scholarly journals Changes in Australian community perceptions of non-communicable disease prevention: a greater role for government?

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne C. Grunseit ◽  
Eloise Howse ◽  
Erika Bohn-Goldbaum ◽  
Jo Mitchell ◽  
Adrian E. Bauman

Abstract Background Monitoring trends in community opinion can identify critical opportunities to implement upstream health policies or interventions. Our study examines change and demographic modifiers of change in community perceptions of government intervention for prevention of lifestyle-related chronic disease across two time points in Australia. Methods Data were drawn from the 2016 (n = 2052) and 2018 (n = 2601) waves of a nationally representative cross-sectional telephone survey, ‘AUSPOPS’. Survey questions gauged perceptions of government intervention for health in general, peoples’/organizations’ role in maintaining health (e.g., parents, government) and support for specific health interventions (e.g., taxing soft drink). Bivariate and multivariate regression models tested for change between the two surveys, adjusted for demographic characteristics. Models with interactions between survey wave and demographic variables tested for differential change. One-tailed variance ratio tests examined whether opinions had become more polarized in 2018 compared with 2016. Results The large, significant increase observed in the perceived size of the role that government has in maintaining people’s health was uniform across demographic subpopulations. The role for employers and private health insurers was also perceived to be larger in 2018 compared with 2016, but the degree of change varied by gender, age and/or socioeconomic status. Support for some government interventions (e.g., taxing soft drinks) increased among specific demographic subgroups whilst exhibiting no overall change. Opinion was more polarized on general attitudes to government intervention for population health in 2018 compared to 2016, despite little change in central tendency. Conclusions Opportunities may exist to implement government health-promoting policies (e.g., taxing soft drinks), although advocacy may be needed to address the concerns of less supportive subpopulations. Attitudes on government intervention in general may be becoming more polarized; future research examining the association of such changes with exposure to different information sources could inform communication strategies for future health policy change.

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel M. Harris ◽  
Angela M. C. Rose ◽  
Suzanne Soares-Wynter ◽  
Nigel Unwin

Abstract Our objective was to describe, for the first time in an English-speaking Caribbean country, the contribution of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to nutrients linked to non-communicable disease. Using a cross-sectional study design, dietary data were collected from two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Recorded food items were then classified according to their degree of processing by the NOVA system. The present study took place in Barbados (2012–13). A representative population-based sample of 364 adult Barbadians (161 males and 203 females) aged 25–64 years participated in the study. UPFs represented 40⋅5 % (838 kcal/d; 95 % CI 791, 885) of mean energy intake. Sugar-sweetened beverages made the largest contribution to energy within the UPF category. Younger persons (25–44 years) consumed a significantly higher proportion of calories from UPF (NOVA group 4) compared with older persons (45–64 years). The mean energy shares of UPF ranged from 22⋅0 to 58⋅9 % for those in the lowest tertile to highest tertile. Within each tertile, the energy contribution was significantly higher in the younger age group (25–44 years) compared with the older (45–64 years). One-quarter of persons consume ≥50 % of their daily calories from UPF, this being significantly higher in younger persons. The ultra-processed diet fraction contained about six times the mean of free sugars and about 0⋅8 times the dietary fibre of the non-ultra-processed fraction (NOVA groups 1–3). Targeted interventions to decrease the consumption of UPF especially in younger persons is thus of high priority to improve the diet quality of Barbadians.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-162
Author(s):  
Ruhaya Salleh ◽  
Rashidah Ambak ◽  
S. Maria Awaluddin ◽  
Mohamad Hasnan Ahmad ◽  
Noor Safiza Mohamad Noor ◽  
...  

Carbonated soft drinks (CSD) consumption is one of the contributing factors to weight gain, dental caries and non-communicable diseases among adolescents. This study aims to determine CSD consumption among Malaysian adolescents and their associated factors. The Adolescent Health Survey 2017, was a nationally representative survey sampled school-going adolescents aged 13 to 17 years. Findings reported that 36.9% of adolescents reported CSD consumption at least once daily in the past 30 days, and the prevalence was higher than a similar study conducted in 2012. Boys, schools in rural areas, lower secondary schoolers, not physically active, consuming fast food, having food insecurity, and truancy problem reported significantly higher odds of consuming CSD compared to their counterparts. By ethnicity, Bumiputera Sarawak adolescents showed the highest odds of consuming CSD and followed by Bumiputera Sabah. Thus, interventions to limit CSD consumption among Malaysian adolescents should consider the factors highlighted in this study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Abstract Background The goal of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among adolescent school children in Morocco. Methods Nationally representative cross-sectional data were analysed from 6745 adolescents (15 years median age) that responded to questions on a two-item measure of psychological distress from “2016 Morocco Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS).” Results The prevalence of psychological distress was 23.3, 18.0% among males and 29.2% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, female sex, older age, bullying victimization, infrequently physically attacked, frequent participation in physical fights, having no close friends, frequent experience of hunger, parental emotional neglect, parental disrespect of privacy, school truancy, sedentary behaviour and having sustained a single or multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with psychological distress. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, low peer support, parents never check homework, exposure to passive smoking, substance use (current tobacco use, current cannabis use and ever used amphetamine), frequent soft drink and frequent fast food consumption were positively and fruit and vegetable intake was negatively associated with psychological distress. Conclusion Almost one in four students reported psychological distress and several associated factors were identified which can aid prevention and control strategies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 2553-2560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xingyu Zhang ◽  
Xiaoyan Huang ◽  
Yi Xiao ◽  
Danrong Jing ◽  
Yuzhou Huang ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:The association of soft drink consumption with mental problems in Asian adolescents has not been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the association of soft drink consumption and symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents in China.Design:A cross-sectional study to investigate the association of intake of soft drinks and sugars from soft drinks with symptoms of anxiety and depression measured by the two-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), respectively.Setting:A comprehensive university in Changsha, China.Participants:Newly enrolled college students in 2017.Result:In total, 8226 students completed the investigation and 8085 students with no systemic disorders were finally analysed. Students consuming soft drinks ≥7 times/week had significantly higher (mean difference; 95 % CI) GAD-2 (0·15; 0·07, 0·23) and PHQ-2 (0·27; 0·19, 0·35) scores compared with those barely consuming soft drinks, adjusted for demographic and behavioural factors. Those consuming >25 g sugar/d from soft drinks had significantly higher GAD-2 (0·11; 0·04, 0·18) and PHQ-2 (0·22; 0·15, 0·29) scores compared with non-consumers. The mediation effect of obesity in the associations was not clinically significant.Conclusions:Adolescents consuming soft drinks ≥7 times/week, or >25 g sugar/d from soft drinks, had significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. Dietary suggestion is needed to prevent anxiety and depression in adolescents.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 148
Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

Persistent worry can cause significant distress among adolescents. The goal of this study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of worry-induced sleep disturbance (WISD) among adolescent school children in Lebanon. Cross-sectional, nationally representative data were analysed from 5849 adolescents (15 years median age) that took part in the “2017 Lebanon Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”. The results indicate that the prevalence of WISD was 14.7%, 9.6% among males and 17.2% among females. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, loneliness, older age, female sex, having no close friends, infrequent bullying victimization, parents disrespected privacy, current tobacco use, ever cannabis use, high leisure-time sedentary behaviour and having sustained multiple serious injuries (past year) were associated with WISD. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, mostly or always feeling hungry (or low economic status), school truancy, having been physically attacked, frequently being in physical fights (past year), low peer support, parental emotional neglect, parents never checking homework, ever drunk and frequent soft drink intake were positively, and infrequent fast food intake was negatively, associated with WISD. One in seven students reported WISD and several associated factors were identified, which can aid intervention strategies. Multi-level interventions are needed targeting psychosocial distress, social-environmental factors and health risk behaviours to prevent WISD in this adolescent school population.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan B Sisson ◽  
Stephanie T Broyles ◽  
Candace Robledo ◽  
Lindsay Boeckman ◽  
Misti Leyva

AbstractObjectiveExamine the association between energy intake and television (TV) viewing in Americans.DesignNationally representative, cross-sectional study of 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.SettingTotal energy intake was determined by two 24 h recalls. TV viewing was reported as low (≤1 h/d), middle (2–3 h/d), and high (≥4 h/d). Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyse TV viewing and energy intake, adjusted for BMI (percentile for children 2–18 years), age, ethnicity and physical activity.SubjectsPre-school children (2–5 years;n1369), school-age children (6–11 years;n1759), adolescents (12–18 years;n3233) and adults (≥19 years;n7850) in the USA.ResultsThere was a significant association between TV viewing and energy intake for adolescent girls (highv. low:β= 195·2,P= 0·03) and men (highv. low:β= −113·0,P= 0·02; middlev. low:β= −131·1,P= 0·0002). Mean adjusted energy intake for adolescent girls was 7801·0, 8088·5 and 8618·2 kJ/d for low, middle and high TV viewing, respectively. Mean adjusted energy intake for men was 9845·9, 9297·2 and 9372·8 kJ/d for low, middle and high TV viewing.ConclusionsTV viewing was associated with energy intake in US children and adults only in 12–18-year-old girls and men. For girls, the high TV viewing category consumed more energy daily (816·3 kJ (195 kcal)) than the low category. In men, the middle and high TV viewing categories consumed less energy daily (548·4 kJ (131 kcal) and 473·0 kJ (113 kcal), respectively) than the low category. Our findings support some, but not all previous research. Future research is needed to explore this complicated relationship with rigorous measures of energy intake and TV viewing.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. e048167
Author(s):  
Supa Pengpid ◽  
Karl Peltzer

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of self-reported ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and/or stroke among adults in Malawi.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study.SettingNationally representative sample of general adult population in Malawi.ParticipantsThe sample included 4187 persons aged 18–69 years (32 years of median age) that participated in the ‘2017 Malawi STEPwise Approach to Non-Communicable Disease Risk-Factor Surveillance survey.’Primary and secondary outcome measuresSelf-reported history of IHD and/or stroke, along with biological, behavioural, psychosocial stress and sociodemographic covariates. Multivariable logistic regression calculated OR with 95% CI for IHD and/or stroke.ResultsThe prevalence of IHD and/or stroke was 6.5%, 4.4% among men and 8.4% among women. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, older age (50–69 years) (adjusted OR (AOR) 3.49, 95% CI 1.75 to 6.94), female sex (AOR 2.09, 95% CI 1.45 to 3.01), Chewa speaking (AOR 4.62, 95% CI 1.32 to 16.22), English speaking (AOR 5.63, 95% CI 1.43 to 22.19), suicidal ideation, plan and/or attempt (AOR 1.87, 95% CI 1.11 to 3.13) and sedentary behaviour (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.59) were associated with IHD and/or stroke. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, non-paid or unemployed, urban residence, overweight, obesity and having hypertension were associated with IHD and/or stroke.ConclusionsAlmost 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men aged 18–69 years had IHD and/or stroke in Malawi. Several risk and protective factors were found that can be targeted in population health interventions.


F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 708
Author(s):  
Samphors Sim ◽  
Vong Pisey ◽  
Rebecca S. Dewey

Background: Soft drinks are an attractive and popular drink, consumed by many people to fulfill their energy. However, soft drink consumption is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and soft drink consumption among adults in Cambodia.  Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study with multi-stage random sampling was used to select 749 respondents from 12 communes across 5 districts in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. A structured questionnaire was used to assess socioeconomic factors and soft drink consumption. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confident intervals (CI) were calculated to show the strength of associations. Results: The overall prevalence of soft drink consumption was 44.73% (95%CI: 41.16-48.30%) across the sample population. The final model of multiple logistic regression showed only four factors to be significantly associated with soft drink consumption: gender, age, family size and income. Respondents most likely to consume soft drinks were men (AOR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.10-2.00; p=0.009), those aged 31-59 years (AOR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.98-4.62; p<0.001), those in a household of less than 5 individuals (AOR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.44-3.19; p=0.036), and those earning <300$/month (AOR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.10-2.31; p=0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of soft drink consumption in Cambodia is a major concern for public health. The predictive factors significantly associated with soft drink consumption identified by this study were gender, age, household size and income. Therefore, all stakeholders should contribute to social marketing and intervention focusing on reducing the consumption of soft drinks through advertising on social media, television and other popular media platforms. Furthermore, additional taxation of soft drinks should be considered.


F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 708
Author(s):  
Wonga Laohasiriwong ◽  
Sim Samphors ◽  
Pall Chamroen ◽  
Vong Pisey ◽  
Rebecca S. Dewey

Background: Soft drinks are an attractive and popular drink, consumed by many people to fulfill their energy. However, soft drink consumption is an important risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association between socioeconomic factors and soft drink consumption among adults in Cambodia.  Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study with multi-stage random sampling was used to select 749 respondents from 12 communes across 5 districts in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. A structured questionnaire was used to assess socioeconomic factors and soft drink consumption. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression. Crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confident intervals (CI) were calculated to show the strength of associations. Results: The overall prevalence of soft drink consumption was 44.73% (95%CI: 41.16-48.30%) across the sample population. The final model of multiple logistic regression showed only four factors to be significantly associated with soft drink consumption: gender, age, family size and income. Respondents most likely to consume soft drinks were men (AOR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.10-2.00; p=0.009), those aged 31-59 years (AOR: 1.93, 95%CI: 1.98-4.62; p<0.001), those in a household of less than 5 individuals (AOR: 1.38, 95%CI: 1.44-3.19; p=0.036), and those earning <300$/month (AOR: 1.59, 95%CI: 1.10-2.31; p=0.003). Conclusion: The prevalence of soft drink consumption in Cambodia is a major concern for public health. The predictive factors significantly associated with soft drink consumption identified by this study were gender, age, household size and income. Therefore, all stakeholders should contribute to social marketing and intervention focusing on reducing the consumption of soft drinks through advertising on social media, television and other popular media platforms. Furthermore, additional taxation of soft drinks should be considered.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 958-958
Author(s):  
Rana Chehab ◽  
Michele Forman ◽  
Lara Nasreddine

Abstract Objectives The study examines the relation between sociodemographic, maternal, and child characteristics and sex-specific anthropometric status of children using a hierarchical conceptual framework. Methods A cross-sectional study of a nationally representative sample of mothers and children aged ≤5 years was conducted in Lebanon. This analysis focuses on children aged 4 months-2 years (n=406) stratified by child's sex. Multiple linear regression models were fitted for length-for-age (LAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-length z-scores (WLZ) applying a hierarchical conceptual framework with variables at distal, intermediate and proximal levels. Results Overall, means ± SD for LAZ, WAZ and WLZ were: −0.24 ± 1.4, 0.46 ± 1.1 and 0.75 ± 1.2 among boys and −0.08 ± 1.2, 0.41 ± 0.96 and 0.63 ± 1.0 among girls, respectively. At the distal level, maternal and paternal attainment of university degrees were respectively associated with higher LAZ (B: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.1, 1.5) and lower WLZ (B: −0.62, 95% CI: −1.2, −0.09) among boys. On the other hand, higher crowding index was associated with lower LAZ (B: −0.64, 95% CI: −1.14, −0.13) while maternal employment was associated with higher WAZ (B: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.67) among girls. At the intermediate level, higher maternal BMI was associated with lower LAZ (B: −0.03, 95% CI: −0.06, −0.00) and higher WLZ (B: 0.03, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.06) among girls. Taller mothers were more likely to have boys and girls with higher LAZ (B: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.09 for both) and girls with higher WAZ (B: 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00, 0.05). Among the proximal factors, longer boys and girls at birth had higher WAZ (B: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.12 and B: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.005, 0.092, respectively). Breastfeeding for 4 months or more was associated with lower WAZ (B: −0.54, 95% CI: −0.83, −0.24) and WLZ (B: −0.33, 95% CI: −0.62, −0.03) among girls. Conclusions Differentdistal, intermediate, and proximal factors were associated with sex-specific anthropometric indicators in Lebanon. Future research should account for sex differences using similar frameworks to inform interventions to improve child growth. Funding Sources This research was funded by the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research and the American University of Beirut Research Board.


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