A Definition of “Regular Meals” Driven by Dietary Quality Supports a Pragmatic Schedule

Public health guidelines advise eating regular meals without defining “regular.” This study constructed a meaning for “regular” meals congruent with dietary quality. Parents of 4th grade youth in a school-based intervention (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02491294) completed three, ASA24 online 24-h dietary recalls. Differences in time of intake across days for breakfasts, lunches, dinners were categorized with consistency denoted as always, often/sometimes or rarely/never and assigned values of 3, 2 or 1, respectively. Meal-specific values were summed to form mealtime regularity scores (mReg) ranging from 3 (low) to 9. Healthy eating index (HEI) scores were compared to mReg controlling for weekday/weekend recall pattern. Linear regression predicted HEI scores from mReg. Parents (n = 142) were non-Hispanic white (92%), female (88%) and educated (73%). One mReg version, mReg1 was significantly associated with total HEI, total fruit, whole fruit, tended to correlate with total protein, seafood/plant protein subcomponents. mReg1 predicted total HEI (p = 0.001) and was inversely related to BMI (p = 0.04). A score of three (always) was awarded to breakfasts, lunches or dinners with day-to-day differences of 0–60 min; also, lunches/dinners with one interval of 60–120 min when two meals were ≤60 min apart. More rigid mReg versions were not associated with dietary quality.

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What Are “Regular Meals”? A Dietary Quality-Driven Definition Supports a Meal-Specific Day-to-Day Consistency Approximating 0–120 Minutes

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa047_011 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 591-591

Author(s):

Barbara Lohse ◽

Andrew Stratford ◽

Diane Mitchell ◽

Leslie Cunningham-Sabo

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity Intervention ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Funding Sources ◽

Meal Skipping ◽

School Based ◽

History Of ◽

Definition Of ◽

College Educated ◽

One Way Anova ◽

Hispanic White

Abstract Objectives Develop a definition of “regular meals” that aligns with optimum dietary quality. Methods Parents of 4th grade youth in an impact assessment of a school-based culinary & physical activity intervention completed three, 24-hour ASA24 dietary assessments. Intervals among the breakfasts, the lunches, and the dinners were arithmetically calculated and values of 3, 2, and 1 were assigned to definitions of “always,” “often/sometimes,” and “rarely/never” respectively for each meal to achieve a mealtime regularity score (MRS) ranging from 3 to 9. Values were assigned using 3 interval-based MRS versions iteratively based on descriptor proportionality. For each version, MRS was divided into groups based on 4 separate categorization strategies, i.e., 3 groups based on extremes and middle scores, 3 groups with more moderate delimiters, breakfast vs non-breakfast eaters, and 2 groups derived from median splits. Linear regression was used to predict HEI scores from MRS. Energy adjusted nutrient values and HEI scores were compared among MRS version categories using one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis as appropriate. Results Parents (n = 68) were non-Hispanic white (94%), female (88%), college educated (95%), had normal BMI (57%), with little history of SNAP participation (21%). HEI and Kcals were typical (55.8 ± 12.1; 1815 ± 553). No scoring scheme was unequivocally aligned with dietary quality indicators, but the median-driven categorization of 1 MRS version was more consistently correlated. This version assigned “always” to a day-to-day consistency of 60 minutes for breakfast, up to 120 min for lunch/dinner; “often/sometimes” for intervals as high as 90 minutes for breakfast and 120 minutes for lunch/dinner and “rarely/never” for greater intervals. 47%, 55%, and 71% identified with “always” for breakfast, lunch, and dinner respectively. Only the MRS based on these moderate delimiters (mean 7.24 ± 1.42) predicted HEI (ß 2.1, P 0.043), total fruit and whole fruit HEI. With this scoring strategy, regular eaters, i.e., those with scores ≥ median, consumed more dietary fiber and had greater HEI, total fruit and whole fruit HEI scores. Conclusions “Regular meals,” as aligned with dietary quality, were defined as MRS ≥ median that were derived using less stringent interval and meal-skipping parameters. Funding Sources USDA, NIFA

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Maternal Dietary Quality and Dietary Inflammation Associations with Offspring Growth, Placental Development, and DNA Methylation

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13093130 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 3130

Author(s):

Marion Lecorguillé ◽

Shevaun Teo ◽

Catherine M. Phillips

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Dna Methylation ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Maternal Diet ◽

Later Life ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Placental Development ◽

Offspring Growth

The ‘Developmental Origins of Health and Diseases’ hypothesis posits that prenatal maternal diet influences offspring growth and later life health outcomes. Dietary assessment has focused on selected nutrients. However, this approach does not consider the complex interactions between foods and nutrients. To provide a more comprehensive approach to public health, dietary indices have been developed to assess dietary quality, dietary inflammation and risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Thus far, their use in the context of placental development is limited and associations with offspring outcomes have been inconsistent. Although epidemiological studies have focused on the role of maternal diet on foetal programming, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Some evidence suggests these associations may be driven by placental and epigenetic changes. In this narrative review, we examine the current literature regarding relationships between key validated diet quality scores (Dietary Inflammatory Index [DII], Mediterranean diet [MD], Healthy Eating Index [HEI], Alternative Healthy Eating Index [AHEI], Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension [DASH], Glycaemic Index [GI] and Glycaemic Load [GL]) in pregnancy and birth and long-term offspring outcomes. We summarise findings, discuss potential underlying placental and epigenetic mechanisms, in particular DNA methylation, and highlight the need for further research and public health strategies that incorporate diet quality and epigenetics.

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Lower Healthy Eating Index-2005 dietary quality scores in older women with rheumatoid arthritis v. healthy controls

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1017/s136898001000008x ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 13 (8) ◽

pp. 1170-1177 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Megan E Grimstvedt ◽

Kathleen Woolf ◽

Brandy-Joe Milliron ◽

Melinda M Manore

Keyword(s):

Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Older Women ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

High Risk Group ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Healthy Controls ◽

Cross Sectional

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the dietary quality of older women with and without rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005) to identify potential strategies to improve the nutritional status.DesignCross-sectional. Diet was assessed using 7 d food records and analysed for nutrient composition (Food Processor v. 7·11). Diet quality was determined using the HEI-2005, a measure of compliance with 2005 US Dietary Guidelines. Individuals with RA completed a self-reported evaluation of arthritis (pain scale and disability index). Independent two-tailed t tests or Mann–Whitney tests compared the differences between groups and correlations were computed between HEI-2005 and measures of disease reactivity.SettingArizona, USA.SubjectsOlder (≥ 55 years) women (n 108) with RA (n 52) and healthy controls (HC; n 56).ResultsThere were no differences between groups in age, weight, or BMI (kg/m2). HC participants had higher mean HEI-2005 scores for whole fruit (cups; P = 0·02), total fruit (cups; P = 0·05), whole grains (oz; P = 0·004), oil (g; P = 0·05) and total HEI score (P = 0·04) than the RA group. In the RA group, these same HEI components were inversely correlated with disability index (r = −0·20, P = 0·04). Participants with RA reported lower mean intakes of carbohydrate (g; P = 0·02), fibre (g; P = 0·01) and vitamin C (mg; P = 0·04).ConclusionsThis is the first study examining the dietary quality in older women with and without RA using the HEI-2005. Living with RA was associated with significantly lower dietary quality. Since even small changes in dietary quality can translate into better nutritional status, future interventions should focus on increasing dietary quality in this high-risk group.

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Bullying, Cyberbullying, and Interventions in Schools

Handbook of Research on Trends and Issues in Crime Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Victim Support ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-1286-9.ch015 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 265-282

Author(s):

Elena Bianchini

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Intervention Programs ◽

Public Concern ◽

School Based Intervention ◽

School Settings ◽

School Based ◽

The World ◽

Definition Of

Issues of bullying and cyberbullying among schoolchildren are nowadays a matter of international concern, with school bullies, cyberbullies, and victims having become a topic of public concern and research in various countries around the world. This chapter, besides a definition of bullying and cyberbullying, explains the characteristics, types, causes, and consequences of these acts based on findings from various studies. In addition, the chapter presents some school-based intervention programs, implemented in different school settings, with the aim of effectively reducing levels of bullying and cyberbullying in schools. Finally, the chapter aims to provide guidelines and propose best practices in order to fight acts of violence and aggression.

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Methodology for developing and evaluating food-based dietary guidelines and a Healthy Eating Index for Ethiopia: a study protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027846 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. e027846 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Tesfaye Hailu Bekele ◽

Jeanne JHM de Vries ◽

Laura Trijsburg ◽

Edith Feskens ◽

Namukolo Covic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Food System ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Guidelines ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

Ethical Review ◽

African Countries ◽

Public And Private ◽

Link Type

IntroductionFood-based dietary guidelines (FBDGs) are used to promote and maintain healthy eating in a population, by providing country-specific guidance. However, many African countries like Ethiopia do not have FBDGs. This paper describes the methodology for the development of Ethiopian FBDGs and for creating and evaluating a Healthy Eating Index and a scoring tool that can be used to monitor the adherence of the population to FBDGs.Methods and analysisA multidisciplinary technical working group will be tasked to develop FBDGs for the general population above 2 years of age based on identification of priority diet-related public health problems and risk factors, and a systematic review of dietary patterns in relation to the identified priority health outcomes, following a multistep process. FBDGs will be translated into daily food choices for specific subpopulations by applying linear programming using data from the National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS) of 2011. FBDGs will be evaluated for cultural appropriateness, acceptability, consumer understanding and practicality. A dietary gap assessment will be conducted by comparing the national food supply with the country’s food demand. In addition an Ethiopian Healthy Eating Index (EHEI) will be developed based on the FBDGs using the NFCS data. The EHEI will be evaluated by comparing the EHEI Score based on 24 hours diet recall with that of the EHEI Score based on a Food Frequency Questionnaire, by analysing the association of the EHEI Score with population characteristics and micronutrient intake with or without additional adjustment for energy intake. Finally, a brief Food Quality Screening tool scoring for the important EHEI components will be developed to enable evaluation for counselling.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is received from the Scientific and Ethical Review Office of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.A dissemination workshop will be organised with key implementing sectors of the food system for a healthier diet (http://a4nh.cgiar.org/our-research/research-flagships/) and with key public and private partners. The findings from this study will be translated into FBDGs and shared through conferences, reports and the mass media (TV and radio).Trial registration numberNCT03394963; Pre-results.

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Diet Quality Measured by Healthy Eating Index-2015 is Inversely Associated with Depression: NHANES 2011–2014

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzaa046_068 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. 568-568 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

St John Katherine ◽

David Gee

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Diet Quality ◽

Total Protein ◽

Regression Models ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Added Sugar ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Sugar Intake

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between diet quality and self-reported depressive symptoms in a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population. Methods A total of 8448 adults over the age of 20 were included in this study. Dietary data were based on 24-hour diet recalls and diet quality was measured using the USDA Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015. Symptoms of depression were assessed by trained interviewers using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression models determined whether HEI-2015 scores differed between depressed and non-depressed adults after controlling for age, gender, poverty income ratio, and body mass index. Additional logistic regression models examined the association of HEI-2015 diet components and risk of depression. Results The overall prevalence of depression in this sample was 9.3%. Rates of depression were higher among women, middle-aged adults, obese subjects, and those of lower socioeconomic status. Compared to non-depressed adults (n = 7665), depressed adults (n = 783) had a lower total HEI-2015 score. HEI-2015 score was significantly (P < 0.001) and inversely associated with depressive symptoms, both before and after adjusting for covariates. Greater intake of whole fruit, total protein, and lower added sugar intake was associated with a reduced risk of depression. Conclusions Dietitians should be aware that depressed patients may be consuming less-optimal diets than the non-depressed population and should assess diet quality. Lower intakes of whole fruit, total protein, and higher added sugar intake in particular may be prevalent in those with depressive symptoms. All health professionals should encourage a better balanced diet, and a diet pattern that adheres to the 2015–2020 DGA should be promoted for overall health. Funding Sources Central Washington University.

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Healthy eating and physical activity among low-income Hispanic adolescents and a school-based intervention

Children and Youth Services Review ◽

10.1016/j.childyouth.2018.01.037 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 86 ◽

pp. 151-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Wyatt Bishop ◽

Claudia Chavarin ◽

Hildy A. Gonzales ◽

Jennifer Iparraguirre ◽

Jovy Mann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Low Income ◽

Hispanic Adolescents ◽

School Based Intervention ◽

School Based

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Adherence to the Healthy Eating Index-2015 across Generations Is Associated with Birth Outcomes and Weight Status at Age 5 in the Lifeways Cross-Generation Cohort Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu11040928 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 928 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Pilar Navarro ◽

John Mehegan ◽

Celine M. Murrin ◽

Cecily C. Kelleher ◽

Catherine M. Phillips

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Birth Outcomes ◽

Healthy Eating ◽

Weight Status ◽

Postnatal Growth ◽

Healthy Eating Index ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Maternal Line ◽

Paternal Line ◽

Lower Likelihood

Maternal dietary quality during pregnancy is associated with offspring outcomes. These associations have not been examined in three-generation families. We investigated associations between parental and grandparental dietary quality, determined by healthy eating index (HEI)-2015, and offspring birth outcomes and weight status at age 5. The Lifeways cohort study in the Republic of Ireland comprises 1082 index-child’s mothers, 333 index-child’s fathers, and 707 grandparents. HEI-2015 scores were generated for all adults from prenatal dietary information collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire. In an adjusted model, greater adherence to the maternal HEI was associated with lower likelihood of low birth weight (LBW) (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.50–0.99, p = 0.04). Similarly, maternal grandmothers (MGM) with higher HEI scores were less likely to have grandchildren with LBW (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.61–0.96, p = 0.04) and more likely to have macrosomia (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01–1.22, p = 0.03). Higher paternal and paternal grandmothers (PGM) HEI scores were associated with lower likelihood of childhood obesity (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.30–0.94, p = 0.03) and overweight (OR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.22–0.99, p = 0.04), respectively. Mediation analysis showed significant direct relationship of MGM and PGM HEI scores on grandchildren’s birthweight and obesity, respectively. In conclusion, maternal line dietary quality appears to influence fetal growth whereas paternal line dietary quality appears to influence postnatal growth.

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