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Open Access
Nutritional awareness among the participants of national nutritional anaemia prophylaxis programme
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Bhuvaneshwari, P; KAU; Geetha, P
Iron deficiency anaemia is a major global nutritional problem and is prevalent in 50-80 per cent of population in different parts of India. Towards reducing anaemia, the government of India (GOI) launched the National Nutritional Anaemia Prophylaxis Programme (NNAPP) in 1970.National Anaemia control and Prophylaxis Programme has been fighting the relentless struggle to control the ailment since 1970, but has not yielded much. Hence a study entitled “Nutritional awareness among the participants of NNAPP” was undertaken to elicit the existing knowledge, attitude and practice on the programme among the participants identify the lacunae and to suggest correct preventive measures among the participants and to study its impact through KAP studies. For pre test and posttest of knowledge and attitude suitably structured and pre test checklists were used. The dietary practice was assessed through food use frequency studies before and after the education programme. The regularity in the consumption of IFA tablets by the beneficiaries was studied before and after the intervention on consumption basis. The data pertaining to the socio economic and personal characteristics, health and nutritional profile and their participation in the NNAPP of the participants were ascertained with the help of a structured and pre tested interview schedule. The collected data were tabulated, analysed statistically and the results were interpreted. Majority of the selected participants (84 per cent) in the study belonged to the age group of 21-30 years. Nearly 59 per cent belonged to Hindu community. Most of the participants were from nuclear family with medium level of education, low monthly income and moderate physical amenities. Majority of the families possessed television and radio in their homes and 72 per cent of the participants were members of one or other organization. Anthropometric measurements revealed that body mass index of 50 per cent of the women beneficiaries were found to fall in the normal range, weight for height of child beneficiaries revealed that only 31 per cent were normal, 47 per cent were stunted and remaining 20 per cent of the child beneficiaries were stunted and wasted. Haemoglobin level of the beneficiaries revealed that only 17 per cent were normal.40 percent were moderately anaemic and 37 per cent had mild anaemia. However 6 per cent were found to be severely anaemic. Mean food intake of the beneficiaries revealed that the food group, which met the RDA least, was green leafy vegetables followed by fruits, milk and milk products, fats ad oils, and even sugar. Mean nutrient intake of the women beneficiaries revealed that iron, vitamin B12, vitamin C and folic acid were far below the RDA stipulated. Mean nutrient intake of the child beneficiaries indicated that energy, protein, iron, vitamin C and folic acid were below the RDA. Nutritional Status Index of the beneficiaries indicated medium and high Nutritional Status Index among 81 per cent of the beneficiaries and only 19 per cent of the beneficiaries were in the low Nutritional Status Index. Majority of the participants relied more on the anganwadi workers than the PHC staff for iron and folic acid supplements. Less than 25 per cent of the participants participated in the meetings, campaign, nutrition and health education classes consistently.52 percent of the beneficiaries never consumed the IFA tablets. Participation Index of the beneficiaries in the programme related activities of PHC revealed that 58 per cent had medium level of Participation Index. Data collected on the constraints faced by the beneficiaries revealed that irregular supply of supplements, gastro intestinal side effects, forgetfulness, blind beliefs and lack of awareness were the constraints experienced by the beneficiaries/participants. The pre test scores revealed the lack of knowledge of the participants about various aspects of anaemia and its prevalence, role of iron and dietary modification, and anaemia control progrmme objectives. The education programme of three days duration was conducted for the benefit of the participants to impart required information on the above areas. The education programme had significant effect on the gain in knowledge as well as change in attitude and extent of adoption of practices. Correlation of selected independent variables of participants on the knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that there was significant positive correlation was observed with educational status, participation index and knowledge. Significant positive correlation was observed with age, educational status and attitude. Comparison of mean scores of pre test and post test knowledge, attitude and practice revealed that education programme had significant improvement in the awareness of the participants.
Open Access
Impact of dietary counseling on the food habits of fisherfolk
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Ramlath, P H; KAU; Soffi, Cherian
The study entitled “Impact of dietary counseling on the food habits of fisher folk” was undertaken with an objective to evaluate the beneficial effects of dietary counseling on the food habits & health related personal habits of fisher folk. The study was carried out among fisher folk at Adimalathura in Trivandrum district. One hundred samples, both men and women in the age group of 40-50 years who were habituated with chewing, smoking and alcoholism were screened for the study. Personal profile of the fisher folk indicated that majority of the subjects were between the age of 46-50 years and all of them belonged to Christian community. Majority of the subjects were illiterate and their occupation is fishing or fish vending. 91 per cent of the families were of nuclear type and it was found that majority of the families were medium to large sized having 6 to 8 members. Majority of the subjects had monthly income ranged between 1000-1250. Most of the families were spending more than 800 rupees on food and up to 400 rupees on medicine. Details on the personal habits of the fisher folk viz. smoking, chewing and alcoholism were collected. Out of the 60 male subjects under study 33.37 per cent of them were smokers and majority of them were accustomed to this habit for more than 20 years. The frequency of smoking revealed that all of them smoke more than 15 times a day. All the subjects both males and females were regular chewers of betel quid. All the respondents used betel, tobacco, chunna and arecanut as ingredients in their chewing quid. Sixty per cent of male and 47.50 per cent of female subjects chew more than ten times a day and also the quid was allowed to remain in the mouth for more than 1½ hours. With regard to alcohol consumption 53.33 per cent of the men folk were regular users of alcohol and the majority started taking alcohol at an early age of 15 years. None of the female subjects were habituated to alcoholism. All the subjects were non-vegetarians and none of them followed a specific meal pattern. Most of the male subjects had the habit of taking food from hotels or restaurants. Frequency of use of various foods revealed that rice, coconut, fish, sugar and beverages like coffee or tea were the food items included daily in their diet. Consumption of egg, pulses, green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits were either occasional or never used in their diet. Male subjects were consuming food items like egg and meat frequently since they take meals outside home. Frequency of use of foods rich in antioxidants & phytochemicals indicated that such neutraceuticals were mostly not included in the diet or occasionally used by the fisher folk. Actual food intake of the male respondents revealed that the diet was satisfactory in all the foods except green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits. Their nutrient intake was also satisfactory except β-carotene when compared to RDA. Actual food intake of the female respondents revealed that their diet was inadequate in all the foods. A deficiency in all nutrients except calcium when compared to RDA was found. Anthropometric data of the subjects showed that majority of the male subjects had normal height, weight and BMI. While majority of the female subjects had poor body parameters for weight, height and BMI. Clinical examination of the fisher folk revealed that deficiency symptoms of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C were observed among the subjects. Majority of the subjects showed symptoms like mottled enamel and dental caries. Clinical manifestations of leukoplakia was observed among 53.33 per cent male and 57.58 per cent female subjects symptoms like Sub Mucous Fibrosis (SMF) and oral ulcers were also present in many of the subjects. Haemoglobin level of the subjects indicated that 18.33 per cent of male and 52.50 per cent of female subjects were anaemic. Morbidity pattern of the subjects for the previous six months of study indicated that chickungunia, chicken pox, skin diseases and malaria were the diseases occurred widely among the fisher folk. The impact of dietary counseling was assessed in terms of changes in dietary habits, personal habits, personal hygiene, general health status and knowledge gain of the subjects. The frequency score of many protective food items (vegetable & fruits) and foods rich in antioxidants & phytochemicals have been increased as an effect of dietary counseling. Counseling could bring beneficial changes in certain unhealthy personal habits of fisher folk viz. smoking, chewing and alcoholism. 30 per cent of the subjects could be motivated to reduce their frequency of smoking. As an effect of counseling majority of the subjects were persuaded to exclude tobacco in their chewing quid and 31.67 per cent of male and 36.67 per cent of female subjects were made to reduce their chewing time. Oral hygiene of the subjects could also be improved. Better personal hygienic habits could be inculcated among the respondents due to counseling. The knowledge level of the fisher folk could also be improved considerably as an impact of dietary counseling.
Open Access
Standardization and quality evaluation of grain amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) flour supplemented food products
(Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Nidhi Bhtiwada; KAU; Indira, V
Grain amaranth belonging to the family, Amaranthaceae is considered as an underexploited grain and suggested as a food for future having an important role in the human food system due to its easy cultivation and nutritional aspects. In the present study an attempt was made to estimate the quality of grain amaranth flour and to develop value added products using grain amaranth flour Grain amaranth was collected from the Department of Olericulture, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur and flour was prepared from the grains after sun drying. The prepared grain amaranth flour was stored for a period of six months and chemical constituents and organoleptic qualities was analysed initially, during third and sixth months of storage. The microbial load of the flour was also studied at monthly intervals for six months. Amaranth flour was found to be rich in protein, starch, fibre and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus and low in anti-nutritional factors such as tannin and phytic acid. The moisture, tannin and phytic acid contents increased whereas the protein, starch, fat, fibre, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus contents decreased gradually with advancement of the storage period. A gradual increase in the bacteria, fungi and yeast count in amaranth flour was also observed with advancement of storage period. The products like chapathi, biscuit and puttu were prepared by substituting grain amaranth flour for respective main ingredients namely wheat flour, maida and rice flour. The organoleptic evaluation of the products showed significant variation between treatments. Chapathi prepared by substituting wheat flour upto 30 per cent amaranth flour was found to be acceptable. However, biscuit and puttu prepared even upto 50 per cent substitution of grain amaranth flour with maida and rice flour respectively, obtained high organoleptic scores indicating that these products are also highly acceptable The result of the above study revealed that as the percentage of amaranth flour increased, nutritive value of the recipes also increased except carbohydrates. Therefore, products prepared by substituting main ingredient with amaranth flour at different proportions were found to be more nutritious than the prevailing food products. One serving of amaranth supplemented recipes if incorporated in our diet will met 3.04 to 20.1 per cent protein, 28 to 53.3 per cent fat, 0.20 to 5.93 per cent of fibre, 4.46 to 13.5 per cent carbohydrates, 1.55 to 22 per cent calcium and 1.72 to 23.1 per cent iron requirement. The study highlighted the significance of value added products from underutilised grain amaranth as a solution to the problems related to malnutrition.
Open Access
Development of ashgourd (Benincasa hispida (Thunb) Congn.) and pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir) based ready-to-serve (RTS) beverage
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Sadaf Aleem; KAU; Nirmala, C
The present investigation was carried out at the department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani during 2006-2007 with the objective to study the suitability of the fruits Ashgourd [Benincasa hispida (Thunb.) Cogn.] and Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata Poir.) for the development of Ready-To-Serve (RTS) beverages and to ascertain their qualities. In-depth analysis of physico-chemical characteristics of the fruits Ashgourd and Pumpkin were assessed. RTS beverages were developed utilizing the juice of Pumpkin and Ashgourd and mixing it with other fruit juices and spice extracts (Pineapple juice, amla juice, lime juice, ginger extract and mint extract) separately. Preliminary trials were carried out with different concentrations (10 per cent to 60 per cent) of Ashgourd juice and Pumpkin juice. Initially a total number of 120 RTS beverages were prepared, sixty from each Ashgourd and Pumpkin. Evaluating these 120 RTS beverages, it was found that 10 per cent to 40 per cent juice concentration was more acceptable for RTS preparation than with 50 per cent and 60 per cent juice concentration. Hence, a total number of 80 combinations of RTS beverages were standardized and organoleptically tested. Based on the overall mean scores 14 combinations having the highest scores were selected. Hedonic scoring test was conducted on these selected 14 combinations so as to select 10 best combinations, 5 each from Pumpkin and Ashgourd were selected for detailed study. The results revealed that T1PbS combination of Pumpkin juice mixed with amla juice and sweetened with sugar and T1AcH combination of Ashgourd juice mixed with ginger extract and honey secured highest overall acceptability mean score, 4.91 and 4.43 respectively. Chemical constituents of the developed RTS beverages were assessed and it was found that acidity content was in the range of 0.12-0.19 per cent, whereas reducing sugar and total sugar were in the range of 2.40-6.87 per cent and 11.02-13.94 per cent respectively. TSS as observed was found to be between 15-210brix. Pumpkin based RTS beverages showed higher β-carotene content. Vitamin C content of the combinations treated with amla juice, lime juice and pineapple juice showed higher values. Sodium content in the beverages ranged from 0.10-2.97 mg/100gm while potassium content was found to be in the range of 86-189 mg/100gm. Freshly prepared RTS beverages were filled in sterilized glass bottles (200ml), crown corked and pasteurized at 720C for 15 minutes after which they were cooled to room temperature. The bottles were stored at ambient condition for assessing their shelf stability. RTS beverages were assessed for the changes organoleptically and the change in chemical constituents were also determined throughout the storage period, while microbial load were determined at the initial as well as at the final stage of the storage period. The organoleptic results revealed that among Pumpkin RTS T1PbS beverage retained highest overall acceptability mean score whereas T1AcH secured highest overall mean score for Ashgourd RTS. Major chemical constituent of RTS beverages viz., total sugar, reducing sugar, TSS and acidity showed an increasing trend in all the combinations. Microbial load was also assessed in the selected ten combinations and the result revealed that initially nil to very low microbial count was found, while at the final stage of storage period, yeast cells were not seen in any combination whereas negligible growth of fungi and bacteria was observed in all the combinations. When compared with FPO specification, it was observed that the values for developed RTS beverages were on par with the specified value and even after storage period, the values were still found to be within the prescribed limit. The combination with highest organoleptic score from each Pumpkin and Ashgourd was chosen for consumer acceptability and preference study. It was found that Pumpkin based RTS beverage T1PbS was more acceptable as well as more preferred by the consumers than Ashgourd based RTS beverage T1AcH
Open Access
Age at menarche and nutritional status of urban school girls
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Reshmi, R; KAU; Rajani, M
A study on “Age at Menarche and Nutritional Status of Urban School Girls” was carried out to find out the relationship between age at menarche and nutritional status of urban school girls. Data regarding socio-economic characteristics, food consumption pattern and nutritional status of the respondents were generated. The present study was done among the two groups viz. Early Menarche Respondents (EMR) and Late Menarche Respondents (LMR). Majority of the EMR were in a age group of 10-11 years whereas LMR were in a age group of 16-17 years. Social status of the respondents indicated that majority of them were Hindus and belonged to forwarded castes. Nuclear families consisting of four members were found to be common among the respondents. Economic status of the respondents revealed that majority of them had a family income less than Rs.2250 per month. Majority of the respondents of the current study were habitual non-vegetarians. Cereals, nuts and oil seeds, sugar were used daily in the dietaries among both the groups while egg, meat and fruits were less frequently used by them. Analysis of the anthropometric data, showed that more than fifty per cent of respondents had normal Body Mass Index (BMI) and Triceps Skin fold Thickness (TST) where as Waist Hip Ratio (WHR) was found high in majority of EMR and low among LMR. Nutrient intake of the respondents showed that among EMR, except iron, protein and fat intake were found to be at par with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) whereas among LMR except protein and iron, fat intake was found above the RDA. Clinical examination revealed mild symptoms of anaemia, teeth caries and mottled enamel among the respondents. The results of the biochemical assessment indicated that majority of the respondents were non anaemic. A reasonable percentage of the respondents were mildly anaemic. No one was found severely anaemic. Nutritional Status Index (NSI) of EMR varies from 0.18 to 9.13 whereas for LMR it ranged between 0.01 and 5.41. Majority of the EMR and LMR were found to be having medium NSI. A significant co relational was observed between EMR’s age at menarche with independent variables such as total family income, body weight, TST, BMI, NSI, energy and fat intake where as with LMR only family size showed a co relational with their age at menarche.
Open Access
Efficacy of flaxseed supplement on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic subjects
(Department of Home Science, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, 2007) Lakshmi, V; KAU; Chellammal, S
The present study entitled “Efficacy of flaxseed supplement on the lipid profile of hyperlipidemic subjects” was undertaken with an objective to assess the impact of flaxseed supplement on the blood lipid profile of hyperlipidemic subjects. The supplement was formulated with flaxseed as the basic ingredient along with rice and jaggery. Ten combinations of varying proportions were formulated and the best combination was selected based on overall acceptability, nutritional adequacy and cost. Out of the ten combinations C4 (with flaxseed: 25g, Rice: 10g, Jaggery: 5g) obtained the highest score for overall acceptability, nutritional adequacy and cost was selected for the conduct of feeding trial. A list of hyperlipidemic respondents was collected from three hospitals of Thiruvanathapuram city (SK Hospital, PRS Hospital and Chelsa Hospital). From the list, one hundred respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (such as subjects willingness and Co-operation, age (between 35 to 55yrs), Serum cholesterol level 200mg/dl and above, persons who are free from other degenerative diseases and who are not under medication for hyperlipidemia) were selected for the study. Details on their medical and health history, socio-economic background, dietary and lifestyle pattern were collected using standard procedures. The medical and health history of respondents revealed that 11 per cent had family history for Hyperlipidemia. Their BMI ranged from 25.0 - 30.0 and WHR from 0.8- 0.85. Most of the respondents (59 per cent) were overweight. The socio economic survey explained that monthly income ranged from Rs5000 to Rs10, 000. 65 per cent had some types of stress and strain. 87per cent of them had adequate family and social support. Diet counselling was imparted to the hundred respondents and their attitude towards foods and food supplements was tested using attitude test. Based on the scores obtained and also their willingness to participate in the study 45subjects were selected for the feeding trial. The study group was further divided into experimental and control group. The formulated flaxseed supplement (40g) was distributed to the experimental group in the form of laddus for three months. The blood lipid profile was estimated initially intermediately and finally for both the groups. The results revealed a significant difference in the blood lipid values of experimental group after flaxseed supplementation. The lipid values of the experimental group were compared with the values of the control group to test the significance of flaxseed supplementation using t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed significant difference in the TC, HDL, LDL, and VLDL values between two groups at 5percent level of significance except for TG which was statistically insignificant. This study revealed that flaxseed supplementation can bring down the total cholesterol in hyperlipidemics and improve their lipid profile. Flaxseed can very well be recommended as a functional food for hyperlipidemics.

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