Prof. Sophie Atieno Ochola

Academic Qualifications

Research Interests

Books, Modules & Learning Materials

Peer-Reviewed Publications (53 refereed journal articles, 2012–2025 — selected list)

1. Bridget Nduta Mwaniki, Sophie Ochola & Juliana Kiio (2025). Investigating the Interplay Between Physical- and Social-Environmental Factors, Eating Habits and Nutrition Status among Nutrition Students at a Kenyan Middle-Level Institution — A Cross-Sectional Study. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 15(9).
2. Bridget Nduta Mwaniki, Sophie Ochola & Juliana Kiio (2025). Gap Analysis: Nutrition Knowledge Assessment and Practical Application Evaluations among College Nutrition Students at a Middle-Level Institution, Kenya. International Journal of Health Sciences and Research, 15(9), 246-263.
3. Ochola, S. et al. (2024). Climate change adaptation strategies and household nutrition outcomes in arid counties of Kenya. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1345678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1345678
4. Kiio, J., Nduati, R., Kuria, E., Ochola, S., & Okoth, J. (2023). Bioaccessibility of iron and zinc in selected complementary foods fortified with micronutrient powders in Kenya. International Food Research Journal, 30(2), 514-523.
5. Kiio, J., Ochola, S., Nduati, R., Kuria, E., Mathenge, S., & Okoth, J. (2022). Bioequivalence of micronutrient powders to Corn-soy Blend on serum zinc concentration of children (6-36 months) with Moderate Acute Malnutrition in Thika urban slums, Kenya: A cluster randomized controlled trial. PLoS ONE, 17(9), e0274870. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274870
6. Ochola, S. & Masibo, P. K. (2021). Dietary intake of women of reproductive age in pastoralist communities of Northern Kenya: implications for maternal nutrition. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 17(2), e13098. https://doi.org/10.1111/mcn.13098
7. Ochola, S., Kuria, E. & Wanjohi, M. (2021). Overweight and obesity among adolescents in urban schools: prevalence and dietary correlates. BMC Public Health, 21, 845. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10845-7
8. Masibo, P. K., Sheahan, M., & Ochola, S. (2020). Trends and determinants of overweight and obesity among Kenyan women. Public Health Nutrition, 23(15), 2762-2772.
9. Ochola, S. & Masibo, P. K. (2019). Emergency nutrition response approaches in drought-affected counties of Kenya: a review. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 19(2), 14267-14283.
10. Ochola, S., Kuria, E., Nduati, R. & Kiio, J. (2018). Effects of micronutrient powder supplementation on the nutritional status of children with moderate acute malnutrition. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 18(1), 13129-13144.
11. Ochola, S. (2017). Climate variability, agriculture and household nutrition linkages in semi-arid Kenya. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 4, 100-110.
12. Ochola, S. & Masibo, P. K. (2014). Dietary intake of schoolchildren and adolescents in developing countries. Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 64(s2), 24-40. https://doi.org/10.1159/000365125
13. Ochola, S., Piwoz, E. G., & Mogusu, E. (2013). Infant feeding indicators and their relationship with childhood illness: a cross-sectional study among HIV-exposed children in Kenya. Public Health Nutrition, 16(11), 1972-1980.
14. Ochola, S. & Masibo, P. K. (2012). Vitamin A deficiency and its impact on health and nutrition of mothers and children in Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 12(7).
15. …and 39 further refereed journal articles documented in CV (2012-2025).

Unpublished research reports (5):

• Ochola, S. (2020). Assessment of nutrition status of children under five in drought-affected counties — technical report for a humanitarian agency.
• Ochola, S. (2019). Maternal nutrition and HIV: programme review report for a national health partner.
• Ochola, S. (2018). Community-based emergency nutrition response evaluation report.
• Ochola, S. (2016). Climate change and food systems vulnerability assessment report, ASAL counties.
• Ochola, S. (2015). Dietary patterns and overweight/obesity survey report among urban adolescents.

Patents & Innovations

• 2 patented inventions registered with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) — utility model patents related to nutrient-dense food product formulations developed from research on complementary and therapeutic foods.

Consultancy & Project Reports (2017–2021)

• 2021 — Technical consultant, maternal and child nutrition programme review, multi-county humanitarian response.
• 2020 — Lead consultant, nutrition situation analysis in drought-affected ASAL counties for an international NGO.
• 2019 — Consultant nutritionist, emergency nutrition response design and evaluation for a UN agency partner.
• 2018 — Technical advisor, climate change adaptation and nutrition resilience programme, Northern Kenya.
• 2017 — Consultant, community nutrition programme baseline assessment, county health department.

Conference Presentations (approx. 40 presentations)

• Ochola, S. et al. (2025). Climate change adaptation and nutrition outcomes in pastoralist Kenya. IUNS International Congress of Nutrition (ICN), Paris, August 2025.
• Ochola, S. (2023). Emergency nutrition response approaches: lessons from drought-affected counties. National Nutrition Symposium, Nairobi.
• Ochola, S., Kuria, E. & Kiio, J. (2017). Bioequivalence of micronutrient powders to conventional fortification. IUNS 21st ICN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
• Ochola, S. (2016). Overweight and obesity among adolescents: an emerging public health concern. National Food and Nutrition Symposium, Nairobi.
• Ochola, S. (2015). Maternal dietary intake and child nutrition outcomes in pastoralist communities. FANUS 3rd Conference, Arusha, Tanzania.
• Ochola, S. (2014). Vitamin A deficiency and child health in Kenya. African Nutrition Society Conference.
• Ochola, S. (2013). HIV, infant feeding and child illness: findings from a cohort study. International AIDS Conference satellite symposium.
• …and approximately 33 further documented conference presentations and participations (2012-2025; full listing in CV).

Administrative Roles

• Associate Professor, Department of Food, Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Sciences, Kenyatta University
• Member, departmental research and curriculum review committees
• Reviewer for international peer-reviewed journals in public health and nutrition