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Background: Economic growth in Rwanda is associated with significant changes in food systems, access to health and other services, lifestyle, and nutritional transitions. Nevertheless, our knowledge of dietary patterns in Rwanda remains limited. The present study aimed to identify the dietary habits of young adult population in Rwanda and to assess associated factors., Methods: A developed and validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire covering a one-year period was used to collect data on food intake of 1,218 participants (18-35 years old) from end of January to April 2023 in a cross-sectional study. Dietary habits were assessed using two indicators: the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and dietary patterns. The latest was developed using exploratory factor analysis., Results: Rwandan adults had a mean GDQS of 24.1; 64.4% had high GDQS, especially urban, and educated respondents. The Southern province led at 77.4%. Three dietary patterns were identified: "Modern" (high in processed foods and drinks), "Traditional" (rich in cereals, roots, and plant-based proteins), and "low variety" (low in diverse foods but high in sugar and salt). Dietary patterns significantly varied by residency, province, sex, age, social category, asset, and education level., Conclusion: This study identified distinct dietary patterns among adult population of Rwanda, suggesting a nutritional transition associated with urbanization. The findings highlight the need for further research into the relationships between diet, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in Rwandan population., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethical approval and consent to participate The study was conducted in line with the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical clearance was obtained from Commission on Medical Ethics of Ghent University (EC/2019/1577) and the University of Rwanda (363/CMHS IRB/2020). Next, the study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov (reference number NCT04204538). Authorization letters were requested and obtained from the authorities to get their permission to conduct the study. Data were collected from participants who gave verbal and written informed consent after clearly stating the purpose and motive of the study. Consent for publication Not applicable. Conflict of interest The authors reported no conflict of interest., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Serum retinol (SR) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) are commonly used indicators, but they are affected by infections and inflammation. This study aimed to assess the sensitivity and specificity of VA indicators to detect vitamin A deficiency (VAD) in 36-59-month-old children living in a rural area in Burkina Faso., Methods: In a community-based study, two cross-sectional surveys were carried out from November 2016 to September 2017 in the health district of Dandé in Burkina Faso. The surveys included 115 children 36-59 months old. Indicators of VA and inflammation assessed in all children included SR, RBP and total liver VA reserves (TLR) estimated by retinol isotope dilution, and inflammation markers (C-reactive protein (CRP) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)). We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. In addition, the effects of inflammation, helminth infection, and season on sensitivity and specificity were assessed., Results: The prevalence of VAD assessed by SR (< 0.7 µmol/L), RBP (< 0.7 µmol/L), and TLR (< 0.1 µmol/g liver) were, respectively, 30.9%, 33.3%, and 0%. Compared to TLR, the specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SR were 71.1%, 0%, and 100%, and of RBP, were 68.9%, 0%, and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity was indeterminable for SR and RBP. The specificity of SR and RBP was lower during the dry season. Elevated CRP (> 5.0 mg/L) and AGP (> 1.0 g/L) were detected in 1.9% and 28.6% of children, respectively. The adjustment of VA indicators for inflammation improved SR's specificity to 75.9% and decreased RBP's specificity to 67.8%., Conclusion: No cases of VAD were identified by TLR. However, (inflammation-adjusted) SR and RBP had varying accuracy in the estimation of VAD., Trial Registration: The study was registered, retrospectively, on 22 March 2018 as a clinical trial with the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry under the number Cochrane South Africa; PACTR201803002999356., (© 2023. The Author(s).)