Schoolchildren's food consumption and dietary intake during the dry season in north-west Namibia.

摘要

Dry season diet of schoolchildren in Kaokoland, north-west Namibia, was investigated. Food consumption data were collected by the 24-h recall interview method. The study was conducted during the dry season (Sept. and Oct.) of 2003. Subjects were schoolchildren (8-15 yr old) living in a small town (n = 43) or a rural area (n = 10). In town, the major sources of energy were maize (corn) porridge and wheat bread. For the rural children, the major energy sources were sour milk and maize. Intakes of vegetables, fruit and legumes were very low for both groups of children. Mean energy intakes 6.7 MJ/day for children living in town and 4.7 MJ/day for rural subjects. Intakes of vitamin A, vitamin C and folate were inadequate in both groups. Results show that dry season diets of Namibian schoolchildren have a low nutrient density and lack variety.