Browsing by Author "Mukanu, Mulenga Mary"

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    Determinants of dietary patterns in school going adolescents in Urban Zambia
    (Frontiers Media, 2022) Mukanu, Mulenga Mary; Delobelle, Peter; Thow, Anne Marie
    Understanding dietary patterns in a population is critical for decision making. This study aimed to identify the prevailing dietary patterns and their associated individual and school environment factors among school going adolescents in Lusaka, Zambia. Method: A cross-sectional study involving 404 Grade 10 pupils from 10 secondary schools in Lusaka district was conducted. A 108-item unquantified Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was used to assess the learner's food intake practices.
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    Development of evidence-based context appropriate public policy reform models that coherently promote healthy food environments and food consumption patterns in Zambia
    (University of the Western Cape, 2022) Mukanu, Mulenga Mary; Mchiza, Zandile June-Rose
    The double burden of malnutrition is a growing concern globally. In Zambia, it is estimated that of children under five years, 35% are stunted, while 5% are either overweight or obese. In the adult population, 24% are overweight, while 90% do not meet the dietary requirement of consuming five portions of fruit a day. Evidence suggests that unhealthy dietary habits developed by children can contribute to poor health outcomes in adulthood. However, Zambia's nutrition policies are not changing rapidly enough to address the development of new challenges associated with the double burden of malnutrition. Policy reforms should be implemented to re-engineer food environments to support access to healthier food options and make these foods preferable to consumers in critical age groups like adolescence.
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    School food environment in urban Zambia: A qualitative analysis of drivers of adolescent food choices and their policy implications
    (MDPI, 2022) Mukanu, Mulenga Mary; Thow, Anne Marie; Delobelle, Peter
    Identifying context specific points for reforming policy to promote healthier food environments and consumer behavior in critical life stages like adolescence is crucial in addressing the double burden of malnutrition. Using a qualitative study design, we conducted 20 focus group discussions with grade 10 pupils from ten secondary schools in Lusaka. Turner’s framework which conceptualizes the food environment into two domains—the external domain (availability, pricing, vendor and product properties, and marketing and regulation of food) and the internal domain (accessibility, affordability, convenience, and desirability of food)—was used to guide thematic data analysis and results interpretation. Adolescents stated their food choices are largely based on personal preference linked to the need for social acceptability among peers.