Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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A Prevalence of overweight and obesity and associated lifestyle patterns among adults in Ilala City and Mkuranga District, Tanzania
(Science Publishing Group., 2025) Fransisco Chrispin Clavery; Kinabo, Renatha Pacific
Introduction: Overweight and obesity are significant global public health challenges associated with adverse burdens on the quality of life and mortality due to their association with non-communicable diseases. Early identification and control of these conditions are vital to mitigating their impact. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 respondents in Ilala City (urban) and Mkuranga district (rural) to assess the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among adults. Data were collected on lifestyle, nutrition and demographic characteristics, and anthropometric measurements of height, weight, fat mass%, and waist and hip circumference were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26% and 18.9% respectively. In Ilala City, 61.1% of respondents was either overweight (32.2% or obese (28.7%), and in Mkuranga district, the prevalence of overweight was 19.2% and that of obesity was 8.3%. Key factors negatively associated with overweight and obesity included rural residence (AOR = 0.25; 95%CI (0.14 – 0.47); P = 0.000), income (AOR = 0.2; 95%CI (0.1 – 0.5); P = 0.001), Vigorous physical activities (COR = 0.5; 95%CI (0.3 – 0.7); P =0.002), and consumption of pulses (legumes, nuts and oil seeds) (AOR = 0.1:95%CI (0.01 – 0.2); P = 0.026), and positively associated with sex (AOR = 3.65; 95%CI (2.1 – 6.3); P = 0.000), where by female respondents were more overweight or obese than males, low education (AOR = 7.6; 95%CI (1.2 – 48.5); P = 0.03) in which primary school education were at higher risk of being overweight or obese, and spending less than 75 minutes per week for vigorous physical activities (COR = 2.6; 95%CI (1.7 – 4.12); P = 0.000) were by respondents with sedentary lifestyle are at higher risk of being overweight or obese. Conclusion: The findings suggest that urbanization, sex, education level, physical activity, and dietary habits are significant predictors of overweight and obesity. This serves as a bench mark for planning further studies aiming at reducing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among the adult population through well -designed interventions.
Adequacy of macro and micronutrients in infants and young children’s diets in Zanzibar, Tanzania
(African Health Sciences, 2019) Kinabo, Joyce; Mamiro, Peter; Mwanri, Akwilina; Bundala, Nyamizi; Kulwa, Kissa; Picado, Janeth; Ntwenya, Julius; Nombo, Aneth; Mzimbiri, Rehema; Ally, Fatma; Salmini, Asha; Juma, Abuu; Macha, Elizabeth; Cheung, Edith; Msuya, John
Background: A study was conducted in Zanzibar using ProPAN software to assess nutrient adequacy of foods given to infants and children aged 6-23 months old in Zanzibar. Methodology: The 24-hr dietary recall method embedded in ProPAN software was used to determine the adequacy of energy, protein, iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin A in foods consumed by children. Sample of 200 mothers/caretakers with children aged 6-23 months were interviewed. Results: Most frequent foods given to infants and children were tea, bread, white rice and fish. Key nutrients such as iron, zinc and vitamin A were below the recommended levels except for vitamin C from the diets consumed by children aged 11-23 months. Energy and protein were considered to be adequate as more than 90% of the children received enough of these nutri- ents. Mean age of introduction of complementary foods was four months. Conclusion: Children diets were limited in fruits and vegetables that caused micronutrients of nutritional importance such as iron, zinc and vitamin A to be supplied below recommended level. Equally, fat intake was below recommended level. Nutrition education on appropriate complementary foods should be given to caregivers. Promotion of consumption of diversified diets and locally available nutrient dense foods should be emphasized so as to achieve adequate intake of nutrients to infants and young children.
Adoption of processing technologies and innovative food preservation techniques: findings from smallholders in the Lindi Region in Tanzania
(Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2024) Sarr, Malika; Majili, Zahra; Khalili, Niloofar; Matavel, Custodio E.; Mbwana, Hadijah A.; Kaingo, Jacob; Löhr, Katharina; Rybak, Constance
Adopting processing technologies and innovative food preservation is crucial for improving the food security and nutritional status of rural populations in Tanzania and other countries in the Global South. However, low adoption rates among smallholders highlight the need for a better understanding of farmers’ decision-making processes. The aim of this study is to examine extrinsic and intrinsic factors influencing smallholders’ decision-making processes in the adoption of innovative food processing and preservation techniques (specifically, pigeon pea flour-based products, threshers, dehullers) in Mitumbati and Mibure in the Lindi Region in Tanzania. Primary data on 555 farm households were collected using a standardized survey. Extrinsic influential factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. The results on internal decision-making are based on an analysis of barriers and motivations identified by farmers in relation to the uptake of the different innovations. Training and awareness emerged as the most significant factors positively associated with the adoption of all innovative processing and preservation techniques. Moreover, the results show that the primary drivers for smallholders in the study region to adopt innovative technologies were the potential health benefits and time savings they offered. The main challenge they faced was a lack of knowledge about the innovations. The results indicate that disseminating knowledge is crucial for the successful adoption of innovative processing technology in the study region. Improving and expanding training programs to be more inclusive can help to create incentives and overcome barriers, leading to increased adoption.
Agronomic performance and Heritability of some components of Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) clones
(2003) Reuben, S.O.W.M.; Marandu, E.F.T.; Misangu, R.N.
The present investigation evaluates the performance of newly identified clones in the major coffee growing zones of Kagera region, Tanzania. Five clones namely MS1/95. MS2/95. MS3/95, MS5/95. MS6/95 selected from individual trees in farmers fields and FS a control variety, were grown in farmers fields in March 1998 a four locations representing 3 coffee growing zones of Kagera region. Each chosen farmer's field was a replicate. Plant girth and fruit set percentage differed significantly among the clones tested MS2/95 had the thickest stems while MS3/95 gave the highest percentage of fruit set. Percent fruit set ranged from 13.5% - 31.4% for MS6/95 and MS3/95 respectively. Locations differed on yield % bearing primary branches canopy radius plant girth and plant height. Kabirizi B gave the highest yield of 1853.8 kg/ha while Chanika gave the lowest yield of 358.8 kg/ha. The yield differences between location were associated with performance of clones on plant height, plant girth canopy radius, primary branches and % bearing primary branches. Plant height girth canopy radius, primary branches, % bearing primary branches and yield of clean coffee were positively corrrelated among themselves. Heritability estimates were high (50%) for plant girth, berries per node and fruit set percentage. Heritability ranged from negligible for yield to 125% for plant girth. Expected genetic gain varied with heritability ranging from negligible to 36.5% for fruit set percentage. Yield of clean coffee had appreciable amounts of clone x location interaction and environmental variance in relation to the total phenotypic variance. It should be possible to realize substantial gain from selection and genetic improvement for plant girth, berries per node and fruit set percentage.
Antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among smallholder chicken farmers in Southern Mozambique
(Academic Journals, 2025) Mugabe, Noemia Andre; Kussaga, Jamal; Issa-Zacharia, Abdulsudi
Intensive production systems face challenges in treating individual chickens due to the large number of animals, resulting in the indiscriminate use of antibiotics as the only alternative. The use of antibiotics in poultry production has adverse effects on humans, as prolonged consumption of contaminated meat can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance in intestinal bacteria. A cross-sectional survey involving 395 smallholder farmers was conducted through face-to-face interviews to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use in urban and peri-urban areas of Southern Mozambique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. The findings revealed that 60% of respondents were female, 28.6% had received training on antibiotic use, and 73.2% identified poultry production as their primary source of income. Approximately 72.2% were unaware of antimicrobial resistance, while oxytetracycline (22.8%) was the most commonly used antibiotic on farms. In cases of disease, 96.99% of farmers self-administered antibiotics, and 30.9% reported consuming meat from chickens that had died during or after antibiotic treatment. Chi-square and regression analyses (p=0.000) revealed significant associations, indicating that training positively influenced knowledge regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics. Education level also influenced antibiotic use (p=0.000); farmers with higher education levels were more likely to believe that medicinal plants could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. This study revealed that antibiotic use contributes to the contamination of broiler chickens with antibiotic residues and promotes antimicrobial resistance, primarily due to inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices resulting from insufficient training in antibiotic application. To reduce, prevent, and eliminate the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and the spread of antimicrobial resistance, it is essential for the government to educate, train, and monitor veterinary professionals, smallholder farmers, and resellers on the proper use of antibiotics in poultry production.
Antimicrobial effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water for inactivation of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli on fresh strawberries (Fragaria L.)
(2010-10-18) Issa-Zacharia, A; Kamitani, Y; Muhimbula, H; Iwasaki, K
Antimicrobial effect of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW: pH 5.6 ± 0.1, 20.5 ± 1.3 mg/L available chlorine concentration; ACC) against indigenous aerobic mesophiles and inoculated Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. on fresh strawberry was assessed. The antimicrobial effect of SAEW was compared with that of strong acidic electrolyzed water (StAEW) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution. SAEW effectively reduced total aerobic mesophilic bacteria from strawberries by 1.68 log10CFU/g and was not significantly different from that of NaOCl solution (p > 0.05). Antimicrobial effect of SAEW against Salmonella spp. and E. coli was indicated by a more than 2 log10CFU/g reduction of their population and the effect was not significantly different from that of NaOCl solution and StAEW at similar treatment conditions (p > 0.05). From these findings, SAEW with a near-neutral pH and low available chlorine concentration exhibits an equivalent bactericidal effectiveness to NaOCl solution and thus SAEW is a potential sanitizer that would be used as an alternative for StAEW and NaOCl solution in the fresh fruit and vegetables industry.
Assessment of bio-security knowledge, attitude and hygienic practices among smallholder chicken farmers in Southern Mozambique
(Academic Journal, 2025) Mugabe, Noémia André; Kussaga, Jamal; Issa-Zacharia, Abdulsudi
The production of broiler chickens in intensive systems struggles to maintain hygiene in production, despite contributing to combating malnutrition, generating employment, and increasing family income, especially in developing countries. Using a structured questionnaire survey, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 395 smallholder farmers to evaluate their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to farm biosecurity in urban and peri-urban areas of Mozambique and determine the factors affecting KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practice) levels. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) (IBM version 27). The findings indicate that education level and training significantly influence (p < 0.001) food safety in terms of biosecurity knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Smallholders who attended food safety training exhibited positive attitudes (95.5%, mean score of 89.71 ± 10.1) in contrast to those who did not participate in training (74.8%, mean score of 79.91 ± 9.68). Additionally, washing hands with soap before and after using the toilet and wearing protective clothing during chicken husbandry were significantly associated with education level (χ² = 15.345, P = 0.018); those with informal education were 34% less likely to have a negative attitude toward food safety compared to those with high education. A significant correlation (p < 0.01) was observed between residence area, training, and biosecurity knowledge, attitude, and practice. Because smallholders lack training, hygiene expertise, and biosecurity practices on their farms, this study concluded that they pose a risk to public health and food safety. To maintain consumer health and guarantee food safety, farmers should properly dispose of waste, including dead chickens, and receive continuous training in excellent biosecurity measures on the farm.
Assessment of complementary foods and child feeding practices in Dodoma Region, Tanzania
(2014-06) Lyimo, M.; Muzanila, Y.
A study was carried out in Dodoma region, Tanzania to assess complementary foods and child feeding practices. Three hundred and twenty mothers with children aged between 6 to 24 months were selected randomly in four districts (Bahl, Chamwino, Dodoma Municipality and Kondoa) and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using the descriptive statistics. Results show that maize, sorghum and linger millet were commonly used cereals JOr child Pods In Dodoma region. All respondents introduced complementary food's using available cereals before their children attained the age of six months. The average age when children were introduced to complementary foods was between 3.2 and 4.7 months; being lowest in Dodoma Municipality and highest in Kondoa. Utilization and preference of cereals used in complementary foods varied among districts. Utilization of sorghum porridge hi respondents ranged from 23.8% in Chaniwino to 27.8% in Dodoma Municipality. Maize porridge ranged from 24.7% in Chamwino, to 31.3% in Kondoa. Finger millet was the most highly used cereal in Kondoa at (61.2%). Grounchnits, common legumes in Dodoma, were used in complementary fouls at different rates varying from 20.5% in Chal1710110 to 32.4% in Kondoa. Respondents who Jeed children three meals per day ranged from 23.9% in Chainwino, to 26.4 % in Dodonia Municipality. These results show that most respondents did not adhere to the recommended practices of exclusive breast jeeding for six months. There is a need 1hcrelbrc' to sensitize Wainen and the community at large on the importance of recommended practices for breast feeding and promote appropriate complementary Pods and feeding practices in order to avoid likely health complication among
Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices of maize farmers following post-intervention programs to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in Chamwino, Dodoma, Tanzania
(Urmia University, 2025) Msangi, Riziki Salehe; Issa-Zacharia, Abdulsudi; Chove, Lucy Mlipano
Aflatoxin contamination poses a significant threat to agricultural systems and public health, particularly in regions such as Dodoma, where favorable climatic conditions promote the growth of aflatoxin-producing fungi. Various interventions were initiated to address the problem of aflatoxin contamination among maize farmers in Dodoma. This study aimed to assess maize farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) following intervention programs designed to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in Chamwino district, Dodoma. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in five wards of Chamwino District: Chilonwa, Msanga, Chamwino, Majeleko, and Buigiri. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 300 maize farmers to assess their KAP related to aflatoxin contamination. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Among 300 farmers surveyed, 221 (73.7%) demonstrated awareness of aflatoxin-related interventions, whereas 79 (26.3%) did not exhibit such awareness. Of the 221 informed farmers, 123 (55.7%) demonstrated good knowledge, 51 (23.1%) exhibited medium knowledge, and 47 (21.3%) displayed poor knowledge regarding aflatoxin contamination and its mitigation. Of the participants, 186 (84.2%) exhibited positive attitudes, 34 (15.4%) displayed medium attitudes, and only 1 (0.5%) demonstrated poor attitudes. Of the participants, 157 (71.0%) exhibited good practices, while 64 (29.0%) were categorized as having medium-level practices. No farmers demonstrated poor practices regarding aflatoxin contamination and mitigation. The interventions effectively enhanced awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding aflatoxin mitigation among maize farmers in Chamwino District. Future interventions should strengthen collaboration between government agencies, Non-Government Organizations, farmer groups, and local communities to sustain and expand these gains.
Association between dietary diversity with overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional study conducted among pastoralists in Monduli District in Tanzania
(Plos One, 2021) Khamis, Ahmed Gharib; Ntwenya, Julius Edward; Senkoro, Mbazi; Mfinanga, Sayoki Godfrey; Kreppel, Katharina; Mwanri, Akwilina Wendelin; Bonfoh, Bassirou; Kwesigabo, Gideon
Background The prevalence of overweight and obesity is rising at a rapid pace and is associated with negative health consequences like cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and cancer. Obesity is a multifactorial problem that develops mainly from lifestyle factors including physi- cal inactivity and poor dietary intake. Dietary diversity is a simplified method for assessing the adequacy and quality of diet and is associated with nutritional need and overall health status. Therefore, we conducted this study to synthesize the associations between con- sumption of a diversified diet and overweight/ obesity among adults living in pastoral com- munities in Monduli district in Tanzania. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 510 adults aged � 18 years old in the Monduli district, Arusha region in Tanzania. We conducted face-to-face interviews to collect information about socio-demographic characteristics, 24-hours dietary recall, and anthropo- metric measurements. The dietary diversity score (DDS) was constructed and used to determine the diversity of the diet consumed. We performed the multivariate Poisson regressions to determine the prevalence ratio (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The dependent variables were overweight and general obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity measured by waist-hip ratio (WHR) and waist circumference (WC). Results The prevalence of general obesity based on BMI was 20.2% (95%CI; 16.9–23.9), abdominal obesity based on WHR was 37.8% (95%CI; 33.7–42.1), and WC was 29.1% (95%CI; 25.2– 33.1). More than half (54.3%) of the participants consumed an adequate dietary diversity (DDS �4). After adjustment for potential confounders, the prevalence of abdominal obesity by WHR decreased with higher DDS among male (APR = 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22–0.77) and female participants (APR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.41–0.94). There were inconsistent positive associations between DDS and prevalence of overweight and general obesity among male and female. There was no association between DDS and abdominal obesity by WC. Conclusion More than half of the pastoralists have consumed an adequate diversified diet. Given the inconsistent findings on associations between dietary diversity and obesity measures, this study suggests that targeting dietary diversity as an overweight/obesity prevention strategy requires careful consideration.
Awareness and screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in Arusha Urban, Tanzania
(AJOL, 2021) Martin, H. D.; Msollo, S. S.; Mwanri, A. W.; Petrucka, P.
Awareness is an important aspect for seeking self-prevention, diagnosis, and management of gestational diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to assess awareness and history of screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus among pregnant women in Arusha Urban District of Arusha City Council, Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018, among 468 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Ngarenaro and Kaloleni Health Centers in urban areas of Arusha District. Data collection was done through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSSTM version 20. Almost 60% of the participants completed primary school and were self-employed (55.8%) basically in small business. Few women were aware of the existence of gestational diabetes mellitus (10.7%). Among the aware women, 36, 23, 26 and 30% knew the meaning, effects, symptoms and risk factors for gestational diabetes mellitus respectively. Twelve (24%) of these women, obtained this information from the antenatal clinic while 38(76%) from different media. Awareness was positively associated with post-secondary (AOR 13.7, 95% CI: 4.07-46.15) and secondary education levels (AOR 5.5, 95% CI: 1.78-16.76). About 8.2% of the women were screened for gestational diabetes mellitus in their previous pregnancy in urine whereby 13.2% reported to have high urine glucose and provided with nutrition counselling without further follow up from the antenatal care. Therefore, awareness and screening practices for gestational diabetes mellitus are insufficient in the study area which may be attributed to low prioritization and limited resources.
Awareness on type 2 diabetes mellitus does not necessarily translate to a better knowledge and practices on prevention and management among adults
(AJOL, 2023) Msollo, S.S; Shausi, G.L.; Mwanri, A.W.
The prevalence of diet-related non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes is on the rise in Tanzania. This creates a need to explore knowledge on prevention and management for designing appropriate interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, knowledge and practices on prevention and management of type 2 diabetes among adults in urban areas of Dodoma region. This cross-sectional study involved 313 randomly selected adults. A pre-tested questionnaire adapted from the Tanzania STEPS SURVEY was administered through face-to- face interviews. Fasting blood capillary was tested using Gluco-plusTM. Sixty three percent were females and 53.6% (n=168) completed primary school. About 11% (n=35) had diabetes and 23% (n=72) pre-diabetes of which 82% (n=88) were undiagnosed before this study. About 60% (n=188) knows that diabetes can be prevented whereby 34% (n=64) and 21.3% (n=40) mentioned preventive measures to be physical activities and eating balanced diet respectively. Knowledge was positively associated with education level (AOR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.57-3.25) and female sex (AOR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.08-2.87). Half of the respondents did not know how to manage diabetes; 46% (n=70) mentioned diet as the only management strategy while 24% (n=36) mentioned physical activity. Furthermore, all participants were aware of type 2 diabetes existence of which 48% (n=150) reported it to be a consequence of overweight/obesity. However, about 89% (n=278) were unaware of gestational diabetes. Although pre-diabetes and diabetes rate was high, majorities were undiagnosed before the study and there was limited knowledge on prevention and management of diabetes creating a need for public education.
Awareness, barriers and facilitators on the use of food labels among adult consumers in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MEDICAL RESEARCH, 2026) Wazoel Ester Erasto; Pacific Renatha M.; Mwanri Akwilina Wendelin
Background: Food labeling is a fundamental educational tool for advocating for public awareness. When properly used, food labels serve as an essential public health tool that help consumers understand the nutrition value of food, storage conditions, compare products and make informed food choices. This study aimed to assess the awareness, use, barriers and motivators regarding prepackage food label among adults’ consumers in Morogoro Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2025, among 310 adults aged 18+ years. Data were collected using a structured and pretested questionnaire that covered awareness, attitude, barriers and facilitators that influence the use of label on prepackaged foods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, employing descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic analysis. Results: Out of 310 respondents, about 76% were female;37% were of age between 31-50 years. Awareness of food labels was high (73.5%) of which 50% read the labels consistently. Increased age was negatively associated with reading food labels [AOR 0.96, 95% CI [0.94, 0.98]), while having secondary (AOR 3.09, 95% CI [1.1, 8.71]) or university education (AOR 4.5, 95% CI [1.42, 14.3]) significantly increased the likelihood of reading food labels. Barriers were language used (60%), time constraints (51%), information overload (46%), complexity (47%) and distrust on labels (37%). Health and dietary goals (23.5%) were the main facilitators for food label use. Conclusion: Despite high awareness, consistent food label use was moderate. Barriers such as language, complexity, time constraints, information overload and lack of trust on food labels hinder usage, while health goals encourage engagement. The ministry of Trade and Industry should ensure compliance of label requirements in respect of the language. Target public education is essential to improve consumer understanding and use of food labels.
Bioactive compounds in Diospyros mafiensis roots inhibit growth, sporulation and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
(Wageningen Academic Publishers, 2017-01-20) Mmongoyo, J.A.; Nair, M.G.; Linz, J.E.; Wu, F.; Mugula, J.K.; Dissanayake, A.A.; Zhang, C.; Day, D.M.; Wee, J.M.; Strasburg, G.M.
Diospyros mafiensis F. White is a medicinal shrub or small tree (6 m tall) widely distributed in the Zanzibar- Inhambane regional mosaic and traditionally used to treat leprosy, diarrhoea, and skin fungal infections in Tanzania and Mozambique. Our objective was to determine the anti-aflatoxigenic properties of compounds from D. mafiensis root bark against vegetative growth, sporulation and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Bioassay-guided extraction, fractionation, and isolation of bioactive compounds using A. parasiticus B62 were employed. The bioactive compounds were elucidated using 1 H and 13 CNMR and LC-MS. Growth inhibition was determined by measuring the colony diameter of A. flavus AF3357 and A. parasiticus SU-1 ATCC56775. Inhibitory effects on sporulation were estimated using a haemocytometer. Total aflatoxin was quantified by direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Bioactive compounds diosquinone (DQ) and 3-hydroxydiosquinone (3HDQ) were identified. DQ weakly inhibited A. flavus and A. parasiticus vegetative growth (MIC 50 >100 μg/ml) and 3HDQ strongly inhibited A. flavus (MIC 50 = 14.9 μg/ml) and A. parasiticus (MIC 50 = 39.1 μg/ml). DQ strongly reduced total aflatoxin production by A. flavus from 157 to 36 ng/plate, and by A. parasiticus from 1,145 ng/plate to 45 ng/plate at 100 μg/ml. 3HDQ reduced total aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus from 1,145 to 32 ng/plate; stimulated production by A. flavus from 157 to 872 ng/plate at 12.5 μg/ml but reduced to 45 ng/plate at 100 μg/ ml. In summary, DQ and 3HDQ could be used as natural antifungal compounds to prevent mould growth and aflatoxin accumulation in food and feed.
Body fat content, distribution and blood glucose concentration among adults population in Ilala Municipality, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
(2015) Majili, Z.S; Kinabo, J.
Body fat content has been associated with increase of blood glucose concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body fat content, its distribution and blood glucose concentration among adult population. A cross sectional survey was carried among 270 randomly selected adults, aged above 25 years. Bioelectrical impendence technique was used to determine body fat content. Waist-hip-measures were used to assess abdominal obesity. Blood glucose level was determined by GlucoPlus™ meter with a disposable blood glucose test strip. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 16). The mean age of the subject was 38 ± 10.5(SD). Mean Body fat content was 27 ± 10.3(SD). About 49% and 22% of subjects were obese and underweight respectively. About 83% of the female subjects and more than one third of the subjects aged above 35 years had a waist- hip ratio greater than 0.8. About 40% of the subjects who had fasting blood glucose level < 6.1mmol/L, 49% of them had elevated blood glucose level 2 hours post load glucose. About 50% of subject who had greater body fat content and waist hip ratio had impaired fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerant. Body fat content within the body has significance effects on blood glucose concentration. Consequently, there is a need of increasing awareness about healthy food consumption coupled with regular physical activities so as to reduce the risk of developing diet related chronic diseases.
Body Fat Content, Distribution and Blood Glucose Concentration Among Adults Population in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
(2015) Majili, Z.S; Kinabo, J.
Body fat content has been associated with increase of blood glucose concentration. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between body fat content, its distribution and blood glucose concentration among adult population. A cross sectional survey was carried among 270 randomly selected adults, aged above 25 years. Bioelectrical impendence technique was used to determine body fat content. Waist-hip-measures were used to assess abdominal obesity. Blood glucose level was determined by GlucoPlus™ meter with a disposable blood glucose test strip. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 16). The mean age of the subject was 38 ± 10.5(SD). Mean Body fat content was 27 ± 10.3(SD). About 49% and 22% of subjects were obese and underweight respectively. About 83% of the female subjects and more than one third of the subjects aged above 35 years had a waist- hip ratio greater than 0.8. About 40% of the subjects who had fasting blood glucose level < 6.1mmol/L, 49% of them had elevated blood glucose level 2 hours post load glucose. About 50% of subject who had greater body fat content and waist hip ratio had impaired fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerant. Body fat content within the body has significance effects on blood glucose concentration. Consequently, there is a need of increasing awareness about healthy food consumption coupled with regular physical activities so as to reduce the risk of developing diet related chronic diseases
Body mass index and dietary diversity of kitchen workers using different types of cooking fuels in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania
(Journal of Nutrition and Dietetics, 2019-12-13) Mwanri, A. W.; Mahembe, A.; Msuya, J. J.
Vulnerability to indoor pollution depends on the individual’s nutritional status as well as the nature and duration of exposure. The aim of this study was to assess Body Mass Index (BMI) and dietary diversity among kitchen workers in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. A total of 360 randomly selected kitchen workers from hotels, institutions, fast food restaurants and street food vendors were studied in a cross-sectional study and their weight and height were measured using standard methods. BMI was calculated and categorized using World Health Organization criteria. Information on sociodemographic, respiratory symptom and type of fuel used was collected using a pretested questionnaire. Dietary diversity was assessed using FAO/FANTA guideline. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft excel version 10. Results indicate that, there were more female kitchen workers (65.3%) who were relatively younger with mean age of (28 ± 7.6) years compared to (32.6±7.4) years for males. About half of the kitchen workers were overweight (48%) or obese (14.7%). Males were more overweight (52%) and obese (21.6%) compared to 46% and 11% for females respectively. Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among hotel workers (25%) compared to workers of other institutions, fast food restaurants, households and food vendors; however; there was no significant difference in BMI status with respect to type of fuel used and respiratory symptoms. About 68% consumed more than 4 food groups in a day preceding the survey. The most commonly consumed groups were cereals, fats/oils, and sugars. Vegetable consumption was also high reported by 75% of the respondents. Eggs, milk and fruits were the least consumed food groups reported by 3.2%, 13.5% and 38.1% of the respondents respectively. Overweight and obesity were common among kitchen workers, surprisingly more common among males than females. Other exposure variables were not associated with overweight and obesity. More research is needed to support the present results especially on kind of particulate matter that are produced from kitchen fumes.
The burden and correlates of childhood undernutrition in Tanzania according to composite index of anthropometric failure
(BMC Nutrition, 2020) Khamis, Ahmed Gharib; Mwanri, Akwilina Wendelin; Kreppel, Katharina; Kwesigabo, Gideon
Background: Undernutrition is a public health problem worldwide. Tanzania has made significant achievements in the reduction of childhood undernutrition over the past two decades. However, the exact burden of undernutrition was under-estimated when using conventional indices of stunting, wasting and underweight. The objective of this study was to determine the overall prevalence of undernutrition, describe the trends and examine the correlates associated with undernutrition among children under-five years using the composite index of anthropometric failure (CIAF). This study aims to understand the real burden and drivers of undernutrition to improve design, implementation and monitoring of appropriate interventions to ameliorate all form of childhood undernutrition in the country. Methods: About 37,205 mother-child pairs were retrieved and analyzed from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS) conducted in various years from 1991, 1996, 1999, 2004–05, 2009–10, to 2015–16. The anthropometric data of children under-five years were used to determine the overall burden and trends of undernutrition using CIAF. The recent TDHS surveys from 2005 to 2015 were used to examine the correlates of CIAF. To determine the correlates, multivariate analysis was conducted to estimate the prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: The prevalence of CIAF declined significantly from 50% in 1991 to 38.2% in 2015 (p < 0.001). The correlates of CIAF vary across surveys. The multivariate analysis of recent 2015 survey revealed that the prevalence of CIAF was significantly higher for older children (p < 0.001), children living in rural areas (p = 0.028), and those born with non- educated (p = 0.009) or single mothers (p = 0.008). The prevalence of CIAF was significantly lower for girls (p < 0.001), being born with overweight/obese mothers (p < 0.001), living with older head of the household (p < 0.001) or living in richest household (p < 0.001). Moreover, children who were born with low birth weight (p < 0.001), or having fever (p = 0.044) were most likely to have anthropometric failure. However, consumption of diversified diet was not found to be associated with anthropometric failure (p > 0.05). Conclusion: About one in every three under-five years children are suffering from either one or multiple forms of anthropometric failure in Tanzania. There is a significant decline trends in overall burden of undernutrition in Tanzania from the past 25 years, as measured by CIAF. Multiple factors including those related to mothers, children and household socio-economic characteristics have the potential to influence childhood undernutrition. Efforts to reduce the burden of undernutrition should mainly focus on reducing poverty and raising people’s living standards.
Changes in fatty acids during storage of artisanal-processed freshwater sardines (Rastrineobola argentea)
(WILEY, 2023) Chaula, Davis; Jacobsen, Charlotte; Laswai, Henry S.; Chove, Bernard Elias; Dalsgaard, Anders; Mdegela, Robinson; Hyldig, Grethe
For ages, indigenous small fish species have been important in food and nutritional security of poor communities in low income countries. Freshwater fish, in particu- lar fatty fish species are attracting a great attention because they are good sources of health promoting long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n-3), Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n-3) are the main omega-3 PUFAs known to confer health benefits in humans if consumed in required amounts. While nutritionally valued, omega-3 PUFAs in fish are susceptible to oxidative damage during processing, transportation and subsequent storage. Lake Victoria sardines (Rastrineobola argentea), are rich source of chemically unstable omega-3 fatty acids DHA, DPA and EPA. Traditionally, sardines are pre- served by sun drying, deep frying and smoking. Sardine products are transported, stored and marketed at ambient temperatures. Generally, uncontrolled and higher temperatures are known to increase vulnerability of polyunsaturated fatty acids to oxidation which in turn results into loss of nutritional and sensory qualities. This study investigated changes of fat acids in sun dried, deep fried and smoked sardines during storage. Lipolysis and the progressive hydroperoxides formation were monitored by free fatty acids (FFAs) and peroxide value (PV) respectively. None volatile secondary products of lipid oxidation were measured by thiobabituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography with a flameionization de- tector (GC-FID). Deep fried sardines maintained the lowest and apparently stable PV, TBARS and FFAs. Proportions of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased with time while that of monounsaturated fatty acids increased. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA, DPA and DHA decreased with increase in storage time. In 21 days of storage, DHA was oxidized beyond detectable levels in all sardine products. Gradual increase in FFAs in sun dried sardines was suggestive of lipid hydrolysis induced by enzymes.
Characterisation of Tmmmian Local Sorghmn Varieties
(2000) Laswai, H. S.; Shao, M. R.; Mosha, T. C. E.; Muzanila, Y. C.
Many local varieties of sorghum grown in Tanzania have not been characterised in terms of their end uses. This study was conducted to characterise 14 such varieties. Three improved varieties commonly grown in this country were includedfor comparison. Physical analyses that included 100-grain weight, percent dehulling loss and percent water absorption were done. Chemical analysis of the samples to determine protein, crude fibre, fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents was done. Results showed that the 1 OO-kernel weight ranged between 1.48 and 3. 18 g. Some of the local varieties had kernel sizes that were greater than those of the improved ones. Dehulling losses for the studied varieties ranged from 4.63 to 29.85%. These losses were generally low for the commonly used local varieties. Water absorption ranged between 6.10 and 28.85%. The flour making varieties showed low water absorption capacity. The protein contents of the studied varieties (8.27-13.52%) differed significantly (P<0.05). However, the crudefibre {1.23-2.30%),fat (3.00-4.30%), ash (1.96-4.25%), and carbohydrate contents (78.84-83.96%) ofsorghum varieties did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Studies on endosperm texture revealed that most floury varieties had generally high dehulling losses and were therefore unsuitable for producing dehulled products. Corneous varieties were considered suitable for producing dehulled products due to their low dehulling losses. The intermediate endosperm texture varieties, which also experienced intermediate dehulling losses, need more studies in order to be properly classified Some of these, varieties such as Langalanga are already being used for flour making without prior dehulling. The study, therefore, calls for more screening of the local sorghum varieties not used in this study to identifY their potential in relation to end uses for future exploitation and, where possible, to exploit the promising trait for incorporation in breeding programmes.

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