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Research Article
Alexander Kwarteng
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Corresponding Author
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Background
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease with several infection phenotypes. In addition to mass drug administration, host immune response contributes to microfilariae clearance. An important influence of immunity, nutritional status, remains to be evaluated among filarial lymphedema patients. This study sought to assess the nutritional status of LF patients and its association with the pathology.
Methods
As cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the nutrition status of lymphedema patients in Ahanta West, Ghana. To obtain sociodemographic and nutrition data, a structured questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Anthropometry and 24-hour food recall were used to assess the nutritional status of participants.
Results
While all and 71 (82.6%) had adequate carbohydrate and protein intakes respectively, 83 (96.5%) had inadequate intake of fat. There were widespread inadequate nutrients intakes that were associated with stage of lymphedema: fat, r = -0.267, p = .024; carbohydrate, r = 0.305, p = .010; sodium, r = -0.259, p = .029; copper, r = -0.249, p = .036; selenium, r = -0.265, p = .025; pantothenic acid, r = -0.265, p = .025; vitamin B6, r = -0.270, p = .023; vitamin B12, r = -0.288, p = .015; and vitamin A, r = -0.276, p = .020.
Conclusion
The study shows widespread malnutrition among the participants. A nutritional intervention is recommended to complement current management strategies of filarial lymphedema.
Keywords
Lymphatic filariasis, malnutrition, lymphedema, micronutrients, nutritional status
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
No competing interests reported.
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A new preprint design is coming!
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This is a preprint, a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Research Article
Alexander Kwarteng
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
History
CURRENT STATUS: Posted
Version 1
Posted 17 Feb, 2021
No community comments so far
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Nutrition & Dietetics
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease with several infection phenotypes. In addition to mass drug administration, host immune response contributes to microfilariae clearance. An important influence of immunity, nutritional status, remains to be evaluated among filarial lymphedema patients. This study sought to assess the nutritional status of LF patients and its association with the pathology.
Methods
As cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the nutrition status of lymphedema patients in Ahanta West, Ghana. To obtain sociodemographic and nutrition data, a structured questionnaire was administered to the study participants. Anthropometry and 24-hour food recall were used to assess the nutritional status of participants.
Results
While all and 71 (82.6%) had adequate carbohydrate and protein intakes respectively, 83 (96.5%) had inadequate intake of fat. There were widespread inadequate nutrients intakes that were associated with stage of lymphedema: fat, r = -0.267, p = .024; carbohydrate, r = 0.305, p = .010; sodium, r = -0.259, p = .029; copper, r = -0.249, p = .036; selenium, r = -0.265, p = .025; pantothenic acid, r = -0.265, p = .025; vitamin B6, r = -0.270, p = .023; vitamin B12, r = -0.288, p = .015; and vitamin A, r = -0.276, p = .020.
Conclusion
The study shows widespread malnutrition among the participants. A nutritional intervention is recommended to complement current management strategies of filarial lymphedema.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
No competing interests reported.
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