scholarly journals The Use of Non-Nutritive and Low-Calorie Sweeteners in 19,915 Local and Imported Pre-Packaged Foods in Hong Kong

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1861
Author(s):  
Billy Yin Sing O ◽  
Daisy H. Coyle ◽  
Elizabeth K. Dunford ◽  
Jason H.Y. Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Calorie ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Prepackaged Foods

This study aims to examine the use of non-nutritive (NNSs) and low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) in pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong and the differences in the number of NNSs/LCSs used between products from different regions. In a cross-sectional audit, the types of NNSs/LCSs used in 19,915 pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong were examined by searching the ingredients list of the included products for keywords related to 20 common NNSs/LCSs and their respective E-numbers. Prevalence of use of NNSs and LCSs, the co-presence of NNSs/LCSs and free sugar ingredients (FSI), and the number of NNSs/LCSs used in the included foods were computed. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare the total number of NNSs and/or LCSs used in food items from different regions. Sucralose (E955) was the most commonly used NNS (1.9%), followed by acesulfame K (E950, 1.6%). Sorbitol was the most commonly used LCS (2.9%). Overall, the use of LCSs was less common compared with NNSs (3.7% vs. 4.5%). The use of different types of NNSs varied substantially between food types. Notably, 20.2% of potato crisps and 15.2% of other crisps or extruded snacks contained at least one NNS and/or LCS. Co-presence of FSIs and NNSs/LCSs were most common in confectionery (15.7%) and snack foods (15.5%). Asian prepackaged foods were more likely to contain NNSs/LCSs (10.1%) compared with those from other regions. To conclude, NNSs/LCSs were used in a wide range of non-diet pre-packaged products which could be a public health concern due to their higher consumption frequencies than “diet” products.

Pattern of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathies Among Anemic Under-Five Children of Northern Bangladesh: A Hospital Based Cross Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Abdur Rafi ◽  
M. Morsed Zaman ◽  
Md. Golam Hossain
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hemoglobin E ◽  
Under Five ◽  
Under Five Children ◽  
Thalassemia Minor ◽  
Different Types

Abstract Background Congenital hemoglobin defects are significant global health concern affecting more than 330,000 newborns every year. In Bangladesh more than half of the under-five children are anemic, but the contribution of hemoglobin disorders to childhood anemia is quite unexplored. Hence, the objective of the present study was to investigate the prevalence and pattern of hemoglobinopathies among anemic under-five (age 6–59 months) children visiting the hematology department of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study among anemic patients aged between 6 to 59 months conducted in the hematology department of RMCH from July 2018 to June 2020. The guideline of WHO was used to define the severity of anemia. Hemoglobinopathies was measured using standard methods. Chi-square test was used to find the association between two categorical factors. Results Female and younger children included in the study were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe form of anemia compared to their counterparts. Out of 534 patients 183 were suffering from different types of hemoglobinopathies (prevalence 34.3%). E-β-Thalassemia was the most common type of hemoglobinopathy (14%) followed by Hemoglobin E trait (11%) and β-Thalassemia minor (5.6%). Prevalence of these hemoglobin disorders was comparatively higher among female and older children (p < 0.05). Patients with E-β-Thalassemia and β-Thalassemia major of our study were mostly suffering from severe form of anemia while patients with hemoglobin E trait and β-Thalassemia minor were mostly suffering from mild anemia (p < 0.01). Conclusions A remarkable number of children were suffering from severe anemia and different types of hemoglobinopathies. Gender and age group were the risk factors of anemia and hemoglobinopathies among under-five children. Health authorities of Bangladesh should especially take care of anemic children in this country.

Understanding Client Empowerment: An Online Survey of Social Workers Serving People with Mental Health Issues

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 335-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jialiang Cui ◽  
Limin Mao ◽  
Grenville Rose ◽  
Christy E Newman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Social Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Issues ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract This study explored how social workers located in Sydney and Hong Kong conceptualised client empowerment. Further, it investigated these professionals’ perceived facilitators and barriers to their empowerment practices, based on an ecological framework. A cross-sectional online survey was used, where the original Empowerment Scale for clients with mental health issues was adapted to measure conceptualisation of client empowerment from social workers’ perspectives. Eighty-three social workers serving people with mental health issues (MHIs) in Sydney and eighty in Hong Kong responded. A two-factor model was generated suggesting that practitioners tend to conceptualise client empowerment into two aspects: a relation-based dimension and a resource-oriented one. Compared with their Sydney counterparts, the Hong Kong practitioners considered resource-oriented empowerment as more integral to client empowerment (t(161) = 4.17, p &lt; 0.001). Several key factors were found to be independently associated with endorsement of the two-factor client-empowerment model by practitioners: perceived less support from medical specialists but more support from teams serving the same client, perceived benefits of social work training and, finally, beliefs in the importance of social workers’ role in client empowerment. The study highlights the multiple dimensions of client empowerment and a wide range of inter-professional and sociostructural factors enabling social workers’ practices that support empowerment. Our paper highlights the role of professional empowerment as a stepping stone to enable their client-empowerment practices through policy support and inter-professional collaboration.

scholarly journals Assessment of Malnutrition in Community Chinese Elderly: A Hidden Problem in a Developed Society

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josette Sin-yee Chor ◽  
Jason Leung ◽  
Sian Griffiths ◽  
Ping-chung Leung
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chinese Elderly ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Cholesterol Intake ◽  
Upper Level

Background. Malnutrition can lead to chronic disease especially in vulnerable population. This study is to explore the extent of the malnutrition problem in community Chinese elderly and its associating factors in Hong Kong. Method. This is a cross-sectional study using structured interview with 7-day food frequency questionnaires. 1960 men and 1954 women aged 65 or above were recruited from the community. Results. Less than half of the participants fulfilled the recommended intake level of the others. Less than 10% of participants met the daily requirement of fibre, Calcium, Vitamin D, Iodine, and Copper. 22.32% of male participants and 6.21% of female participants have cholesterol intake exceeding the recommended upper level. 41.19% men and 28.99% women exceeded the upper level of fat percentage of total energy. Educational level was demonstrated to have a consistent positive association with the adequate intake in most nutrients. Single or divorced marital status is a risk factor in over-intake of saturated fatty acid in men and under-intake in Zinc and meat in women. Conclusion. Our study has shown the serious malnutrition problem in a wide range of nutrients in community Chinese elderly in Hong Kong.

The Effects of Social and Cultural Factors on Child Poly-victimization in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052098038
Author(s):  
Qiqi Chen ◽  
Ko Ling Chan
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Structure ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Residential Mobility ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Child Victimization

Study Questions Child victimization is a major public health concern across the globe. Many previous studies have focused on separate categories of child victimization and health correlates, paying less attention to children affected by multiple forms of violence. Studies encompassing families’ residential mobility and social support in the context of child poly-victimization are limited. This study examines the prevalence of child poly-victimization in Hong Kong and the associations between family structure, residential mobility, social support, and child poly-victimization. Subjects and Methods The analysis employed data from a cross-sectional, school-based survey in Hong Kong. A two-stage stratified sampling procedure was employed to maximize the representativeness of the sample. All children born in Hong Kong and receiving education in the sampled schools were included as eligible participants. A total of 5,567 children and their caregivers from 107 schools (kindergartens, primary schools, and secondary schools among 18 districts in Hong Kong) were randomly recruited in the study. Findings A total of 32.2% of the children experienced one-to-three types of victimization and 23.1% reported experiencing four or more types of victimization in the preceding year. Child victimization and its various aspects were negatively associated with family support, positively correlated with the number of times the child had moved house, and the number of siblings at home. The strongest association appeared to be between child maltreatment and family, while a relatively weaker but still significant connection was found between peer and sibling victimization and family support. Major Implications Successful family functioning and social stability are key to protecting children from victimization. This study provides insights into the importance of supporting families as a whole in preventing child poly-victimization. It also highlights family structure and social support in reducing the negative impacts of child victimization.

scholarly journals Healthfulness and nutritional composition of Canadian prepackaged foods with and without sugar claims

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (11) ◽  
pp. 1217-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi T. Bernstein ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
Alyssa Schermel ◽  
Marie-Ève Labonté ◽  
Mary R. L’Abbé
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Nutritional Composition ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Food Label ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrition Policies ◽  
Prepackaged Foods ◽  
Sugar Levels ◽  
The University ◽  
Sectional Analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in calories, nutrient content, overall healthfulness, and use of sweetener ingredients between products with and without sugar claims. Consumers assume products with sugar claims are healthier and lower in calories. It is therefore important claims be found on comparatively healthier items. This study is a cross-sectional analysis of the University of Toronto’s 2013 Food Label Database. Subcategories where at least 5% of products (and n ≥ 5) carried a sugar claim were included (n = 3048). Differences in median calorie content, nutrient content, and overall healthfulness, using the Food Standards Australia/New Zealand Nutrient Profiling Scoring criterion, between products with and without sugar claims, were determined. Proportion of products with and without claims that had excess free sugar levels (≥10% of calories from free sugar) and that contained sweeteners was also determined. Almost half (48%) of products with sugar claims contained excess free sugar, and a greater proportion contained sweeteners than products without such claims (30% vs 5%, χ2 = 338.6, p < 0.0001). Overall, products with sugar claims were “healthier” and had lower median calorie, free sugar, total sugar, and sodium contents than products without claims. At the subcategory level, reductions in free sugar contents were not always met with similar reductions in calorie contents. This study highlights concerns with regards to the nutritional composition of products bearing sugar claims. Findings can support educational messaging to assist consumer interpretation of sugar claims and can inform changes in nutrition policies, for example, permitting sugar claims only on products with calorie reductions and without excess free sugar.

scholarly journals Where are the low-calorie sweeteners? An analysis of the presence and types of low-calorie sweeteners in packaged foods sold in Brazil from food labelling

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (03) ◽  
pp. 447-453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiza dos Santos Figueiredo ◽  
Tailane Scapin ◽  
Ana Carolina Fernandes ◽  
Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença
Keyword(s):  
Food Group ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Low Calorie ◽  
Brazil Current ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Packaged Food ◽  
Milk And Dairy Products

AbstractObjectiveStudies have shown that consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) may be associated with harmful health effects. The current study investigated the presence and types of LCS added to packaged foods.DesignCross-sectional study analysing the presence and types of LCS in the ingredients lists of packaged foods sold at a major Brazilian supermarket. To identify types of LCS allowed for use in foods in Brazil, current legislation was consulted. Data were organised and analysed through descriptive statistics, presenting simple and relative frequencies of LCS presence categorised by food group.SettingSupermarket in Florianópolis, southern Brazil.SubjectsPackaged food products (n4539) from eight food groups.ResultsOne or more LCS were found in 602 (13·3 %) of the packaged foods analysed. There were 1329 citations of LCS among these foods, with a mean of 2·2 sweeteners per food. Groups with the highest frequency of foods containing LCS were: products with energy derived from carbohydrates and fats (25·0 %); milk and dairy products (11·7 %); bakery products, cereals, legumes, roots and tubers (11·2 %); and fruits, juices, nectars and fruit drinks (8·3 %).ConclusionsThere was high prevalence of packaged foods with LCS, especially in food groups that form the basis of the Brazilian diet. The study was the first to extensively analyse the presence and types of LCS in packaged foods available for sale in a Brazilian supermarket and can be useful to monitor the use of LCS in these foods, as well as to support future changes in legislation to label sugars.

Sodium concentration of pre-packaged foods sold in Hong Kong

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (15) ◽  
pp. 2804-2810
Author(s):  
Anson Siu Cheung Wong ◽  
Daisy H Coyle ◽  
Jason HY Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Food Supply ◽  
Meat Products ◽  
Sodium Concentration ◽  
Fruit And Vegetables ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Table Salt ◽  
Fish Products ◽  
Snack Foods ◽  
Packaged Foods

AbstractObjective:To describe the Na concentration of pre-packaged foods available in Hong Kong.Design:The Na concentrations (mg/100 g or mg/100 ml or per serving) of all pre-packaged foods available for sale in major supermarket chains in Hong Kong were obtained from the 2017 Hong Kong FoodSwitch database. Median and interquartile range (IQR) of Na concentration for different food groups and the proportion of foods and beverages considered low and high Na (<120 mg/100 g or mg/100 ml and >600 mg/100 g or mg/100 ml, respectively) were determined.Setting:Hong Kong.Participants:Not applicable.Results:We analysed 11 518 pre-packaged products. ‘Fruit and vegetables (including table salt)’ had the highest variability in Na concentration ranging from 0 to 39 000 mg/100 g, followed by ‘sauces, dressings, spreads and dips’ ranging from 0 to 34 130. The latter also had the highest median Na concentration (mg/100 g or mg/100 ml) at 1180 (IQR 446–3520), followed by meat and meat products (median 800, IQR 632–1068) and snack foods (median 650, IQR 453–926). Fish and fish products (median 531, 364–791) and meat and meat products (median 444, IQR 351–593) had the highest Na concentration per serving. Overall, 46·7 and 26·7 % of products were low and high in Na, respectively.Conclusions:Our results can serve as a baseline for food supply interventions in Hong Kong. We have identified several food groups as priority areas for reformulation, demonstrating the potential of such initiatives to improve the healthiness of the food supply in Hong Kong.

scholarly journals Total and Free Sugar Levels and Main Types of Sugars Used in 18,784 Local and Imported Pre-Packaged Foods and Beverages Sold in Hong Kong

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3404
Author(s):  
Lok Yin Chan ◽  
Daisy Coyle ◽  
Jason Wu ◽  
Jimmy Chun Yu Louie
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Total Sugar ◽  
Free Sugar ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Food Groups ◽  
Nutrition Labels ◽  
Total Sugar Content ◽  
Packaged Foods ◽  
Sugar Levels

There is limited information regarding the free sugar content of pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong. This study aims to assess the free sugar content and identify the most frequently used free sugar ingredients (FSI) in pre-packaged foods in Hong Kong. Data from 18,784 products from the 2019 FoodSwitch Hong Kong database were used in this analysis. Ingredient lists were screened to identify FSI. Total sugar content was derived from nutrition labels on packaging. Free sugar content was estimated based on adaptation of a previously established systematic methodology. Descriptive statistics of the total sugar and free sugar content, as well as the mean ±SD contribution of free sugar to total sugar of the audited products were calculated, stratified by food groups. Almost two-thirds (64.5%) of the pre-packaged foods contained at least one FSI. ‘Sugar (sucrose)’ was the most popular FSI that was found in more than half (54.7%) of the products. ‘Fruit and vegetable juices’ (median 10.0; IQR 8.3–11.5 g/100 mL) were found to have a higher median free sugar content than ‘Soft drinks’ (8.0; 6.0–10.6 g/100 mL). Mean ±SD contribution of free sugar to the total sugar content was 65.8 ± 43.4%, with 8 out of 14 food groups having > 70% total sugar as free sugar. To conclude, free sugar, especially sucrose, was extensively used in a wide variety of pre-packaged products sold in Hong Kong. Further studies are needed to assess the population intake of free sugar in Hong Kong to inform public health policy on free sugar reduction.

Adolescent Suicidality as Seen in Rural Northeastern Uganda

Crisis ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene Kinyanda ◽  
Ruth Kizza ◽  
Jonathan Levin ◽  
Sheila Ndyanabangi ◽  
Catherine Abbo
Keyword(s):  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Psychosocial Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Nurses ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Dsm Iv ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Suicidal behavior in adolescence is a public health concern and has serious consequences for adolescents and their families. There is, however, a paucity of data on this subject from sub-Saharan Africa, hence the need for this study. Aims: A cross-sectional multistage survey to investigate adolescent suicidality among other things was undertaken in rural northeastern Uganda. Methods: A structured protocol administered by trained psychiatric nurses collected information on sociodemographics, mental disorders (DSM-IV criteria), and psychological and psychosocial risk factors for children aged 3–19 years (N = 1492). For the purposes of this paper, an analysis of a subsample of adolescents (aged 10–19 years; n = 897) was undertaken. Results: Lifetime suicidality in this study was 6.1% (95% CI, 4.6%–7.9%). Conclusions: Factors significantly associated with suicidality included mental disorder, the ecological factor district of residence, factors suggestive of low socioeconomic status, and disadvantaged childhood experiences.

A Cross Sectional Survey of Chicken Astroviruses Antibody in Broiler and Sonali (Cross-Bred) Chickens in Selected Areas in Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-80
Author(s):  
Md Zulfekar Ali ◽  
Mohammad Moktader Moula ◽  
Zafar Ahmed Bhuiyan ◽  
Muhammad Tariq Javed
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Published Report ◽  
Poultry Birds ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Group B

AbstractChicken astroviruses (CAstV) are enteric viruses of poultry causing gastroenteritis, malabsorption, gout and white chick disease commonly known as runting-stunting syndrome (RSS). It can affect the wide range of poultry birds, especially chicken, turkey and duck worldwide. To our best knowledge there is no published report on presence of antibodies against CAstV in Bangladesh. Therefore, the study aimed to detect the presence of CAstV antibodies in broilers and sonali chickens (a cross-bread) in Bangladesh through a cross-sectional survey. A total of 454 blood samples from 66 flocks of broiler (n=343) and sonali chickens (n=111) of different ages were obtained during 2017 from four districts. The birds were healthy but were not vaccinated against CAstV. The samples were tested for specific antibodies against CAstV Group B by using commercially available ELISA kit. Overall, 16.74% (76/454) samples and 34.84% (23/66) flocks were positive for CAstV antibodies. The seroprevalence of CAstV was significantly (p=0.001) higher in sonali chickens (36.96%) than broiler (10.20%), while it was significantly higher (p=0.001) in birds of Bogura district (36.94%) than the other three districts. Regarding the age groups, seroprevalence was insignificantly (p=0.192) higher in sonali chicken before laying age (45%) than during laying age (27.45%). Regarding the seasons, CAstV infection was prevalent significantly (p=0.001) higher in winter season. Thus, the present study indicated the presence of CAstV in poultry in Bangladesh, so further studies are required to find out the magnitude of the problem in the country.

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