Shrestha, Robin

Deteriorating complementary feeding practices and dietary quality in Jordan: Trends and challenges

Publication Type

Abstract

Quality complementary feeding (CF) of infants and young children is key to their growth and development. But in Jordan, providing appropriate CF remains a challenge. This study assesses trends in infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, and consumption by infants and young children aged 6–23 months of breast milk substitutes (BMSs), sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and micronutrient-rich foods in Jordan from 1990 to 2017.

Effective nutrition governance is correlated with better nutrition outcomes in Nepal

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Abstract

Background: The public health burden of undernutrition remains heavy and widespread, especially in low-income countries like Nepal. While predictors of undernutrition are well documented, few studies have examined the effects of political will and quality of policy or program implementation on child growth.

Recovery without resilience? A novel way to measure nutritional resilience in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Uganda

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Abstract

People in fragile environments face various shocks that negatively affect their nutrition. Many governments put policy mechanisms in place to promote recovery of households after adverse shocks; however, resilience is difficult to measure because some apparent recovery could be the result of statistical randomness and reversion to trends. This paper demonstrates a new approach to measuring nutritional resilience in a population.

Sustained intake of animal-sourced foods is associated with less stunting in young children

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Abstract

The value of animal-sourced foods (ASFs) in providing key nutrients, particularly for child growth and where diets are of low quality, is understood mainly from cross-sectional assessment of current consumption. Longitudinal panel data from Nepal, Bangladesh and Uganda were used here to assess associations among previous (lagged) and contemporaneous ASF intake with linear growth of children aged 6–24 months.

Prevalence and associated factors of breastmilk aflatoxin M1 levels in mothers from Banke, Nepal

Publication Type

Abstract

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is the hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) formed in the liver of mammals and subsequently excreted in breastmilk (BM) of mammals. Humans are exposed to AFM1 mainly through the consumption of aflatoxin contaminated milk and foods. Determining levels of AFM1 is of significant public health importance due to the risk of exposure to breastfeeding infants. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of AFM1 in BM and assess factors associated with BM AFM1 levels in mothers.

Aflatoxin exposure and child nutrition: measuring anthropometric and long-bone growth over time in Nepal

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Abstract

Background

Naturally occurring aflatoxins may contribute to poor growth and nutritional statuses in children.

Objectives

We analyzed the relationship between contemporary and lagged aflatoxin exposure and 1) length-for-age z-score (LAZ); and 2) length, knee-heel length, stunting, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), and weight-for-length z-score (WLZ).

Methods

Using mobile phone data helps estimate community-level food insecurity: Findings from a multi-year panel study in Nepal

Publication Type

Abstract:

Household food insecurity remains a major policy challenge in low-income countries. Identifying accurate measures that are relatively easy to collect has long been an important priority for governments seeking to better understand and fund solutions for communities in remote settings. Conventional approaches based on surveys can be time-consuming and costly, while data derived from satellite imagery represent proxies focused on biological processes (such as rainfall and crop growth) lack granularity in terms of human behaviors.

Household Engagement in Both Aquaculture and Horticulture Is Associated with Higher Diet Quality than Either Alone

Publication Type

Abstract:

The consumption of high-quality diverse diets is crucial for optimal growth, health, and wellbeing.

Objective: This study assessed the diet quality of households by their type of engagement in homestead aquaculture and/or horticulture. Socio-demographic determinants of diet quality were also studied.