Research

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12 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regional Variability in the Prevalence of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality among United States Children

by Jayna M. Dave, Tzuan A. Chen, Alexandra N. Castro, Mamie White, Elizabeth A. Onugha, Sloane Zimmerman and Debbe Thompson

Nutrients 2024, 16(2), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16020224 - 10 Jan 2024

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Abstract

Understanding the association between food security status (FSS) and diet quality in children is crucial. This study investigated regional variability in FSS, participation in the federal nutrition assistance program (FNAP), and diet quality among US children. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) [...] Read more.

Understanding the association between food security status (FSS) and diet quality in children is crucial. This study investigated regional variability in FSS, participation in the federal nutrition assistance program (FNAP), and diet quality among US children. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2013 to 2016 were analyzed. The association between FSS, FNAP participation, and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index—HEI-2015) was assessed using multiple linear/logistic regression models. The sample included 6403 children (mean age: 7.5 years; 51% male; 33% Hispanic). Within the sample, 13% reported child food insecurity, and 30% reported household food insecurity. Additionally, 90% participated in the FNAP, and 88% were enrolled in school lunch programs. Children in urban areas were significantly more likely to report household food insecurity than those in rural areas (29.15% vs. 19.10%). The overall HEI-2015 score was 48.2. The associations between child/household FSS and FNAP participation as well as between child/household FSS and diet quality did not differ by urban/rural residence status, irrespective of the children’s age groups. There is a need for improvement in children’s diet quality, regardless of age or urban/rural residence. The findings suggest that improving children’s diets requires broader action as well as the prioritizing of children in urban areas experiencing food insecurity in future dietary interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

12 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of School Contributions to Healthy Eating, Physical Activity Education, and Support for Weight-Loss Attempts among Adolescents from Jazan, Saudi Arabia

by Ibrahim M. Gosadi

Nutrients 2023, 15(21), 4688; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214688 - 05 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1022

Abstract

This study evaluates the contribution of schools in Saudi Arabia towards the provision of education and support concerning weight management among adolescents. It also identifies adolescents who have attempted to lose weight and examines their preferred weight-loss methods and their sources of weight-loss [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the contribution of schools in Saudi Arabia towards the provision of education and support concerning weight management among adolescents. It also identifies adolescents who have attempted to lose weight and examines their preferred weight-loss methods and their sources of weight-loss support. This study is a cross-sectional investigation that targets adolescents in intermediate and secondary schools in Jazan, Saudi Arabia. Data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire that looked at the involvement of the school in the provision of education pertaining to weight control and the weight-loss experiences of students who had attempted to lose weight. The study involved 501 adolescents, 45% of whom had attempted to lose weight, where the most common methods for weight loss being reducing food consumption (77%), exercising (75%), and fasting (49%). The assessment of the schools’ contributions indicated its suboptimal role in the provision of education concerning physical activity compared to education about eating habits. The most commonly reported sources of weight-loss support were the students’ families (54%), followed by community facilities (44%). The least common sources were the students’ schools (24%). These findings indicate that schools need to enhance their contribution to encouraging adolescents to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while also ensuring multi-sectorial collaboration with families and community members. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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11 pages, 296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Retrospective Reports of Parental Feeding Practices and Current Eating Styles in Polish Adults

by Aleksandra Małachowska and Marzena Jeżewska-Zychowicz

Nutrients 2023, 15(19), 4217; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15194217 - 29 Sep 2023

Viewed by 831

Abstract

The role of childhood food experiences (CFEs) in determining future eating behaviors remains unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the link between CFEs and selected eating styles (ESs), i.e., intuitive (IE), restrained (ResEat) and external (ExtEat) eating, among 708 Polish [...] Read more.

The role of childhood food experiences (CFEs) in determining future eating behaviors remains unclear. The aim of the study was to examine the link between CFEs and selected eating styles (ESs), i.e., intuitive (IE), restrained (ResEat) and external (ExtEat) eating, among 708 Polish adults aged 18–65 (477 women and 231 men). CFEs were measured with the Adults’ Memories of Feeding in Childhood questionnaire. Polish versions of the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire were used to assess ESs. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare ESs scores between those with lower and higher CFEs. In the total sample, “Restrictions” and “Pressure and Food Reward” parental feeding practices favored lower IE, while “Healthy Eating Guidance” and “Monitoring” practices predisposed higher levels of IE in adulthood. “Restrictions” were found to correlate with greater chances of ResEat, whereas “Healthy Eating Guidance” was linked with lower probability of ResEat. “Pressure and Food Reward” and “Monitoring” were associated with higher score for ExtEat. “Restrictions”, “Child Control”, “Monitoring” and “Healthy Eating Guidance” practices were differently linked to ESs in women and men. The findings suggest that education programs for parents should focus on the long-term consequences of feeding practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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12 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality among Non-Hispanic Black Adults by Place of Birth and Length of Time in the United States

by Oluwafikayo S. Adeyemi-Benson, Alexandra M. Roehll, Edson Flores and Chelsea R. Singleton

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3644; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163644 - 19 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1035

Abstract

Prior research suggests that migrating to the United States (US) can negatively affect the diets and health of immigrants. There is limited information on how relocating to the US affects the diets of Black-identifying immigrants. To address this gap, this study examined differences [...] Read more.

Prior research suggests that migrating to the United States (US) can negatively affect the diets and health of immigrants. There is limited information on how relocating to the US affects the diets of Black-identifying immigrants. To address this gap, this study examined differences in nutrient intake and diet quality among non-Hispanic Black adults by place of birth and length of time in the US. Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005–2016) were analyzed. Approximately 6508 non-Hispanic Black adults were categorized into three groups: foreign-born (FB) living in the US <10 years (n = 167), FB living in the US ≥ 10 years (n = 493), and US-born (n = 5848). Multivariable-adjusted logistic and linear regression models were evaluated to identify differences in nutrient intake and diet quality (as measured by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) of 2015) across the three groups when controlling for socio-demographics. Compared to US-born adults, both FB groups had significantly higher HEI-2015 scores and higher odds of meeting dietary recommendations for several nutrients: saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. There were no differences in nutrient intake between the two FB groups; however, FB (<10 years) adults had better diet quality than FB (≥10 years) ones. Place of birth and length of time in the US were associated with dietary intake among non-Hispanic Black adults. More research is needed to improve understanding of dietary acculturation among Black-identifying immigrants in the US. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

16 pages, 597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eating Behavior and Factors of Metabolic Health in Primary Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study in Greek Children

by Aristea Gioxari, Charalampia Amerikanou, Sevasti Peraki, Andriana C. Kaliora and Maria Skouroliakou

Nutrients 2023, 15(16), 3592; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15163592 - 16 Aug 2023

Viewed by 902

Abstract

Childhood obesity has been associated with altered blood lipids and bad eating habits. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health markers in regard to weight status and dietary habits in schoolchildren. In 134 children (6–11 years), we conducted: (1) [...] Read more.

Childhood obesity has been associated with altered blood lipids and bad eating habits. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic health markers in regard to weight status and dietary habits in schoolchildren. In 134 children (6–11 years), we conducted: (1) Anthropometry, namely z-score BMI (z-BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and body composition analysis. (2) Measurements of handgrip strength (HGS), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and VO₂max. (3) Quantification of blood lipids and antioxidant vitamins A, E, C. (4) Eating breakfast assessment. About 35% of children were overweight/obese. The z-BMI positively correlated with WHtR (r = 0.637, p < 0.001), and adversely correlated with fat-free mass (r = −0.728, p < 0.001) and vitamin E (r = −0.286, p < 0.001). RMR and VO₂max were greater in normal weight children compared to those with overweight/obesity (p < 0.001). HGS did not differ between these groups, but was negatively correlated with dyslipidemia as shown by TG/HDL-C ratio (r = −0.224, p = 0.037). According to regression analysis, eating breakfast routinely at home was positively associated with RMR and adversely associated with z-BMI. Hence, regular breakfast consumption at home may improve RMR in kids. Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical strength are key modulators of metabolic health in Greek children added to a social determinant of health i.e., eating breakfast at home. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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13 pages, 314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Women’s Autonomy and Anemia in Children under Five Years of Age: A Peruvian Population-Based Survey

by Rosa Campos-Guerrero, Xiomara Genoveva Diaz-Molina, Rodrigo Vargas-Fernández and Diego Azañedo

Nutrients 2023, 15(15), 3436; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15153436 - 03 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1083

Abstract

To determine the association between women’s autonomy and the presence of childhood anemia in children under five years of age in Peru, a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey was carried out. The study employed generalized linear [...] Read more.

To determine the association between women’s autonomy and the presence of childhood anemia in children under five years of age in Peru, a cross-sectional study utilizing data from the 2019 Demographic and Family Health Survey was carried out. The study employed generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution and log link function. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated, along with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), to assess the association of interest. A total of 15,815 women and their children under five years of age were analyzed. The prevalence of childhood anemia was 30.4% (95%CI: 29.5–31.3%), while the proportions of low, moderate and high autonomy of the mothers were 44.5%, 38.4% and 17.1%, respectively. Children under five years of age of women with a low level of autonomy were more likely to have anemia (aPR: 1.10; 95%CI: 1.00–1.21). Three out of ten children under five years of age suffer from anemia, and four out of ten mothers have a low level of autonomy. A low level of women’s autonomy was associated with a higher probability of anemia in children under 5 years of age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

13 pages, 531 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Foods and Nutrients at Risk for Insufficient Intake by Community-Dwelling Healthy Older Women Eating Alone and Together in Japan—A Preliminary Finding

by Tomoya Takiguchi, Muneko Nishijo, Noriko Kaneko, Katsushi Yoshita, Yusuke Arai, Noboru Demura and Yoshikazu Nishino

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102391 - 19 May 2023

Viewed by 1307

Abstract

Eating alone and poor dental status have been reported to influence dietary intake in older adults. First, we compared nutrient and food intake and dental markers between women eating alone and together, who participated in a home health management program conducted by Kanazawa [...] Read more.

Eating alone and poor dental status have been reported to influence dietary intake in older adults. First, we compared nutrient and food intake and dental markers between women eating alone and together, who participated in a home health management program conducted by Kanazawa Medical University. The results showed the significantly higher intake of fresh fruit and some micro-nutrients and a lower decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index (better dental status) in women eating alone after adjusting for age, suggesting that dental status may mediate the association between commensality and dietary intake. Then, we investigated nutrients and foods at risk for insufficient intake and associated with increasing dental markers. The risks for the insufficient intake of protein and n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were significantly increased with an increasing DMFT index. The risk for n-3 PUFA intake also increased with increasing numbers of missing teeth in women. Foods at risk for insufficient consumption included beans for women with an increasing DMFT index and green and yellow vegetables, fresh fruits, and meat and fish for women with increasing numbers of missing teeth. These findings suggest that good health management, including the treatment of decayed teeth, is important for the prevention of malnutrition in community-dwelling healthy older women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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12 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Insecurity and Associated Factors among Households in Maputo City

by Elias M. A. Militao, Olalekan A. Uthman, Elsa M. Salvador, Stig Vinberg and Gloria Macassa

Nutrients 2023, 15(10), 2372; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15102372 - 18 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1668

Abstract

Food insecurity (FI) is a global concern and is one of the main causes of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In Mozambique, the burden of FI and how various factors contribute to FI is not well known. This study aimed to investigate [...] Read more.

Food insecurity (FI) is a global concern and is one of the main causes of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. In Mozambique, the burden of FI and how various factors contribute to FI is not well known. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of FI and its associated factors in southern Mozambique. Data from 1842 household heads in Maputo City were analyzed in a cross-sectional design. Food insecurity was measured using a modified version of the US Department of Agriculture Household Food Security scale, and its association with socio-demographic factors was assessed through multiple regressions. Altogether, 79% of the households were food insecure; of these, 16.6% had mild FI, 28.1% moderate and 34.4% severe FI. The study revealed that low-income households, those with less educated heads, and those engaged in informal work were significantly more prone to FI. Likewise, dietary diversity and the number of meals were also significant predictors of FI. These findings suggest the need for decent work and job creation, which calls for joint efforts from government, the private sector, and international institutions. Furthermore, these key drivers should be considered in the development of public health policies and programs designed to alleviate household FI and malnutrition in Mozambique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

13 pages, 1782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Plate: Uncovering Inequalities in Fruit and Vegetable Intake across Indonesian Districts

by Ede Surya Darmawan, Dian Kusuma, Vetty Yulianty Permanasari, Vilda Amir, Dwi Hapsari Tjandrarini and Ika Dharmayanti

Nutrients 2023, 15(9), 2160; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092160 - 30 Apr 2023

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Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the deaths of 41 million individuals every year, with 77% of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Among the main NCD risk factors, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) was one of the leading [...] Read more.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for the deaths of 41 million individuals every year, with 77% of them occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Among the main NCD risk factors, inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables (FV) was one of the leading causes of death in 2019. Our study aims to identify disparities in inadequate FV intake among adults in 514 districts. We utilized the latest Indonesian Basic Health Survey 2018 to conduct geospatial and quantitative analyses. We used the World Health Organization’s definition of inadequate FV intake, which refers to consuming less than five servings of fruit and vegetables daily. We analyzed inadequate FV intake among adults over the age of 18 years, as well as by gender and age group (including young adults 18–24 years, adults 25–59 years, and older adults 60+ years). Our study showed an alarmingly high prevalence of inadequate FV intake among adults, with 96.3% in 2018. The prevalence of inadequate FV intake drastically varied across 514 districts, ranging from 70.1% to 100%. Notable geographic and socioeconomic disparities were observed across the districts studied. Rural districts exhibited a higher prevalence of inadequate FV intake, translating to poorer diets, particularly among females and older adults, when compared to their urban counterparts. Interestingly, districts within more developed regions had poorer FV diets than those in less developed regions. Although districts with lower incomes generally had poorer FV diets, the association was not significant in multivariate analysis. However, districts with lower levels of education demonstrated poorer FV diets, especially among females, adults, and older adults. Despite its limitations, our study provides crucial insights for health policies in Indonesia and other LMICs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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11 pages, 293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Disability and Unmet Food Needs in the Venezuelan Migrant and Refugee Population: Analysis of a Population-Based Survey, 2022

by Akram Hernández-Vásquez, Alicia Bartra Reátegui, Keller Sánchez-Dávila and Rodrigo Vargas-Fernández

Nutrients 2023, 15(7), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15071663 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1246

Abstract

In Peru, Venezuelan migrants and refugees have been exposed to food shortages before their emigration. This problem could have worse outcomes in vulnerable populations (such as people with disabilities); however, the literature on the basic needs of this population is still scarce. The [...] Read more.

In Peru, Venezuelan migrants and refugees have been exposed to food shortages before their emigration. This problem could have worse outcomes in vulnerable populations (such as people with disabilities); however, the literature on the basic needs of this population is still scarce. The objective was to determine the association between the presence of disability and the unmet need for access to food in the household of the Venezuelan migrant and refugee population residing in Peru. A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Second Survey of the Venezuelan Population Residing in Peru (ENPOVE 2022). The outcome variable was unmet need for food, while the independent variable was the presence of disability. Poisson log generalized linear regression models (crude and adjusted for potential confounding variables) were fitted to evaluate the association between the variables of interest, reporting prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A total of 7739 migrants and refugees from Venezuela were included. The proportion of unmet need for access to food in the household was 45.2%, while the proportion of disability was 2.1%. People with disabilities were found to be more likely to have an unmet need for access to food at home (adjusted PR [aPR]: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.08–1.46; p = 0.003). According to our findings, almost half of Venezuelan households were found to have an unmet need for access to food. In addition, Venezuelan migrants and refugees with disabilities were more likely to have an unmet need for this basic need. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

11 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Socioeconomic Patterns in Budget Share Allocations of Regulated Foods and Beverages in Chile: A Longitudinal Analysis

by Guillermo Paraje, Daniela Montes de Oca, Camila Corvalán and Barry Popkin

Nutrients 2023, 15(3), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15030679 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1598

Abstract

Chile has enacted stringent legislation regulating food and beverage labeling and advertising. This study assesses the changes in the average relative allocations of food and beverage budgets for regulated versus not regulated products in households of different socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds. A household [...] Read more.

Chile has enacted stringent legislation regulating food and beverage labeling and advertising. This study assesses the changes in the average relative allocations of food and beverage budgets for regulated versus not regulated products in households of different socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds. A household fixed effect before–after model is estimated and the marginal effects in the changes of levels and trends in budget shares and purchased volumes after the implementation of the regulations are examined. The results highlight how impactful food policies can shift consumption toward healthier products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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10 pages, 576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eating Patterns among Emergency Medical Service Providers in the United States: A Qualitative Interview Study

by Tegan Mansouri, George Ghanatios, Lori Hatzinger, Rachel Barich, Ebriama Dampha, Jennifer L. Temple, Brian M. Clemency and David Hostler

Nutrients 2022, 14(22), 4884; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14224884 - 18 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2217

Abstract

Emergency medical service (EMS) providers experience demanding work conditions in addition to shift work, which increases risk for nutrition related chronic disease such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The high stress, emergent, and unpredictable nature of EMS may interfere with [...] Read more.

Emergency medical service (EMS) providers experience demanding work conditions in addition to shift work, which increases risk for nutrition related chronic disease such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. The high stress, emergent, and unpredictable nature of EMS may interfere with healthy eating patterns on and off shift, however little is known about how these conditions impact dietary patterns among EMS providers. This study aimed to understand factors impacting dietary patterns through semi-structured interviews with 40 EMS providers throughout the United States. Interviews were conducted virtually via Zoom video conference. Inductive coding was used to identify themes throughout the interviews. Salient factors mentioned in the interviews included hunger, fatigue, stress, coworker influence, ambulance posting, geographical location, agency policy, and culture. Factors were grouped into 4 domains: physiological factors, psychosocial factors, physical environment, and organizational environment, represented by an adapted version of the social ecological model of health behaviors to include factors influencing eating patterns specific to EMS, which may contribute to overall health. Various barriers to healthy eating exist within EMS, and future studies should explore interventions at each level of our proposed model to improve conditions and reduce nutrition related disease risk in this essential population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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Review

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15 pages, 313 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Stress and Social Determinants on Diet in Cardiovascular Prevention in Young Women

by Francesca Coppi, Valentina Bucciarelli, Kateryna Solodka, Valentina Selleri, Giada Zanini, Marcello Pinti, Milena Nasi, Beatrice Salvioli, Savina Nodari, Sabina Gallina and Anna Vittoria Mattioli

Nutrients 2024, 16(7), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071044 - 03 Apr 2024

Viewed by 697

Abstract

The prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a fundamental pillar for reducing morbidity and mortality caused by non-communicable diseases. Social determinants, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to health care, play a crucial role in influencing [...] Read more.

The prevention of cardiovascular diseases is a fundamental pillar for reducing morbidity and mortality caused by non-communicable diseases. Social determinants, such as socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood, physical environment, employment, social support networks, and access to health care, play a crucial role in influencing health outcomes and health inequities within populations. Social determinants and stress in women are interconnected factors that can significantly impact women’s health and well-being. Pregnancy is a good time to engage young women and introduce them to beneficial behaviors, such as adopting essential life skills, especially diet, and learning stress management techniques. Stress influences diet, and women are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating behaviors such as emotional eating or coping with stress with food. Strong action is needed to improve women’s lifestyle starting at a young age considering that this lays the foundation for a lower cardiovascular risk in adults and the elderly. The objective of this review is to examine cardiovascular primary prevention in young healthy women, focusing particularly on unresolved issues and the influence of social determinants, as well as the correlation with stressors and their influence on diet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Determinants of Health, Diet, and Health Outcome)

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