Browsing by Author "Mponzi, Winifrida"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Association between physical activity, nutritional status and cognitive performance among school children in southern Tanzania
(Frontiers, 2025-06-10) Mwakalebela, Fahad; Minja, Elihaika; Mwalugelo, Yohana; Killel, Erick; Rajab, Rehema; Mollel, Getrud; Mponzi, Winifrida; Masanja, Honorati; Okumu, Fredros; Lang, Christin; Gerber, Markus; Utzinger, Jürg; Long, Kurt; Kosia, Efraim; Elisaria, Ester; Finda, Marceline
Background: Physical activity is pivotal in promoting overall health and wellbeing, improving brain function and cognitive performance, and reducing risk of excessive weight and non-communicable diseases. Despite these benefits, physical inactivity among children and adolescents remains a global concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Only few studies have explored the association between physical activity, nutritional status, and cognitive performance in LMICs like Tanzania. This study assessed these associations among school children in a rural setting in southern Tanzania. Methods: Physical activity was assessed using an actigraphy device that assessed 7-day average of physical activity among school children aged 6–13 years. Cognitive performance was assessed via the Flanker task, which assessed the executive domain of cognitive functions, specifically information processing and inhibitory control. Weight was determined using Tanita digital scale, and height was measured using measuring board. A multinomial logistic regression model and a gamma generalized linear model with a log link function were used to examine the association between physical activity, nutritional status, and cognitive performance. Results: Among 678 children who participated in the baseline assessment, 77.9% had normal weight, 14.3% were underweight, 5.5% were overweight, and 2.4% were obese. Most (92.6%) of the children engaged in at least 60 min per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as per WHO recommendations. Children who did not meet the recommended MVPA level were nearly three times more likely to be obese compared to those who did. No statistically significant associations were found between physical activity and cognitive performance, or between nutritional status and cognitive performance. Conclusion: This study highlights a high prevalence of normal weight and adherence to WHO-recommended MVPA levels among school children in southern Tanzania. However, children not meeting MVPA criteria were more likely to be obese, indicating the importance of physical activity in maintaining a healthy weight. The lack of association between physical activity or nutritional status and cognitive performance, indicates that there may be additional factors that influence cognitive outcomes. Further research is needed to explore these interactions, particularly in rural LMIC settings.
Dietary diversity among households living in Kilombero district, in Morogoro region, South-Eastern Tanzania
(Elsevier B.V., 2021-06-11) Minja, Elihaika; Swai, Johnson; Mponzi, Winifrida; Ngowo, Halfan; Okumu, Fredros; Gerber, Markus; Pühse, Uwe; Long, Kurt; Utzinger, Jürg; Lang, Christin; Beckmann, Johanna; Finda, Marceline
Background: Adequate nutrition is essential for good health and active life. However, diets in most low and middle-income households lack diversity, especially in settings where people eat predominantly starchy foods. In this study, we assessed the associations between socio-economic status and household dietary diversity in families living in South-eastern Tanzania. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered to 925 parents of school children in four wards in South-eastern Tanzania, as part of a trial; assessing the effects of physical activity and micronutrient supplementation on overall growth, health and well-being of school children. The dietary intake was assessed by 24-h dietary recall and dietary diversity score (DDS) was calculated. Socio-economic status was derived from a weighted score using principal component analysis (PCA). Multinomial logistic regression was used to investigate the association between dietary diversity and socio-economic status. This baseline data assessment was completed in July and August 2019. Results: Cereals, oils and fats were the most consumed food groups, legumes were the most common source of protein and fish was the most common animal protein. More than three quarters of the households had medium dietary diversity (MDD). Higher household education and large farm size were the only factors significantly associated with having high dietary diversity. Conclusion: A majority of the households in South-eastern Tanzania have medium dietary diversity, comprised of cereal, fats and oils and proteins. Having high dietary diversity was associated with higher education and large farm sizes. Improving community members’ knowledge and awareness of nutritional benefits could improve the dietary diversity at household level.
Perspectives of men and women working in vector control in Africa regarding barriers and opportunities for achieving gender inclusivity
(BMC, 2025-05-11) Ampuriire, Patience; Bofu, Ramadhani; Msugupakulya, Betwel; Mponzi, Winifrida; Matoke-Muhia, Damaris; Finda, Marceline; Okumu, Fredros
Background Gender-inclusive strategies are crucial for tackling vector-borne diseases in Africa, but most programs still overlook the lived experiences of local practitioners regarding cultural norms, power imbalances, gender stereotypes, and workplace dynamics. This study investigated the gender-related perspectives of men and women working in vector control in Africa and their recommendations for effective gender inclusivity. Methods An exploratory mixed-methods study was conducted, starting in Tanzania with 22 in-depth interviews with team leaders, seven focus group discussions with scientists and vector control practitioners and two group discussions with vector control students. This was followed by an online survey of 150 researchers, academics, technicians, students, and vector-control staff from 16 African countries. Data on gender distribution, inclusivity, divergent male–female perspectives, and related experiences, including sexual harassment, were analysed thematically for qualitative responses and descriptively for survey responses. Results The study revealed significant gender disparities in staffing and leadership of vector control programmes in Africa, with 70.3% of men and only 40.7% of women having held leadership roles. Men occupied most vector-control roles, except in acadaemia where parity is maintained until master's degree level but biased towards men at PhD levels. Marriage weighed more heavily on women, with 44.1% of female staff remaining unmarried, compared to only 18.7% of men. Most respondents said mixed-gender teams strengthen community engagement, but they differed on effects for creativity, cost and morale, with some insisting that merit alone matters, while others seeing diversity as essential for better results. Women were more likely than men to dismiss the claims that inclusivity is ineffective or disruptive. Challenges to gender inclusivity included cultural norms limiting women's participation in overnight fieldwork, work-family pressures, and scant workplace accommodations. Men recognized the benefits of working with women but noted challenges related to societal expectations and workplace accommodations. Majority of participants (84.1%) reported had never experienced gender-based violence, but women were more likely than men to report sexual harassment. Over half of respondents believed their manager's gender significantly impacted their work environment; and some women preferred female leaders for relatability and support, while others were indifferent. Conclusion The study reveals wide gender gaps in African vector-control staffing and leadership and provides key insights for stakeholders to develop fairer workplace practices. Although the value of inclusivity is broadly recognized, cultural norms, family demands, and social expectations still weigh more heavily on women. These challenges can be addressed by incorporating a gender lens considering the perspectives of both men and women in vector control.
Societal uses of the main water bodies inhabited by malaria vectors and implications for larval source management
(Springer Nature, 2024-11-09) Kahamba, Najat; Tarimo, Felista; Kifungo, Khamisi; Mponzi, Winifrida; Kinunda, Siaba; Simfukwe, Alfred; Mapua, Salum; Msugupakulya, Betwel; Baldini, Francesco; Ferguson, Heather; Okumu, Fredros; Finda, Marceline
Background: Larval source management (LSM) effectively reduces mosquito populations at their breeding sites, addressing issues like insecticide resistance that limit the effectiveness of primary interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Although traditionally used in urban and dry areas, recent research suggests it might also be effective in rural settings in eastern and southern Africa, where Anopheles funestus thrives in permanent water bodies that sustain year-round transmission. Targeting these habitats could enhance LSM, but it requires understanding local community practices, as mosquito breeding sites often overlap with community water resources. This study examined how communities use aquatic habitats and how these practices may impact LSM strategies, with a focus on habitats used by An. funestus. Methods: This study was conducted in three villages in the Ulanga and Malinyi districts of southeastern Tanzania using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data were collected through cross-sectional surveillance, and qualitative data through unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Data analysis integrated both quantitative and qualitative findings to develop a comprehensive understanding of community perspectives. Results: A survey of 931 aquatic habitats found mosquito larvae in 73% of them, with late instar An. funestus present in 23%. River streams made up 41% of the habitats, while ground pools accounted for 4%. Most habitats (90%) were used by communities, including 95% of those with An. funestus larvae, for activities such as domestic chores, agriculture, livestock rearing, brickmaking, and fishing. Focus group discussions revealed a willingness to adopt LSM, with a preference for larviciding and habitat modification over habitat removal, as the water sources were vital for daily use. Community concerns centered on the safety of larvicides for humans and animals, the environmental impact, and the need for better awareness of how LSM affects health and livelihoods. Conclusion: This study highlights community perspectives on LSM, focusing on the dual function of aquatic habitats as mosquito breeding sites and essential community water sources. This dual role presents both challenges and opportunities, suggesting that LSM strategies must balance public health needs with socio-economic realities. There was a clear preference for larviciding and habitat modification over removal, with a strong emphasis on health and environmental safety. The study emphasizes the importance of educating communities on the safety and effectiveness of LSM, and tailoring LSM strategies to fit the needs and preferences of local communities.