An examination of sex differences in relation to the eating habits and nutrient intakes of university students

Analysis of nutrient intake and dietary adequacy on weekdays and weekends among undergraduate students

Objective: To comparatively analyze nutrient intake and dietary adequacy on weekdays (WKDs) and weekends (WKNs) among undergraduate students. Participants: University students (N = 210), 18-30 years old. Methods: A two-day food record was used. Intake of energy, macronutrients, micronutrients and fiber were calculated, without and with an adjustment for 2000 kcal of energy and compared to the corresponding nutritional requirements. Results: Energy and macronutrients' intake was higher on WKNs (1,776.84 ± 40.68 vs. 2,025.76 ± 52.46 kcal; p < .05). There was a high predominance of hypocaloric diet on both WKDs (72%) and WKNs (57%). A low prevalence (<50%) of favorable intake level of most micronutrients and fiber was found on WKDs, WKNs, or both. There was a lower favorable intake of vitamins A, C, iron, and magnesium on WKNs, after adjusting for 2000 kcal. Conclusion: Undergraduate students showed an unfavorable nutrient intake and poor dietary quality on WKNs. Interventions that promote healthy eating are needed.

Gender-specific insights into the irritable bowel syndrome pathophysiology. Focus on gut dysbiosis and permeability

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common functional gastrointestinal disorder involving the brain-gut interaction. IBS is characterized by persistent abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. IBS exerts significant impacts on quality of life and imposes huge economic costs. Global epidemiological data reveal variations in IBS prevalence, both globally and between genders, necessitating comprehensive studies to uncover potential societal and cultural influences. While the exact pathophysiology of IBS remains incompletely understood, the mechanism involves a dysregulation of the brain-gut axis, leading to disturbed intestinal motility, local inflammation, altered intestinal permeability, visceral sensitivity, and gut microbiota composition. We reviewed several gender-related pathophysiological aspects of IBS pathophysiology, by focusing on gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability. This perspective paves the way to personalized and multidimensional clinical management of individuals with IBS.

Changes in diet quality across life transitions from adolescence to early adulthood: a latent growth analysis

Background

Adolescence to early adulthood is a period of multiple education-, employment- and family-related life transitions. Changing resources and food environments within the context of these transitions could contribute to significant changes in diet, which persist into later adulthood. This study investigated diet quality trajectories from age 15 to 31 years and changes in diet quality associated with life transitions, by sex.

Methods

Data from the Project EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) study were used to examine diet quality among a longitudinal cohort (n=2,524) across four waves (mean ages of 15, 19, 25 and 31 years). Diet quality was evaluated using the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) index. Life transitions were assessed by changes in life circumstances between pairs of waves, including leaving the parental home, leaving full-time education, beginning full-time employment, cohabitating with a partner, and becoming a parent. Average within-person changes in DASH scores were analysed by sex-specific latent growth models, incorporating underlying growth trajectories, five life transitions and baseline socio-demographic characteristics.

Results

Both sexes followed a quadratic trajectory of DASH scores, showing decreases in diet quality from waves 1 to 2 followed by increases until wave 4. Compared to females, males had worse diet quality at wave 1, and this sex difference widened at wave 4. Leaving the parental home between waves 1 and 2 was associated with transient decreases in diet quality at wave 2 only for males. For females, cohabitating with a partner and becoming a parent between waves 3 and 4 were respectively related to decreases and increases in diet quality at wave 4. Leaving full-time education and starting full-time employment respectively had long-term negative and positive associations with diet quality for both sexes.

Conclusions

Diet quality remained suboptimal throughout adolescence but to some extent improved across early adulthood. A sex-sensitive approach in public health policy is welcome for addressing sex differences in diet quality and dietary changes associated with family-related life transitions. Targeted dietary interventions are beneficial for young people who leave their parental home early or who do not enter into a structured school or workplace environment.

Sex-differences in Mediterranean diet: a key piece to explain sex-related cardiovascular risk in obesity? A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Mediterranean Diet (MD) has many health benefits, particularly in reducing cardiovascular risk (CVR). However, it is still little known if there are any sex differences in following this nutritional pattern and, thus, the potential sex-related repercussions on CVR in obesity. The study aimed to characterize sex-related adherence to MD and its association with CVR factors in subjects with obesity.

METHODS

A total of 968 females (33.81 ± 11.06 years; BMI 34.14 ± 7.43 kg/m2) and 680 males (aged 34.77 ± 11.31years; BMI 33.77 ± 8.13 kg/m2) were included in a cross-sectional observational study. Lifestyle habits, anthropometric parameters, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adherence to MD were evaluated.

RESULTS

Females had significantly higher adherence to MD and lower hs-CRP levels than males (p < 0.001). Additionally, females consumed significantly more vegetables, fruits, legumes, fish/seafood, nuts, and sofrito sauce and less quantity of olive oil, butter, cream, margarine, red/processed meats, soda drinks (p = 0.001), red wine, and commercial sweets and confectionery than their counterparts. A PREDIMED score of ≤ 6 was associated with a significantly increased CVR in both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

Females had higher adherence to MD, lower CVR, and different food preferences than males. Although the same PREDIMED threshold has been identified as a spy of CVR, the sex-related preference of individual foods included in the MD could explain the different impact of this nutritional pattern on CVR in both sexes.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in Chilean university students: a cross-sectional study

This study aims to determine the association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its food groups with depressive symptoms in Chilean university students. The study design was cross-sectional. A total of 934 first-year students at a Chilean public university completed a self-report questionnaire. To assess adherence to Mediterranean diet, an index validated in Chile (Chilean-MDI) was used, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were assessed using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association of adherence to Mediterranean diet and its food groups with depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms adjusted for the main confounders. Students with moderate and high adherence to Mediterranean diet showed lower odds of depression [DASS-21 > 5, odds ratio (OR) = 0.64; 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.47-0.88] than those with low adherence to Mediterranean diet. The consumption of 1-2 servings/day of vegetables (OR = 0.63; 95%CI: 0.43-0.92), > 2 servings/week of nuts (OR = 0.41; 95%CI: 0.21-0.80), 1-2 servings/day of fruits (OR = 0.60; 95%CI: 0.42-0.85), 1-2 servings/week of fish and seafood (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.48-0.94), and 1/2-3 units/week of avocado (OR = 0.67; 95%CI: 0.48-0.93) showed low odds of depressive symptoms. The consumption of whole grains and cereals (> 2 servings/day) (OR = 1.63; 95%CI: 1.02-2.61) showed the opposite association. Adherence to Mediterranean diet and consumption of fruits, vegetables, nuts, avocado, fish, and seafood are associated with a lower likelihood of depression in Chilean university students. New policies and educational strategies are recommended to improve diet quality and the mental health of the entire university community.

Queuosine-tRNA promotes sex-dependent learning and memory formation by maintaining codon-biased translation elongation speed

Queuosine (Q) is a modified nucleoside at the wobble position of specific tRNAs. In mammals, queuosinylation is facilitated by queuine uptake from the gut microbiota and is introduced into tRNA by the QTRT1-QTRT2 enzyme complex. By establishing a Qtrt1 knockout mouse model, we discovered that the loss of Q-tRNA leads to learning and memory deficits. Ribo-Seq analysis in the hippocampus of Qtrt1-deficient mice revealed not only stalling of ribosomes on Q-decoded codons, but also a global imbalance in translation elongation speed between codons that engage in weak and strong interactions with their cognate anticodons. While Q-dependent molecular and behavioral phenotypes were identified in both sexes, female mice were affected more severely than males. Proteomics analysis confirmed deregulation of synaptogenesis and neuronal morphology. Together, our findings provide a link between tRNA modification and brain functions and reveal an unexpected role of protein synthesis in sex-dependent cognitive performance.

Evaluating self-reported retrospective average daily fruit, vegetable, and egg intake: Trustworthy-Sometimes!

Retrospective self-reports are commonly used to assess dietary intake. Yet, their use is criticized as it is unclear whether the underlying assumptions for valid self-reports are met: Individuals have to consider the behavior of all days in the retention interval and weigh the behavior of all days equally. This study examines whether these assumptions for retrospective self-reports are met and whether interindividual differences in self-report performance are relevant regarding these assumptions. Ninety-two participants aged 18-61 years participated in seven sequential 24-h recalls and one retrospective 7-day recall concerning their intake of fruit, vegetables, and eggs. A multiple linear regression approach was used to examine the relation between the daily reported dietary intake and the 7-day recall. In the overall sample, the requirements for retrospective self-reports were not tenable. Distinguishing good and poor self-reporters based on a rational criterion showed that the requirements can be taken as given for good self-reporters, whereas poor self-reporters base their retrospective self-reports mostly on recency effects. The underlying requirements for retrospective self-reports appear to be met in two thirds of the sample, supporting the use of retrospective self-reports to capture dietary behavior. Future research should investigate characteristics separating good from poor self-reporters.

Nutritional intake and metabolic parameters of Japanese university students with and without obesity: Sex-specific differences

OBJECTIVE

To establish effective methods of obesity prevention among young adults, we analyzed the relationship between obesity-related food intake and metabolic factors in Japanese university students.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of nutrient intake information and metabolic parameters among 1,206 Gifu University students categorized by body mass index.

RESULTS

The overweight/obesity rate was significantly higher in males. Additionally, among males, the intake of protein, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, all lipids/fats, and all metabolic parameters including blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and blood pressure significantly differed between the obese and non-obese groups. However, the same comparison among females revealed no significant differences in nutrient intake and significant differences in only half of the parameters. Among males, energy intake from protein and fat was significantly higher in the obese group, while the percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates and fat was lower and higher, respectively, among females in the obese group.

CONCLUSIONS

Overeating of protein and fat in males and unbalanced nutrition in females are sex-specific characteristics of Japanese university students with obesity, and metabolic abnormalities in students with obesity are more remarkable in males than in females.

Gender Differences in Eating Habits of Polish Young Adults Aged 20-26

The aim of the study was to examine the nutritional behaviour of young adults depending on gender. A survey was conducted among 467 young adults using the "Questionnaire for the study of nutritional behaviour and opinions on food and nutrition". Questions concerned the frequency of consumption of selected groups of food products. The questionnaire was supplemented by questions regarding the number of portions of fruits and vegetables consumed, putting sugar in drinks, putting salt in dishes and the number of glasses of water drunk. Differences in nutritional behaviours were determined using the χ² test, at p < 0.05. The dietary choices of women more often than those of men corresponded to the principles of healthy nutrition, related to a greater number of meals consumed during the day, more frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables and the selection of products with lower energy value or preferring healthier methods of culinary processing. Health education programs should prevent the emergence of unfavourable dietary habits such as skipping breakfast or other meals or limiting the consumption of fruits and vegetables and frequently replacing them with high-energy snacks.

Association between Dietary Habits, Food Attitudes, and Food Security Status of US Adults since March 2020: A Cross-Sectional Online Study

Since COVID-19, global reports indicate changes in dietary habits and food security status of the population. As a follow-up to an earlier study conducted in 2020, the purpose of this online cross-sectional study was to examine food security and food attitudes and their subsequent impact on dietary habits since March 2020 and potential associations with demographics, health characteristics and lifestyle habits on dietary habits. Participants (n = 2036) responded to a 71-item online survey conducted between February−March 2022. Frequency counts and percentages were tabulated, and multivariate linear regressions were conducted to examine associations. Results showed that most participants indicated no change in dietary habits (45.9−88.8%) for the listed food and beverage items. A significant positive association for food attitudes scores (1.11, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29; p < 0.001) and food security scores (0.53, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.71; p < 0.001) on total dietary habits was found. Further, significant positive associations were seen with various health characteristics such as medical conditions (p = 0.01) and lifestyle habits such as preparing meals at home (p < 0.001). A negative association was observed with females on total dietary habits (p < 0.001). It is necessary to encourage adults in the US to maintain the positive dietary and lifestyle habits they acquired since March 2020 in their daily living. Future studies should investigate the impact these habits have on their health long-term and sustained positive dietary and lifestyle habits.

On-campus food purchase behaviors, choice determinants, and opinions on food availability in a Spanish university community

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate food purchasing behaviors, choice determinants, and opinions about on-campus food availability by a university community and to analyze differences in these aspects between students, education and/or research staff (ERS), and administrative and services staff (ASS), and between males and females.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study that involved a representative sample of students (n = 1089), ERS (n = 396), and ASS (n = 300) who completed an anonymous online survey. A previously adapted version of the questionnaire was administered. The results were weighted to ensure representativeness of this community population using weighted coefficients.

RESULTS

The results showed that most of the participants purchased food on campus (91.6%), especially for lunch (67.4% of foods and 37.4% of drinks) and snack (65.4% of foods and 45.4% of drinks). Hot drinks (i.e., coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc.; 60.5%), bottled water (49.2%), and hot foods (i.e., small servings [38.2%] and sandwiches/hamburgers [31.7%]) were the most purchased items. Taste (98.6%) was the most important determinant in choice, followed by price for students, nutritional value for ASS, and health value for ERS. The "top 5" opinions suggested for the campus food environment and potential changes were "greater capacity to access free filtered drinking water", "greater capacity to recycle food packaging," "more healthy options in vending machines", "discounts for healthy choices," and "allergen labeling."

CONCLUSION

Interventions that improve sustainability and the affordability of products with high nutritional quality, price-manipulation directives, and allergen information on labeling would be well received among this community.

Changes in dietary patterns among Bangladeshi adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic: A web-based cross-sectional study

Background

The home confinement induced by the COVID-19 pandemic affects individuals’ mental wellbeing and increases unhealthy behaviors, such as minimum to no physical activity, overeating, and substance use.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the changes in dietary patterns among the Bangladeshi adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify their determinants.

Methods

This web-based cross-sectional survey was carried out from 10–17 December 2020 using an e-questionnaire based on Google Forms. A semi-structured e-questionnaire was forwarded to the participants – Bangladesh citizens aged above 18 years – through social media platforms and email in order to collect information about socio-demographic issues and multidimensional dietary patterns. From the initial 817 responses gathered through snowball sampling, 748 responses were retained. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were executed.

Results

The findings suggest that 50% of the participants reported a reduction in weight and physical activities, while approximately 52% experienced increased sleep time. One in three participants (31.4%) experienced a decrease in food buying capacity. The findings further indicate that women were 1.65 times more likely to reduce food consumption than men. Meanwhile, employed people were about 34% less likely to increase food consumption than their unemployed counterparts. People who were getting more than 6 h of sleep per day were nearly 61% less likely to increase food consumption than people who slept for less than 6 h per day. People struggling to buy food items were 2.31 times more likely to reduce food intake than people with no such limitations.

Conclusions

The study shows that COVID-19 has substantially affected Bangladeshi people’s common food consumption patterns. Being confined within the household, primarily due to countrywide lockdowns and ‘general holidays’, has affected both the dietary patterns and the financial wellbeing of people. Therefore, the concerned authorities should promote effective nutrition education and healthy dietary behaviors; meanwhile, financial support or incentives for people in need are also strongly advocated.

Assessment of energy and nutrient intakes among undergraduate students attending a University in the North of England

Background: Unhealthy diets are typical of university students and are often thought to be unrepresentative of the general population. The main aim was to determine the energy and nutrient intakes of a large cohort of undergraduate university students; and to compare to gender-specific dietary reference values (DRVs) and nutrient data from the general population. Methodology: Data was collected from 639 university students aged 18-24 years who completed 4-day diet diaries. The energy and nutrient intake was determined and percentage energy values calculated and compared with dietary reference values (DRVs) and the National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) and Family Food Statistics. Logistic regression methods were used to identify micronutrients functioning as predictors of exceeding DRVs. Results: Energy intakes were lower than the DRV. The percentage total energy values for protein, fat, saturated fat and carbohydrate exceeded DRVs but the percentage energy from alcohol was below the maximum 5%. The DRVs were met for vitamin C, thiamin, and sodium/salt. Iron and calcium intakes were met in males but not in females. Intakes for fibre and vitamin A were below the DRV. Student data was comparable to the NDNS, with the exception of alcohol, fibre, vitamin A, calcium and sodium/salt, which were all lower than the NDNS. Conclusions: This study contradicts the stereotypical assumption that students are following a high energy, fat, saturated fat, total sugars, salt and alcohol diet compared with the general population.

Changes in Physical Activity Levels and Eating Behaviours during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Sociodemographic Analysis in University Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and universities to shift their activities online, influencing the adoption of health-related behaviours such as physical activity and healthy dietary habits. The present study investigates the changes in adherence to a healthy diet and regular physical activity in university students in Italy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and understands the role of sociodemographic variables in creating the changes above. We conducted a repeated cross-sectional survey performing the same sampling strategy at the first data collection (T0) and second data collection (T1) with a combination of convenience and snowball sampling approaches. The sample is composed of a total of 2001 students, 60.2% women and 39.8% men, with an average age of 22.7 (±5.5 SD). At T1, 39.9% of the students reported regular physical activity. During the pandemic, however, many, especially male students, abandoned or reduced physical activity practice (T1 40%), with an increase in social media use (T0 52.1%; T1 90%). A direct association between very low frequency of physical activity and increased sedentary time (r = 0.2, p = 0.001) and between change in dietary style and increased Body Mass Index (BMI) value (r = 0.3, p = 0.002) was found. The multivariate analysis for the total sample showed that some sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, parents’ level of education, area of study, household type, and perception of one’s body influence eating behaviours and physical activity. Our findings suggest that universities should invest in the protection and promotion of the health of their students with specific awareness programmes, and further research should repeat the survey in the post-lockdown period to investigate the long-term effects on health-related behaviours.

Transiting Out of Full-Time National Service: A Qualitative Study of Barriers and Motivators of Weight Change in Young Adult Men in Singapore

Higher prevalence of obesity in men compared with women, particularly among those 18 to 40 years of age, has been observed in Singapore. We explored young men's perceptions of weight change after transiting out of National Service (NS) over a 12-month period and sought to understand the underlying drivers. In-depth interviews, guided by the Health Belief Model (HBM), were conducted with young men 12 months after they had completed full-time NS. Six constructs from the HBM, namely, perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, cues to action, and perceived self-efficacy, were utilized to guide the analysis. Thematic analysis revealed that participants generally perceived a gain in body weight after the transition and attributed this to decreased exercise-related physical activity (PA) levels and increased consumption of unhealthy food. However, many did not display immediate concerns nor view leading a healthy lifestyle as priority, citing time constraints, inertia to comply, or lack of access to sports facilities and healthy food options as barriers. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, mainly PA, were mostly pursued for physical health and appearance. Motivators toward a healthy lifestyle tended to be internal factors such as self-motivation, personal preference, and habit, whereas external motivators included peer or familial influence and environmental factors. Our findings align with key concepts of the HBM and suggest a need to educate young men transiting out of NS on lifestyle, weight, and health, in particular addressing their misconceptions.

Dietary patterns of persons with chronic conditions within a multi-ethnic population: results from the nationwide Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices survey on diabetes in Singapore

Background

Chronic conditions are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and respective data on dietary patterns remain scant. The present study aimed to investigate dietary patterns and identify sociodemographic factors associated with Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores within a multi-ethnic population with various chronic conditions.

Methods

The present study utilised data from the 2019-2020 Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices study on diabetes in Singapore – a nationwide survey conducted to track the knowledge, attitudes, and practices pertaining to diabetes. The study analysed data collected from a sample of 2,895 Singapore residents, with information from the sociodemographic section, DASH diet screener, and the modified version of the World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) version 3.0 checklist of chronic physical conditions.

Results

Respondents with no chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 18.5 (±4.6), those with one chronic condition had a mean DASH score of 19.2 (±4.8), and those with two or more chronic conditions had a mean DASH score of 19.8 (±5.2). Overall, the older age groups [35– 49 years (B = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.23 – 2.33, p <0.001), 50–64 years (B = 2.86, 95% CI: 22.24 – 3.47, p <0.001) and 65 years and above (B = 3.45, 95% CI: 2.73 – 4.17, p <0.001)], Indians (B = 2.54, 95% CI: 2.09 – 2.98, p <0.001) reported better diet quality, while males (B = -1.50, 95% CI: -1.87 – -1.14, p <0.001) reported poorer diet quality versus females.

Conclusion

Overall, respondents with two or more chronic conditions reported better quality of diet while the sociodemographic factors of age, gender and ethnicity demonstrated a consistent pattern in correlating with diet quality, consistent with the extant literature. Results provide further insights for policymakers to refine ongoing efforts in relation to healthy dietary practices for Singapore.

Sex differences in cardiovascular risk may be related to sex differences in diet patterns: a narrative review

CONTEXT

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United States and globally. The social and biological differences in diet patterns among men and women may play a role in their differential cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the dietary patterns associated with CVD risk and investigate the differences in diet patterns between men and women, if these differences affect cardiovascular risk, and to explore potential mechanisms of action.

METHODS

Diet patterns associated with CVD risk were described based on epidemiological and experimental trials. Observational and experimental studies together with systematic and non-systematic reviews were synthesised to examine sex differences in diet and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Differences in vasculature and body composition between sexes may be mediated by dissimilarities in adherence to diet patterns and nutrient metabolism. Salt sensitivity and breakdown and storage of lipids may account for some differences in CVD risk between men and women. Sex differences in social norms, cognitive processing, and odour perception may be affected by biological differences and contribute to differences in cardiovascular risk and dietary patterns.

CONCLUSION

The relation between diet patterns and cardiovascular risk is well-established and sex differences in diet patterns likely differentially affect CVD risk between men and women.

Gender Difference in Food Choice and Eating Practice and Their Association with Health among Students of Kathmandu, Nepal

BACKGROUND

Our eating practice is generally based on the food we choose to eat. The selection of unhealthy food, high cost of healthy food items, and easy availability of fast food may have negative impact on our health and eating behaviour. This study aims to access the gender difference in food choice and eating practice and their association with health among students in Kathmandu, Nepal.

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 385 randomly selected undergraduate BBA (Bachelor in Business Administration) students of Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu by using semistructured self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characters, health status, behaviour factors, eating practice, and food choice which were measured using Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ). The data was analysed in SPSS. Frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were calculated, and chi-square test and logistic regression were used to measure the association between two variables.

RESULTS

The study is comprised of 50.4% female and 49.6% male with mean ages of 20.04 and 20.75, respectively. A gender difference was observed in food choice but no gender difference was observed in eating practice. There was no significant association of food choice and eating practice with health. However, food choice and eating practice showed an association with the current living status of the respondents. Sensory appeal and health were the most important food choice motives among males and females, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that no gender difference was observed in food choice. However, gender difference was observed in eating practice. There was no association of food choice and eating practice with health.

Food Neophobia, Odor and Taste Sensitivity, and Overall Flavor Perception in Food

Smell, which allows us to gather information about the hedonic value of an odor, is affected by many factors. This study aimed to assess the relationship among individual factors, odor sensitivity, and enjoyment, and to evaluate how overall flavor perception and liking in actual food samples are affected by odor sensitivity. A total of 749 subjects, from four different Italian regions, participated in the study. The olfactory capabilities test on four odors (anise, banana, mint, and pine), as well as PROP (6-n-prpyl-2-thiouracil) status and food neophobia were assessed. The subjects were clustered into three groups of odor sensitivity, based on the perceived intensity of anise. The liking and intensity of the overall flavor were evaluated for four chocolate puddings with increasing sweetness (C1, C2, C3, and C4). The individual variables significantly affected the perceived intensity and liking of the odors. Even if all of the odor sensitivity groups perceived the more intensely flavored samples as the C1 and C4 chocolate puddings, the high-sensitivity group scored the global flavor of all of the samples as more intense than the low-sensitivity group. The low-sensitive subjects evaluated the liking of the sweeter samples with higher scores than the moderate-sensitive subjects, whereas the high-sensitive subjects gave intermediate scores. In conclusion, odor sensitivity plays a pivotal role in the perception and liking of real food products; this has to be taken into account in the formulation of new products, suitable for particular categories with reduced olfactory abilities.

Disparities and spatial variations of high salt intake in Iran: a subnational study of districts based on the small area estimation method

OBJECTIVE

High salt intake is one of the leading diet-related risk factors for several non-communicable diseases. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of high salt intake in Iran.

DESIGN

A modelling study by the small area estimation method, based on a nationwide cross-sectional survey, Iran STEPwise approach to risk factor Surveillance (STEPS) 2016. The modelling estimated the prevalence of high salt intake, defined as a daily salt intake ≥ 5 g in all districts of Iran based on data from available districts. The modelling results were provided in different geographical and socio-economic scales to make the comparison possible across the country.

SETTING

429 districts of all provinces of Iran, 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

18 635 salt intake measurements from individuals 25 years old and above who participated in the Iran STEPS 2016 survey.

RESULTS

All districts in Iran had a high prevalence of high salt intake. The estimated prevalence of high salt intake among females of all districts ranged between 72·68 % (95 % UI 58·48, 84·81) and 95·04 % (95 % UI 87·10, 100). Estimated prevalence for males ranged between 88·44 % (95 % UI 80·29, 96·15) and 98·64 % (95 % UI 94·97, 100). In all categorisations, males had a significantly higher prevalence of high salt intake. Among females, the population with the lower economic status had a higher salt consumption than the participants with higher economic status by investigating the concentration index.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study highlight the high salt intake as a prominent risk factor in all Iran regions, despite some variations in different scales. More suitable population-wide policies are warranted to handle this public health issue in Iran.

Understanding Incoming Canadian and US Veterinary Students' Attitudes and Perceptions of Their Dietary Habits and Levels of Physical Activity

As critical components of individual well-being, nutrition and physical activity have important physical and psychological implications. Veterinary students face demanding schedules and potentially high rates of psychological distress. Though veterinary students' strategies for healthy eating have been explored, factors influencing their ability to achieve a healthy diet are less understood. This study assesses incoming veterinary students' perceived attitudes to their dietary habits and physical activity levels. Incoming students (n = 322) at five Canadian and five randomly selected US veterinary schools completed a questionnaire inquiring about demographic information, dietary attitudes and habits, and activity levels. More than half (58%) of students perceived their diet to be moderately healthy. A desire to feel better and have more energy was the most reported (79%) motivating factor to modifying personal eating habits and was significantly associated with improved odds of having a perceived healthy diet (OR = 2.22, p < .024). A busy lifestyle was perceived as a barrier to changing current eating habits by 92% of respondents. Students reporting a desire to maintain their health (OR = 3.42, p < .001) and moderate (OR = 2.81, p < .003) or high (OR = 2.30, p < .044) routine physical activity levels were also more likely to perceive their diet as healthy. Findings show that incoming veterinary students' perceptions may influence their goals of achieving a healthy lifestyle. An understanding of incoming veterinary students' barriers and motivators could be applied in future research to assist students in achieving personalized goals.

Racial/ethnic, gender, and age group differences in cardiometabolic risks among adults in a Northern California health plan: a cross-sectional study

Background

In the U.S., the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension are higher among African American/Black (Black), Latinx, and Filipino adults than non-Hispanic White (White) and Chinese adults. We compared the racial/ethnic-specific prevalence of several modifiable cardiometabolic risks in an insured adult population to identify behaviors that may drive racial/ethnic differences in cardiometabolic health.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used data for middle-aged (35–64) and older (65–79) Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) adult health plan members. Smoking status and BMI were derived from electronic health record data. Weighted pooled self-reported data from the 2014/2015 and 2017 KPNC Member Health Survey cycles were used to estimate daily number of servings of fruits/vegetables, general sodium avoidance, sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption frequency, alcohol use within daily recommended limit, weekly exercise frequency, and number of hours of sleep daily. Age-standardized estimates of all cardiometabolic risks were produced for middle-aged and older-aged women and men in the five racial/ethnic groups. Analyses focused on racial/ethnic differences within age-gender groups and gender and age group differences within racial/ethnic groups.

Results

In both age groups, Black, Latinx, and Filipino adults were more likely than White and Chinese adults to have overweight and obesity and were less likely to engage in health promoting dietary (fruit/vegetable and SSB consumption, sodium avoidance (women only)) and sleep behaviors. Middle-aged Black and Filipino men were more likely than White men to be current smokers. Less racial/ethnic variation was seen in exercise frequency. Significant gender differences were observed for dietary behaviors overall and within racial/ethnic groups, especially among middle-aged adults; however, these gender differences were smaller for sleep and exercise. Age differences within gender and racial/ethnic groups were less consistent. Racial/ethnic and gender differences in these behaviors were also seen in the subsample of adults with diabetes and/or hypertension and in the subsample of adults who reported they were trying to engage in health promoting behaviors.

Conclusions

Black, Latinx, and Filipino adults were more likely than White and Chinese adults to report dietary and sleep behaviors associated with development and worsening of cardiometabolic conditions, with men exhibiting poorer dietary behaviors than women.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-11011-4.

Differences in the Associations between Body Dissatisfaction and Eating Outcomes by Gender? A Lebanese Population Study

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the interaction between body dissatisfaction and gender on eating disorders (restrained eating, binge eating, orthorexia nervosa, and emotional eating) among a sample of Lebanese adults.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study, conducted between January and May 2018, enrolled 811 participants selected randomly from all Lebanese Mohafazat. The mean age of the participants was 27.6±11.8 years. The majority were females (66.5%), had a high level of education (73.2%), and low income (77.9%). This study used the following scales: body dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory-second version, binge eating scale, Dutch restrained eating scale, orthorexia nervosa scale (ORTHO-15 scale), emotional eating scale, perceived stress scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

RESULTS

Body dissatisfaction was positively correlated to restrained eating (r=0.293, P<0.001), emotional eating (r=0.073, P=0.042) and binge eating (r=0.250, P<0.001). The interaction between body dissatisfaction and gender was significantly associated with more restrained eating (Beta=0.01, P<0.001) and orthorexia nervosa (Beta=-0.09, P<0.001), but not with emotional (Beta=-0.43, P=0.103) and binge eating (Beta=-0.08, P=0.358). When stratifying the analysis by gender, the results revealed that higher body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with more restrained eating in both genders, but particularly among women. Body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with higher emotional eating in men only and with higher orthorexia nervosa tendencies and behaviors in females only.

CONCLUSION

The interaction between body dissatisfaction and gender was significantly associated with orthorexia nervosa and restrained eating but not with binge or emotional eating. Higher body dissatisfaction was significantly associated with higher restrained eating, more pronounced in women, while it was significantly associated with higher orthorexia tendencies (lower ORTO-15 scores) in women only. Body dissatisfaction was associated with emotional eating in men only.

COVID-19 Perceived Impact and Psychological Variables as Predictors of Unhealthy Food and Alcohol Consumption Trajectories: The Role of Gender and Living with Children as Moderators

The present study examines the trajectories of unhealthy food and alcohol consumption over time and considers whether perceived impact of COVID-19 and psychological variables are predictors of these trajectories. We ascertained whether these predictors are different in women vs. men and between women living with vs. without children. Data were collected through online surveys administered to 1038 participants from two universities (staff and students) in Chile, across five waves (July to October 2020). Participants provided information about their past-week unhealthy food and alcohol consumption and mental health. Using latent growth curve modeling analysis, we found that higher perceived health and interpersonal COVID-19 impact, younger age and lower depression symptoms were associated with more rapid increases over time in unhealthy food consumption. On the other hand, higher perceived COVID-19 economic impact and older age were associated with more rapid diachronic decreases in alcohol consumption. Gender and living with or without children, for women only, were moderators of these trajectories. This longitudinal study provides strong evidence identifying the multiple repercussions of COVID-19 and mental health factors on unhealthy food and alcohol consumption. These findings highlight the need for interventions aimed at minimizing the impact of the pandemic on unhealthy food and alcohol consumption over time.

Mindful eating, obesity, and risk of type 2 diabetes in university students: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Understanding gender differences in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity risk among university students is critical for the development of health promotion interventions. Mindful eating focuses on how and why eating behavior occurs rather than what is eaten. Current research on this topic is limited in the university-aged population.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to (1) assess gender differences in risk of developing T2DM and elevated body mass index (BMI)/obesity; (2) explore the mindful eating levels according to the gender perspective; and (3) evaluate the relationship between mindful eating, BMI, and the risk of T2DM among young Turkish adults.

METHOD

This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in Karabuk University University, Turkey, during the 2017-2018 university calendar year. Eight hundred young adults were selected by the convenience sampling method. Data analyses used were the independent t test and Pearson correlational statistics.

RESULTS

BMI values of males were significantly higher than those of females (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences between males and females regarding the risk of developing T2DM (p > 0.05). Mindful eating was significantly associated with BMI and the risk of developing T2DM in the young adult populations (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings can provide a basic reference for developing interventions that improve healthy eating habits and weight-loss strategies.

Influence of biomedical education on health and eating habits of university students in Spain

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of an enrolled degree course on health and eating habits in a population of Spanish university students (17-26 y of age).

METHODS

A cross-sectional observational study was carried out with 648 students. Volunteers were stratified into biomedical (medicine and nursing, 48%) and non-biomedical students (other fields of study, 52%). Data were collected using previously self-reported questionnaires focused on anthropometric and sociodemographic profile, lifestyle practices, body image perception, health consciousness, eating habits, physical activity, and food addiction. Mann-Whitney U tests and Pearson's χ² tests were applied to identify associations between the two groups.

RESULTS

Self-reported body mass index was higher for the non-biomedical group (22.1 ± 3.1 versus 23 ± 5 kg/m²; P < 0.05), which also reported less regularity in taking meals (91 versus 95%; P < 0.05), eating fewer colored vegetables and fruits (65 versus 77%; P < 0.001) and a higher alcohol intake (27 versus 20%; P < 0.001). In contrast, the proportion of students that showed more interest in the diet-health duality (92 versus 85%; P < 0.001) and a desire to adopt healthier habits (80 versus 78%; P < 0.05) was larger in the biomedical group. Dietary habits, obtained by means of a food frequency questionnaire, suggested that biomedical students make healthier food choices. Additionally, the group of biomedical students took more walks per week (5.8 ± 1.8 versus 5.5 ± 1.9; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthier lifestyle factors cluster into the biomedical group in various components of the study, except food addiction where no differences were observed. The data presented here suggest the necessity to develop health promotion strategies targeting university students.

Understanding the Influence of Eating Patterns on Binge Drinking: A Mediation Model

BACKGROUND

Binge drinking is an important health problem, and it has been related to binge eating and fat intake in animal models, but this relationship has not been tested in humans. The first objective of this study was to analyze whether binge eating and fat intake are related to binge drinking in a youth sample. The second objective was to analyze whether binge eating and fat intake mediate the relationship between individual factors associated with binge eating and fat intake (sex, body mass index (BMI), drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, eating styles, impulsivity, and food addiction) and binge drinking.

METHODS

A sample of 428 undergraduate students filled out several questionnaires on binge drinking, binge eating, fat intake, drive for thinness, body dissatisfaction, eating styles, food addiction, and impulsivity.

RESULTS

Results showed an excellent model fit: χ2(25) = 30.342 (p = 0.212), comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.992, root mean squared error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.022 [90% CI = 0.000, 0.047]. Binge eating and fat intake were positively related to binge drinking. Furthermore, emotional eating, external eating, and food addiction showed positive and statistically significant indirect relationships with binge drinking, whereas the relationship with restrained eating was negative.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings point to the need to use a broader approach in understanding and preventing binge drinking in the youth population by showing the influence of the eating pattern on this problem. This information could be helpful in preventing future behaviors and improving interventions that address health risk behaviors.

Dietary iron and vitamins in association with mortality

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although disorders of iron metabolism are among the most common diseases and dietary intakes of vitamin A, B₂, B₆, C, E, and folic acid are known to affect the absorption or oxidation of iron, limited data are available on the association of dietary iron and these vitamins with mortality in the same population. Specifically, the holistic dietary vitamins intake and its combined effect with iron on mortality are unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of dietary iron, holistic dietary vitamins, and their interactive effect with total and cause-specific mortality.

METHODS

We evaluated the effects of dietary total/heme/non-heme iron, vitamins, and their interaction on all-cause/cardiovascular disease (CVD)/cancer mortality among 14,826 US adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a population-based nationally representative study. We developed a vitamin score to represent the holistic dietary intakes of vitamin A, B₂, B₆, C, E, and folic acid.

RESULTS

A total of 2154 deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 9.3 years. Results from multivariate Cox proportional hazards models showed that higher vitamin score was associated lower risk of all-cause mortality (P-trend = 0.027). Negative interactions between dietary heme iron and vitamin score were observed on all-cause/CVD mortality. Dietary higher vitamins combined with lower heme iron was associated with lower risk of all-cause and CVD mortality (HR (95% confidence intervals (CIs)): 0.80 (0.64-0.98) and 0.55 (0.31-0.98), respectively). Higher dietary vitamins combined with higher total/non-heme iron was associated with lower risk of CVD mortality (HR (95%CIs): 0.69 (0.48-0.99) and 0.70 (0.48-0.99), respectively). These results remained significant even excluding participants with iron supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggested that interactive effect of holistic dietary vitamins and iron play a protective role in decreasing all-cause and CVD mortality. Future studies, including cohort studies and clinical trials, are necessary to confirm these findings.

Demographic, Behavioural and Anthropometric Correlates of Food Liking: A Cross-sectional Analysis of Young Adults

The degree to which foods are liked or disliked is associated with dietary intake and health behaviours. However, most food liking research has focused on single foods and nutrients and few studies have examined associations with demographics and health behaviours. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between food liking and socio-demographics, health behaviours, diet quality and body mass index (BMI) in a sample of young Australian adults. Data from 1728 undergraduate students (21.8 (standard deviation [SD] 6.0) years; 76% female) were used. Food liking scores and a diet quality index (Dietary Guideline Index, DGI) were estimated from a Food Liking Questionnaire and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), respectively. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between food liking and correlates. Young adults with higher liking for encouraged core foods were older, female, did their own food shopping, consumed less packaged foods and had better diet quality. Higher liking for discretionary foods and beverages was associated with less healthy behaviours, such as smoking, higher BMI and lower diet quality. These results suggest that food liking measures may offer an appropriate methodology for understanding influences on young adults' food choices, adding to the body of literature investigating the potential for food liking scores to assess diet-disease relationships.

Influence of cooking skills and nutritional training on dietary choices of incoming chiropractic students

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to identify chiropractic students' cooking skills, perceptions of healthy eating, and influence of prior nutrition training on dietary intake.

METHODS

Two cohorts of incoming graduate students were surveyed to assess nutritional training prior to matriculation, perceptions of healthy eating behaviors, cooking skills, current dietary intake, and barriers to healthy eating. Using independent t tests, correlations, and descriptive statistics, data from the cohorts were assessed.

RESULTS

The response rate was 88.7% (n = 178). Nutritional training significantly increased perception of nutritional knowledge and confidence in giving nutrition advice. Completion of at least 1 college nutrition course was associated with nearly double students' weekly fatty fish intake. Males were more likely to eat animal protein, and females preferred desserts. Modeling a healthy diet for future patients was rated as being important, yet most students consumed diets consistent with the typical American diet. The leading barriers to healthy eating included lack of time and money.

CONCLUSION

Similar to students in other healthcare professions, incoming chiropractic students wish to model healthy behaviors but fail to apply their knowledge and attitudes to their own dietary intakes due to common barriers.

X- and Y-Linked Chromatin-Modifying Genes as Regulators of Sex-Specific Cancer Incidence and Prognosis

Biological sex profoundly conditions organismal development and physiology, imposing wide-ranging effects on cell signaling, metabolism, and immune response. These effects arise from sex-specified differences in hormonal exposure, and from intrinsic genetic and epigenetic differences associated with the presence of an XX versus XY chromosomal complement. In addition, biological sex is now recognized to be a determinant of the incidence, presentation, and therapeutic response of multiple forms of cancer, including cancers not specifically associated with male or female anatomy. Although multiple factors contribute to sex-based differences in cancer, a growing body of research emphasizes a role for differential activity of X- and Y-linked tumor-suppressor genes in males and females. Among these, the X-linked KDM6A/UTX and KDM5C/JARID1C/SMCX, and their Y-linked paralogs UTY/KDM6C and KDM5D/JARID1D/SMCY encode lysine demethylases. These epigenetic modulators profoundly influence gene expression, based on enzymatic activity in demethylating H3K27me3 and H3K4me3, and nonenzymatic scaffolding roles for large complexes that open and close chromatin for transcription. In a growing number of cases, mutations affecting these proteins have been recognized to strongly influence cancer risk, prognosis, and response to specific therapies. However, sex-specific patterns of mutation, expression, and activity of these genes, coupled with tissue-specific requirement for their function as tumor suppressors, together exemplify the complex relationship between sex and cancer vulnerabilities. In this review, we summarize and discuss the current state of the literature on the roles of these proteins in contributing to sex bias in cancer, and the status of clinical agents relevant to their function.

Factors Associated with Acculturative Stress among International Medical Students

There is an array of reasons why acculturation can be stressful, and acculturative stress can be triggered by a plethora of factors. The aim of the study was to identify factors associated with acculturative stress among international students enrolled in a public medical university from Romania. 265 students were included in the research. Sociodemographic, academic, and family data, comfortability with living in study city, satisfaction with administrative staff, colleagues, and professors and Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students were gathered. Data have been processed using SPSS Statistics v23.0.0 for MAC.OSX. Female students are more prone to experience homesickness and stress due to change compared to male students. International students with Romanian origins had lower scores on perceived hate and stress due to change/culture shock compared to those with no Romanian origins. Students with relatives or friends enrolled in the same university had significantly lower levels of acculturative stress, perceived discrimination, perceived hate/rejection, and general/nonspecific concerns. Age and year of study are associated with homesickness and stress due to change/culture shock. The existence of factors associated with acculturative stress demand institutional, social, and psychological support for international students.

Neighborhood Food Outlet Access and Dietary Intake among Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: Results from the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Healthy diet is essential in the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and preventing related comorbidities. Food outlet access has been studied in the general population; however, the influence of the local food environment on dietary intake among people with CKD has not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the associations of food outlet density and type of outlets with dietary intake in a multicenter cohort of racially and ethnically diverse patients with CKD.

METHODS

The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study is a multicenter prospective study of patients with CKD that used a validated food frequency questionnaire to capture dietary intake at the baseline visit. This is a cross-sectional analysis of 2,484 participants recruited in 2003-2006 from seven Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Study centers. Food outlet data were used to construct a count of the number of fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores per 10,000 population for each geocoded census block group. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations between measures of food outlet availability and dietary factors.

RESULTS

The proportion of participants living in zero-, low-, and high-food outlet density areas differed by gender, race or ethnicity, and income level. Among male subjects, living in areas with zero or the highest number of outlets was associated with having the highest caloric intakes in multivariable models. Male subjects living in areas with zero outlets consumed the highest levels of sodium and phosphorous. Female subjects living in areas with zero outlets had the lowest average intake of calories, sodium, and phosphorous. Among low-income female subjects, close proximity to more outlets was associated with higher calorie consumption. Among all participants, access to fast-food restaurants was not associated with an unhealthy diet score, and access to grocery stores was not associated with a healthy diet score.

CONCLUSIONS

Average caloric and nutrient intakes differed by outlet availability; however, there were no strong associations with type of food outlet. This should be considered when developing food-focused public health policies.

Office cake culture

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of office cake (OC) consumption and the associated attitudes and behaviours among UK office workers to gain insight into the implications for workplace health.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional online questionnaire was completed by 940 respondents. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation withχ2tests for between-group difference.

Findings

Respondents reported both positive social and negative health-related consequences of OC. OC influenced eating behaviour through increased salience and availability, and the effects of social influencing. Almost all (94.8 per cent) reported ideal OC frequency to be once/week or less. Gender and age significantly affected attitudes and behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

The questionnaire was not validated so data accuracy could have been diminished or biased. Portion size was not examined and consumption data were self-reported which could have resulted in under-reporting. Only office workers were investigated therefore results may not be applicable to other workplaces.

Practical implications

OC appears to influence both the workplace eating environment and employee eating behaviour. It could therefore affect employee health and workplace health promotion programme efficacy. However the findings suggest that nudge-based initiatives could reduce OC consumption to make workplaces healthier while retaining social benefits.

Originality/value

The present study provides the first data on OC culture and insights on how to address it sensitively. It also highlights that sweet treats used for celebration and employee recognition should be considered a relevant part of workplace food provision alongside canteens and vending.

Determinants of eating behaviours in Australian university students: A cross-sectional analysis

AIM

This study aimed to explore clustering among individual eating behaviours in a sample of Australian university students, and explore associations between clustered eating behaviours and demographic characteristics.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analysis of data from the University of Newcastle (UON) Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2017 was conducted. Measures included eating behaviours (eg, vegetables, energy-dense nutrient poor [EDNP] food intakes) assessed using short diet questions, and demographic characteristics (eg, age, undergraduate/postgraduate student). Factor analysis was used to explore clustering of individual eating behaviours (ie, identify factors). Linear regression models were used to explore associations between eating behaviour factors identified and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 3062 students (70% female; 56% aged 17-24 years) were included in the analysis. The six eating behaviour factors identified (characterised by higher consumption of the named foods/drinks) were; EDNP snack foods, meat and takeaway foods, fruit and vegetables, sugary drinks, breakfast, and breads and cereals. A higher fruit and vegetable factor score was associated with being female (P < .001), and a higher meat and takeaway foods factor score was associated with being male (P < .001) and of younger age (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nutrient-rich foods clustered together and EDNP foods clustered together, that is, the identified factors represent either nutrient-rich or EDNP foods. Interventions in the university setting should target students with the poorest eating behaviours, including males and younger students.

Racial and sex differences of fruit and vegetable self-efficacy and intake among college students in a rural, southern location

Objective: To examine fruit and vegetable intake and self-efficacy among U.S. college students in a rural, Southern location. Participants: Undergraduate students (n = 1503) enrolled in a university-wide health class at one large public institution during the spring 2017 semester. Methods: Cross-sectional survey data were collected online and analyzed using independent samples t test, one-way ANOVA, and regression. Results: On average, participants did not meet fruit or vegetable intake recommendations. Mean self-efficacy scores were 17.2 (SD = 3.4) and 16.42 (SD = 3.7) for fruit and vegetables, respectively, with statistically significant differences observed by sex and race (p < 0.05). Hierarchical multiple regression results indicated self-efficacy explained 20.9% (fruit) and 29.3% (vegetables) of the variance in consumption. Similar patterns were found for meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. Conclusions: Health campaigns are needed to address sex and racial disparities in college student fruit and vegetable intake and self-efficacy.

Nutrition Facts Panels: Who Uses Them, What Do They Use, and How Does Use Relate to Dietary Intake?

BACKGROUND

Nutrition labels are a low-cost tool with the potential to encourage healthy eating habits.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate correlates of frequent Nutrition Facts label use, describe the types of label information most often used, and measure how label use relates to dietary intake in young adults.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional population-based study of young adults participating in Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults-IV.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Surveys and food frequency questionnaires were completed during 2015-2016 by young adults (N=1,817; weighted sample=49% women) aged 25 to 36 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Nutrition Facts label use, frequency of using specific information on labels, and dietary intake.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED

Relative risks and adjusted means were used to examine how demographic, behavior, and weight-related factors were associated with Nutrition Facts panel use, and how label use related to dietary outcomes. Associations with P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Approximately one-third (31.4%) of participants used Nutrition Facts labels "frequently." Use was significantly higher for women; for participants with high education and income; among those who prepared food regularly; among those who were physically active; among those with a weight status classified as overweight; and among those who were trying to lose, gain, or maintain weight. Label components used most often included sugars (74.1%), total calories (72.9%), serving size (67.9%), and the ingredient list (65.8%). Nutrition Facts label users consumed significantly more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and fewer sugar-sweetened beverages, compared with nonusers. Nutrition Facts label users ate significantly more frequently at sit-down restaurants but less frequently at fast-food restaurants compared with nonusers.

CONCLUSIONS

Although Nutrition Facts label use was associated with markers of better dietary quality in a population-based sample of young adults, only one-third of participants used labels frequently. Methods to improve label use should be studied, particularly through leveraging weight- or health-related goals (eg, interest in making healthier food choices), and meeting consumer preferences concerning label content.

Skipping Breakfast and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Death: A Systematic Review of Prospective Cohort Studies in Primary Prevention Settings

Several studies have associated skipping (not having) breakfast with cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. We examined the available evidence regarding the effect of skipping breakfast on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as all-cause mortality. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2019 to identify prospective cohort studies that examined the association between skipping breakfast and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and all-cause death. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual screening of the references of retrieved studies. Out of 456 citations identified, four studies (from Japan and the US) were included. The included studies involved a total of 199,634 adults (aged ≥40 years; 48.5% female) without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline followed over a median duration of 17.4 years. The pooled data suggested that people who regularly skipped breakfast were about 21% more likely (hazard ratio (HR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-1.35; I² = 17.3%, p = 0.304) to experience incident CVD or die from it than people who regularly consumed breakfast. Also, the risk of all-cause death was 32% higher (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17-1.48; I² = 7.6%, p = 0.339) in people who regularly skipped breakfast than in people who regularly consumed breakfast. However, the definition of skipping breakfast was heterogenous and adjustment for confounders varied significantly. Therefore, residual confounding could not be ruled out and caution is required in the interpretation of the findings. Hence, large prospective studies with a consistent definition of skipping breakfast, and conducted across different populations, are needed to provide more robust evidence of the health effects of skipping breakfast.

Exploring Associations between Interindividual Differences in Taste Perception, Oral Microbiota Composition, and Reported Food Intake

The role of taste perception, its relationship with oral microbiota composition, and their putative link with eating habits and food intake were the focus of the present study. A sample of 59 reportedly healthy adults (27 male, 32 female; age: 23.3 ± 2.6 years) were recruited for the study and taste thresholds for basic tastes, food intake, and oral microbiota composition were evaluated. Differences in taste perception were associated with different habitual food consumption (i.e., frequency) and actual intake. Subjects who were orally hyposensitive to salty taste reported consuming more bakery and salty baked products, saturated-fat-rich products, and soft drinks than hypersensitive subjects. Subjects hyposensitive to sweet taste reported consuming more frequently sweets and desserts than the hypersensitive group. Moreover, subjects hypersensitive to bitter taste showed higher total energy and carbohydrate intakes compared to those who perceived the solution as less bitter. Some bacterial taxa on tongue dorsum were associated with gustatory functions and with vegetable-rich (e.g., Prevotella) or protein/fat-rich diets (e.g., Clostridia). Future studies will be pivotal to confirm the hypothesis and the potential exploitation of oral microbiome as biomarker of long-term consumption of healthy or unhealthy diets.

A Brief Web-Based Nutrition Intervention for Young Adult University Students: Development and Evaluation Protocol Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED Model

Background

Young adults are a priority population for nutrition interventions because of the high prevalence of unhealthy eating behaviors, high risk of weight gain, and the importance of this life stage for developing lifelong eating behaviors. Innovative intervention strategies are needed to reach and engage young adults, whereas more detailed reporting of intervention development and testing would facilitate progress in this challenging research area.

Objective

This paper describes the development of the EATS (Eating Advice To Students) intervention, a targeted, brief Web-based nutrition intervention for young adult (17 to 35 years) university students, and describes the pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess intervention feasibility.

Methods

EATS was developed using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. The development involved a cross-sectional survey of university students’ eating behaviors and determinants, a systematic review of brief nutrition interventions, and consultation with a project steering committee. EATS was developed as a website with 4 components: (1) brief screening quiz with personalized feedback, (2) provision of information, tips, and strategies for each target eating behavior (consumption of vegetables, fruit, discretionary foods, and breakfast) and 2 guided exercises to facilitate behavior change, (3) goal setting, and (4) creating strategies. A pilot RCT with students from the University of Newcastle, Australia, was conducted from February to July 2018. The students were randomized to EATS or a brief Web-based alcohol intervention (attention control). The process evaluation included intervention acceptability (Web-based survey postintervention completion) and objective usage data (collected in real time). Efficacy data (Web-based survey at baseline and 3 months) included diet quality, consumption of target food groups (eg, fruits and vegetables), alcohol intake, self-efficacy to perform target eating behaviors, and well-being.

Results

Collection of the 3-month follow-up data was completed in July 2018.

Conclusions

EATS presents an innovative solution to many of the difficulties faced in targeting young adults to improve their eating behaviors. Given the strong methodological approach undertaken, this study provides a significant contribution to advance this research area.

Trial Registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12618000118202; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374365&isReview=true (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/765o5fVwa)

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/11992

Sex differences in the nitrate-nitrite-NO• pathway: Role of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria

Oral reduction of nitrate to nitrite is dependent on the oral microbiome and is the first step of an alternative mammalian pathway to produce nitric oxide in humans. Preliminary evidence suggests important sex differences in this pathway. We prospectively investigated sex-differences following inorganic nitrate supplementation on nitrate/nitrite levels and vascular function, and separately examined sex differences in oral nitrate reduction, and oral microbiota by 16S rRNA profiling. At baseline, females exhibit higher nitrite levels in all biological matrices despite similar nitrate levels to males. Following inorganic nitrate supplementation, plasma nitrite was increased to a significantly greater extent in females than in males and pulse wave velocity was only reduced in females. Females exhibited higher oral bacterial nitrate-reducing activity at baseline and after nitrate supplementation. Despite these differences, there were no differences in the composition of either the total salivary microbiota or those oral taxa with nitrate reductase genes. Our results demonstrate that females have augmented oral nitrate reduction that contributes to higher nitrite levels at baseline and also after inorganic nitrate supplementation, however this was not associated with differences in microbial composition (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01583803).

Factors influencing eating behavior and dietary intake among resident students in a public university in Bangladesh: A qualitative study

Background

Over the past decades, Bangladesh has made substantial progress in improving higher education, and in part, this was achieved by promoting residence based higher education in public universities. University residency is considered a crucial period for students to develop healthy eating habits and adopt nutritious intake, which comprise a strong foundation for good health throughout life. Although, there is extensive literature on eating behaviors and dietary intake internationally, there appears to be relatively scarce research and analysis concerning Bangladesh. This study aims to address this, by investigating the factors that influence eating behavior and dietary intake.

Methods

Adopting a qualitative approach, we conducted 25 in-depth interviews and 13 focus group discussions with students of various disciplines and semesters. We used thematic analysis to analyze the textual data, and methodological triangulation to validate the information provided.

Results

Student eating behavior and dietary intake are influenced by a variety of factors. Individual factors (cooking skills, food taste, food taboos, and knowledge and perceptions), societal factors (influence of peers and social norms), factors related to university (campus culture and frequency of examination), and environmental factors (availability of cooking resources and facilities and food prices) emerged as the key aspects that determine students’ eating behavior and dietary intake.

Conclusion

This is the first study that explored factors influencing nutritional behavior and dietary intake among resident graduates in a Bangladeshi university. The results suggest that resident students have a poor dietary intake that might have a harmful impact on their health, well-being, and academic performance. Therefore, multilevel nutritional interventions may be beneficial to promote healthy eating behavior and dietary intake among university students.

Breakfast Skipping and overweight/obesity among European adolescents, a cross-sectional analysis of the HELENA dataset: a DEDIPAC study

Background: The aim was to examine demographic and dietary factors associated with breakfast skipping, and the relationship of breakfast skipping with overweight/obesity among adolescents across Europe. Methods: Cross-sectional data from the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study (n=3528) conducted in ten European cities: Athens (Greece), Dortmund (Germany), Ghent (Belgium), Herkalion (Greece), Lille (France), Pecs (Hungary), Rome (Italy), Vienna (Austria), Stockholm (Sweden) and Zaragoza (Spain) were used.  Analysis was carried out using a sub-sample of adolescents (n=1894) aged 12.5-17.49 years with data on breakfast skipping and two days of 24-Hour Diet Recall data. As 24-Hour Recall data was not available from Pecs (Hungary) this city was excluded. Using responses from the Food Choices and Preferences Questionnaire adolescents were classified as breakfast skippers or non-breakfast skippers. All analyses were stratified by sex. Differences in the intake of macronutrients, both overall and when breakfast was excluded, and key foods were compared between skippers and non-skippers using Wilcoxen Rank Sum test. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between breakfast skipping and overweight/obesity. Results: Overall, 44% of females were skippers compared to 36% of males. Among both male and female estimated mean fibre intake and median fruit intake were significantly lower among skippers compared to non-skippers. Male skippers were significantly more likely than non-skippers to be overweight/obese [AOR = 2.34, 95% CI, 1.40-3.90] but this was not observed among females [AOR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.59-1.34]. Conclusions: Different patterns of daily macronutrient intake were observed among adolescents who skip and do not skip breakfast.  In males, breakfast skipping was associated with increased odds of being overweight/obese. Gender may play a key part in breakfast skipping behaviours. These results present an opportunity to identify and target adolescents who may be at risk of a poorer nutritional profile or overweight/obesity.

Lower Dietary Inflammatory Index Scores Are Associated with Lower Glycemic Index Scores among College Students

The association between the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII^®), the glycemic index (GI), and the glycemic load (GL) is not known, although it is known that carbohydrates are pro-inflammatory. We aimed to measure the association between the DII and both GI and GL among college students. In this cross-sectional study, 110 college students completed a 3-day food diary, which was used to calculate the DII, the GI, the GL, and the healthy eating index (HEI)-2010. Least square means and 95% confidence intervals of the GI, the GL, and the HEI-2010 were presented per DII tertile using generalized linear mixed models. Participants in tertile 1 of DII scores had lower GI and GL scores, but higher HEI-2010 scores than those in tertile 3. Pearson correlations showed that DII score was positively correlated with the GI score (r = 0.30, p < 0.01), but negatively correlated with the HEI-2010 (r = −0.56, p < 0.001). DII score was not correlated with GL score. Results from this study suggest that increased inflammatory potential of diet, as represented by higher DII scores, was associated with increased GI scores and lower quality of diet on the HEI-2010. Use of the DII suggests new directions for dietary approaches for preventing chronic diseases that moves beyond convention by decreasing systemic inflammation.

Dietary supplement use, perceptions, and associated lifestyle behaviors in undergraduate college students, student-athletes, and ROTC cadets

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of dietary supplement (DS) use, perceptions of DS efficacy, and lifestyle behaviors of DS users and non-users.

PARTICIPANTS

Undergraduate students, student-athletes, and ROTC cadets at a Midwestern University between September 2014 and January 2015.

METHODS

A cross-sectional online survey was administered. Analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square, and independent sample t-tests.

RESULTS

At least 50% of respondents from each group reported DS use. Users generally reported favorable perceptions of efficacy. Undergraduate student DS users reported more exercise and more healthful dietary habits compared to non-users; however, nearly 72% of undergraduates who reported tobacco use also reported DS use. Less significant differences were observed in the student-athlete and cadet samples.

CONCLUSIONS

DS use is common on college campuses, and many DS users report favorable perceptions of efficacy. With the exception of tobacco use, collegiate DS users generally report lifestyles that are as healthy or healthier than non-users.

Relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake among primary school children in Japan: Combined effect of children's and their guardians' knowledge

Background

Improving the dietary habits of children is important to decrease the future burden of noncommunicable diseases. While various food education programs have been implemented worldwide, evaluation of nutrition knowledge is difficult, even at baseline. Further, the relationship between nutrition knowledge and dietary intake has not been clarified in non-western countries.

Methods

After developing nutrition knowledge questionnaires for Japanese primary school children and adults, we examined whether higher nutrition knowledge of children and their guardians was associated with better dietary intake in children. A total of 1210 children in four public primary schools and 319 guardians were included in this cross-sectional study.

Results

Nutrition knowledge questionnaires were developed for children in lower and higher grades and adults. Higher nutrition knowledge of the children was significantly associated with higher vegetable intake (p for trend = 0.024 for boys and <0.0001 for girls in lower grades, <0.0001 for boys and 0.020 for girls in higher grades). Higher nutrition knowledge of the guardians was also associated with higher vegetable intake, except for boys in higher grades. The relationship between guardians' nutrition knowledge and intake of staple foods and fruits in children differed by children's sex.

Conclusions

We developed nutrition knowledge questionnaires for Japanese children and adults and identified a relationship between higher nutrition knowledge and healthier dietary habits. The child's own nutrition knowledge of dietary intake might be as important as that of the guardian for some foods. Sex differences in the effect of nutrition knowledge should receive greater attention in food education.

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Nutrition knowledge questionnaires were developed for Japanese children and adults.

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Higher nutrition knowledge was associated with healthier dietary habits in children.

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Both children's and guardians' nutrition knowledge affected food intakes in children.

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Sex differences in the effect of nutrition knowledge were suggested.