Qualitative evaluation of school meal menus offered in Brazilian municipalities

Abstract This article aims to evaluate the quality of Brazilian school meal menus. Cross-sectional study that analyzed 2,500 menus of 500 Brazilian municipalities. The menus were evaluated based on the Quality Index for School Meal Menus (IQCAE - Indicador de Qualidade para Cardápios da Alimentação Escolar). The data were submitted to descriptive analysis. We found that 29,4% of menus presented high quality; 50,6%, regular quality; and 20%, low quality. Grains and tubers (86%) and Meat and eggs (67%) were the groups most found in menus, followed by Legumes (42,16%), Vegetables (40%), Fruits (35,56%), and Dairy products (18,6%); the frequency of Cured meats and sausages (8,68%) and Sweets as meals (3,64%) was lower. Among other components, 84,6% of the menus offered Sweets as dessert in none or one day a week; ultra-processed foods appear in 65,6% of menus at least once a week. In 22% of the menus, meal time was compatible with type meal served. Important food for child nutrition, such as dairy, vegetables, and fruits, are not regularly provided by school meals. Despite the advances in policy management, the presence of ultra-processed foods at least once a week is still frequent in the menus.

Download Full-text

Nutritional Quality of Food and Beverages Offered in Supermarkets of Lima According to the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12051508 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (5) ◽

pp. 1508

Author(s):

Mayra Meza-Hernández ◽

David Villarreal-Zegarra ◽

Lorena Saavedra-Garcia

Keyword(s):

Healthy Eating ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Nutrient Content ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Nutritional Composition ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Warning Labels ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Two Phases

The purpose of this paper was to determine the foods and beverages offered in the city of Lima, Peru, that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels (octagons) according to the thresholds for the two phases (6 and 39 months after the approval) for nutrients of concern (sugar, sodium, saturated fat, and trans-fat) included in the Peruvian Law of Healthy Eating. An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted that evaluated the nutritional composition of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a supermarket chain in Lima. Of all the processed and ultra-processed foods captured, foods that report nutritional information and do not require reconstitution to be consumed were included. A descriptive analysis was carried out by food categories to report the nutrient content and the percentage of foods that would be subject to front-of-package warning labels. Results: A total of 1234 foods were evaluated, according to the initial thresholds that became effective 6 months after the law was implemented; 35.9% of foods had two octagons; 34.8% had one octagon; 15.8% had no octagons; 12% had three octagons; and no products had four octagons. At 39 months, when the final and more restrictive thresholds become effective, 4.8% did not have octagons. The majority of processed and ultra-processed foods that are sold in a Peruvian supermarket chain carry at least one octagon, and more than 10% of them carry octagons for three of the four nutrients of concern.

Download Full-text

Frequency of Neck and Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Dentists

Journal of Islamabad Medical & Dental College ◽

10.35787/jimdc.v9i3.404 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 207-211

Author(s):

Sidra Sarwar ◽

Sara Khalid ◽

Tahir Mahmood ◽

Hadeeqa Jabeen ◽

Shahid Imran

Keyword(s):

Upper Extremity ◽

Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

Health Care Professionals ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Dental Hospital ◽

Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

And Performance

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are not only becoming prevalent among health care professionals in our country but are affecting their health and performance adversely. They are caused by poor ergonomics and awkward posture during work activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of neck and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders in dentists of Lahore, Pakistan. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during October 2017 to March 2018. The data was collected using convenient sampling technique from 162 Dentists including 52 males and 110 females of Children hospital Lahore, Punjab Dental hospital and Fatima Memorial Hospital, Lahore. Data was collected by using Mangalore Questionnaire for identification of musculoskeletal disorders. Descriptive analysis of the data was done using SPSS version 22.0. Results: Of 162 dentists, 115 (71%) suffered from musculoskeletal disorders. Shoulder was the most commonly affected region (30.9%) followed by neck (25.9%), arm (6.2%), wrist (4.3%), elbow (3.1%) and forearm (0.6%). Pain (45.7%) was found to be the most common complaint followed by muscle weakness (20.4%), paraesthesia (3.7%) and swelling (1.2%). Conclusions: It was concluded that majority of the dentists were suffering from musculoskeletal disorders with shoulder as the most affected region and pain as the most frequent complaint. Key words: Dentists, Musculoskeletal disorders, Neck pain, Upper extremity

Download Full-text

SAT0082 FRAX AND DAS IN MOROCCAN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4467 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 975.1-975

Author(s):

H. Azzouzi ◽

O. Lamkhanat ◽

I. Linda

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Fracture Risk ◽

Disease Activity ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Fracture Probability ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Risk Probability ◽

Fracture Assessment

Background:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the risk factors for the calculation of the 10 years fracture probability assessed by the FRAX tool.Objectives:The aim was to study the association of disease activity and the 10 year fracture risk probability by the FRAX tool in our RA patients and their impact on fracture prevalence.Methods:Cross-sectional study of the association FRAX and disease activity score (DAS 28 CRP) was designed. Patients with RA were included. Mean DAS was calculated for each patient adjusted on his follow-up duration. Data about patients (demographic, disease characteristics and fracture assessment) were collected. The 10 year fracture risk probability for major osteoporotic fracture was calculated with and without BMD (bone mineral density) using the FRAX tool for Morocco. Descriptive analysis and regressions were performed with SPSS.20. p<0.05 was considered significant.Results:One hundred and ninety nine RA patients were included with mean age of 55.5±12 years. Women represented 91% and 40.1% had osteoporosis. Remission was observed in 86.4% with 95.5% taking methotrexate. 17.1% had vertebral fractures. FRAX and DAS were associated (p=0.03), and both explained vertebral fracture (VF) prevalence. When adjusted on disease parameters, FRAX with and without BMD explained the vertebral prevalence (p=0.02, OR=1.09[1.01-1.19]). However, age remains the only predictor of VF when adjusted on osteoporosis factors (DAS28CRP, menopause, BMI, smoking, diabetes, gender, steroid use, HAQ) and FRAX BMD.Conclusion:Persistent disease activity was associated to high 10 year fracture risk probability calculated by the FRAX tool in RA.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Download Full-text

Empty shelves: selected essential medicines stockouts in South Africa

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.490 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

L Wolvaardt ◽

R Nemuntandani ◽

I Kamungoma-Dada

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Secondary Data ◽

Treatment Interruption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Essential Medicines ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Antiretroviral Medication

Abstract Background Access to essential medicines in South Africa has been compromised by stockouts in health facilities. This study describes the occurrence of stockouts for a selection of essential medicines. Methods This cross-sectional study used secondary data retrieved from the Stop Stock Outs Project (SSP). A descriptive analysis was conducted on data from the 2013-2015 SSP case management database of routinely reported stockouts. Chi square tests of independence was conducted on data from the SSP 2015 annual telephonic survey to investigate associations between the occurrence of stockouts, the level of health facility and the type of health professional. Results 231 facilities reported 609 stockouts. Antiretroviral medication had the most stockout reports (78%; n = 475/609), followed by anti-infectives (17.1%; n = 104/609) and tuberculosis medication (4.9%; n = 30/609). The highest number of stockout reports were received from Gauteng province and the majority (71.09%; n = 150/211) of facilities reporting stockouts were in urban areas. There were more stockouts at ambulatory, rather than inpatient care, facilities however, this was not statistically significant. Conclusions This study confirms that South Africa experiences medicine stockouts for many of the essential medicines, with antiretroviral medication being the category most affected. The stockouts vary between provinces and the urban-rural divide but are an equal threat to both ambulatory and inpatient facilities. Key messages The pattern of stockouts experienced over a three-year period suggest that stockouts are ‘normal’ despite the substantive effects of treatment interruption – especially patients with HIV and/or TB. Antiretroviral therapy is at risk as a result of stockouts.

Download Full-text

Domestic violence and coping strategies among married adults during lockdown due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in India: a cross-sectional study

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.59 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-29

Author(s):

Priyanka Sharma ◽

Anita Khokhar

Keyword(s):

Domestic Violence ◽

Coping Strategies ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Systematic Research ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Frontline Workers ◽

And Coping ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background: There has been a reported increase in cases of domestic violence during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, however systematic research data is still unavailable. This study was conducted to find out domestic violence prevalence and coping strategies among married adults during lockdown due to COVID-19 in India. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among married men and women in the month of April 2020. Data regarding socio-demographic profile, domestic violence and coping strategies employed during lockdown was collected thorough google forms. 97.9% forms were completely filled by the respondents. Descriptive analysis was done. Results: Out of 94 study participants, about 7.4% (n=7) had faced domestic violence during lockdown. Out of these 7 participants, about 85.7% (n=6) reported increased frequency of domestic violence during lockdown. About half of the victims chose to ignore it (57.1%, n=4) or used yoga/meditation (42.9%, n=3) to cope. Conclusion: With about 7.4% study participants facing domestic violence during lockdown, it is necessary to study its detailed epidemiology in pandemics so that interventions like helpline numbers, screening of patients during tele-consultation, etc. which can be delivered even during lockdown with the help of healthcare and frontline workers could be devised to address this problem.

Download Full-text

Changes of Physical Activity and Ultra-Processed Food Consumption in Adolescents from Different Countries during Covid-19 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu12082289 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 2289 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

María Belén Ruíz-Roso ◽

Patricia de Carvalho Padilha ◽

Diana C. Matilla-Escalante ◽

Paola Brun ◽

Natalia Ulloa ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Latin America ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Healthy Lifestyle ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Processed Food ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Consumption Data ◽

Food Consumption Data

Aim: to describe physical activity and ultra-processed foods consumption, their changes and sociodemographic predictors among adolescents from countries in Europe (Italy and Spain) and Latin America (Brazil, Chile, and Colombia) during the SARS-CoV-2-pandemic period. Methods: Cross-sectional study via web survey. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and weekly ultra-processed food consumption data were used. To compare the frequencies of physical activity status with sociodemographic variables, a multinomial logistic and a multiple logistic regression for habitual ultra-processed foods was performed. In final models, p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Sample of 726 adolescents, mostly females (59.6%) aged 16–19 years old (54.3%). Adolescents from Latin America presented odds ratio (OR) 2.98 (CI 95% 1.80–4.94) of being inactive and those whose mothers had higher level of education were less active during lockdown [OR 0.40 (CI 95% 0.20–0.84)]. The habitual ultra-processed consumption was also high during this period in all countries, and more prevalent in Latin America. Conclusion: A higher prevalence of inactivity was observed in this population, but reductions of physical activity and habitual ultra-processed consumption during the pandemic were more pronounced in Latin America. Our findings reinforce the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle, i.e., exercise and diet, during periods of social isolation.

Download Full-text

Ultra-processed foods and added sugars in the US diet: evidence from a nationally representative cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2015-009892 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. e009892 ◽

Cited By ~ 202

Author(s):

Eurídice Martínez Steele ◽

Larissa Galastri Baraldi ◽

Maria Laura da Costa Louzada ◽

Jean-Claude Moubarac ◽

Dariush Mozaffarian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Added Sugars ◽

The Us ◽

Nationally Representative

Download Full-text

Use of simulation based technology in pre-clinical years improves confidence and satisfaction among medical students

Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association ◽

10.47391/jpma.1152 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-19

Author(s):

Muhammad Bilal Mirza ◽

Anjiya Sulaiman ◽

Satwat Hashmi ◽

Samar Zaki ◽

Rehana Rehman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Medical Curriculum ◽

Teaching Method ◽

Clinical Skills ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Learning Objectives ◽

Student Interest ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Objective: To determine perception of medical students about learning from integrated simulated clinical skills sessions in Respiration and Circulation module of Year 1 undergraduate medical curriculum at Aga Khan University. Subjects & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, Aga Khan University (AKU) from July 2018 to February 2019. Integrated clinical skills session involves use of a combination of live simulated patient and mechanical simulator to teach clinical skills. These sessions were conducted in Respiration and Circulation Module of MBBS Year I curriculum after which quantitative data was collected by a questionnaire that assessed usefulness of integrated clinical skills teaching method and confidence gained by students. The responses acquired were assessed on a Likert scale ranging from 1-5, (strongly agree -strongly disagree). Descriptive analysis was performed. A focused group discussion (FGD) with students and an in-depth interview with a facilitator conducting the clinical skills sessions was arranged. Simple verbatim transcription of FGD recordings and thematic analyses was executed. Results: Quantitative analysis showed that more than 90% of the students believed integrated sessions were effective in acquiring the learning objectives and found them enjoyable and motivating. 80% expressed confidence that they had accomplished learning objectives and felt they have learned practical clinical skills. Qualitative analysis revealed that these sessions enhanced understanding of subject matter and student engagement during sessions. Conclusion: Integrated clinical skills sessions improved student interest, engagement and promoted student confidence. It should be implemented in undergraduate medical teaching curriculum. Continuous...

Download Full-text

Factors Associated With Informational Support in Transitional Care for Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Clinical Nursing Research ◽

10.1177/10547738211051881 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 105477382110518

Author(s):

Gui-Ling Geng ◽

Wen-Wen Yang ◽

Xiao-Liu Shi ◽

Jia-Ning Hua ◽

Min Cui ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Chronic Diseases ◽

Transitional Care ◽

Descriptive Analysis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Informational Support ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Care Survey ◽

Strobe Statement ◽

Care Study

To evaluate the current situation and associated factors of informational support for older adults with chronic diseases in transitional care. Study was conducted in five hospitals of five different cities in Jiangsu Province, China. A random cluster sample of 800 older adults with chronic diseases responded to the informational support questionnaire of transitional care survey. Descriptive analysis, t-tests, variance analysis, and stepwise multiple linear regression were used to analyze data. The STROBE statement for observational studies was applied. Total score of ISQTC for older adults with chronic diseases was (44.05 ± 17.21). Marital status, educational level, past occupation, close friends, medical insurance, complications, and exercise habits were significantly correlated with informational support. The level of informational support in transitional care for older adults with chronic diseases was low. Clinical staff should periodically and primarily assess their informational support, help find information resources for those who have low initial informational support, and identify which information they preferred to carry out accurate transitional care.

Download Full-text

Association between Food Intake and Overweight in Children Assisted by Primary Care

The Open Nursing Journal ◽

10.2174/1874434602115010305 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

pp. 305-312

Author(s):

Erivelton Sousa Lima ◽

Amanda de Castro Amorim Serpa Brandão ◽

Antonio Luiz Gomes Junior ◽

Luana kelle Batista Moura ◽

Gerardo Vasconcelos Mesquita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Food Intake ◽

Food Consumption ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Processed Foods ◽

Food Groups ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Chi Square Test

Background: The child feed in the first two years of life is of fundamental importance for a healthy growth and development. Aims: To verify the association between food consumption indicators and overweight in children under the age of two, followed up by primary care health professionals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 232 children assisted by primary care. A structured questionnaire was used with questions on sociodemographic data of mothers or guardians and food intake and anthropometric data of children. The analysis of the association between excess weight and food intake indicators was performed using the Pearson’s chi-square test (χ2) and Fisher’s exact test (f ˂ 5). Results: Regarding food intake in children under 6 months of age, 35.1% of the children were exclusively breastfed. Among children at the age of 6 to 23 months: 66.3% were on continued breastfeeding; 16.7% consumed adequate foods at the age of 6 to 8 months; 90.4% consumed foods that belonged to the six food groups; 76.3% consumed food at the minimum frequency and with adequate consistency; 88.9% consumed iron-rich and vitamin A-rich foods, and 59.3% consumed ultra-processed foods. Regarding nutritional status, 24.5% of the children were overweight. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant association between overweight and food consumption indicators among the surveyed children. However, exclusive breastfeeding was below the recommended level, a low percentage of the introduction of complementary foods at the appropriate age and high consumption of ultra-processed foods reveal the need to improve the assistance provided by primary care to this group.

Download Full-text