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Azupogo F, Abizari AR, Feskens EJM, Verhoef H, Brouwer ID. Ten2Twenty-Ghana: a randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of multiple micronutrient-fortified biscuits on the micronutrient status of adolescent girls. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:707-719. [PMID: 37795629 PMCID: PMC10803820 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523002234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent girls are an important target group for micronutrient interventions particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where adolescent pregnancy and micronutrient deficiencies are common. When consumed in sufficient amounts and at levels appropriate for the population, fortified foods may be a useful strategy for this group, but little is known about their effectiveness and timing (regarding menarche), particularly in resource-poor environments. We evaluated the effect of consuming multiple micronutrient-fortified biscuits (MMB), sold in the Ghanaian market, 5 d/week for 26 weeks compared with unfortified biscuits (UB) on the micronutrient status of female adolescents. We also explored to what extent the intervention effect varied before or after menarche. Ten2Twenty-Ghana was a 26-week double-blind, randomised controlled trial among adolescent girls aged 10-17 years (n 621) in the Mion District, Ghana. Biomarkers of micronutrient status included concentrations of Hb, plasma ferritin (PF), soluble transferrin receptor (TfR) and retinol-binding protein (RBP), including body-iron stores. Intention-to-treat analysis was supplemented by protocol-specific analysis. We found no effect of the intervention on PF, TfR and RBP. MMB consumption did not affect anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies at the population level. MMB consumption increased the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency by 6·2 % (95 % CI (0·7, 11·6)) among pre-menarche girls when adjusted for baseline micronutrient status, age and height-for-age Z-score, but it decreased the prevalence of deficient/low vitamin A status by -9·6 % (95 % CI (-18·9, -0·3)) among post-menarche girls. Consuming MMB available in the market did not increase iron status in our study, but reduced the prevalence of deficient/low vitamin A status in post-menarcheal girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusta Azupogo
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, 1882, Ghana
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Abdul-Razak Abizari
- Formerly of the Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Edith J. M. Feskens
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Verhoef
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge D. Brouwer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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The barriers of home environments for obesity prevention in Indonesian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2348. [PMCID: PMC9749634 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14669-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Obesity and its related cardiovascular-metabolic diseases are growing public health concerns. Despite global attention to obesity, its prevalence is steeply increasing in developing countries, especially in children and adolescents. Eating behaviours and physical activity are modifiable risk factors for obesity that can variably be shaped by families. Eating behaviours and physical activity are especially important during adolescence, given its significance as a foundational period for developing healthy lifestyles. This qualitative study aimed to explore barriers and opportunities around creating healthy lifestyles among adolescents in Indonesia, focussing on family environments from diverse socio-demographic backgrounds.
Method
In-depth interviews using a semi-structured guide were undertaken with consecutively recruited 10–18-year-old adolescents with overweight or obesity, and their parents, from three different sites: urban (Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia), peri-urban (West Java Province) and rural (Banten Province). Thematic analysis was used to identify patterns of meaning.
Results
Nineteen dyads were interviewed. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: limited knowledge of healthy lifestyles; healthy lifestyles not a concern of daily life; limited parenting skills, including inequity around gender roles; and aspects of availability and accessibility. These interconnected barriers influenced lifestyle practices at home within the context of daily preferences and decisions around food and activities. Gender role inequity and healthy food accessibility were more prominent in rural families than in those from urban or peri-urban settings.
Conclusions
Healthy lifestyles in adolescence may be supported by strategies to enhance parenting skills, build individual motivation, and support the development of more enabling environments.
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How do food safety concerns affect consumer behaviors and diets in low- and middle-income countries? A systematic review. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Leu J, Tay Z, van Dam RM, Müller-Riemenschneider F, Lean MEJ, Nikolaou CK, Rebello SA. "You know what, I'm in the trend as well" - Understanding the inter-play between digital and real-life social influences on the food and activity choices of young adults. Public Health Nutr 2022; 25:1-50. [PMID: 35184791 PMCID: PMC9991798 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980022000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand young adults' perceptions of online and real-life social influences on their food and activity choices. DESIGN A qualitative study involving seven focus groups. Thematic analyses using both deductive and inductive techniques were performed. SETTING A polytechnic and a university in Singapore. PARTICIPANTS A total of 46 full-time students, 19-24 years of age. RESULTS Participants revealed that social media meets multiple needs, contributing to its ubiquitous use and facilitating content spread between social networks. Food-related content shared on social media were mostly commercial posts, marketing foods and eateries showcasing price-promotions, emphasizing sensory properties of foods, or creating narratives that activated trends. Subsequently, real-life social activities frequently revolve around marketed foods that were not necessarily healthy. In contrast, physical activity posts were rarely being followed up in real life. Portrayals describing a toxic gym culture could contribute to negative perceptions of peers' physical activity posts and a disinclination towards sharing such posts. Participants expressed that close, supportive social networks in real-life strongly influenced initiating and maintaining healthy lifestyles. However, in a society that highly values academic achievements, participants prioritized studying and socializing over healthy eating and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings reveal that virtual and real-life social influences have complex interactions affecting Asian young adults' behavioral choices and should be considered when designing interventions for this group. Regulations related to the digital marketing of unhealthy food, and improving the availability, accessibility, and affordability of healthier food options, particularly in the foodservice sector, would be of value to consider.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Leu
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zoey Tay
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10–01, 117549Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rob M van Dam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10–01, 117549Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Falk Müller-Riemenschneider
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10–01, 117549Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael EJ Lean
- School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
- Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Charoula Konstantia Nikolaou
- Natural Resources Institute, Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich, Kent, UK
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke’s International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Salome A Rebello
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10–01, 117549Singapore, Singapore
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Neufeld LM, Andrade EB, Ballonoff Suleiman A, Barker M, Beal T, Blum LS, Demmler KM, Dogra S, Hardy-Johnson P, Lahiri A, Larson N, Roberto CA, Rodríguez-Ramírez S, Sethi V, Shamah-Levy T, Strömmer S, Tumilowicz A, Weller S, Zou Z. Food choice in transition: adolescent autonomy, agency, and the food environment. Lancet 2022; 399:185-197. [PMID: 34856191 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)01687-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dietary intake during adolescence sets the foundation for a healthy life, but adolescents are diverse in their dietary patterns and in factors that influence food choice. More evidence to understand the key diet-related issues and the meaning and context of food choices for adolescents is needed to increase the potential for impactful actions. The aim of this second Series paper is to elevate the importance given to adolescent dietary intake and food choice, bringing a developmental perspective to inform policy and programmatic actions to improve diets. We describe patterns of dietary intake, then draw on existing literature to map how food choice can be influenced by unique features of adolescent development. Pooled qualitative data is then combined with evidence from the literature to explore ways in which adolescent development can interact with sociocultural context and the food environment to influence food choice. Irrespective of context, adolescents have a lot to say about why they eat what they eat, and insights into factors that might motivate them to change. Adolescents must be active partners in shaping local and global actions that support healthy eating patterns. Efforts to improve food environments and ultimately adolescent food choice should harness widely shared adolescent values beyond nutrition or health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eduardo B Andrade
- Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration (EBAPE), Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mary Barker
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK; School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ty Beal
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren S Blum
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Surabhi Dogra
- Lancet Standing Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing, Noida, India
| | - Polly Hardy-Johnson
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Nicole Larson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Christina A Roberto
- Department of Medical Ethics & Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Sofia Strömmer
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Susie Weller
- Clinical Ethics and Law at Southampton (CELS), Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Zhiyong Zou
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, Beijing, China
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Dietary health perceptions and sources of nutritional knowledge in an urban food environment: a qualitative study from Indonesia. Public Health Nutr 2021; 24:2848-2858. [PMID: 33023710 PMCID: PMC9884757 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980020003900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate dietary health understandings, healthy foods access perceptions and the main sources of nutritional knowledge of residents in three urban communities of varying socio-economic make-up. DESIGN An ethnographic approach to primary qualitative data collection, involving frequent visits to study areas over 4 months and in-depth interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through an iterative approach. SETTING Yogyakarta, Indonesia. PARTICIPANTS A purposive sample of 45 participants divided equally among the 3 communities. Participants were mostly female (93 %), aged between 27 and 75 years (mean 47·7) and largely identified as the person responsible for household food-related decisions (93 %). RESULTS Three overarching themes emerged: (i) dietary health understandings; (ii) healthy foods access perceptions and (iii) sources of nutritional knowledge. Participants employed multifaceted conceptualisation of dietary health. Most identified healthy foods with traditional plant-based foods, inexpensive and locally available from multiple sources. Thus, all participants perceived healthy foods as highly available in the local environment and most (80 %) as affordable. Reported affordability issues referred to specific foods (particularly animal source products) and were independent of income levels. Participants acquired nutritional knowledge from multiple sources, including many community-based initiatives. These were overall perceived as useful, but also as presenting some limitations. CONCLUSIONS The variety in dietary health understandings reported by study participants, and their high perceptions of healthy foods availability in the local environment reinforce the idea that individual- and food environment-level determinants of nutritional behaviours are highly contextual.
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Concha N, Jovchelovitch S. Grandmothers: Central scaffolding sources impacting maternal and infant feeding practices in Colombia. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2021; 17 Suppl 1:e13162. [PMID: 34241952 PMCID: PMC8269147 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence highlights that maternal and child nutrition programmes need to extend beyond the mother-child dyad by adopting a family systems approach, particularly in the Global South. Guided by a sociocultural and community psychology understanding of health, the paper explores factors identifying grandmothers as central resources for nutrition programmes. The study was conducted in a Colombian urban periphery applying a qualitative longitudinal design (prenatal and postpartum). It is based on interviews with adolescent mothers and mothers in their 20s (n = 35 at T1; n = 21 at T2), grandmothers (n = 15 at T1; n = 12 at T2) and community/public stakeholders (n = 17). Many of the participants live in low-income households headed by grandmothers, who adjust feeding practices to the extent of their economic capacity. Findings reveal grandmothers play a central role in decision-making and in enabling a holistic support system for the dyad. This is defined as grandmothers' scaffolding; it covers nutrition advice, breastfeeding and infant feeding, cultural practices, caregiving and maternal mental health. The study helps build the evidence-base for the transferability of a family systems approach to Global South regions by using sociocultural and community psychology concepts to fortify the rationale for including grandmothers in maternal and child nutrition programmes. It argues for the need to continue raising the visibility of key actors like grandmothers and for nutrition programmes to align themselves more flexibly with the needs of families experiencing poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Concha
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural ScienceThe London School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
| | - Sandra Jovchelovitch
- Department of Psychological and Behavioural ScienceThe London School of Economics and Political ScienceLondonUK
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Raptou E. The Role of Snack Choices, Body Weight Stereotypes and Smoking Behavior in Assessing Risk Factors for Adolescent Overweight and Obesity. Foods 2021; 10:foods10030557. [PMID: 33800293 PMCID: PMC8001685 DOI: 10.3390/foods10030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the relationship of behavioral factors, such as snack choices, obesity stereotypes and smoking with adolescents’ body weight. Individual-level data for 1254 Greek youths were selected via a formal questionnaire. Snack choices seem to be gender specific with girls showing a stronger preference for healthier snacks. Frequent consumption of high-calorie and more filling snacks was found to increase Body Mass Index (BMI) in both genders. Fruit/vegetable snacks were associated with lower body weight in females, whereas cereal/nut snacks had a negative influence in males’ BMI. The majority of participants expressed anti-fat attitudes and more boys than girls assigned positive attributes to lean peers. The endorsement of the thin-ideal was positively associated with the BMI of both adolescent boys and girls. This study also revealed that neglecting potential endogeneity issues can lead to biased estimates of smoking. Gender may be a crucial moderator of smoking–BMI relationships. Male smokers presented a higher obesity risk, whereas female smokers were more likely to be underweight. Nutrition professionals should pay attention to increase the acceptance of healthy snack options. Gender differences in the influence of weight stereotypes and smoking on BMI should be considered in order to enhance the efficacy of obesity prevention interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Raptou
- Laboratory of Management and Marketing, Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, 68200 Orestiada, Greece
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Effect of Training Program on Snack Consumption in Elementary School Girls: Application of the BASNEF Model. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY HEALTH 2021. [DOI: 10.52547/jech.8.1.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Azupogo F, Abizari AR, Osendarp SJM, Feskens EJ, Brouwer ID. Ten2Twenty-Ghana: Study Design and Methods for an Innovative Randomized Controlled Trial with Multiple-Micronutrient-Fortified Biscuits among Adolescent Girls in Northeastern Ghana. Curr Dev Nutr 2021; 5:nzaa184. [PMID: 33604499 PMCID: PMC7880270 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Investing in adolescent girls' nutrition is vital for health and for breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition and deprivation, but limited knowledge on the type, timing, and efficacy of interventions delays progress. We describe the design of a 26-wk randomized placebo-controlled trial with multiple-micronutrient-fortified biscuits (MMBs) among adolescent girls in northeastern Ghana. Apparently healthy, premenarche (n = 312) and postmenarche (n = 309) girls (10-17 y) were randomly assigned to receive the following for 5 d/wk: 1) MMBs (fortified with 11 vitamins and 7 minerals) or 2) unfortified biscuits. Data included plasma micronutrient status, anthropometry, body composition, cognitive function, psychosocial health, fertility, dietary intake, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic covariates, complemented with in-depth interviews (n = 30) and 4 focus group discussions. We hypothesized an increase in plasma ferritin and retinol-binding protein with a resultant increase in hemoglobin, cognition, vertical height, and psychosocial health. Our study seeks to investigate the efficacy and optimal timing of a multiple-micronutrient food intervention program for adolescent girls. The RCT was registered prospectively with the Netherlands Clinical Trials Register (NL7487).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusta Azupogo
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Razak Abizari
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | - Saskia J M Osendarp
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Micronutrient Forum, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Edith J Feskens
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge D Brouwer
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Prihastyanti MNU, Chandra RD, Lukitasari DM. How to Fulfill Carotenoid Needs during Pregnancy and for the Growth and Development of Infants and Children – A Review. EFOOD 2021. [DOI: 10.2991/efood.k.210701.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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12
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The diets of children: Overview of available data for children and adolescents. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Hawkes C, Fox E, Downs SM, Fanzo J, Neve K. Child-centered food systems: Reorienting food systems towards healthy diets for children. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2020.100414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Blum LS, Mellisa A, Kurnia Sari E, Novitasari Yusadiredja I, van Liere M, Shulman S, Izwardy D, Menon R, Tumilowicz A. In-depth assessment of snacking behaviour in unmarried adolescent girls 16-19 years of age living in urban centres of Java, Indonesia. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 15:e12833. [PMID: 31042814 PMCID: PMC6852566 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period characterized by physical, social, and developmental changes that impact on health and eating behaviour. Indonesia is experiencing dramatic economic and infrastructural changes, causing greater access to the global food industry and media. This transition is influencing food intake trends, leading to new nutritional challenges in adolescent girls. Qualitative research was conducted between November 2016 and January 2017 in five urban sites in Java, Indonesia, to examine individual, social, environmental, and macrosystem factors affecting snacking behaviours in unmarried adolescent girls 16–19 years of age. Methods entailed 30 freelisting exercises, nine key informant interviews, and 16 in‐depth interviews. Freelisting results identified over 200 snack foods, with the most salient processed convenience foods such as chips and cookies. Respondents typically snacked multiple times daily. Widespread availability of affordable and “tasty” snacks makes snack foods appealing meal substitutes. Snacks provide a distraction to boredom and loneliness and an enhancement to social gatherings. Girls exhibited limited understanding or concern about potential negative effects of snacking. Parents facilitate acquisition of nutrient‐poor snacks, whereas friends exert pressure for routine consumption of snack foods. Social media infiltrated with promotions of eateries and snack foods is likely contributing to the preponderance of snack food consumption. Routine consumption of snack foods high in sugar, salt, and fat and skipping meals will likely have long‐term consequences on the nutritional status and health of Indonesian adolescent girls. Findings underline the urgent need to develop contextually relevant, targeted behavioural change strategies to modify the potentially harmful eating and activity patterns of adolescent girls identified in this study and to curb the trajectory of overweight in urban Indonesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren S Blum
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ayu Mellisa
- PT Kadence International, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Eny Kurnia Sari
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Marti van Liere
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Susan Shulman
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Doddy Izwardy
- Directorate of Public Health, Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ravi Menon
- Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Jakarta, Indonesia
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