Associations among Food Systems, Food Environments, Food Choices, Food Security, and Nutrition Transition in Limpopo Province, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vhushavhelo Nedzingahe, Betrand Ayuk Tambe, Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma and Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane ()
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Vhushavhelo Nedzingahe: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa
Betrand Ayuk Tambe: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa
Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa
Xikombiso Gertrude Mbhenyane: Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, Western Cape, South Africa

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 16, 1-21

Abstract: A cross-sectional study was applied to investigate the influence of food systems and food environments on food choices and nutrition transition of households in Limpopo province, South Africa. A sample of 429 households was systematically selected using a paper selection draw from three districts. This paper determines the association among food systems, food environments, food choices, and nutritional measurements of the respondents. A validated questionnaire was used. Most of the respondents responsible for food procurement were females (80.4%). There was a significant association ( p < 0.001) between proximity to food stores and dietary diversity of the households. Staple foods such as bread, maize, rice, samp, and mealie rice were available in almost all surveyed households (95.6%). More than half of the households (59.8%) had home gardens in their yards. Almost half of the households (48.4%) had a low Dietary Diversity Score. The study further revealed that 46.0% of households were food secure. Over a third (36.2%) of the respondents were obese, and 32.5% were diabetic. The mean total blood cholesterol was 3.69 ± 0.74 mmol/L. A high percentage of both females (89.6%) and males (91.5%) had normal hemoglobin levels. Almost half of the respondents had normal systolic blood pressure levels (45.6%), and nearly a quarter had high diastolic levels (21.4%). The 25 coping strategies were applied during food shortage periods. Even though the food environments provided both obesogenic and protective foods, the consumption of unhealthy foods was high.

Keywords: food environments; food security; dietary intake; nutritional status; household; South Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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