The home food environment of overweight gatekeepers in the Netherlands

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to gain insight into (i) processed snack-food availability, (ii) processed snack-food salience and (iii) the size of dinnerware among households with overweight gatekeepers. Moreover, associations between gatekeepers’ characteristics and in-home observations were determined.DesignA cross-sectional observation of home food environments was conducted as part of a baseline measurement of a larger study.SettingHome food environments of overweight and obese gatekeepers in the Netherlands.SubjectsHousehold gatekeepers (n278). Mean household size of the gatekeepers was 3·0 (sd1·3) persons. Mean age of the gatekeepers was 45·7 (sd9·2) years, 34·9 % were overweight and 65·1 % were obese. Of the gatekeepers, 20·9 % had a low level of education and 42·7 % had a high level of education.ResultsIn 70 % of the households, eight or more packages of processed snack foods were present. In 54 % of the households, processed snack foods were stored close to non-processed food items and in 78 % of households close to non-food items. In 33 % of the households, processed snack foods were visible in the kitchen and in 15 % of the households processed snack foods were visible in the living room. Of the dinnerware items, 14 % (plates), 57 % (glasses), 78 % (dessert bowls), 67 % (soup bowls) and 58 % (mugs) were larger than the reference norms of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre Foundation. Older gatekeepers used significantly smaller dinnerware than younger gatekeepers.ConclusionsEnvironmental factors endorsing overconsumption are commonly present in the home environments of overweight people and could lead to unplanned eating or passive overconsumption.

Download Full-text

Nutrition and packaging characteristics of toddler foods and milks in Australia

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980020004590 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Jennifer R McCann ◽

Georgina C Russell ◽

Karen J Campbell ◽

Julie L Woods

Keyword(s):

Saturated Fat ◽

Total Sugar ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Snack Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Total Sugars ◽

Snack Foods ◽

Retail Food Environment ◽

Regulatory Approach ◽

Sugar Levels

Abstract Objective: To analyse nutritional and packaging characteristics of toddler-specific foods and milks in the Australian retail food environment to identify how such products fit within the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) and the NOVA classification. Design: Cross-sectional retail audit of toddler foods and milks. On-pack product attributes were recorded. Products were categorised as (1) food or milk; (2) snack food or meal and (3) snacks sub-categorised depending on main ingredients. Products were classified as a discretionary or core food as per the ADG and level of processing according to NOVA classification. Setting: Supermarkets and pharmacies in Australia. Results: A total of 154 foods and thirty-two milks were identified. Eighty percentage of foods were snacks, and 60 % of foods were classified as core foods, while 85 % were ultraprocessed (UP). Per 100 g, discretionary foods provided significantly more energy, protein, total and saturated fat, carbohydrate, total sugar and Na (P < 0·001) than core foods. Total sugars were significantly higher (P < 0·001) and Na significantly lower (P < 0·001) in minimally processed foods than in UP foods. All toddler milks (n 32) were found to have higher energy, carbohydrate and total sugar levels than full-fat cow’s milk per 100 ml. Claims and messages were present on 99 % of foods and all milks. Conclusions: The majority of toddler foods available in Australia are UP snack foods and do not align with the ADG. Toddler milks, despite being UP, do align with the ADG. A strengthened regulatory approach may address this issue.

Download Full-text

Knowledge and attitude of South-Indian smokers towards smoking associated health risk

Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ◽

10.1055/s-0040-1708706 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 07 (02) ◽

pp. 024-030

Author(s):

Ananya Madiyal ◽

Vidya Ajila ◽

G. Subhas Babu ◽

Shruthi Hegde

Keyword(s):

Oral Cavity ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

The Body ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

South Indian ◽

Intentions To Quit ◽

Knowledge And Attitude ◽

High Level

Abstract Aim: To assess the knowledge and attitude of South-Indian smokers towards health effects of smoking and their intentions to quit. Study design: A cross sectional questionnaire based survey was conducted among 550 smokers hailing from South India who reported to the out-patient department of the dental hospital. Results: Highest incidence of smoking in men was seen in those who received moderate level of education and those residing in rural areas. In female smokers, the highest incidence was seen in those residing in urban areas (53.8%) with a high level of education (38.4%). We found that males continued their habit mainly to destress while females used it to socialize. Majority of the participants were aware that smoking causes a host of problems in the oral cavity and 68.18% were aware that passive smoking was injurious to the body. Most of the responders admitted to having observed warnings on tobacco products and were willing to quit the habit with help from their dentists. Conclusion: Smokers are at risk for various diseases that include the cardiovascular, respiratory and reproductive systems as well as the oral cavity. This study sheds light on the level of awareness among current tobacco users and the areas of deficiency in patient education which should be addressed by clinicians.

Download Full-text

Socioeconomic influences on breastfeeding and weaning practices in a Mediterranean setting

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120003912 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Justine Parnis ◽

Neville Calleja ◽

Petra Jones

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Advice ◽

Level Of Education ◽

High Level ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

AbstractThe World Health Organisation (2016) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and the introduction of complementary foods at around 6 months. International literature suggests that although knowledge of the guidelines is high, only a minority of parents wait until 6 months to wean and sub-optimal weaning practices are common. The aim of this study was to assess breastfeeding and weaning practices and to evaluate the effect of socio-economic determinants on such behaviours in a Mediterranean setting.A cross-sectional study design was used. One-time short interviews with 250 consenting mothers having 8 month old infants were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Mothers attending all the well baby clinics in the primary health care centres of the Maltese Islands for a period of two months were included in the study. The questionnaire included socio-economic and demographic data, details on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding, weaning practices and a short assessment of the infant's usual diet at 8 months.Mothers between 25–34 years old (26%) and mothers with a high level of education (25%) were more likely to breastfeed only during the first 8 months of life without using any other type of milk, compared to younger (6.5%) or older (21%) mothers, and to mothers with a lower level of education (16%). The level of education was also positively associated with the continuation of breastfeeding, with the mean duration of breastfeeding for higher educated mothers being 4 months compared to 2.6 months in less educated mothers. Mothers with a lower level of education and mothers who are house-wives are more likely to give their infants only ready-made foods however associations were in this case borderline significant. On the other hand, appropriateness of weaning age was not associated with any socio-economic factors.The length of breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary foods varied widely between mothers. Compliance with infant feeding guidelines was poor. The mother's age, level of education and employment status all have an impact on breastfeeding and weaning practices. The provision of professional advice and a supportive environment for mothers, together with interventions for increasing awareness may promote maternal adherence to WHO guideline.

Download Full-text

A Longitudinal Analysis of Job Satisfaction During a Recession in the Netherlands

Social Indicators Research ◽

10.1007/s11205-019-02233-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 149 (1) ◽

pp. 239-269 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Patrick Pilipiec ◽

Wim Groot ◽

Milena Pavlova

Keyword(s):

Job Satisfaction ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Data Capture ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Job Level ◽

Comparison Groups ◽

Severe Recession ◽

Over Time

AbstractBetween 2008 and 2013, the Netherlands was confronted by a severe recession. This recession may have affected the job satisfaction of workers. Currently, little is known about how job satisfaction changes during a recession. To investigate the effect of the 2008–2013 recession on job satisfaction in the Netherlands, and to assess how job satisfaction changed over time. Longitudinal data from six waves of a national panel in the Netherlands are used to investigate the effects. These data capture the periods before, during and after the recession. A Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition technique is used to decompose the ordinal outcome variable job satisfaction. Subsequent waves are compared, which results in five comparison groups. Workers who participated in subsequent waves are matched to assess their job satisfaction over time. Cross-sectional associations are analyzed using the entire unmatched dataset. Workers became more satisfied with their job during the recession. After the recession ended, average job satisfaction decreased again. Both unmatched and matched analyses indicated only changes in job level affecting job satisfaction. The coefficient of education had a small effect cross-sectionally. The level of education and industry had a small effect longitudinally. However, these effects were not robust. Job satisfaction decreased before the recession commenced but increased during the recession. After the recession, job satisfaction decreased again. An increase in job satisfaction during the recession may be explained by a change in the composition of workers with respect to job level, instead of by the effect of predictors.

Download Full-text

Characterization of Norwegian women eating wholegrain bread

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980015000245 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 18 (15) ◽

pp. 2836-2845 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Toril Bakken ◽

Tonje Braaten ◽

Anja Olsen ◽

Eiliv Lund ◽

Guri Skeie

Keyword(s):

Energy Intake ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Adult Women ◽

Daily Consumption ◽

Geographical Differences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Items ◽

High Level ◽

Fourth Quartile

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate dietary and non-dietary characteristics of wholegrain bread eaters in the Norwegian Women and Cancer study.DesignCross-sectional study using an FFQ.SettingWomen were divided into two groups according to wholegrain bread consumption.SubjectsAdult women (n 69 471).ResultsMedian daily consumption of standardized slices of wholegrain bread was 2·5 in the low intake group and 4·5 in the high intake group. The OR for high wholegrain bread consumption was 0·28, 2·19 and 4·63 for the first, third and fourth quartile of energy intake, respectively, compared with the second quartile. Living outside Oslo or in East Norway and having a high level of physical activity were associated with high wholegrain bread consumption. BMI and smoking were inversely associated with wholegrain bread consumption. Intake of many food items was positively associated with wholegrain bread consumption (P trend <0·01). After adjustment for energy intake, consumption of most food items was inversely associated with wholegrain bread consumption (P trend <0·001). The mean intakes of thiamin and Fe were higher in those with high wholegrain bread consumption, even after taking energy intake into account.ConclusionsEnergy intake was strongly positively associated with wholegrain bread consumption. Geographical differences in wholegrain bread consumption were observed. Our study suggests that women with high wholegrain bread consumption do not generally have a healthier diet than those who eat less wholegrain bread, but that they tend to be healthier in regard to other lifestyle factors.

Download Full-text

College Students’ Perception of the Effectiveness of Vending Machine Interventions to Improve Snack Quality

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzab043_010 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 558-558

Author(s):

Christie Kirchoff ◽

Karina Abadia ◽

Cristina Palacios ◽

Marianna Sanchez

Keyword(s):

College Students ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

South Florida ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Snack Food ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Snack Foods ◽

Vending Machines ◽

Total Fat

Abstract Objectives The college food environment plays an integral role in student dietary intake during a critical transitional time. Snacking in the US is frequent and even more so among college students, with 98% consuming snacks daily, and about four times per day. Snacking affects overall diet quality by contributing 22% of the total energy, 36% of the total sugar, and 19% of the total fat and saturated fat consumed daily. Vending machines (VM) at colleges are of increased importance because they are used frequently and contain calorie-dense, nutrient-poor, and highly-processed foods. Many schools have attempted to improve the quality of snack foods offered in VMs with a top-down approach that often fails and might decrease VM revenue. This study aims to uncover college students' purchasing habits and preferences for improving snack options. Methods A cross-sectional survey was administered in the Spring of 2019 to a sample of 194 college students examining snacking practices and preferences at a large Hispanic serving university in South Florida. Statistical analysis using SPSS 26 included descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis in determining frequency, percentages, and relationships between VM use and factors influencing snack choice and perception of intervention effectiveness. Results Respondents' ages ranged between 18–40 years old (M = 20.9, SD = 3.10), 91% reported purchasing snack foods from vending machines. Participants who used VM (occasionally or frequently) ranked lowering the price of healthy products (score 3.45 and 3.60, respectively) as the intervention that would be most helpful in choosing a healthy snack. However, participants who rarely or never use VM chose labels indicating which items were healthy (score 3.40) as the most helpful intervention. Significant differences exist between VM users and Non-VM users related to intervention preference. Conclusions Incorporating student perspectives to tailor VM interventions to impact a broader range of VM users and non-users will improve the effectiveness. Without students' perspective, many factors that influence students' snack food choices and how they utilize VMs will be missed. By eliciting student consumers' feedback, Universities can improve food environments to include healthier options without sacrificing revenue. Funding Sources None.

Download Full-text

Variation of Adolescent Snack Food Choices and Preferences along a Continuum of Processing Levels: The Case of Apples

Foods ◽

10.3390/foods8020050 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 50 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Elizabeth Svisco ◽

Carmen Byker Shanks ◽

Selena Ahmed ◽

Katie Bark

Keyword(s):

Elementary School ◽

Food Processing ◽

Food Choices ◽

Snack Food ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Minimally Processed ◽

Food Ingredients ◽

Snack Foods ◽

Food Items ◽

Processing Level

Food processing is used for transforming whole food ingredients into food commodities or edible products. The level of food processing occurs along a continuum from unprocessed to minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed. Unprocessed foods use little to no processing and have zero additives. Minimally processed foods use finite processing techniques, including drying, freezing, etc., to make whole food ingredients more edible. Processed foods combine culinary ingredients with whole foods using processing and preservation techniques. Ultra-processed foods are manufactured using limited whole food ingredients and a large number of additives. Ultra-processed snack foods are increasing in food environments globally with detrimental implications for human health. This research characterizes the choices, consumption, and taste preferences of adolescents who were offered apple snack food items that varied along a processing level continuum (unprocessed, minimally processed, processed, and ultra-processed). A cross-sectional study was implemented in four elementary school classrooms utilizing a buffet of apple snack food items from the aforementioned four food processing categories. A survey was administered to measure students’ taste acceptance of the snacks. The study found that the students selected significantly (p < 0.0001) greater quantities of ultra-processed snack foods (M = 2.20 servings, SD = 1.23) compared to minimally processed (M = 0.56 servings, SD = 0.43) and unprocessed (M = 0.70 servings, SD = 0.37) snack foods. The students enjoyed the taste of ultra-processed snack foods (M = 2.72, SD = 0.66) significantly more (p < 0.0001) than minimally processed (M = 1.92, SD = 1.0) and unprocessed (M = 2.32, SD = 0.9) snack foods. A linear relationship was found between the selection and consumption quantities for each snack food item (R2 = 0.88). In conclusion, it was found that as processing levels increase in apple snack foods, they become more appealing and more heavily consumed by elementary school students. If applied broadly to snack foods, this conclusion presents one possible explanation regarding the high level of diet-related diseases and nutrient deficiencies across adolescents in America. Food and nutrition education, food product development, and marketing efforts are called upon to improve adolescent food choices and make less-processed snack food options more appealing and accessible to diverse consumers.

Download Full-text

Online survey of covid-19 among residents of Plateau State, Nigeria: an assessment of knowledge, perception and prevention practices (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21677 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Simji Samuel Gomerep ◽

Chundung Asabe Miner ◽

Daniel Jatau Meshak ◽

Solomon Chuwang Chollom ◽

Kim Jerry Bot ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

The State ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significance Level ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Global Pandemic ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

Plateau State ◽

High Level

BACKGROUND The global pandemic of COVID-19 has continued to spread across the world due to its highly infectious nature. Its control as of present is dependent on measures that involve banning of large gatherings, physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough hygiene and restrictions of movement. This requires that the general public is made aware of these strategies and adheres to them strictly. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to generate information on the knowledge base, perception, and prevalent practices in Plateau State of Nigeria. METHODS It was a cross-sectional survey in which responses were obtained through an online platform from adult residents of the State. Knowledge, perceptions and prevention practices of COVID-19 were assessed and analysed using Microsoft Excel and Epi-Info 7.2.3.1 at a significance level of p < 0.05 RESULTS Responses were obtained from 732 participants. Sixteen out of the 17 local government areas of the state were captured. The age group 21-50 year made up 85% of the respondents and all had some level of education. The mean level of knowledge was 24.5 ± 3.9 and was significantly associated with age and level of education. Perceptions and practices were however not commensurate with the high level of knowledge. CONCLUSIONS There is a need to increase awareness efforts to fill knowledge gaps and dispel some misconceptions and there is a need for a reciprocal improvement by the residents to adapt the practices that are needed to ensure that the disease is brought under control.

Download Full-text

Socio-economic status and urbanization are linked to snacks and obesity in adolescents in Botswana

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980011001339 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 14 (12) ◽

pp. 2260-2267 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Segametsi D Maruapula ◽

Jose C Jackson ◽

Joanna Holsten ◽

Sheila Shaibu ◽

Leapetswe Malete ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rural Areas ◽

Economic Status ◽

Snack Food ◽

Traditional Foods ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Rural Villages ◽

Snack Foods ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Diet Pattern

AbstractObjectiveTo describe patterns of food consumption associated with overweight/ obesity (OW/OB) and their links to socio-economic status (SES) and urbanization.DesignA nationwide cross-sectional survey.SettingSecondary schools in cities, towns and villages in Botswana, Africa.SubjectsA total of 746 adolescent schoolchildren.ResultsOW/OB is associated with greater SES, city residence and a snack-food diet pattern. Students belonging to higher SES compared with those from a lower SES background reported significantly (P< 0·01) more daily servings of snack foods (1·55v. 0·76) and fewer servings of traditional diet foods (0·99v. 1·68) and also reported that they ate meals outside the home more often (90 %v. 72 %). Students in cities ate significantly (P< 0·01) more servings of snacks (1·69v. 1·05v. 0·51) and fewer servings of traditional foods (0·67v. 1·52v. 1·61) compared with those in urban and rural villages. The odds of OW/OB were increased 1·16-fold with a snack-food diet, a result that was diminished when controlled for SES.ConclusionsThese data suggest that nutritional transition occurs at different rates across urbanization and SES levels in Botswana. In cities, increasing the availability of fruit while reducing access to or portion sizes of snack items is important. Emphasis on continued intake of traditional foods may also be helpful as rural areas undergo economic and infrastructural development.

Download Full-text

Energy density, energy costs and income – how are they related?

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980009992989 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 1599-1608 ◽

Cited By ~ 56

Author(s):

Wilma E Waterlander ◽

Wendy E de Haas ◽

Inge van Amstel ◽

Albertine J Schuit ◽

Jos WR Twisk ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Energy Density ◽

The Netherlands ◽

Vegetable Intake ◽

Food Prices ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Future Research ◽

Energy Costs ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Income Levels ◽

Food Items

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between energy density and energy costs in single food items and composed diets, and to explore differences in energy density and energy cost between income levels.DesignA cross-sectional study using data from two Dutch cohort studies and recent national food prices. Food prices were retrieved from two market leader supermarkets. Data on dietary intake were measured using a computerized face-to-face interview (cohort 1) and 24 h recalls (cohort 2).SettingThe Netherlands.SubjectsA sample of 373 young adults from the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGHLS, measured in 2000) and a sample of 200 community-dwelling elderly from the Longitudinal Ageing Study Amsterdam (LASA, measured in 2007).ResultsWe found significant inverse associations between energy density and energy costs in single food items (r = −0·436, P < 0·01) and composed diets (AGHLS men r = −0·505, women r = −0·413, P < 0·001; LASA men r = −0·559, women r = −0·562, P < 0·001). Furthermore, we found that people stratified into higher energy density quartiles consumed significantly more energy per day, less fruits and vegetables, and had significantly lower diet costs. Explorative analyses on income did not reveal significant differences regarding energy density, costs, or fruit and vegetable intake.ConclusionsIn the Netherlands also, energy density was inversely related with energy costs, implying that healthier diets cost more. However, we could not find differences in energy density or costs between income levels. Future research, using precise food expenditures, is of main importance in studying the economics of obesity and in the aim of making the healthier choice easier.

Download Full-text