Which food literacy dimensions are associated with diet quality among Canadian parents?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore associations between different food literacy dimensions and diet quality among a sample of Canadian parents and examine differences in the prevalence of food literacy items between mothers and fathers. Design/methodology/approach Parents responsible for food preparation (n=767) completed an online survey including dietary intakes and 22 items across five dimensions of food literacy (knowledge, planning, cooking, food conceptualisation and social aspects). Differences between genders for each item were analysed with χ2 tests. The healthy eating index (HEI) adapted to the Canadian Food Guide (CFG) was computed from a food frequency questionnaire. Associations between HEI scores and each item were analysed with linear regression models, controlling for sociodemographic variables and multiple testing. Findings Of parents responsible for food preparation, 81 per cent were mothers. The mean HEI score was 76.6 (SD: 10.6) and mothers reported healthier diets in comparison to fathers (p=0.01). More mothers than fathers used CFG recommendations, selected foods based on nutrition labels, made soups, stews, muffins and cakes from scratch and added fruits and vegetables to recipes (p<0.05). More fathers reduced the salt content of recipes than mothers (p=0.03). Two knowledge items and seven food conceptualisation items were significantly associated with better HEI, after controlling for covariates and multiple testing. Planning items, cooking skills and social aspects were not significantly associated with HEI. Originality/value This study investigates multiple dimensions of food literacy and identifies knowledge and food conceptualisation as potential targets for future interventions involving parents responsible for household meal preparation. This study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in food literacy.

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Skipping Breakfast Is Associated with Diet Quality and the Distribution of Food Intake Throughout the Day: NHANES 2005–20016

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa046_034 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 534-534

Author(s):

Owen Kelly ◽

Stephanie Fanelli ◽

Sara Thomas ◽

Jessica Krok-Schoen ◽

Satya Jonnalagadda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Intake ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Diabetes Management ◽

Population Based ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Nutrient Intakes ◽

Diabetes Status ◽

Skipping Breakfast

Abstract Objectives Distribution of carbohydrate intakes (carb choices) throughout the day are an important aspect to diabetes management and reducing blood glucose spikes. Skipping breakfast represents a behavior of concern, providing an extension of the overnight fast and may result in elevated sugar levels later in the day. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary intake differences, including carbohydrates, based on consuming breakfast or not, and by diabetes status. Methods Adults over 30 years from NHANES 2005–2016 were classified into nondiabetes (HbA1c <5.7%, n = 14,701), prediabetes (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%, n = 5855) and diabetes (HbA1c (≥6.5%, n = 2881). Dietary intakes were assessed using a multiple pass 24-hour recall to estimate intakes from the foods and beverages reported as consumed on the day prior to the NHANES visit. Breakfast was self-defined by participants. Total population-based means (95% CI) of nutrient intakes, MyPlate equivalents, and Healthy Eating Index 2015 scores from the day of intake were calculated across levels of glycemic control and skipping breakfast status. Results Across all groups, adults who reported breakfast consumption had a significantly better overall diet quality, while total intakes of whole grains and fiber were significantly lower in those who skipped breakfast. Intakes of added sugars were not significantly different between those who skipped versus consumed breakfast. Conclusions The absence of breakfast on the day of intake was related to differential intakes of several nutrients related to healthy eating and glycemic management, resulting in a poorer overall diet quality. Healthcare professionals could evaluate meal skipping patterns and its impact on overall nutrient intakes, and the distribution of food intake throughout the day, in people with diabetes, to help improve disease management. Funding Sources Abbott Nutrition.

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Diet Quality and Physical Activity Patterns of Musical Theatre Performers (P16-031-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz050.p16-031-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Latifa Alshaikh ◽

Ana Flavia Zuim ◽

Kathleen Woolf

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Online Survey ◽

Short Form ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Musical Theatre ◽

Moderate Physical Activity ◽

Physical Activity Patterns ◽

The Arts

Abstract Objectives Musical theatre performers are considered “athletes of the arts”, requiring excellent physical and vocal stamina to complete long rehearsals and meet performance expectations. These demands create emphasis on the importance of good nutritional intake. The purpose of this study was to assess dietary and physical activity patterns of professional musical theatre performers (MTPs) in comparison with non-performers (NPs). Methods The study was cross-sectional and used an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey included the 2010 National Cancer Institute (NCI) Diet History Questionnaire II (DHQ II) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. The DHQ II Diet*Calc software was used to generate estimates of nutrient and food group intake. NCI SAS macros calculated Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015 component and total scores. Statistical analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25. Descriptive statistics were generated for both groups. Chi-square tests were used to assess categorical data and independent sample t-tests were used to compare continuous data between the two groups. Results A total of 134 participants were included in the final analysis, of which 58 were MTPs and 76 were NPs. Participants had an average age of 27.5 ± 8.5 years and average BMI of 23.3 ±5.5 kg/m2 with no significant differences between the two groups. There were no significant associations between the two groups for sex, ethnicity, race, or educational level. MTPs obtained higher HEI scores (69.3 ± 8.5) in comparison with NPs (65.2 ± 8.6) (P = 0.007). MTPs engaged in vigorous and moderate physical activity more frequently than NPs (P < 0.001). Of the MTPs, approximately 70% reported experiencing injuries throughout their career, 44% reported following a special diet, and 10.5% reported previous eating disorder diagnosis. Conclusions This study found that the MTPs had higher diet quality compared to non-performers. However, the MTPs were more physically active than non-performers, and that prevalence of injuries among MTPs was high. Further research is needed to identify dietary needs of MTPs and develop appropriate nutrition education interventions for this unique population of “athletes in the arts”. Funding Sources None.

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Food literacy and food choice – a survey-based psychometric profiling of consumer behaviour

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-09-2020-0845 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 123 (13) ◽

pp. 124-141

Author(s):

Leopoldo Trieste ◽

Andrea Bazzani ◽

Alessia Amato ◽

Ugo Faraguna ◽

Giuseppe Turchetti

Keyword(s):

Food Consumption ◽

Online Survey ◽

Linear Regression Models ◽

Nutritional Knowledge ◽

Nutritional Properties ◽

Content Type ◽

Food Literacy ◽

General Trust ◽

Consumer Profiling ◽

Specific Education

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.Design/methodology/approachParticipants (N = 194) completed an online survey including personal data, two questionnaires on purchase behaviour and food consumption, the General Trust Scale (GTS), a questionnaire assessing individual chronotype and two scales about food literacy: one investigating nutritional knowledge (short food literacy questionnaire, SFLQ) and the other focussing on procedural skills (self-perceived food literacy scale, SPFL). Associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchase behaviour were analysed with linear regression models.FindingsParticipants with specific education in nutrition reported higher scores in food literacy. The final score of food literacy was predicted by a greater attention to nutritional content and nutritional properties of products. Women paid more attention to nutritional properties than men, and they obtained higher scores in SFLQ. Evening types obtained lower scores in SFPL compared to intermediate and morning chronotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to SPFL score, while it was associated with the easy availability of a product, so that obese (BMI ≥ 30) subjects considered the easy availability of a product more important compared to non-obese ones (BMI < 30).Originality/valueThis study investigates the influence of personal and psychometric variables of consumer profiling on food literacy and consequently on purchase behaviour, paving the way for implementing healthier food consumption policies. These findings reinforce the primacy of specific education in building healthy eating habits.

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Diet quality, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2010, and exercise associated factors of obesity: a cross-sectional study

Revista Española de Nutrición Humana y Dietética ◽

10.14306/renhyd.25.2.1109 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 189-198

Author(s):

Ismael San Mauro Martin ◽

Elena Garicano Vilar ◽

Paula Mendive Dubourdieu ◽

Victor Paredes Barato ◽

Cristina Garagarza ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diet Quality ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Quality Data ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Anthropometric Measures ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Certain weight management methods may be associated with unhealthy dietary intakes, skewing toward certain dietary components and lacking others. Management of weight should not ignore the quality of the diet, as both obesity and poor diet are associated with higher risk of chronic disease. Objective: To conduct a diet quality and exercise scan and observe their repercussion on BMI, in adults from Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Mexico. Material and methods:An observational retrospective cohort study was designed, with 1181 adults aged 18-65 years. HEI-2010 score was used to assess diet quality. Data on type, days a week and hours/day of exercise, and participant’s anthropometric measures were collected.Results: The mean HEI-2010 score was 65.21. There were no statistically significant differences between HEI-2010 score and BMI [p=0.706], BMI and days of exercise per week [p=0.151], BMI and hours/day of exercise [p=0.590] and BMI and being active [>3 days/week] [p=0.106]. On the contrary, overall exercise influenced BMI significantly [p<0.001]. Conclusions: Dietary patterns may help to prevent weight gain and fight overweight and obesity. This study, however, did not observe associations between the quality of the diet nor specifics of exercise with lower BMIs. The quality of the diet of adults in Spain, Portugal, Uruguay and Mexico fell short of recommendations.

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Full-Time Employment, Diet Quality, and Food Skills of Canadian Parents

Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research ◽

10.3148/cjdpr-2018-041 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 80 (2) ◽

pp. 63-71 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Melissa Anne Fernandez ◽

Marie Marquis ◽

Sophie Desroches ◽

Mylène Turcotte ◽

Véronique Provencher

Keyword(s):

Diet Quality ◽

Employment Status ◽

Multiple Testing ◽

Food Preferences ◽

Food Preparation ◽

Full Time ◽

Sociodemographic Variables ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Home Based ◽

Full Time Employment

Purpose: To explore the associations between full-time employment status, food skills, and diet quality of Canadian parents. Methods: A sample of Canadian parents (n = 767) were invited to complete a web-based survey that included sociodemographic variables, questions about food skills, and a validated food frequency questionnaire. Results were analyzed with linear and logistic regression models, controlling for sociodemographic variables and multiple testing. Results: After controlling for covariates and multiple testing, there were no statistically significant differences in foods skills between parents’ employment status. Time was the most reported barrier for meal preparation, regardless of work status, but was significantly greater for full-time compared with other employment status (P < 0.0001). Additionally, parents who worked full-time had lower odds of reporting food preferences or dietary restrictions (P = 0.0001) and health issues or allergies (P = 0.0003) as barriers to food preparation, compared with parents with other employment status. These results remained statistically significant even after controlling for covariates and multiple testing. Conclusions: Overall, food skills did not differ significantly between parents’ employment status. Time, however, was an important barrier for most parents, especially those working full time. To promote home-based food preparation among parents, strategies to manage time scarcity are needed.

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Serum Metabolites Associated with Healthy Diets in African Americans and European Americans

Journal of Nutrition ◽

10.1093/jn/nxaa338 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 151 (1) ◽

pp. 40-49 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hyunju Kim ◽

Emily A Hu ◽

Kari E Wong ◽

Bing Yu ◽

Lyn M Steffen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

African Americans ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

P Value ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Serum Metabolites ◽

European Americans ◽

Healthy Diets ◽

Participant Characteristics

ABSTRACT Background High diet quality is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases. Metabolomics can be used to identify objective biomarkers of diet quality. Objectives We used metabolomics to identify serum metabolites associated with 4 diet indices and the components within these indices in 2 samples from African Americans and European Americans. Methods We studied cross-sectional associations between known metabolites and Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)-2010, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Trial (DASH) diet, alternate Mediterranean diet (aMED), and their components using untargeted metabolomics in 2 samples (n1 = 1,806, n2 = 2,056) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study (aged 45–64 y at baseline). Dietary intakes were assessed using an FFQ. We used multivariable linear regression models to examine associations between diet indices and serum metabolites in each sample, adjusting for participant characteristics. Metabolites significantly associated with diet indices were meta-analyzed across 2 samples. C-statistics were calculated to examine if these candidate biomarkers improved prediction of individuals in the highest compared with lowest quintile of diet scores beyond participant characteristics. Results Seventeen unique metabolites (HEI: n = 6; AHEI: n = 5; DASH: n = 14; aMED: n = 2) were significantly associated with higher diet scores after Bonferroni correction in sample 1 and sample 2. Six of 17 significant metabolites [glycerate, N-methylproline, stachydrine, threonate, pyridoxate, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)lactate)] were associated with ≥1 dietary pattern. Candidate biomarkers of HEI, AHEI, and DASH distinguished individuals with highest compared with lowest quintile of diet scores beyond participant characteristics in samples 1 and 2 (P value for difference in C-statistics <0.02 for all 3 diet indices). Candidate biomarkers of aMED did not improve C-statistics beyond participant characteristics (P value = 0.930). Conclusions A considerable overlap of metabolites associated with HEI, AHEI, DASH, and aMED reflects the similar food components and similar metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of healthy diets in African Americans and European Americans.

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Is the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 an Appropriate Diet Indicator of Metabolic Health? Insights from Dietary Pattern Analysis in the PREDISE Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11071597 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. 1597 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jacynthe Lafrenière ◽

Élise Carbonneau ◽

Catherine Laramée ◽

Louise Corneau ◽

Julie Robitaille ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Dietary Pattern ◽

Prevalence Ratio ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Reduced Rank Regression ◽

Rank Regression ◽

Binomial Regression ◽

Dietary Pattern Analysis

The objective of this study was to identify key elements from the 2007 Canada’s Food Guide that should be included in a diet quality score aiming to reflect the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Dietary intakes of 998 adults (mean age: 43.2 years, 50% women) were used to obtain the Canadian Healthy Eating Index 2007 (C-HEI 2007) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index 2010 (AHEI) scores, as well as a dietary pattern (DP) generated by the reduced rank regression (RRR) method. Based on these three scores, a modified version of the C-HEI 2007 (Modified C-HEI) was then proposed. The prevalence ratio (PR) of MetS was examined across diet quality scores using multivariate binomial regression analysis. A higher AHEI, Modified C-HEI, and a lower score for DP were all associated with a significantly lower prevalence of MetS (PR = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28, 0.64; PR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.23, 0.63; and PR = 0.48; 95% CI 0.31, 0.74, respectively), whereas C-HEI 2007 was not (PR = 0.68; 95% CI 0.47, 1.00). Results suggest that a Modified C-HEI that considers key elements from the C-HEI 2007 and the AHEI, as well the DP, shows that participants with a higher score are less likely to have MetS.

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Association between dietary quality and growth of the aboriginal primary school children in Negeri Sembilan

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-04-2021-0350 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Silambarasi Kuralneethi ◽

Sharifah Intan Zainun Sharif Ishak ◽

Vaidehi Ulaganathan

Keyword(s):

Primary School ◽

School Children ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Primary School Children ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Dietary Vitamin ◽

Content Type ◽

Aboriginal Children

PurposeThis study aims to determine the association between dietary quality and growth of the aboriginal primary school children in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe cross-sectional study was carried out in Negeri Sembilan. A total of 194 school-aged aboriginal children participated in the study. The dietary intake and socioeconomic status data were collected from the parents using an interviewer-administrated structured questionnaire comprised of sociodemographic questions and three days of dietary recall. The Malaysian Healthy Eating Index was used to determine the diet quality of children. WHO Anthro Plus software was used to determine the z-score of weight-for-age (WAZ), height-for-age (HAZ) and body mass index (BMI)-for-age (BAZ).FindingsAmong all children, 15, 9 and 5% of them were stunted, underweight and thin, respectively. On the other hand, 16 and 12% of the children were overweight and obese, respectively. The aboriginal children were at risk of poor diet quality (37.19 ± 12.07) and had high dietary protein and fat intake than national recommended nutrient intake. The children achieved micronutrients intake, except for calcium. There was no significant association between total diet quality scores with growth indices among the aboriginal children. There is significant negative correlation between dietary vitamin A intake with HAZ (r = −0.168, p < 0.05) and WAZ (r = −0.219, p < 0.05) z-score of the aboriginal children.Originality/valueAlthough there was a reduction in under-nutrition among the aborigines, an increasing over-nutrition status among aborigines should be considered, especially in terms of poor dietary quality and intake.

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Diet quality among Iranian adolescents needs improvement

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s1368980014000767 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 18 (4) ◽

pp. 615-621 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Leila Azadbakht ◽

Fahime Akbari ◽

Ahmad Esmaillzadeh

Keyword(s):

Diet Quality ◽

Dietary Diversity ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Dietary Intakes ◽

Quality Indices ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutrient Adequacy ◽

Mean Adequacy Ratio ◽

Systematic Cluster

AbstractObjectiveDiet in adolescence is important not only because of adolescents’ rapid growth but also due to its influence on future chronic diseases. On the other hand, dietary quality indices are noteworthy and useful approaches to evaluate dietary intakes. Thus the present study was conducted to assess dietary quality indices in adolescents.DesignCross-sectional.SettingsThe data were collected from schools in Isfahan, Iran.SubjectsFemale students (n 265) aged 11–13 years were enrolled using systematic cluster-random sampling in Isfahan (Iran). Dietary intakes were assessed by a validated FFQ. Diet quality indices including dietary diversity score (DDS), the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR) across ten nutrients were calculated.ResultsMean DDS, HEI score and MAR were 6·15 (sd 1·61) out of 10 points, 63·90 (sd 19·86) out of 100 points and 1·32 (sd 0·61), respectively. Mean nutrient adequacy ratio of all nutrients was above 1 except for vitamin D (0·53 (sd 0·51)). Those in the highest tertile of DDS had the most favourable anthropometric variables in comparison to the lowest tertile. There were no significant associations between HEI score and BMI, central or abdominal obesity and blood pressure. Those in the highest tertile of MAR had higher BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference.ConclusionsDiet quality of Isfahani adolescents needs improvement. It may imply the necessity of implementing nutritional instructive policies in this age group and their parents.

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Nighttime Eating Is Associated with Poor Diet Quality in Adult Females (P21-055-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz041.p21-055-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Meghan Donnelly ◽

Kathleen Woolf

Keyword(s):

Disordered Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Weight Status ◽

Online Survey ◽

Food Group ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Eating Pattern ◽

Night Eating ◽

Adult Females ◽

Nighttime Eating

Abstract Objectives Night Eating Syndrome (NES) is a disordered eating pattern characterized by nighttime hyperphagia. Previous research suggests that nighttime eating, especially in individuals with NES, is associated with obesity and higher intake of energy, sodium, saturated fat, and processed foods. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of nighttime eating on diet quality and weight status in adult females. Methods An online survey was administered to 516 women (age 18–65) from July 2018 thru January 2019. The survey included the validated Night Eating Questionnaire and the National Cancer Institute Diet History Questionnaire (DHQ) II. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2015. The Diet*Calc program analyzed the DHQ II output to generate estimates of nutrient and food group intake. NCI SAS macros were used to calculate the HEI 2015 component and total scores. IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25) was used to run descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests). Results Of the 516 women, 36 were classified as night eaters and 480 were classified as non-night eaters. The majority of participants were employed (70.3%) and highly educated (95.1% reported some college or higher). Night eaters worked night shifts more often than non-night eaters (P ≤ 0.001). Mean HEI scores were lower in night eaters (58.6 ± 11.1) than in non-night eaters (64.9 ± 9.8) (P ≤ 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups (night eaters, non-night eaters) for BMI; the mean BMI for all participants was 24.1.7 ± 5.5 kg/m2. However, a higher proportion of night eaters than expected were underweight and obese (P ≤ 0.001). There was also an association between nighttime eating and history of eating disorder diagnosis (P ≤ 0.001). Conclusions These findings are consistent with previous research suggesting that nighttime eating is associated with reduced diet quality, unhealthy weight status, and disordered eating. Further research should be directed at understanding hormonal responses to nighttime eating and its affect on weight status and dietary choices. Funding Sources None.

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