Publication: Dietary Patterns Measured by Principal Component Analysis and its Association with Stunting among Nepalese Schoolchildren in Nepal
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Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
There is a gap of knowledge on the link of major dietary patterns with stunting
among schoolchildren in Nepal.
Objective
To identify dietary patterns in rural Nepalese households in two districts and assess
their association with stunting among schoolchildren.
Method
This cross-sectional study gathered data from 708 schoolchildren aged 8-16 years
participating in the baseline survey in the Districts of Dolakha and Ramechhap,
Nepal. We derived major dietary patterns from a principal component analysis of
reported intake from a food frequency questionnaire completed through interviews
with the caregivers. Statistical analysis was conducted using mixed logistic regression
with random intercepts at the level of schools adjusting for socio-demographic and
behavioural indicators.
Result
The diet of surveyed schoolchildren was mainly comprised of starchy staples and
legumes. Five dietary patterns score were derived: mixed food, vegetables and lentils,
milk and beverages, salty snacks, and processed food. The vegetables and lentils
pattern scores were negatively associated with stunting (aOR 0.84; 95% CI: 0.66-1.08,
p=0.17) after adjusting for regional differences, demographic and behavioural risk
factors.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that adherence to dietary patterns high in vegetables and
animal protein might be associated with reduced odds of being stunted among
schoolchildren. Therefore, the promotion of dietary diversification strategies to
improve schoolchildren’s food consumption is required in the study area.
KEY WORDS
Dietary diversity, Nepal, Schoolchildren, Stunting
Description
Shrestha A,1 Shrestha A,2 Cissé G3
1Department of Public Helath
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences,
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
2Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health,
Boston, USA.
3Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute,
University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
Keywords
Dietary diversity, Nepal, Schoolchildren, Stunting