Greek and Immigrant Kindergarteners’ Dietary Habits and BMI: Attica, Greece in Austere Times

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. 498-510
Author(s):  
Maria Chrissini ◽  
◽  
Ioanna Tsiligianni ◽  
Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla ◽  
Nikolaos Tzanakis
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Ethnic Origin ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Immigrant Mothers ◽  
School Year ◽  
Similarities And Differences ◽  
The Mediterranean

Objective: In this study, we assessed Greek and immigrant kindergarteners’ and their families’ body mass index (BMI), nutritional habits, and level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the Greek austerity period beginning in 2009. Methods: A cross-sectional study in Attica, Greece, during the school year 2016-17, enrolling 578 guardian parents and 578 kindergarteners aged ≥ 5-6 years, from 63 public kindergartens in 36 municipalities in Attica’s prefecture. Results: Immigrant mothers experienced twice as high the unemployment rate (21.3%) than Greek mothers (10.5%), with consequent degradation in food products purchasing (p = .03)(non-Greeks 54.3%, Greeks: 49.1%). BMI rates between Greeks and immigrant participants were similar, with significant variations in several lifestyle habits, including Greek parents’ heavier smoking and higher physical activity in parents of different ethnic origin. KIDMED score was “poor” in both Greek and other identity kindergarteners, with slight differences in some of the Mediterranean dietary habits and patterns; strong correlation was expressed between the child’s BMI and KIDMED score, guardian parent’s age, BMI, and overall lifestyle. Conclusions: This study could be a springboard for further research in the understudied population of native and immigrant kindergarteners, reflecting on national and international initiatives and action plans to ensure that their similarities and differences are noted.

scholarly journals Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

scholarly journals Physical activity and dietary habits of Filipino college students

Kinesiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Acampado ◽  
Madonna Valenzuela
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
College Students ◽  
Food Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Student Population ◽  
Predisposing Factors ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional

No published study has been tracked to date on the physical activity (PA) and dietary habits (DH) of Filipino college students. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine (1) the prevalence of regular PA among college students in a Philippine setting and (2) the reasons for either adherence to PA or for being inactive, (3) to describe DH of the students, (4) to compare PA involvement and DH across year levels, and (5) to correlate PA and diet behaviors. Data were collected using a self-administered survey questionnaire. Results showed that only 32.8% of the 1,706 students in this study engaged in regular PA. There were greater proportions of inactivity at higher-year levels (62.5%, 66.5%, 76.5%, and 84.8% in the first, second, third and&nbsp;fourth year, respectively). The major reason for inactivity was lack of time, while the students’ PA adherence was largely due to predisposing factors such as knowledge about PA, beliefs in benefits and enjoyment of PA, and confidence in performing physical activity. About one of every three students in each year level had below-average to poor dietary habits, meaning they seldom eat proper types of food. Findings of this study indicate the need for an intervention that will effectively increase regular PA and ensure proper food intake in the student population.

scholarly journals Determinants of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Women from Southern Italy

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (16) ◽  
pp. 2963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Valerio Fiore ◽  
Giuliana Rosta ◽  
Giuliana Favara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Southern Italy ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mediterranean Populations ◽  
Behavioral Determinants ◽  
The Mediterranean

The Mediterranean diet (MD)—the dietary pattern usually consumed by Mediterranean populations—can help promote a favorable health status and better quality of life. Uncovering the main factors associated with the adherence to MD may be useful in understanding and counteracting the global shift toward a Western diet, which has been documented also in the Mediterranean region. Here, we evaluated the adherence to MD and its major social and behavioral determinants in women from Catania, Southern Italy. This cross-sectional study included 841 women, aged 25–64 years, with no history of severe diseases. Adherence to MD was assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire and Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Associations between variables were tested by multivariable logistic regression analysis and expressed as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Among social factors, medium and high educational levels were associated with an ideal intake of alcohol (OR = 4.059; 95%CI = 1.311–12.570; p = 0.015; OR = 4.258 95%CI = 1.068–16.976; p = 0.040; respectively), living in a couple with ideal intake of cereals (OR = 2.801 95%CI = 1.188–6.602; p = 0.018), and having children with an ideal intake of fruits (OR = 3.149; 95%CI = 1.245–7.762; p = 0.015). With respect to behaviors, current smoking was negatively associated with an ideal intake of meat (OR = 0.449; 95%CI = 0.0220–0.917; p = 0.028), while more engagement in physical activity was associated with an ideal intake of vegetables (OR = 6.148; 95%CI = 1.506–25.104; p = 0.011) and legumes (OR = 5.832; 95%CI = 1.414–24.063; p = 0.015). In line with these findings, moderately or highly physically active women were more likely to show medium or high adherence to MD than those who performed less physical activity (OR = 6.024; 95%CI = 1.192–30.440; p = 0.040; OR = 9.965 95%CI = 1.683–58.993; p = 0.011; respectively). Our results confirm an urgent need for public health strategies, which should take into account determinants of diet quality. Particularly, our study indicates that more engagement in physical activity is a major positive determinant of the adherence to MD.

Relationship between protein intake in each meal and physical activity level : Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takae Shinto ◽  
Saneyuki Makino ◽  
Yu Tahara ◽  
Lie Nitta ◽  
Mai Kuwahara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Daily Physical Activity ◽  
Activity Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Total N ◽  
The Relationship

BACKGROUND Protein intake plays an important role in the synthesis and maintenance of skeletal muscle　in the prevention of health risks. It is also widely known that physical activity influences muscle function. However, no large-scale studies have examined the relationship between daily dietary habits, especially the timing of protein intake, and daily physical activity. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between protein intake and composition during the three meals and the amount of daily physical activity using a cross-sectional study design. METHODS Using the daily dietary data accumulated in the phone food-log application “Asken” and a web-based cross-sectional survey to the Asken users (total N = 8,458), we analyzed the nutrient intake and daily activity levels. RESULTS Correlation analysis revealed that breakfast and lunch protein intake had higher positive correlations with daily physical activity among the three major macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrate). These findings were confirmed by multiple regression analysis with confounding factors. Also, participants with higher protein intake and composition at breakfast or lunch tended to exhibit significantly greater physical activity than those with the higher protein intake at dinner. CONCLUSIONS Among the three macronutrients, protein intake during breakfast and lunch was closely associated with daily physical activity.

scholarly journals Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Related to Healthy Habits, Learning Processes, and Academic Achievement in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramón Chacón-Cuberos ◽  
Félix Zurita-Ortega ◽  
Asunción Martínez-Martínez ◽  
Eva Olmedo-Moreno ◽  
Manuel Castro-Sánchez
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Healthy Habits

Background: Several studies have shown that following a healthy diet and practicing regular physical activity (PA) are related with multiple health benefits. However, the cognitive and academic implications of these behaviors within adolescents requires further study. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a simple of 1059 adolescents from Spain. The main instruments employed were the Adherence to Mediterranean Diet Test (KIDMED), the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Motivation and Learning Strategies Short Form (MSLQ-SF). Results: Practicing PA for more than three hours per week was related to better dietary habits (p < 0.001) such as increased consumption of vegetables (0.75 ± 0.43 vs. 0.62 ± 0.48), fish (0.67 ± 0.47 vs. 0.58 ± 0.49), cereals (0.85 ± 0.35 vs. 0.77 ± 0.41) and nuts (0.44 ± 0.49 vs. 0.35 ± 0.47). High adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) was positively related to elaboration strategies (r = 0.116), organizational strategies (r = 0.109), critical thinking (r = 0.116), self-regulation (r = 0.159), time and study habits (r = 0.160), self-regulation of effort (r = 0.118), and intrinsically orientated goals (r = 0.090) (p < 0.01 for all variables). Practicing PA every week was also related to improvements in several of the measured variables and in addition was related to lower levels of anxiety within the academic environment (r = −0.070; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Given the benefits of eating habits and the practice of PA in the cognitive processes involved in adolescent learning, intervention programs within the educational context are recommended to improve healthy habits.

scholarly journals Factors related to dietary habits, energy drink consumption, and physical activity in marginalized Palestinian schools: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 329-336
Author(s):  
Sami Amer ◽  
Elham Kateeb
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Energy Drink ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
School Level ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
High School Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Level Of Education ◽  
Energy Drink Consumption

Background: The current study assessed different dietary habits, energy drinks intake, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity and associated factors among Palestinian adolescents attending marginalized schools. Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted a random sample of 1480 students in the sixth andninth grades attending 20 marginalized public schools in the West Bank area of the occupied Palestinian Territories (oPt). Students were interviewed in-person by trained senior dental students about their dietary habits, physical activity, fathers’ employment and mothers’ level of education. Weight and height were measured, and BMI percentile was calculated. Descriptive statistics were generated for the study’s main variables and the dependent variables were compared by grade, gender, mothers’ level of education and father’s employment. Results: A total of 1282 students (98% response) completed the questionnaire. Of them, 6%were ‘underweight’ (fifth percentile or under) and 34% were ‘overweight’ or ‘obese’ (85thpercentile or over). Ninth graders had more added sugar than 6th graders (P=0.002), less frequent milk consumption (P<0.001), more frequent energy drink consumption (P=0.001),and less physical activity (P<0.0001). Frequency of carbonated and sweetened drink consumption was associated with being overweight or obese (P=0.016, P=0.001). Frequency of carbonated drinks consumption was higher among children of mothers with a high school level of education or less (P<0.001). In addition, children of mothers educated to high school level or below were associated with being underweight (P=0.05). Conclusion: Dietary habits and physical activity get worse between the ages of 12 and 15. Mothers’ level of education is an important factor in being overweight or underweight. Energy drink consumption among boys and milk consumption among girls are two challenges that need to be addressed urgently and adequately.

scholarly journals Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Palestinian High School females’ students in Hebron city: Cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
May Hamdan ◽  
Manal Badrasawi ◽  
Souzan Zidan
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Diet ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eating Pattern ◽  
Mediterranean Countries ◽  
The Mediterranean

Objectives: Adopting an eating pattern complying with the Mediterranean diet not only reduces body fat mass and obesity risk, but also decreases the development of various health problems. However, Mediterranean countries have testified a reduced adherence during the past years and the adoption of a more westernized dietary pattern. The main aim of our study is to explore the Mediterranean diet adherence and to evaluate the relationship between KIDMED scores and selected variables school students in Hebron city, Palestine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 360 voluntary female student, aged between 15-18 years. Socio-demographic data, nutritional habits, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from self-administered questionnaires. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: Results indicated that 37.5% of the students had a low adherence to Mediterranean diet, 53.1% had a moderate adherence to Mediterranean diet, and 9.40% had a high adherence to Mediterranean diet. KIDMED scores are significantly associated all dietary habits listed below, with an exception for following a diet plan. Furthermore, it was noticed that KIDMED scores are negatively associated with age, first meal, and overnight fasting. On the other hand, the scores are positively associated with last meal, and number of main meals. Conclusions: In conclusion, results should plead for an increased awareness in Palestinian high- schools, supporting students to be more adherent to the Mediterranean diet, in order to prevent a further increase in metabolic diseases later in adulthood.

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