A nutritional assessment of teachers in one education district in Zimbabwe.

• Main Authors: Tafirenyika Mafugu, Professor Cosmas Maphosa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AfricaJournals 2017-02-01
• Series: African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure
• Subjects: nutrition; Dietary requirements; Health; Food availability; Nutrient deficiency
• Online Access: http://www.ajhtl.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_32_vol_6__2__2017.pdf

The study sought to assess the food consumed and the nutritional status of teachers in one education district in Zimbabwe. Underpinned by the positivist research paradigm, the study followed a quantitative research approach in which a descriptive survey design was utilised. A convenience sample of 62 teachers participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was employed to collect data, based on a three-day food record. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse data and analysed data were presented in tables, figures and graphs. The study found that most teachers did not consume food adequately from at least two food groups. The majority of teachers did not consume adequately from the milk and fruit groups while consumption in the grain and vegetable group lacked variety. Food consumption in the meat group was generally adequate and a variety of foods were consumed. The Body Mass Index (BMI) data revealed that 35% of the males and 36% of the females were at risk of being overweight or obese while 4% of the males and 9% of the females were at risk of being underweight. The rest (61% males and 55% females) had normal weight. Inadequate consumption of foods in some food groups accompanied by lack of variety in other food groups leaves most teachers at risk of several nutrient deficiency diseases. There is need to provide nutrition education to teachers to make them aware of cheaper nutrient dense dishes and the importance of physical activity in the promotion of good health.