BackgroundPoor hydration compromises performance and heightens the risk of heat stress which adolescents are particularly susceptible to as they produce comparatively larger amount of metabolic heat during exercise. This study determined the hydration status and fluid intake of socio-economically disadvantaged, male adolescent soccer players during training.MethodsA pilot study was conducted among 79 soccer players (mean age 15.9 ± 0.8 years; mean BMI 20.2 ± 2.1 kg/m2). Hydration status was determined before and after two training sessions, using both urine specific gravity and percent loss of body weight. The type and amount of fluid consumed was assessed during training. A self-administered questionnaire was used to determine the players’ knowledge regarding fluid and carbohydrate requirements for soccer training.ResultsPlayers were at risk of developing heat illness during six of the 14 training sessions (60 - 90 minutes in length). Although on average players were slightly dehydrated (1.023 ± 0.006 g/ml) before and after (1.024 ± 0.007 g/ml) training, some were extremely dehydrated before (24%) and after (27%) training. Conversely some were extremely hyperhydrated before (3%) and after training (6%). The mean percent loss of body weight was 0.7 ± 0.7%.The majority did not consume fluid during the first (57.0%) and second (70.9%) training sessions. An average of 216.0 ± 140.0 ml of fluid was consumed during both training sessions. The majority (41.8%) consumed water, while a few (5.1%) consumed pure fruit juice. More than 90% stated that water was the most appropriate fluid to consume before, during and after training. Very few (5.0%) correctly stated that carbohydrate should be consumed before, during and after training.ConclusionsApproximately a quarter were severely dehydrated. Many did not drink or drank insufficient amounts. The players’ beliefs regarding the importance of fluid and carbohydrate consumption did not correspond with their practices. A nutrition education programme is needed to educate players on the importance of fluid and carbohydrate to prevent dehydration and ensure appropriate carbohydrate intake.

Background: Inappropriate infant and young child complementary feeding practices related to a lack of maternal knowledge contributes to an increased risk of malnutrition, morbidity, and mortality. There is a lack of data regarding the effect of nutrition education on maternal knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices as part of a supplementary feeding intervention targeting infants and young children with moderate acute malnutrition in low-income countries like Uganda. Objective: To determine whether nutrition education improves knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices of mothers with infants and young children diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition. Methods: A cross-sequential study using a pretest-posttest design included 204 mother-infant pairs conveniently sampled across 24 randomly selected clusters. Weekly nutrition education sessions were embedded in a supplementary porridge intervention for 3 months. Mean scores and proportions for knowledge, feeding, and hygiene practices were determined at baseline and end line. The difference between mean scores at the 2 time points were calculated with the paired t test analysis, while the proportions between baseline and end line were calculated using a z test analysis. Results: Mean scores for knowledge, dietary diversity, and meal frequency were higher at end line compared to baseline (P < .001). Handwashing did not improve significantly (P ¼ .183), while boiling water to enhance water quality improved (P < .001).

Objective: To determine the accuracy of arm-associated anthropometric measurements as estimates of true height. Design: This was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. Setting: The setting was Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Subjects: The study population included a convenience sample (n = 200) of young adults aged 18 to 24 years, which included an equal number (n = 50) of white males and females, and black males and females. Outcome measures: The following measurements were taken in accordance with international standards for anthropometric kinanthropometry: (i) stretch stature; (ii) armspan; (iii) half-armspan; and (iv) demi-span. Adjustment equations used to convert arm-associated measurements to true height included that of the World Health Organization equation, half-armspan multiplied by two and, the demi-span equation. Results: None of the existing height estimation equations accurately predicted true height in the study sample. Significant differences in the accuracy of estimates were also measured between race groups (p < 0.001) and for gender (p < 0.001). In black males the demi-span male-specific equation provided results that did not differ from true height, as was also the case for armspan in white males. Black females and white females had identical outcomes where all height estimates differed significantly from true height. Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for gender and race-specific height estimation methods. It would seem that armspan is suitable for use in white males and demi-span male equation suitable for use in black males. None of the height estimation methods accurately predicted true height in females.

Background There is a paucity of published data regarding maternal socio‐demographic characteristics and associated complementary feeding practices of moderately malnourished infants and young children (IYC) in sub‐Saharan Africa. In the present study, this association was investigated in Arua, Uganda. Methods A cross‐sectional baseline survey was conducted among 204 conveniently sampled mothers of IYC aged 6–18 months with moderate acute malnutrition earmarked for dietary supplementation in four randomly selected sub‐counties to determine their socio‐demographic characteristics using a validated questionnaire. A 24‐h recall was used to evaluate complementary feeding practices in terms of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results The majority (70.1%) of mothers had a primary school education, with 15% having no formal education. Foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC were provided by 42.6% of the mothers. The MDD and MMF of IYC were 13.2% and 41.2%, respectively. MMF and MDD for MAD were met by 6.9% of IYC. Maternal level of education and MMF was significantly associated (P = 0.003), whereas the provision of foods especially purchased or prepared for IYC was significantly associated with MMF (P = 0.003). Maternal care was significantly associated with MAD (P = 0.004). Conclusions Optimal complementary feeding practices were not met by the majority of mothers. Maternal level of education and care of IYC were strong predictors of MMF. Nutrition education and care should be promoted among mothers of IYC with moderate acute malnutrition to improve MDD, MMF and MAD.

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