0%–30.4%) of whom were chronic energy deficient. Adults who have no work (AOR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.72), male adults from Tigray region (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.61, 3.09), Afar region (AOR = 2.98, 95% CI: 2.04, 4.36), Somali region (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 2.19, 4.52), Gambella region (AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.76), Harari region (AOR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.19), Amhara region (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.13), Oromia region (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.19), Dire Dawa (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.05), adults live lonely (AOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.71), and adults residing in poor wealth index households (AOR = 1.26 : 95% CI: 1.07, 1.49) were significantly associated with chronic energy deficiency. Conclusion and recommendation. Chronic energy deficiency among male adults in Ethiopia was a high public health problem. Marital status, wealth index, occupation, and region were significant predictors of chronic energy deficiency. The Ministry of Health with other partners should strictly monitor and evaluate interventions that are being applied and should give focus to adult men to prevent malnutrition.

Screening of cardiovascular risk assessment accuracy of anthropometric indices in Indian children and adolescents

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the most popular anthropometric marker to define obesity and cardiometabolic risk. BMI is limited in its ability to discriminate central adiposity and other indices such as waist circumference (WC), and waist to height ratio (WHtR) could be a better choice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relative accuracy of these indices for the prediction of hypertension in Indian children and young adults. Methods: Anthropometric indices and blood pressure measurements were obtained in 2609 adolescent children and young adults (10-20 years) across a national residential school system. Z-scores were calculated for anthropometric parameters using the Box-Cox-Cole-Green method and World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. Hypertension was defined using the sex, age and height specific cutoffs for systolic blood pressure. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the predictive ability.  Results: Girls had higher BMI for age in our dataset (p < 0.001), along with higher odds for stunting (95% CI: 1.21 – 1.88) as well as central obesity (95% CI: 2.44 – 3.99). Hypertension was seen in 10.6% of the subjects, with higher age, and higher BMI or WHtR as the predictors. Prehypertension was higher in males (p <0.001). WHtR had acceptable but modest discrimination ability for hypertension (AUC > 0.6) in boys (AUC=0.62) and girls (AUC=0.66). Performance of BMI was better in boys (AUC = 0.67) but poor in girls (AUC = 0.55) Conclusion: WHtR was a better predictor of hypertension in Indian adolescent girls and could be used as an augmented parameter to BMI for a better assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Intra-Individual Double Burden of Malnutrition among Adults in China: Evidence from the China Health and Nutrition Survey 2015

Few studies have focused on quantifying the double burden of malnutrition (DBM) phenomenon in China. We aimed to clarify the prevalence of DBM among Chinese adults as well as to examine whether usual daily dietary micronutrient status varies by body mass index (BMI) categories. In this study, a sample of 6602 adults aged 18-59 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) was analyzed. Information was obtained on dietary intake and anthropometric measurements. Dietary intakes of 11 micronutrients were estimated based on the data collected by three consecutive days of 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings. Dietary micronutrient deficiency was defined according to the cutoff of the Chinese estimated average requirement (EARs). 44% of Chinese adults faced the problem of DBM, of which nearly 40% experienced overweight/obesity and micronutrient deficiency simultaneously. Comparable percentages (>50%) of Chinese adults had dietary intake less than the Chinese EARs for key micronutrients including retinol, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin C, calcium, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, and the percentages varied by body weight status. More than 80% participants had at least two selected vitamin or mineral deficiencies in all BMI categories. These findings indicate that Chinese adults have a high DBM and micronutrient inadequacies prevail among and within gender and all BMI categories. All body weight groups need advice on the changing needs for dietary variety to ensure optimal health.