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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358 EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 10, No. 3, 2010, pp. 2187-2202
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Bioline Code: nd10023
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 10, No. 3, 2010, pp. 2187-2202
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Soybean ( Glycine max ) Complementation and the Zinc Status of HIV and AIDS Affected Children in Suba District, Kenya
Were, G. M.; Ohiokpehai, O.; Okeyo-Owuor, J. B.; Mbagaya, G. M.; Kimiywe, J.; Mbithe, D. & Okello, M. M.
Abstract
The HIV and AIDS pandemic continues to ravage families and communities
throughout the world particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. The scourge is associated with
malnutrition specifically underweight, stunting and wasting among school children
most of whom are orphaned by HIV. Subsequently, inadequate food supply at the
household level has led to micronutrient deficiencies especially zinc. The purpose of
this study was to assess the nutritional status of children aged 6-9 years in HIV and
AIDS affected households in Suba District and to determine the effect of soybean
complementation on zinc status of the children. Suba District, Kenya is resource-poor
with high levels of food insecurity and lack of diet diversification. Experimental study
design was employed in this study. Multi-stage, stratified and simple random
sampling strategies were used to identify a total of 158 HIV and AIDS affected
children from rural communities of Suba District who formed the study sample. Of
these, one-hundred and six (106) children from both Sindo and Lambwe primary
schools were put on the feeding trial; they were fed on corn-soy blend daily for three
months. Fifty-two (52) children selected from Ong’ayo Primary School formed the
control group and were not put on the feeding trial. Structured questionnaires were
used to gather demographic and socio-economic data from mothers or guardians of
the children. Anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were used to assess
the nutritional status of children at baseline. Biochemical tests were carried out to
determine serum zinc levels of the children between baseline and three months. These
tests were analyzed at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Laboratories in
Nairobi. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)
version 11.5 and the Nutri-Survey computer soft ware. A probability value of < 0.05
was considered significant. Results showed that out of the 158 children, 48 (29.8%)
were malnourished; 43.7% were stunted, 22.9% were underweight while 33.3%
suffered wasting. Nearly all (95.7%) the children were deficient in zinc at baseline.
There was a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in zinc deficiency from 95.7% (mean
8.41 μm/l) to 70.2% (mean 10.2 μm/l) between baseline and three months of the
feeding trial. Children in HIV-affected households in Suba District suffer
underweight, stunting and wasting. Soybean complementation improved zinc status of
the children and should, therefore, be promoted in the entire community to alleviate
malnutrition.
Keywords
Underweight, stunting, wasting, zinc, soybean
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