Health Information Provided by Retail Health Food Outlets

Alternative health practices have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many patients visit specific complementary practitioners, while others attempt to educate themselves, trusting advice from employees at local health food stores or the Internet. Thirty-two retail health food stores were surveyed on the nature of the information provided by their staff. A research assistant visited the stores and presented as the mother of a child in whom Crohn’s disease had been diagnosed. Seventy-two per cent (23 of 32) of store employees offered advice, such as to take nutritional and herbal supplements. Of the 23 stores where recommendations were made, 15 (65%) based their recommendation on a source of information. Fourteen of the 15 stores using information sources used the same reference book. This had a significant impact on the recommendations; the use of nutritional supplements was favoured. In conclusion, retail health food stores are not as inconsistent as hypothesized, although there are many variances in the types of supplements recommended for the same chronic disease.

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The Use of Nutritional Supplements Among Recreational Athletes in Athens, Greece

International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism ◽

10.1123/ijsnem.21.5.377 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 21 (5) ◽

pp. 377-384 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Christina Tsitsimpikou ◽

Nastasia Chrisostomou ◽

Peter Papalexis ◽

Konstantinos Tsarouhas ◽

Aristidis Tsatsakis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care Professionals ◽

Anabolic Steroids ◽

Nutritional Supplements ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Health Food ◽

Food Stores ◽

Recreational Athletes ◽

Mass Spectrometric Detector ◽

Study Population ◽

Source Of Information

Although the use of nutritional supplements by professional athletes and the benefits thereof have been extensively studied, information on recreational athletes’ use of supplements is limited. This study investigated the consumption of nutritional supplements, source of information and supply of supplements, and level of awareness with regard to the relevant legislation among individuals who undertake regular exercise in Athens, Greece. A closed-ended, anonymous questionnaire was answered by 329 subjects (180 men, 149 women), age 30.6 ± 12.1 yr, from 11 randomly selected gym centers. Preparations declared as anabolic agents by the users were submitted to a gas chromatographic analyzer coupled to a mass spectrometric detector. Consumption of nutritional supplements was reported by 41% of the study population, with proteins/amino acids and vitamins being the most popular. Age (r = .456, p = .035), sex (χ2 = 14.1, df = 1, p < .001), level of education (χ2 = 14.1, df = 3, p < .001), and profession (χ2 = 11.4, df = 4, p = .022) were associated with the subjects’ decision to consume nutritional supplements. Most (67.1%) purchased products from health food stores. Only 17.1% had consulted a physician or nutritionist, and one third were aware of the relevant legislation. Two preparations were detected containing synthetic anabolic steroids not stated on the label. In conclusion, use of nutritional supplements was common among recreational athletes in Athens, Greece. A low level of awareness and low involvement of health care professionals as sources of information and supply were observed.

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What the Health? Information Sources and Maternal Lifestyle Behaviors (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.10355 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Emilie Mass Dalhaug ◽

Lene Annette Hagen Haakstad

Keyword(s):

Weight Gain ◽

Health Behaviors ◽

Pregnant Women ◽

Information Sources ◽

The Internet ◽

Institute Of Medicine ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Online Chat ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Source Of Information

BACKGROUND Regular physical activity (PA), adequate gestational weight gain (GWG), and healthy eating are important for the long-term health of both mother and baby. Hence, it is important that women receive current and updated advice on these topics and are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the main information sources among pregnant women regarding PA, GWG, and nutrition as well as to evaluate how these information sources may affect their health behaviors. METHODS A cross-sectional study design, comprising an electronic questionnaire, was distributed to 2 antenatal clinics, as well as pregnancy-related online chat forums and social media. The inclusion criteria were ≥18 years, ≥20 weeks gestation, and able to read and write Norwegian. In total, 150 pregnant women answered the questionnaire, which was a mix of 11-point Likert scales, close-ended questions, and semi–close-ended questions with the option to elaborate. The relationship between information sources and selected variables, including health behaviors and descriptive variables, were assessed by logistic regression, linear regression, or chi-square as appropriate (P<.05). RESULTS Mean age (years), gestation week, and prepregnancy body mass index (kg/m2) were 31.1 (SD 4.3), 30.6 (SD 5.9), and 24.2 (SD 4.2), respectively. More than eight out of 10 had received or retrieved information about nutrition (88.7%, 133/150) and PA (80.7%, 121/150), whereas 54.0% (81/150) reported information on GWG. When combining all 3 lifestyle factors, 38.5% had retrieved information from blogs and online forums and 26.6%, from their midwife or family physician. Women who reported the internet and media as their primary source of information on weight gain had increased odds of gaining weight below the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines compared with gaining within the guidelines (odds ratio [OR] 15.5, 95% CI 1.4-167.4; P=.02). Higher compliance with nutritional guidelines was seen among those who cited the internet and media as their main source of information on nutrition (beta=.7, 95% CI 0.07-1.3; P=.03). On the other side, receiving advice from friends and family on weight gain was significantly associated with gaining weight above the IOM guidelines compared with gaining within the guidelines (OR 12.0, 95% CI 1.3-111.7; P=.03). No other associations were found between information sources and health behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The small number of health professionals giving information and the extensive use of internet- and media-based sources emphasize the need to address the quality of internet advice and guide women toward trustworthy sources of information during pregnancy. The association between information sources and PA, GWG, and nutrition requires further research.

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Community health information sources — a survey in three disparate communities

Australian Health Review ◽

10.1071/ah080186 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 186 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Jared Dart ◽

Cindy Gallois ◽

Peter Yellowlees

Keyword(s):

Health Information ◽

Information Sources ◽

Striking Difference ◽

The Internet ◽

Local Health ◽

Low Socioeconomic ◽

Local Doctor ◽

Key Informant ◽

Sources Of Health Information ◽

Health Information Sources

Objective: To determine the current utilisation, importance, trust and future preference for contemporary sources of health information in three different socioeconomic groups. Design: A pilot study including key informant interviews and direct observation was conducted in a low socioeconomic community. From this work a survey questionnaire was designed and implemented across three different communities. Participants and setting: Semi-structured key informant interviews and focus groups capturing 52 respondents. Paper-based surveys were left in community organisations and local health practices in a low socioeconomic (LSE) community on the outskirts of Ipswich, Queensland, a mid-high socioeconomic (MSE) community in the western suburbs of Brisbane, and at a local university. Main outcome measures: Rank of current and preferred future sources of health information, importance and trustworthiness of health information sources. Results: Across all three communities the local doctor was the most currently used, important, trusted and preferred future source of health information. The most striking difference between the three communities related to the current use and preferred future use of the internet. The internet was a more currently used source of health information and more important source in the university population than the LSE or MSE populations. It was also a less preferred source of future health information in the LSE population than the MSE or university populations. Importantly, currently used sources of health information did not reflect community members? preferred sources of health information. Conclusions: People in different socioeconomic communities obtain health information from various sources. This may reflect access issues, education and awareness of the internet as a source of health information, less health information seeking as well as a reluctance by the e-health community to address the specific needs of this group.

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Knowledge, Use and Practices of Licensed Dietitians Related to Dietary Supplements in Lebanon

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898002100495x ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-30

Author(s):

Cyrille Nacouzi ◽

Vanessa Tarazi ◽

Lara Kabalane ◽

Maya Hosry ◽

Mira Hleyhel

Keyword(s):

Dietary Supplements ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Health Food ◽

Knowledge Use ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Food Stores ◽

Nutrient Supplements ◽

Quality Of Patient Care ◽

Source Of Information

Abstract Objective To evaluate Lebanese licensed dietitians’ (LDs) knowledge, prevalence of use and recommendation of dietary supplements (DS), and their associated factors. Design Cross-sectional survey. Setting Dietitians across Lebanon were contacted through the telephone and were asked to participate in the study. An online self-administered questionnaire was designed and sent to dietitians either by email or by WhatsApp, between March 4th and May 4th, 2020. Participants This study included 319 dietitians randomly selected from the dietitians’ list that was provided by Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Results Around 75% of dietitians had a knowledge score above 50%. Overall, 73.7% of them have used DS and 46.1% have recommended them. Higher knowledge score was associated with less years of experience, using scientific articles as source of information on DS, and participating in research. Resorting to pharmacists was significantly associated with both nutrient supplements (NS) and herbal supplements’ (HS) use, whereas referring to health food stores was associated with HS use only. NS recommendation to patients was associated with personal NS use (OR=3.38, P<0.001), considering pharmacists as a source of information on DS (OR=2.29, P=0.01) and discussing DS with patients (OR=3.82, P=0.01). Having personally used HS (OR=12.23, P<0.001) and having discussed DS with patients (OR=8.51, P=0.01) increased the likelihood of recommending HS. Conclusions A proper DS education, the elaboration of national scientific guidelines and the implementation of concise laws regarding the regulations of DS would play a crucial role in supporting dietitians’ practices and improving the quality of patient care with respect to DS.

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Tendencje zmian w działaniach informacyjno- -promocyjnych w turystyce wiejskiej i ich skuteczność

Zeszyty Naukowe SGGW - Ekonomika i Organizacja Gospodarki Żywnościowej ◽

10.22630/eiogz.2014.107.25 ◽

2014 ◽

pp. 57-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Krystyna Krzyżanowska

Keyword(s):

Information Sources ◽

Service Providers ◽

Empirical Studies ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Rural Tourism ◽

The Internet ◽

Expert Opinions ◽

Tourism Service ◽

Source Of Information

The aim of the study was to present the changes in the number of lodgings in the years 1993–2013, trends related to forms of promotion used by rural tourism service providers, as well as information sources preferred by tourists resting in the countryside in the years 1997–2013. Additionally, the research covers the information and promotion methods used by service providers to meet the needs and expectations of customers. The data comes from empirical studies conducted both by the author and other authors from different academic centres in Poland, secondary data from the expert opinions provided by different institutions, and literature. The analysis shows that the forms of promotion used by the service providers were not fully adapted to the needs and expectations of tourists, both in 2003 and in 2012. Ten years ago, the most important source of information about holiday stay on a farm were the recommendations of relatives and friends, not promotional literature mostly used by service providers. Nowadays, the most important source of information about recreation in the countryside for surveyed tourists was the Internet, while the service providers’ great attention was given to the positive views expressed by satisfied guests resting in objects of rural tourism.

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Consumer Understanding of Nutritional Supplements: An Irish Context

Business and Economic Research ◽

10.5296/ber.v6i1.8912 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

pp. 55 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Julie Ann Walsh ◽

Angela Wright

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Distribution Channel ◽

Nutritional Supplements ◽

Marketing Channel ◽

Distribution Channels ◽

Nutritional Supplement ◽

Research Approach ◽

Mixed Method Research ◽

Health Food ◽

Food Stores

Nutritional Supplements have been available in Ireland for over thirty years. Originally available in health food stores only, supplements now have several distribution channels including pharmacy, practitioner, and online. Recommendations for consumption can come from many sources including general physicians, alternative practitioners, dieticians and nutritionists. The demand for Nutritional Supplements has increased over the years, and the industry has expanded exponentially. Nutritional Supplements provide an important opportunity to optimize illness prevention. As scientists and health professionals start to understand the value of Nutritional Supplements in terms of the prevention and treatment of disease, consumers follow suit. Market growth of Nutritional Supplements is reliant both on market positioning and the distribution strategies and channels chosen by the industry. The success or failure is dependent on how effectively and efficiently their products are sold through marketing channel members (e.g., agents, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers). An examination of the distribution channel most appropriate to the purchase of Nutritional Supplements, and advice on their consumption has never been investigated in Ireland to date; hence, this research will be applicable to those involved in this specific industry. A mixed method research approach was undertaken in this study to enable a thorough overview of the industry as it currently stands in Ireland. This research examines the quality of education of those who are distributing, retailing and/or recommending Nutritional Supplements. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with twelve participants working within the Nutritional Supplement sector. This research also examines the thoughts of the consumer, relative to preferred distribution channels and who they deem most appropriate as advisors of Nutritional Supplements in Ireland. This was executed through a quantitative process and the consumer data was collated via an online survey. A key finding of this study is that those who are considered best qualified for consultation (general practitioner, dietician and pharmacist), are actually not qualified enough to distribute Nutritional Supplement advice. Health food stores are the preferred distribution channel by consumers; however, Health store workers are not recognised as the most trustworthy for advice. This research will benefit those involved in the manufacture and distribution of Nutritional Supplements in Ireland.

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Bacillus cereus Contamination of Seeds and Vegetable Sprouts Grown in a Home Sprouting Kit

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-50.1.62 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 62-65 ◽

Cited By ~ 50

Author(s):

STANLEY M. HARMON ◽

DONALD A. KAUTTER ◽

HAIM M. SOLOMON

Keyword(s):

Bacillus Cereus ◽

Mung Bean ◽

Tap Water ◽

Food Poisoning ◽

Local Health ◽

Health Food ◽

Food Stores ◽

Mung Bean Sprouts ◽

Aoac Method ◽

Bean Sprouts

Sprouting seeds (alfalfa, mung bean and wheat) were purchased at local health food stores and examined for Bacillus cereus by the official AOAC method. Of 98 units collected, 56 (57%) were positive for B. cereus at levels ranging from 3 to >500 per g. Population levels of B. cereus on sprouts grown from naturally contaminated seeds in a home sprouting kit ranged from a mean of log10 3.72 for alfalfa to 5.39 for wheat; the log10 mean for mung bean sprouts was 4.52. Washing contaminated sprouts for 10 min with warm tap water as recommended by the manufacturer of the sprouting kits reduced the B. cereus count for mung bean sprouts by approximately one log unit but was less effective for wheat sprouts. B. cereus populations large enough to cause food poisoning (>105/g) frequently remained on wheat sprouts even after three wash cycles, and significant numbers of viable B. cereus remained on wheat sprouts even after cooking for 20 min.

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Exploration of healthy nutrition attitudes using a questionnaire survey

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/oh.2015.30129 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 156 (16) ◽

pp. 636-643 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Viktória Szűcs ◽

Erzsébet Szabó ◽

Diána Bánáti

Keyword(s):

Low Income ◽

Questionnaire Survey ◽

Positive Attitude ◽

Information Sources ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Healthy Diet ◽

The Internet ◽

Healthy Nutrition ◽

Source Of Information

Introduction: Nowadays the number of people suffering from different non-communicable diseases is continuously rising. However, the risk of the incidence of these diseases can be reduced with the help of conscious and healthy lifestyle. Aim: The main aim of the study was to explore Hungarian consumers’ attitude related to healthy diet. Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted with 473 respondents. Results: According to the participants it is difficult to make head or tail of information about healthy nutrition, and the “Internet” is the most frequently used source of information. With cluster analysis 3 significantly different consumer groups were identified: participants of the “ambitious” group show positive attitude towards healthy diet; the “health conscious” cluster cares about and actively supports health and diet; and members of the “indifferent” cluster are less interested and do not make a remarkable effort for their healthy diet. Conclusions: Results of the questionnaire survey pointed out the importance of targeted information to relevant consumer groups, as well as the importance of popularization of accurate and reliable information sources. Furthermore, presentation and popularization of cost-effective healthy nutrition are of outstanding importance, especially for consumers in need (e.g. elderly, low-income people). Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(16), 636–643.

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Web Therapy for Internet Addicts: A Case Study of Self-Healing by Social Media Addicts in Indonesia

Record and Library Journal ◽

10.20473/rlj.v4-i1.2018.37-45 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 37

Author(s):

NUNING KURNIASIH ◽

Julian Amriwijaya

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Information Sources ◽

The Internet ◽

Self Healing ◽

Online Forums ◽

Health Food ◽

Literature Study ◽

Positive Feedbacks ◽

Study Results

This study aims to analyze how the information sources on the internet used as therapy treatment (Web Therapy) by internet addicts, especially social media addicts. The method used is qualitative method based on case study perspective. The method used to collect data incorporates in-depth interview, observation, and literature study. The informants are seven internet addicts who acknowledge themselves as internet addicts, especially social media addicts not by medical diagnostic as one and been using internet sources as a treatment to overcome their mental issue. Triangulation is conducted by interviewing a psychology expert. The study results show that (1) The informants admit that information sources on the internet help them reduce stress while under pressure. (2) The informants admitted the initiative comes within themselves to use information sources on the internet in order to reduce stress. (3) There are some ways for informants to identify their personal problems, that is (a) When they feel like they have no one around to talk with, to share their problems with, they use chatting platform to talk with and positive feedbacks from social media. (b) When they encounter negative psychological condition, they need entertainment from internet sources to be relaxed and refresh. (c) When they need contemplation they will look up for some information sources on the internet which might help them to contemplate. (4) To employ self-healing using Web Therapy, the informants choose (a) Entertaining information sources that can help them laugh and relax (b) Information sources contain references on how to cope with their problems. (c) Information sources that can help them to contemplate when encounter problems. (d) Interactive information sources where they can interact and communicate with friends online. (5) The informants prefer social media such as online games with multiple players, youtube, facebook, online forums longue such as kaskus.com and detik.com, and the form of information including games, movies, music, articles on health, food, humor series, chatting, memes, sarcasms, and satyrs (6) The informants agree that although they feel better after using some information sources on the internet as a treatment for self-healing therapy, but it is only temporary not a permanent one. They are also aware of the significant to face their own problems and cope with it. This study results can be the groundwork for libraries to develop Web Therapy services.

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OPERATIVE-SEARCH MONITORING THE INTERNET AS AN ELEMENT OF COUNTERING CRIMES OF EXTREMIST DIRECTION

Bulletin of the Kostroma state University ◽

10.34216/1998-0817-2020-26-2-235-241 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 235-241

Author(s):

Aleksey V. Kutuzov

Keyword(s):

Law Enforcement ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Theoretical Development ◽

The Internet ◽

Legal Basis ◽

Main Attention ◽

Legal Norms ◽

A Priority ◽

Use Of Internet ◽

Source Of Information

The article substantiates the need to use Internet monitoring as a priority source of information in countering extremism. Various approaches to understanding the defi nition of the category of «operational search», «law enforcement» monitoring of the Internet are analysed, the theoretical development of the implementation of this category in the science of operational search is investigated. The goals and subjects of law enforcement monitoring are identifi ed. The main attention is paid to the legal basis for the use of Internet monitoring in the detection and investigation of extremist crimes. In the course of the study hermeneutic, formal-logical, logical-legal and comparative-legal methods were employed, which were used both individually and collectively in the analysis of legal norms, achievements of science and practice, and development of proposals to refi ne the conduct of operational-search measures on the Internet when solving extremist crimes. The author’s defi nition of «operational-search monitoring» of the Internet is provided. Proposals have been made to improve the activities of police units when conducting monitoring of the Internet in the context of the search for relevant information to the disclosure and investigation of crimes of that category.

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