Listening to the voices of adolescents for the design of strategies to promote healthy eating: An exploratory study in a Latin American country

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Gastón Ares ◽  
Lucía Antúnez ◽  
Florencia Alcaire ◽  
Leticia Vidal ◽  
Isabel Bove
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Processed Products

Abstract Objective: To explore adolescents' views about the foods they consume and to identify their ideas about strategies to encourage healthier eating habits. Design: Individual questionnaires based on open-ended questions and group discussions (6-8 participants) were used to address the objectives. Data were analyzed using content analysis based on deductive-inductive coding. Setting: Montevideo and its metropolitan area (Uruguay, Latin America). Participants: 102 adolescents (aged between 11 and 15 years old, 52% female) recruited at two educational institutions. Results: Adolescents reported frequently consuming ultra-processed products and fast food although they were perceived as bad for their health, whereas they reported an infrequent consumption of fruits and vegetables. Multifaceted strategies to promote healthy eating habits emerged from adolescents' accounts, including public awareness campaigns, nutrition education programs, nutrition label standards and regulations, and changes in food availability and affordability. Conclusions: Results from the present work suggest that co-creation with adolescents may be an effective way to inform the development of strategies to promote healthier eating habits. The strategies suggested by adolescents were mainly focused on behaviour change communication, who emphasized the importance of social media and the involvement of celebrities and influencers. The need for educational and communication strategies to raise awareness of the social and environmental drivers of eating patterns among adolescents was identified.

Exploring the Relationship Between MyPlate Knowledge, Perceived Diet Quality, and Healthy Eating Behaviors Among Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (7) ◽  
pp. 713-721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miranda Westfall ◽  
Sarah E. Roth ◽  
Monique Gill ◽  
Alec M. Chan-Golston ◽  
Lindsay N. Rice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Diet Quality ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Eighth Grade ◽  
School Students ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eighth Grade Students

Purpose: MyPlate is the current dietary guidance icon meant to communicate healthy eating patterns. The purpose of this study is to evaluate knowledge of MyPlate nutrition education messages among middle school students and its association with dietary intake and perceived diet quality. Design: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data. Settings: Survey of eighth-grade students from 16 middle schools in California. Subjects: A total of 3521 eighth-grade students. Measures: MyPlate knowledge was assessed with 3 questions asking how much of the plate in a typical meal should be (1) fruits and vegetables, (2) grains, and (3) proteins. A brief food frequency questionnaire measured intake of fruits, vegetables, sweets, salty snacks, fast-food, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) over the past 7 days. Students self-rated their diet quality as poor, fair, good, or excellent. Analysis: Hierarchical logistic regression models controlling for gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Results: Only 11% of students answered all MyPlate questions correctly. MyPlate knowledge was associated with 65% higher odds of not consuming SSBs, but 46% lower odds of not consuming sweets. MyPlate knowledge was not associated with adolescents’ perceived diet quality or intake of salty snacks, fruits, or vegetables. Conclusion: Knowledge of nutrition education messages communicated by the MyPlate dietary guidance icon is limited among adolescents. The association between MyPlate knowledge and lower consumption of SSBs is encouraging, given the strong association between SSBs and childhood obesity.

scholarly journals An evaluation of the dietary habits of English programme medical students in their first year of studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Gawlikowska-Sroka ◽  
Edyta Dzięciołowska-Baran ◽  
Jacek Szczurowski ◽  
Magdalena Szałowska-Bojarun
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Men And Women

Introduction: Human nutrition depends on many factors. Cultural practices, socio-psychological and economic factors play important roles in development of correct nutrition patterns. Eating habits are formed most strongly during childhood and adolescence. When young people begin university study, their way of life changes significantly. In this study group, not only do the necessities of independent living and food preparation occur, but also a change the country of residence.The aim of the study was to investigate the dietary habits of medical students of the English programme.Materials and methods: The material consisted of data collected from an anonymous survey distributed among 1st year students of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry (28 men and 52 women). The study used a questionnaire consisting of open and multi-choice questions concerning the anthropometric data of subjects and principles of nutrition. Data were analysedstatistically.Results: Obesity was generally not observed in the group of examined students. In most cases body mass index (BMI) remained in the normal range. Cases of obesity were observed only among the men. There were no significant differences between the men and women in terms of the regularity of meals. About 50% of the study population declared a regular consumption of 3 main meals a day. Significantly more women than men followed slimming diets. We did not observe significant differences between men and women in terms of activities concerned with controlling weight. Significantly more women than men had fruits and vegetables every day. Men more often consumed sweets, coffee and fast-food. Analysis of the results showed abnormal patterns in the quality and quantity of meals.Conclusions: It is essential to introduce measures in the field of nutrition education into the curriculum in order to shape appropriate patterns of healthy nutrition among future doctors and thus prevent lifestyle diseases caused by inappropriate dietary habits.

scholarly journals Nutrition Knowledge is Correlated with a Better Dietary Intake in Adolescent Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danilo C. Noronha ◽  
Monique I. A. F. Santos ◽  
Adrianny A. Santos ◽  
Lizia G. A. Corrente ◽  
Rúbia K. N. Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Nutrition Education ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Sodium Intake ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nutrition Knowledge ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Cross Sectional

Nutrition education is one of the factors that may help to promote behavior change and therefore may improve the dietary habits of adolescent soccer players. However, information about the relationship between nutrition knowledge (NK) and the dietary behavior of these athletes is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the eating habits of adolescent soccer players and analyse the correlations among dietary intake and NK. Seventy-three Brazilian adolescent soccer players (aged 14–19 years), from four professional clubs, underwent anthropometric evaluation and completed 3-day food records. Misreporting of energy intake was evaluated and the dietary intake data were energy-adjusted and compared with recommendations for athletes and dietary reference intakes. The athletes also answered a questionnaire about barriers for healthy eating and a nutrition knowledge test divided into three sections: Basic Nutrition Knowledge (BNK), Sports Nutrition Knowledge (SNK), and Food Pyramid Nutrition Knowledge (FPNK). The participants showed a low NK (54.6%) and an inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, dairy, carbohydrates, and micronutrients. A positive correlation was found between the ingestion of phosphorus and FPNK as well as among calcium and both SNK and Total NK (p<0.05). Sodium intake was negatively correlated with all categories of the NK test (p<0.05). The adolescents reported that the principal barriers for adopting a healthy diet were the lack of willpower and a busy lifestyle. In this context, nutrition education is recommended and should also provide practicable healthy eating goals according to athletes´ lifestyle as well as target motivational barriers to increase adherence.

Eating Habits of Young Persons for Healthy Aging

2018 ◽  
pp. 343-356
Author(s):  
Simon T. Cheung ◽  
Susan Dawkes
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Heart Disease ◽  
Ischemic Heart Disease ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Healthy Aging ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Ischemic Heart ◽  
Consumption Behavior ◽  
Reduced Risk

Fruits and vegetables are important parts of healthy eating and they provide excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber in our diet. Those who consume fruits and vegetables regularly have a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. According to the WHO, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables may have contributed to as much as 14% of gastrointestinal cancer deaths and 11% of deaths resulted from ischemic heart disease worldwide. Since 2011, Hong Kong has been promoting a “2 Plus 3 a day” diet campaign aiming to raise the general public's awareness on consuming a minimum of 2 portions of fruits and 3 portions of vegetables a day. However, recent statistics showed that nearly 81% of people aged 18 – 64 failed to meet this requirement. This paper focuses on investigating the determinants of fruits and vegetables consumption behavior among university students in Hong Kong.

scholarly journals Changes in Eating Habits among Displaced and Non-Displaced University Students

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5369
Author(s):  
Rita Bárbara ◽  
Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
Sugary Drinks ◽  
Unhealthy Eating ◽  
Fish Ingestion ◽  
Displaced Students

Nowadays the younger generations are moving their food habits from the traditional diet to a Western diet, which is low in fruits and vegetables and high in fat and sugary drinks. University students are a particularly vulnerable population once, with the entrance to university, they are subjected to new influences and responsibilities; in particular, those who live far from their parents’ houses are more predisposed to unhealthy eating habits. To assess the influence that admission to university has had on the frequency of intake of certain foods and meals as well as their adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), self-administered questionnaires were applied. The sample included 97 Portuguese students, with an average age of 21 years, a normal weight, according to body mass index, and an average MedDiet adherence. Most of the individuals did not smoke and the majority did not drink coffee. It was also observed that displaced students consume fast food more frequently compared to the period before they start university. Fish ingestion decreased and coffee consumption increased, in the same group, after starting their university studies.

scholarly journals Barriers to avoiding fast-food consumption in an environment supportive of unhealthy eating

2012 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. 2105-2113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukar E Thornton ◽  
Robert W Jeffery ◽  
David A Crawford
Keyword(s):  
Family Support ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Economically Disadvantaged ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Fast Food Consumption

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate factors (ability, motivation and the environment) that act as barriers to limiting fast-food consumption in women who live in an environment that is supportive of poor eating habits.DesignCross-sectional study using self-reports of individual-level data and objectively measured environmental data. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with frequency of fast-food consumption.SettingSocio-economically disadvantaged areas in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia.SubjectsWomen (n 932) from thirty-two socio-economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods living within 3 km of six or more fast-food restaurants. Women were randomly sampled in 2007–2008 as part of baseline data collection for the Resilience for Eating and Activity Despite Inequality (READI) study.ResultsConsuming low amounts of fast food was less likely in women with lower perceived ability to shop for and cook healthy foods, lower frequency of family dining, lower family support for healthy eating, more women acquaintances who eat fast food regularly and who lived further from the nearest supermarket. When modelled with the other significant factors, a lower perceived shopping ability, mid levels of family support and living further from the nearest supermarket remained significant. Among those who did not perceive fruits and vegetables to be of high quality, less frequent fast-food consumption was further reduced for those with the lowest confidence in their shopping ability.ConclusionsInterventions designed to improve women's ability and opportunities to shop for healthy foods may be of value in making those who live in high-risk environments better able to eat healthily.

scholarly journals HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF THE FOOD BEHAVIOR OF YOUNGER SCHOOLCHILDREN OF SMOLENSK

2019 ◽  
pp. 38-41
Author(s):  
E.А. Tsukareva ◽  
А.V. Avchinnikov ◽  
I.L. Alimova ◽  
D.A. Avchinnikova
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Physical Development ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Food Behavior ◽  
Milk And Dairy Products

A hygienic assessment of the eating habits of younger schoolchildren of Smolensk was carried out. A survey of 307 schoolchildren of 3–4 grades with various parameters of physical development in the field of nutrition and lifestyle was carried out. The respondents’ diet showed: insufficient and irregular consumption of food – sources of animal protein (meat, milk and dairy products, fish), lack of vegetables, popularity of fast-food products, sweets and sweet carbonated drinks. The violations in the diet and the level of motor activity are most pronounced in the group of children with overweight and obesity. The results confirm the need to develop preventive measures aimed at developing a healthy eating culture among schoolchildren.

scholarly journals Sugar Sweetened Beverages Consumption among University Students of Bangladesh

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Munmun Shabnam Bipasha ◽  
Tahsin Sharmila Raisa ◽  
Shatabdi Goon
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Peer Influence ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Dietary Guidelines ◽  
Sugar Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Good Taste ◽  
Sugary Beverages

Drinking large amounts of sugary beverages can increase the risk of gaining weight and developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic diseases. This study examined the preference, prevalence and pattern of sugar sweetened beverages consumption among university students of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April, 2017 among students attending in a private university of Bangladesh. One hundred fifty undergraduates responded (83.4% male, 15.9% female) in this study. Most students (95.4%) reported sugared beverage intake and 53.6% reported more than two days in a week intake. Male students were more likely than female students to report regular sugary beverages intake (85.4% vs. 14.5%). The main reasons for fast food consumption were: good taste and refreshing (80.1%), cost effective (6.6%), easy accessibility (2.6%), increased convenience (8.6%), peer influence (1.3%). Good taste and price were the most important factors in choosing beverages. Coca-Cola (49%), Fanta (25.8%), Sprite(9.9%) and Slice(14.6%) has been reported as mostly consumed beverages among students. Most students (54.5%) reported sugary beverages purchase from neighborhood convenient stores. 94.5% students said that if they would provide with healthful beverages within their food environment, they would prefer drinking healthful beverages (lemon water, non-sugary beverages) instead of sugar beverages. Self-reported sugar-sweetened beverage consumption among undergraduates is substantial and likely contributes considerable non-nutritive calories, which may contribute to weight gain. Specific health education programs, dietary guidelines and effective public awareness campaigns could be initiated to address the unhealthy drinking pattern of university students and improve their health.

scholarly journals Barreras y facilitadores para el establecimiento de hábitos alimentarios, modelo Póngale Vida®

2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Raquel Gómez-Alpízar ◽  
Ana Rocío González-Urrutia ◽  
Ofelia Flores-Castro ◽  
Xinia Fernández-Rojas
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Eating ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Childhood Overweight And Obesity ◽  
The Family ◽  
Healthy Eating Habits ◽  
Mixed Approach

Introduction: The Preschool Cycle is a period of changes in nutritional status and eating behavior, constituting a fundamental stage for the development of healthy eating habits, where the family plays a major role. Objective: Identify the main barriers and facilitators for healthy eating in preschool age, with the purpose of designing strategies to prevent childhood overweight and obesity. Materials and Methods: The research was conducted under a mixed approach, with a descriptive and transversal type. Sixty parents or caregivers of preschool children who were part of the model during 2014 at the Mariano Cortés School (urban) and Canada School (rural), completed the questionnaire and twenty-five participated in the focus groups (one focus group in each school). Results: The barriers that the parents and caregivers faced daily included: food rejection by the child, the influence of peers and even the attitudes of adults who share with the child while eating. The facilitators that encourage healthy eating in this stage of life were: establish clear rules when eating, offer a variety of foods and explain to the child the importance of eating fruits and vegetables in a simple way. Conclusion: The barriers and facilitators to promote healthy eating in this stage of the lifetime, must be include as part of future strategies for the prevention of childhood obesity.

scholarly journals Saudi community care awareness food facts, nutrients, immune system and Covid-19 prevention in Taif City among different age categories

2021 ◽  
Vol 21` (01) ◽  
pp. 17213-17233
Author(s):  
Rokayya Sami ◽  
◽  
G Alshehry ◽  
E Elgarni ◽  
M Helal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Smoking Habit ◽  
Mineral Supplement ◽  
Star Anise ◽  
Order Of Magnitude

In December 2019, a new coronavirus was discovered in China, sparking a serious pandemic of human acute respiratory syndrome which spread worldwide at a fast rate. Public health knowledge and awareness is required on food facts, nutrients and immune system for coronavirus prevention.The study designed to investigate COVID-19 impact on dietary intake, knowledge, habits, activities and lifestyle among the people in Taif City. Data collection was conducted from the 4thto the 29thof June 2020. A total of 312 respondents, aged from ≤ 12 to ≥ 65 years were involved in the survey.About81%of the respondents were with high education level (bachelor's degree or higher). Results show that the most frequent diseases in descending order of magnitude were obesity, dental problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, low immunity and colon problems. Data collected showed an increase in food intake frequency during the epidemic except for (4.44, 41.82,12.86, and 30.51 %), like fish, bread, pasta and fast food,respectively. Two hundred and eight (208)of the respondents preferred to use olive oil in their diet due to its several benefits. The majority of the respondents preferred star anise (124) followed by sagebrush (44) as herbal drinks in descending order, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic,the study population reported to eat more herbs such as garlic (169), ginger (152) and curcuma (103)to enhance the immune system. Multivitamin (66) and vitamin D intake were reported as the highest, while vitamin B Group and ascorbic acid recorded similar intakes values. Mineral supplement intake in descending order were reported as calcium (57), iron (37) zinc (29) and selenium (5). Around 119 of the respondents had no knowledge on the exact source of COVID-19, while 113 reported as an infection from a bat to humans. The respondents recognized the symptoms as fever (270) and shortness of breath (249). Observing social distance and hand washing were chosen by most respondents (301) as a way of preventing the infection. Two cases of smokers quit the smoking habit; a minor increase rate of training activity was reported; almost all of the respondents embraced the consumption of functional foods, oils, herbs, roots, colored fruits and vegetables and special supplements during COVID-19. Knowledge oncovid-19 had significant positive impact on the respondents’ healthy eating habits, physical exercise, water intake and reduced smoking. Findings recommended intensifying efforts in sensitizing the public to a better understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the immune system.

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