Urban and rural differences in dietary intake, weight status and nutrition knowledge of black female students

The objective of this study was to examine dietary intake, weight status and nutrition knowledge of young black South African women in order to identify urban-rural differences. A group of 115 black female students attending a first-year pre-registration program at the University of the North participated in the study. A quantified food frequency questionnaire was used to gather data on each student's diet prior to entering the university. Height, weight, waist and hip measurements were taken, and body mass index (BMI) and waist-tohip ratio (WHR) were calculated for each participant. Each student also completed a nutrition knowledge test (NKT). Mean dietary intakes were generally comparable to the recommended dietary allowances (RDA), with the exception of calcium, zinc and iron, which were lower. Urban women consumed significantly more sugar (65.8 vs 52.2 g) and confectionery (290.4 vs 183.7 g), and significantly less legumes (6.3 vs 18.9 g), than did rural women. The prevalence of overweight (BM1 >= 25) was high in urban (22.7%) and rural (22.9%) women and WHR was significantly greater (P = 0.0003) in rural women (0.76) compared with urban ones (0.73). Nutrition knowledge test scores were poor (mean = 40.7%) and no urban-rural differences were found. There was a positive correlation between NKT and energy, protein, carbohydrate, fibre, calcium, zinc, thiamin, niacin, and folate intakes.