Examining Elementary School Children’s Knowledge about Food and Nutrition in Southwestern Ontario, Canada

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Paige Colley ◽  
Jamie A. Seabrook ◽  
Sarah J. Woodruff ◽  
Jason Gilliland
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Food Selection ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Student Survey ◽  
Total Knowledge Score ◽  
Food And Nutrition

Purpose: Knowledge is fundamental to helping children make nutritional choices that support lifelong healthy behaviours. This study (i) investigates elementary school children’s knowledge about food and nutrition and (ii) identifies sociodemographic factors influencing children’s reported knowledge. Methods: In 2017–2019, a survey was administered to 2443 students (grades 5–8) at 60 schools across southwestern Ontario, Canada, and a parent survey was used to validate self-reported sociodemographics. Multiple regression was used to analyse children’s knowledge scores and related sociodemographic factors. A total knowledge score was calculated by summing correct responses derived from 46 individual questions in the student survey. Results: Mean total knowledge score was 29.2 out of a possible 46 points (63.5% correct). Students demonstrated some knowledge and awareness of strategies to encourage fruit and vegetable consumption, healthy food selection, nutrition, and food preparation skills, although knowledge of food guide recommendations and locally sourced produce were limited. Female sex, family income, and rurality were associated with higher knowledge scores. Conclusions: Results provide insight regarding strengths and gaps in elementary-school children’s food and nutrition knowledge. Poor performance of students on specific food guide-related questions suggests that the general guidance of the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide might be better understood by children and adolescents.

scholarly journals Caffeinated Coffee and Tea Consumption, Genetic Variation and Cognitive Function in the UK Biobank

2020 ◽  
Vol 150 (8) ◽  
pp. 2164-2174
Author(s):  
Marilyn C Cornelis ◽  
Sandra Weintraub ◽  
Martha Clare Morris
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Cognitive Function ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Tea Consumption ◽  
Uk Biobank ◽  
Trail Making ◽  
Caffeine Metabolism ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACT Background Coffee and tea are the major contributors of caffeine in the diet. Evidence points to the premise that caffeine may benefit cognition. Objective We examined the associations of habitual regular coffee or tea and caffeine intake with cognitive function whilst additionally accounting for genetic variation in caffeine metabolism. Methods We included white participants aged 37–73 y from the UK Biobank who provided biological samples and completed touchscreen questionnaires regarding sociodemographic factors, medical history, lifestyle, and diet. Habitual caffeine-containing coffee and tea intake was self-reported in cups/day and used to estimate caffeine intake. Between 97,369 and 445,786 participants with data also completed ≥1 of 7 self-administered cognitive functioning tests using a touchscreen system (2006–2010) or on home computers (2014). Multivariable regressions were used to examine the association between coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and cognition test scores. We also tested interactions between coffee, tea, or caffeine intake and a genetic-based caffeine-metabolism score (CMS) on cognitive function. Results After multivariable adjustment, reaction time, Pairs Matching, Trail Making test B, and symbol digit substitution, performance significantly decreased with consumption of 1 or more cups of coffee (all tests P-trend < 0.0001). Tea consumption was associated with poor performance on all tests (P-trend < 0.0001). No statistically significant CMS × tea, CMS × coffee, or CMS × caffeine interactions were observed. Conclusions Our findings, based on the participants of the UK Biobank, provide little support for habitual consumption of regular coffee or tea and caffeine in improving cognitive function. On the contrary, we observed decrements in performance with intakes of these beverages which may be a result of confounding. Whether habitual caffeine intake affects cognitive function therefore remains to be tested.

scholarly journals Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Workers in Sulaimani Health Facilities in Relation to Medical Waste Management

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-150
Author(s):  
Sarko Masood Mohammed ◽  
Nasih Othman ◽  
Ali Hattem Hussein ◽  
Kamal Jalal Rashid
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Waste Management ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Medical Waste ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Coding System ◽  
Total Knowledge Score ◽  
Medical Waste Management

Medical waste management is of crucial importance in health care facilities (HCF). In the present study, we assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of medical waste management in an HCF of Sulaimani city, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Using a self-administered questionnaire, we collected information on waste management practices from health care professionals (HCP) in 14 public and private hospitals and 10 primary health care centers of the city. Based on answers, total knowledge score on a 10-point scale was established. A total of 406 HCPs (of those, 261 women), average age 37.3 (SD ± 9.4) years participated. Just 20.3% have been trained on medical waste management. The total knowledge score ranged from 0 to 9 with a mean of 4.7 (SD ± 1.8).  Factors which were significantly associated with the better knowledge score was male gender, having a high educational degree, being trained in waste management and has been in service for more than 5 years. 68% of HCPs followed the color coding system, 91% always/frequently disposed used sharps/needles to safety boxes, 79% always or frequently recapped needles, 49% reported experiencing at least one needle prick injury during their work but only 37% of them had reported the injury to a supervisor and only 4% of those injured had filled an injury form. There is a low average level of knowledge and the unsafe risky practices are quite prevalent in HCFs. Provision of appropriate training on dealing with medical waste is essential to promote safe practices among HCFs.

scholarly journals PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: DATA ON BRAZILIAN ADOLESCENTS

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 84-89
Author(s):  
Cecília Bertuol ◽  
Kelly Samara da Silva ◽  
Rafael Miranda Tassitano ◽  
Adair da Silva Lopes ◽  
Markus Vinicius Nahas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Public Schools ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Psychosocial Aspects ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Cross Sectional

ABSTRACT Introduction Although the benefits of regular physical activity (PA) for adolescents are well-described in the literature, there is little evidence of the role of psychosocial aspects on levels of PA in this population. Objective To investigate the prevalence and sociodemographic factors associated with enjoyment of PA and preference for leisure-time activities in boys and girls. Methods A cross-sectional study, with 6529 adolescents (aged 15 to 19 years) enrolled in secondary education in public schools in the South of Brazil. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between sociodemographic factors and the variables of interest, with data collection using a standardized questionnaire. Results Boys enjoyed (87.1%) and preferred (44.4%) PA more than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%). Among the boys, enjoyment was associated with family income(OR3-5 wages=1.53; OR≥6 wages=1.62) and, among the girls, it was associated with age (OR19 years=0.28), occupational status (ORworkers=1.45), and income (OR3-5 wages=1.35). Preference was associated with age (OR19 years=2.48) and income (OR≥6 wages=0.70) among the boys and, among girls, it was associated with area of residence (ORrural=1.47) and occupation (ORworkers=1.31). Conclusion Boys (enjoyment: 87.1%; preference: 44.4%) had more positive attitudes toward PA than girls (enjoyment: 79.2%; preference: 29.5%), and some sociodemographic variables appear to be more closely associated with these attitudes than others. Enjoyment was associated with family income for boys, and with age, occupation and income for girls. Preference, in turn, was associated with age and family income for boys, and area of residence and occupational status for girls. Level of evidence II, Diagnostic studies - Investigation of a diagnostic test.

Impact of brief educational intervention on knowledge of cancer among community pharmacists

2021 ◽  
pp. 107815522110419
Author(s):  
Kofi Boamah Mensah ◽  
Adwoa Bemah Boamah Mensah ◽  
Ebenezer Wiafe ◽  
Neelaveni Padayachee ◽  
Abena Yeboah Aduse Poku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Intervention ◽  
Community Pharmacists ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Maximum Score ◽  
Total Knowledge Score ◽  
Cancer Screening Tests ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Knowledge Of Cancer

Introduction Community pharmacists may play a vital role in early detection and prevention of cancer. Findings from our pre-assessment studies showed that the Ghanaian community have inadequate knowledge of cancer. We assessed the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge level of cancer among Ghanaian community pharmacists. Method The study was a descriptive interventional study. Knowledge of cancer, signs and symptoms, risk factors and cancer screening tests were assessed before in a pre-assessment study and after a brief online education in our current study. A total of 435 community pharmacists were recruited in both studies. Results The mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer increased from 9.03 ± 2.65 to 12.97 ± 1.43 out of a maximum score of 15 points. The mean ± SD total knowledge score of signs and symptoms of cancer increased from 4.15 ± 2.14 to 6.86 ± 0.76 out of a maximum score of 7 points. For the total knowledge score of causes and risk factors of cancer, the mean ± SD score increased from 8.13 ± 3.31 to 11.59 ± 0.87 out of a maximum score of 12 points. Lastly, the mean ± SD total knowledge score of cancer screening tests increased from 9.04 ± 5.01 to 16.39 ± 0.86 out of a maximum score of 18 points. Conclusion There were overall statistically significant improvements of participants knowledge in all aspects of cancer in this study compared to the pre-assessment study. Our study presents evidence of the effectiveness of a brief educational intervention tailor-made for Ghanaian community pharmacists.

scholarly journals Analysis of Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by Children in School Canteens Depending on Selected Sociodemographic Factors

Medicina ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 55 (7) ◽  
pp. 397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Łuszczki ◽  
Sobek ◽  
Bartosiewicz ◽  
Baran ◽  
Weres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Body Height ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Bar Code ◽  
School Canteen ◽  
The Impact

Background and Objectives: Eating habits acquired or changed during childhood are likely to track into adulthood. Due to the fact that nutritional behaviours are not so strongly formed among children, it is easier to change and develop them in children than in adults. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of selected sociodemographic factors affecting fruit and vegetable consumption (i.e., age, parents’ body mass index, parents’ level education, duration of breastfeeding, child’s time spent in front of computer/television) among children in school canteens. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 106 participants (52 girls, 54 boys) aged 6–12. The frequency of consuming fruits and vegetables at a school canteen was assessed using bar code cards for two weeks. Body composition estimates were obtained using a foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance analysis, body height was measured using a stadiometer Seca 213. The questionnaire contained questions about selected factors which can have an influence on fruit and vegetable consumption. In the study group, 13.2% of participants were overweight and 17.9% were obese. Results: Our results showed a statistically significant relationship between age and fruit and vegetable consumption, and it increased with age in both sexes. Conclusions: Bearing in mind the various conditions discussed when shaping the eating habits of pre-school- and early-school-aged children, the importance of proper nutritional education should be stressed both among children and parents.

Development and Validation of the Return and Disposal of Unused Medications Questionnaire (ReDiUM) in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 737-749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si Mui Sim ◽  
Pauline Siew Mei Lai ◽  
Kit Mun Tan ◽  
Hong Gee Lee ◽  
Che Zuraini Sulaiman
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Score ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Metered Dose Inhalers ◽  
Flesch Reading Ease ◽  
Total Knowledge Score ◽  
Unused Medications ◽  
Metered Dose ◽  
Development And Validation ◽  
Harmful Effects ◽  
Knowledge Attitude And Practice

The aim of our study was to develop and validate the return and disposal of unused medications (ReDiUM), as there are currently no validated tools available (worldwide) to assess this. The ReDiUM was developed by an expert panel. It was then administered to community-dwelling adults, who could understand English, at baseline and 2 weeks later. A total of 338/354 participants agreed to participate (response rate = 95.4%). Flesch reading ease was 60. The overall Cronbach’s α was 0.703 (range = 0.609-0.762). At test-retest, κ values ranged from 0.244 to 0.523. Median total knowledge score was 60% (interquartile range = 40% to 70%). The majority of participants (94.4%) knew that improper drug disposal has harmful effects on the environment. However, their knowledge was low (11.2%) regarding the disposal of pressurized metered-dose inhalers in the garbage. The ReDiUM was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice on the ReDiUM in Malaysia.

scholarly journals Fruit and vegetable consumption and its recommended intake associated with sociodemographic factors: Thailand National Health Examination Survey III

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2192-2198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Warapone Satheannoppakao ◽  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Mandhana Pradipasen
Keyword(s):  
National Health ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Vegetable Intake ◽  
Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Sociodemographic Factors ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable Consumption ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Health Examination Survey

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the fruit and vegetable consumption in Thailand, the percentage of Thais meeting recommended intakes and the association with sociodemographic factors.DesignCross-sectional survey with a stratified, three-stage, cluster probability sampling design.SettingCommunity-dwelling men and women participating in the Thailand National Health Examination Survey III.SubjectsA total of 39 290 individuals aged ≥15 years were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and fruit and vegetable consumption. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was estimated through the use of a short semi-qualitative FFQ.ResultsOverall, participants had average frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption equal to 4·56 and 5·97 d/week, respectively. Average daily number of servings of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables were 1·46, 1·78 and 3·24, respectively. Intake amounts of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables varied by marital status and region, and were lower among males (except for vegetable intake), those of older age, those with low educational attainment, those with low monthly household income and those living in a rural area. Only 1/3, 1/4 and 1/4 of the population consumed the recommended ≥2, ≥3 and ≥5 servings/d for fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables. Sociodemographic factors related to meeting the recommended intake of ≥5 servings/d for fruit plus vegetables included being female (OR = 1·13) and household income ≥50 000 Baht/month (OR = 1·66).ConclusionsThe amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed by Thai participants were far below the level of current recommendations. Public education and campaigns on adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables should be targeted more towards low socio-economic groups.

scholarly journals ImmunizziAMO: A School-Based Field Trial to Teach New Generations the Importance of Vaccination through Games and to Fight Vaccine Hesitancy in Italy

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 280
Author(s):  
Giuseppe La Torre ◽  
Valeria D’Egidio ◽  
Cristina Sestili ◽  
Rosario Andrea Cocchiara ◽  
Sara Cianfanelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Field Trial ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Immunological Response ◽  
Knowledge Score ◽  
First Grade ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
School Based ◽  
Before And After ◽  
First Contact

Background: Vaccines simulate the first contact with infectious agents and evoke the immunological response without causing the disease and its complications. High rates of immunization among the population guarantee the interruption of the transmission chain of infectious diseases. Therefore, the population should be aware of the value of vaccination and motivated. In order to implement the spread of a correct culture about these issues, schools were recognized as a privileged operational setting. The aim of this project was to transmit knowledge and convey educational messages on the importance of vaccines, through the use of games, in elementary school children, their families and teachers. Materials and Methods: A field trial study was implemented between April and October 2019. Sample size calculations highlighted the need to recruit at least 136 students in the schools. The intervention involved 10 classes (five first grade and five s grade classes) and was structured in frontal teaching sessions and gaming sessions. Knowledge was assessed comparing the results of a questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The questionnaires referred to the following items: dangerousness of bacteria and viruses; capability of defending from microorganisms; the role of antibodies; functioning of the vaccine in a child; type of disease for which a vaccine is efficacious; duration of a vaccine; mother- child transmission of antibodies; herd immunity. Results: 143 children participated in all the phases of the study. The comparison between the scores at the beginning and end of the intervention showed a significant increase in the knowledge about vaccines and immunity. The mean knowledge score arose from 3.52 (SD = 1.67) to 5.97 (SD = 1.81). Conclusions: This study suggests that the use of games in an elementary school effectively increase the knowledge related to the important topic of vaccination starting at childhood.

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