FOOD CHAIN SYSTEM AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF INMATES IN UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF OLIA GOVERNMENT PRISON, ADJUMANI DISTRICT.  A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Edward  Dramwi; Gordon   Kibirige; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.934

Authors

Edward Dramwi School of Medical Laboratory Technology Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Gordon Kibirige School of Medical Laboratory Technology Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v5i3.934

Keywords:

Effectiveness, Prison Food Chain System, Nutritional Adequacy, Nutritional Status, Inmates, Adjumani District

Abstract

Background:

This study analyzed the effectiveness and efficiency of the prison food chain system, determined the nutritional adequacy of the prison food, and the nutritional status of the inmates in Olia government, Adjumani district, Uganda.

Method:

A cross-sectional study design was used in an average 200-bed capacity of Olia government prison. Multiple methods were used to assess food available at the group and individual levels, including verification of food portion size through food plate measurements, and quality. Food portion size measurement was done for all the 199 eligible prisoners, 179 measurements were conducted for weight and height, 2 key informant interviews were conducted, and 1 FGD with the prisoners was conducted.

Result:

Planned prison food ration to be nutritionally adequate in terms of energy (Kcal), but low in quality. The micronutrient content of the ration was low in minerals and vitamins, especially minerals like calcium and iron, and vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and deficient in vitamin B12. The ICRC dietary targets for inmates were not achieved. The prevalence of malnutrition (overweight and underweight) among the inmates was at a serious level, 10.6%. No cases of severe wasting and obesity were identified.

Conclusion:

The inmate population is at a greater risk of developing a triple burden of malnutrition due to the presence of overweight, underweight, and micronutrient deficiencies cases in the prison. Food intake to be nutritionally adequate in terms of caloric requirement but of inadequate quality. The food chain system works well, with energy change from one from preparation to distribution phase along the food chain being below the acceptable limit of 5% from the day’s ration.

Recommendations:

More efforts are needed to improve the food storage and preparation facility, local production of fruits, vegetables, small ruminants, and documentation of food stocks.