Browsing by Author "Lartey, A.A."
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Item Food insecurity and perceived stress but not HIV infection are independently associated with lower energy intakes among lactating Ghanaian women(Maternal and Child Nutrition, 2011-01) Addo, A.A.; Marquis, G.S.; Lartey, A.A.; Pérez-Escamilla, R.; Mazur, R.E.; Harding, K.B.Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive women living in low-income communities may have difficulty meeting the increased energy requirements that are associated with both lactation and HIV infection. Data on household food security and maternal socio-demographic characteristics, perceived stress, anthropometry, reported illness, dietary intakes and preferences, and exposure to nutrition education were collected from 70 lactating women [16 seropositive (HP), 27 seronegative (HN), and 27 who refused to be tested and had unknown HIV status (HU)]. Diet was assessed with three 24-h recalls (one market day, one weekend day, and one non-market weekday). Data were collected at 8.4 (SD = 4.7) months postpartum. Most women (74.3%) reported being in good health at the time of study. Three-day mean energy intakes did not differ by HIV status [HP: 12 000 kJ (SD = 3600), HN: 12 600 kJ (SD = 5100), and HU: 12 300 kJ (SD = 4800); P = 0.94]. Protein, fat, vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and zinc intakes also did not differ by group (P > 0.10). There was a higher proportion of women with high stress levels in food insecure households compared with food secure households (55.6% vs. 26.5%; P = 0.01). Energy intake was independently negatively associated with food insecurity [high: 11 300 kJ (SD = 3500) vs. low: 13 400 kJ (SD = 5400), respectively; P = 0.050] and stress [high: 10 800 kJ (SD = 2800) vs. low: 13 400 kJ (SD = 5300), P = 0.021]. These results suggest the need to integrate multi-dimensional interventions that address economic and mental health constraints which may limit some women's ability to meet their dietary needs. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.Item Perceived incentives and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding among periurban ghanaian women(Journal of Human Lactation, 2009-02) Otoo, G.E.; Lartey, A.A.; Pérez-Escamilla, R.Focus group discussions were conducted to elicit the perceived incentives and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding in Ghana. Thirty-five breastfeeding women were recruited from the Manya and Yilo Krobo districts of the eastern region. Participants had a mean age of 27.5 years and had at least one child < 4 months old. Almost all of the participants believed that exclusive breastfeeding is the superior infant feeding method and should be practiced for the first 6 months postpartum. However, there was widespread belief that infants can be given water if it is clean. Mothers reported that exclusive breastfeeding was easier when breast milk began to flow soon after delivery. The main obstacles to exclusive breastfeeding identified were maternal employment, breast and nipple problems, perceived milk insufficiency, and pressure from family. Addressing the concerns put forward by these participants can be used to enhance exclusive breastfeeding promotion in this region. © Copyright 2009 International Lactation Consultant Association.