Abstract
Background:
South African universities face a challenge of low throughput rates, with most students failing to complete their studies within the minimum regulatory time. Literature has begun ...to investigate the contribution of well-being, including mental health, with depression among students being one of the most common mental disorders explored. However, locally relevant research exploring associations between depression and academic performance has been limited. This research hypothesizes that the presence of depression symptoms, when controlling for key socio-demographic factors, has an adverse impact on student academic outcomes and contributes to the delay in the academic progression of students.
Methods:
The study used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected in 2019 from first-time, first-year undergraduate students using a self-administered online questionnaire. In total, 1,642 students completed the survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to screen for depression symptoms. Data on students’ academic performance were obtained from institutional records. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to examine associations between depression symptoms and academic performance.
Results:
Most participants (76%) successfully progressed (meeting the requirements to proceed to the second year of university study). Of the participants, 10% displayed symptoms of severe depression. The likelihood of progression delay (not meeting the academic requirements to proceed to the second year of university study) increased with the severity of depression symptoms. Moderate depression symptoms nearly doubled the adjusted odds of progression delay (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.30-3.00,
p
= 0.001). The likelihood of progression delay was nearly tripled by moderate severe depression symptoms (aOR = 2.70, 95% CI:1.70–4.36,
p
< 0.001) and severe depression symptoms (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI:1.54–4.36,
p
< 0.001). The model controlled for field of study, financial aid support as well as sex and race.
Conclusion:
Higher levels of depression symptoms among first-year university students are associated with a greater likelihood of progression delay and may contribute to the low throughput rates currently seen in South African universities. It is important for students, universities and government departments to recognize student mental wellness needs and how these can be met.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Does increasing access to finance promote human flourishing? And if so, are there pathways to sustainable credit and finance in the face of the perceived excesses of financialization? Can we reform ...or regulate the financial sector to promote sustainable credit and avoid over-indebtedness? These and similar questions have attracted considerable scholarly and public debate in the aftermath of the 2007 global financial crisis, with a growing focus on institutional alternatives to market exchange in finance and beyond. In this article, we study the persistence of non-intermediated credit, whereby lenders and borrowers engage in transactions directly and without financial intermediaries. Peer lending was a mainstay source of credit prior to the emergence of financial intermediaries and our benchmark case study outlines common features of credit relationships before modern banking in Europe. The other two case studies come from jurisdictions where non-intermediated credit persists on a broad scale, despite parties having formal access to modern finance. The aim of our contribution is threefold. First, we identify features of non-intermediated transactions that are consistent with a notion of sustainable credit, in the sense that they are not destabilising for the transacting parties (or the broader community). Secondly, we highlight the normative mechanisms that support non-intermediated credit across different settings to identify the scope conditions and limits for such transactions. Third, we evaluate such credit transactions along a set of normative benchmarks to draw out lessons for contemporary finance and financial regulation. We argue that even if non-intermediated credit cannot provide an alternative to modern finance, such transactions can help financial institutions tailor products to the needs of specific consumers or outsource credit assessment and repayment, while also allowing policymakers and regulators to identify and resolve concrete credit access problems for disadvantaged communities.
Body image dissatisfaction (BID) is associated with the development of disordered eating attitudes, which can eventually lead to eating disorders. This study was conducted to assess body image ...dissatisfaction, disordered eating attitudes and nutritional status of female undergraduate students in Lagos as a baseline for an online intervention study. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study. Multistage sampling technique was employed to select 1009 from the intervention group (University of Lagos) and 1005 students from the control group (Lagos State University). Data were collected using semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were taken following standard procedures. Perceived body size was determined by using the Pulver's Figure Rating Scale Silhouette. Disordered eating was assessed using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Data were analysed using a statistical program IBM SPSS (version 25) with a significant level set at p less than or equal to0.05. Chi-squared tests were used to detect differences in proportions for categorical variables. Fisher's exact test was used where cell sizes were less than five, independent-samples t-tests were used to test for differences in the means of continuous variables. The mean age of the students was 20.7+ or -2.0 years for intervention and 20.9+ or -2.2 years control groups. The prevalence of body image dissatisfaction was 57.0% and 60.6% among intervention and control groups, respectively. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity were 13.5%, 18.3% and 7.2%, respectively for the intervention group and 13.3%, 19.5% and 8.0% respectively for the control group. The prevalence of disordered eating attitudes was 5.2% and 4.7% for intervention and control groups, respectively. Only the control group demonstrated a significant positive association between nutritional status and body image dissatisfaction as well as body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating. There was no statistically significant difference in nutritional status, body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating attitudes among the students in the intervention and control groups. Although the prevalence of BID and overweight/obesity was high, the rate of disordered eating was low. The study showed a significant positive association between BMI and body image dissatisfaction as well as body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating among undergraduates in Lagos. Body Image dissatisfaction, overweight/obesity are higher than reported in the past although the prevalence of disordered eating was low among university undergraduates in Lagos. Interventions that address these three parameters are needed among university undergraduates to prevent increase in disordered eating, eating disorders and other related health consequences.
Although goat meat is a nutritious and sustainable Animal Food Source (AFS), it is not commonly preferred as an AFS in sub-Saharan Africa even though goats thrive in the region. To explore the ...potential of promoting goat meat consumption among young adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, an experimental study was conducted involving the development, nutrient analysis and microbial testing of two goat meat products through a series of recipe development trials. This study aimed to use food processing techniques to improve the sensory qualities of goat meat (texture and aroma) in value-added products. Goat meat patties and sausages were developed and evaluated for consumer acceptance using Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) food action rating scale and paired preference testing (n=100). Results from the nutrient analysis showed that both the patty (31.57g/100g) and the sausage (26.88g/100g) were high in protein. The total fat content for each sample was less than 10g per 100g portion. The coliform counts for both samples were very low and well within the acceptable range. The yeast and mould counts were very low, and total bacterial counts were low and within an acceptable range. The CATA test revealed the most frequently selected term used to describe the sensory attributes were 'smoky' for aroma (82%, 55%), 'brownish-grey' for appearance (68%, 80%), 'meaty' for flavour (92%, 86%), and 'tender' for texture (59%, 51%) for the goat meat patty and sausage, respectively. Participants showed a more positive attitude towards purchasing and consuming the goat meat patty (96%) than the goat meat sausage (88%). Both products received positive sensory feedback. However, the majority of the participants preferred the goat meat patty (66%) over the sausage (34%). The findings suggest that promoting goat meat consumption in South Africa can be achieved through the introduction of value-added convenience products like the goat meat patties and sausages developed in this study.
In South Africa (SA), there is a reported shift from the consumption of grains, pulses, fruits and vegetables by most households to the consumption of easily accessible, high-energy, ultra-processed ...foods. Despite their high nutritional value and affordability, indigenous, local, traditional wild and domesticated plant foods abundant in SA are still neglected and less consumed than conventional and exotic foods.
The purpose of this study is to undertake a scoping/mapping review to evaluate the potential role of underutilised local, indigenous and traditional plant species in addressing (through improving food and nutrition security) the adverse effects of the nutrition transition, which involves increased use of ultra-processed foods, on the health and nutritional status of current households in SA as well as preventing the same adverse affecting future generations.
Online databases were used to identify literature published between 2000 and 2022.
A total of 88 articles, books, book chapters and literature materials were selected using the Google Scholar search engine, where literature from Sub-Saharan Africa and global that used food and nutrition security, as well as underutilised and indigenous plant species.
Evaluation of the gathered literature revealed that the “food security” concept had been measured based on the available quantity of food. In contrast, the quality of food is severely neglected. The literature indicated a strong link between the “food environment” concept, ultra-processed foods and nutrition transition. The shift, especially by the youth, from consuming underutilised plant foods to ultra-processed foods has left older people to be the only consumers of underutilised plant foods. Monotonous preparation, the unavailability of nutritive local traditional and indigenous plant foods at supermarkets and the unappealing packaging methods of such foods were some contributors to the limited or no consumption-these challenges need to be addressed.
Food security remains the bedrock of the sustainable well-being of all nations. However, the dietary lifestyles of many underprivileged persons are compromised by limited access to nutritious food, ...which contributes negatively to malnutrition in developing countries. Bread, a wheat-based staple food, is consumed globally. It has been made in diverse forms, including Ujeqe, a traditional bread that is appreciated among the Zulus in South Africa. Its complementary foods are beans and those of animal origin, including Usu (offal), which not all people access; therefore, its singular consumption can predispose the consumer to deficiency challenges, thereby positioning it as a strategic medium for the delivery of essential nutrients for optimum well-being. Hence, interest in bread supplementation remains vital for improving nutrient intake and well-being. A food-based strategy that encourages diversified diets for essential nutrient intake has been highlighted as a cost-effective and sustainable approach to tackle malnutrition at the household level. Thus, this study assesses the perceptions of Ujeqe and Amaranthus as a potential supplement for improved food and nutrition security of the rural households in Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A mixed-design research approach was adopted for the study, and purposive convenience random sampling techniques were used to sample the population. A total of 100 structured questionnaires were generated, and clustered data of 91 respondents were pre-processed and analyzed using descriptive content analysis. The study's findings revealed that 92.59% of the respondents attested that Ujeqe is a traditional steamed bread indigenous to the study area. It is preferred because the ingredients are readily available, with an easy preparation mode. Moreover, Ujeqe is well appreciated and consumed as a main meal and a snack by all ages, excluding babies. Furthermore, 100% of the respondents in this study were familiar with Amaranthus leaves but were not familiar with their utilization as an ingredient in Ujeqe bread. Amaranthus is an underutilized crop. In this study, the respondents indicated their willingness to consume Amaranthus enriched-Ujeqe bread for improved food and nutrition security in rural communities. Therefore, awareness and processing of nutrient-dense plants, including (Amaranthus) cannot be overemphasized. Similarly, Amaranthus can be explored in Ujeqe bread for improved nutrient intake to address nutrition insecurity, especially in malnourished communities, including Empangeni KwaZulu-Natal Republic of South Africa.
Malnutrition remains a main problem in sub-Saharan Africa regardless of the applied interventions to combat food and nutrition insecurity. Biofortication of staple crops has been regarded as the ...latest intervention strategy to combat micronutrient diseases such as vitamin A deficiency in developing countries in southern Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the response of provitamin A biofortified maize cultivars under different environmental conditions. A randomized complete block design with five cultivars, two provitamin A varieties and three common maize varieties were planted in two on farm trails located under different agro-ecological zones (Bulwer and KwaDlangezwa) of KwaZulu-Natal in a two-season period (2015/16 and 2016/17). The five cultivars namely Border king (BK), provitamin A biofortified maize (PVABM), local landrace (LL), SC 506 and SC510 recorded a highly significant (P<0.001) plant growth (height and leaf number) in both experimental sites across two seasons (2015/16 and 2016/17). Chlorophyll content showed no significant differences for both trial sites in both 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons. For the first season, no significant differences (P< 0.05) were observed for biomass among the maize varieties in both trial sites. However, it was observed that SC510 had higher biomass (2.33 t/ha), while BK recorded lowest biomass (0.66 t/ha) in Bulwer. In KwaDlangezwa, the biomass ranged from 0.713 t/ha (PVA) to 1.66 t/ha (SC510). For the second season (2016/17), Biomass in Bulwer ranged from 0.86 t/ha (LL) to 1.52 t/ha (SC510) and 0.94 t/ha (BK) to 1.44 (SC510) in KwaDlangezwa. The performance of the provitamin A biofortified varieties (SC510 and PVABM) showed that they can adapt and produce similarly to common varieties. It is noted that there is potential for these varieties to adapt under different environmental conditions of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The provitamin A biofortified varieties can be produced for human consumption at common smallholder farming systems.
There has been a significant increase in the consumption of instant noodles among the youth, especially students. According to literature, instant noodles are preferred because of their taste, ...extended shelf life, cheap price as well as convenience, which suit the busy lifestyle of the student population. However, it has been highlighted that instant noodles are not always a healthy food choice. The nutrient quality compromise poses a negative impact on the functioning of the body, which could affect the student's nutrition negatively. The objective of the study was, therefore, to determine the potential of Amaranthus leaf powder in fortifying instant noodles. Articles looking at instant noodle utilization and consumption by students as well as Amaranthus use, perceptions and utilization were used in this narrative review. These were selected and grouped by the authors according to the sub-topics mentioned above. Literature reports that instant noodles can be fortified by substituting wheat flour with Amaranthus grain flour. Studies on Amaranthus snacks and other starch-based foods using the leaf part have been reported but the fortification of noodles with Amaranthus leaf powder is not documented. The findings on the consumer acceptability of Amaranthus leaf powder-fortified foods have reported lower acceptability. This is due to unfamiliar sensory attributes such as a green color and a 'leafy' taste. Amaranthus is still perceived as food for poor and backward people, which contributes to lower acceptability of the plant to the youth. Nevertheless, Amaranthus leaves are considerably nutritious and the incorporation in staple foods could maximise crop utilization. Therefore, incorporation of Amaranthus with the noodles could lead to instant noodle indigenization in South Africa and give a sense of identity to the future generations. Furthermore, Amaranth-fortified noodles could sustain the utilization of traditional foods, promoting local-based food systems and help reduce unemployment among the youth.
Child nutrition is essential to any country's food and nutrition security status. It goes beyond food security to encompass all the components of child well-being and cognitive development. It ...includes infant and young child feeding practices, care practices, and hygiene. Africa accounts for the highest prevalence of child malnutrition and mortality worldwide. The complexity and interconnectedness of the components of child nutrition in developing countries are yet to be well conceptualized. Due to a high poverty rate, economic shock, and conflicts in many sub-Sahara countries like Nigeria. Nigeria, the most populated country in this region, records a high prevalence of child malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. High poverty, poor policies, poor dietary intake, and care practices among households have become a significant concern and a public health issue, especially as the country navigates toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 and the Africa agenda 2063. This review brings home the contributions of the multidimensional drivers of child nutrition to Nigerian children's overall health outcomes and food security status. In addition, it proffers possible solutions to these challenges to ensure the attainment of both the SDGs and Africa agenda indicators that address hunger, poverty, and the overall well-being of children. The study also emphasizes the importance of optimal nutrition to ensure that children reach their full potential, reduce the risk of childhood illness and chronic diseases in adulthood, and ultimately contribute significantly to the nation's labour force, productivity, and gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, the study explores available online resources, peer-reviewed articles, books, and relevant reports from official websites that identify the drivers of children's food and nutrition security status from Nigeria's perspective. Overall, in Nigeria, most preschool children do not consume sufficiently safe and nutritious diets for optimal growth and development; hence, they are just surviving but not thriving.
Background. Establishing profiles of physical activity (PA) is critical in tackling the chronic diseases associated with lack of PA and avoiding healthcare costs. Objective. To investigate PA levels ...in urban-based South African (SA) primary school learners. Methods. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children was completed by 7 348 learners (3 867 males and 3 481 females) aged 8 - 14 years, of whom 49% were white, 39% black and 12% from other ethnic groups. Differences in PA levels by ethnic origin and province were determined using an analysis of covariance after adjusting for gender (p<0.05). Bonferroni corrections controlled for multiple comparisons. A fitted regression model examined age-related differences in PA adjusting for province. Results. Of SA learners aged 8 - 14 years, 57% (n=4 224) engaged in moderate levels of PA. Thirty-one percent (n=2 247) did not meet internationally recommended amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Overall, males reported higher PA levels than females (p<0.0001). PA levels declined with age from 11 to 14 years by 14% and 20% in males and females, respectively. Black learners had higher PA levels than white learners (p=0.0039). There were also significant differences in PA levels between the provinces (p<0.0001). Conclusion. This study provides evidence of differences in PA levels between gender, age and ethnic groups, and between provinces. A targeted approach to increase PA in high-risk populations in SA is warranted. Increased PA will help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and will contribute to the health of SA’s population and the growth of the country’s economy.
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