Background: Dietary patterns provide comprehensive information about the food consumption habits within a population and how an individual’s dietary pattern may change with age. Aim: To evaluate the nutritional status and dietary patterns of the elderly in Thulamela municipality of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Setting: Study was conducted in Thulamela municipality of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. Methods: This study included 300 elderly people recruited from Thulamela municipality of Vhembe district, Limpopo province. The municipality was randomly selected, and convenience sampling was used to choose elderly people. Body weight and height were measured using standard techniques. Body mass index (BMI) was determined and classified using BMI categories. Data on dietary patterns and dietary intake were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Results: A total of 300 elderly people from villages participated in the study. About 38.6% of elderly people had a primary education, while 28.1% had a secondary education. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 2.0%, 34.0% and 17.0%, respectively. Less than half of the elderly people did not meet the reference intake of energy (p = 0.023). More than half of the elderly people did not meet the reference intake of protein, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B12 and C. It was found that 13.7% of the elderly skipped breakfast every day. About 19.6% of the elderly ate supper sometimes, while 13.7% did not eat supper. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that most of the participants ate three main meals a day, with a minority skipping either breakfast or dinner or eating in between meals. The prevalence of underweight was low and that of overweight and obesity was high. Contribution: Poor food choices and physiological changes may reduce the inclusion of food rich in minerals and vitamins in the elderly’s diets and prompt the prevalence of malnutrition.

Background: Micronutrient deficiency continues to be a major public health problem affecting infants and young children under 5 years of age worldwide.Aim: The study aims to investigate feeding practices and micronutrient status of children aged 0–36 months.Setting: The study was conducted at government clinics located in Thulamela Municipality, which is one of the local municipalities in Vhembe District, Limpopo province.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 250 mothers with children aged 0–36 months were enrolled. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the mothers. Biochemical measurements of children were assessed using standard procedures.Results: Only 7.6% of children were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Majority (87.5%) of the children were introduced to complementary foods before 6 months and 98.8% of the children had a low dietary diversity score of less than four, while 9.2% had a dietary diversity score of more than four. The prevalence of vitamin A deficiency, anaemia and iron deficiency was 21.7%, 53.6% and 13.1%, respectively. For mothers who initiated breastfeeding immediately after delivery, the odds of children having low ferritin were 0.11 times, as compared to children who were initiated breastfeeding a day after delivery (odds ratio = 0.11; 95% confidence interval = 0.015–0.812).Conclusion: Most of the children were introduced to complementary foods earlier than 6 months of age. Infant feeding practices were associated with micronutrients status.Contribution: The study contributes to the body of literature on feeding practices and the micronutrient status of children.

Objective: The present study assessed the iron and Vitamin A status of children aged 0 to 36 months in Thulamela municipality, Vhembe District. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 0 to 36 months attending well-baby clinic services with their mothers. Convenience sampling was used to select study participants, and simple random sampling was used to choose clinics. Data were gathered via a questionnaire administered by the researcher and field workers from August to September 2019. Standard techniques were used to measure body weight and height. In addition, serum retinol, haemoglobin, iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, and transferrin levels were also assessed. Information on dietary diversity was gathered through a 24 h dietary recall. Results: The prevalence of underweight, wasting, and stunting was 3.6%, 2%, and 9.2%, respectively. Using serum retinol <10 µg/dL, 22% of children had vitamin A deficiency. The prevalence of anaemia was 53.6%, while 13.1% of children had iron deficiency anaemia when using serum ferritin of less than 12 μg/dL. Most children (90.8%) had an inadequate dietary diversity score, while 9.2% had sufficient dietary diversity. The most consumed food groups were grains, roots and tubers, vitamin A rich fruits and vegetable, and flesh foods. A higher percentage (44%) of children with low iron ferritin were underweight compared to those with normal iron ferritin (df = 1, p-value = 0.007). Conclusion: Iron, anaemia, and vitamin A deficiencies, accompanied by a high prevalence of stunting, were common among children in Thulamela Municipality. Thus, improving nutritional status in this area is a critical need.

The mental well-being of many community members was seriously impacted by COVID-19, with some experiencing the loss of loved ones and others losing jobs due to lockdown-related company cutbacks. There is evidence indicating that many people faced challenges in accessing essential services, including healthcare. This study aimed at investigating the effects of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions among community members of the Vhembe District, in Limpopo Province, South Africa. A qualitative, exploratory design was used for this study. Data were collected from 54 participants through nine focus group interviews with six participants each. This study identified two main themes originating from data analysis: community mental health during COVID-19 lockdown, lockdown regulations, and challenges encountered. The participants discussed the impact of COVID-19 during lockdown. This research underscores the vital necessity of implementing harm reduction strategies and long-term service policies for this group. It also emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in upholding the rights of marginalized populations.

Background: Child growth monitoring and promotion give caregivers the knowledge and tools they need to track their children’s growth. The Road-to-Health Booklet (RtHB) is used to record the child’s health and development during clinic visits. Aim: The aim of this study is to explore caregivers’ use of the RtHB in selected villages within Thulamela Municipality. Setting: The study was conducted in selected villages within Thulamela Municipality. Methods: A qualitative descriptive exploratory study was conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to gain insights into caregivers’ experiences with the RtHB. Purposive sampling was used to select 28 caregivers of children under 5 years of age for this research. In-depth interviews were conducted to gather comprehensive data, which were recorded through field notes and an audio recorder. Thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. Results: Findings revealed that caregivers perceive the RtHB as a critical tool provided after delivery for maintaining records of their children’s health status, growth and immunisation history. Some caregivers indicated that some of the information should be excluded from the Booklet because they believe information such as HIV status is confidential. Conclusion: In Thulamela municipality, caregivers demonstrated a clear understanding of the RtHB, including its purpose, appropriate usage and benefits. However, some expressed concern about the inclusion of HIV status in the Booklet. There is a need for the Department of Health to come up with strategies to keep confidential information such as HIV status through the use of code on the Booklet. Contribution: The results may contribute to the body of literature related to the caregivers’ use of the RtHB.

Obesity among adolescents has increased over the past decades in most parts of the world in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to investigate the dietary practices and anthropometric status of the rural university students in Limpopo Province. A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students in Limpopo Province. A total of 363 students aged 18 to 42 years residing at the university residences were randomly selected. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Anthropometric measurements were conducted by a qualified biokinetist. Data were analysed using SPSS version 29. More than half (57.3%) of the students were females. About 42.1% reported that they consume fast food once per week. The prevalences of overweight and obesity were 21.8% and 7.5%, respectively. A chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between soft drinks, juice, and energised drink consumption frequency and BMI status (p = 0.006). Results revealed a significant association between the frequency of eating processed food per week and the WHR status (p = 0.013). Overweight and consuming fast food and sugary drinks are significant concerns amongst rural-based university students. The current study recommends that regular nutrition education campaigns be conducted at the university to encourage students to make healthier eating choices.