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Saleh ST, Osaili TM, Al-Jawaldeh A, Hasan HA, Hashim M, Mohamad MN, Qiyas SA, Al Sabbah H, Al Daour R, Al Rajaby R, Masuadi E, Stojanovska L, Papandreou D, Zampelas A, Al Dhaheri AS, Kassem H, Cheikh Ismail L. Adolescents' use of online food delivery applications and perceptions of healthy food options and food safety: a cross-sectional study in the United Arab Emirates. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1385554. [PMID: 38628272 PMCID: PMC11018892 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1385554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Online food delivery applications (OFDA) usage trends among adolescent users in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), focusing on their perceptions of healthy food options and food safety (n = 532). Methods Sociodemographic information, frequency of OFDA use, factors affecting food choices, and perceptions of healthy food and food safety were investigated. A total perception score was calculated for each participant. Results Most participants used OFDAs weekly (65.4%), favoring fast food (85.7%). Factors like appearance and price drove food choices (65.0%), while taste and cost hindered healthy food orders (29.7 and 28.2%). Younger and frequent users had lower scores for perceiving healthy food, while seeking healthy options was associated with higher scores (p < 0.05). Females and those seeking healthy food showed higher food safety scores (p < 0.05). Discussion The study suggests tailored interventions to promote healthier choices and improve food safety perceptions among adolescents using OFDAs in the UAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheima T. Saleh
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tareq M. Osaili
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh
- Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), World Health Organization (WHO), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Haydar A. Hasan
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Hashim
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maysm N. Mohamad
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Salma Abu Qiyas
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Haleama Al Sabbah
- Public Health Department, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rameez Al Daour
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Radhiya Al Rajaby
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Emad Masuadi
- Department of Public Health Institute, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Lily Stojanovska
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dimitrios Papandreou
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Antonis Zampelas
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ayesha S. Al Dhaheri
- Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hanin Kassem
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leila Cheikh Ismail
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Tandoh A, Laar A, Pradeilles R, Le Port A, Osei-Kwasi H, Amevinya GS, Aryeetey RNO, Agyemang C, Holdsworth M. Addressing the marketing and availability of unhealthy food and beverages in and around selected schools in Ghana: a community readiness appraisal. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075166. [PMID: 37770260 PMCID: PMC10546112 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed stakeholder readiness to address unhealthy food and beverage marketing and availability in/around Public Basic Schools (for children 4-15 years) in Greater Accra Region, the highly urbanised administrative capital of Ghana. DESIGN The community readiness model was used to conduct in-depth mixed methods interviews with stakeholders. Using predefined anchored rating statements, quantitative readiness scores ranging from 1 to 9 were generated. Thematic qualitative analysis was undertaken to understand barriers and facilitators that could influence the implementation of interventions. SETTING Greater Accra Region, Ghana. PARTICIPANTS 18 key informants from various school/education/citizen sectors, which together represented the 'school community' of Greater Accra Region. RESULTS The mean readiness scores indicated that the 'school community' was at the 'preplanning' stage of readiness (4.44±0.98) to address the marketing and availability of unhealthy food and beverages in and around schools. The mean readiness score for 'leadership' was the highest of all dimensions (5.36±1.60), corresponding to the 'preparation' stage. The lowest scores were found for 'community knowledge of efforts' (3.19±2.45) and 'resources for efforts' (3.64±0.87), both of which were at a 'vague awareness' stage. CONCLUSIONS The 'school community' recognised that the marketing and availability of unhealthy food and beverages was a problem. Additionally, current leadership was actively supportive of continuing/improving efforts that create healthier children's food environments. However, actions that aim to increase the 'school community's' knowledge of existing interventions and securing resources to sustain those interventions are needed before introducing readiness appropriate strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akua Tandoh
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary centre on Sustainable Agri-food systems), Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Amos Laar
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Rebecca Pradeilles
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary centre on Sustainable Agri-food systems), Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Agnes Le Port
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary centre on Sustainable Agri-food systems), Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Hibbah Osei-Kwasi
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Gideon Senyo Amevinya
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Richmond Nii Okai Aryeetey
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, School of Public Health, University of Ghana, Legon, Greater Accra, Ghana
| | - Charles Agyemang
- Department of Public & Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle Holdsworth
- UMR MoISA (Montpellier Interdisciplinary centre on Sustainable Agri-food systems), Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CIHEAM-IAMM, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, IRD, Montpellier, France
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Coppell KJ, Keall M, Mandic S. Dietary Pattern Indicators among Healthy and Unhealthy Weight Adolescents Residing in Different Contexts across the Otago Region, New Zealand. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1445. [PMID: 37761405 PMCID: PMC10528431 DOI: 10.3390/children10091445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Reported obesity rates for adolescents in different urban and rural areas are inconsistent. We examined indicators of healthy and unhealthy dietary patterns among 1863 adolescents aged 13-18 years with a healthy or excess body weight attending 23 secondary schools in four different settlement types across the Otago region, New Zealand. An online survey included demographics and dietary behaviours. Height and weight were measured, and body mass index was calculated. New Zealand defined urban and rural settlement types were used. Home addresses determined a small area-level index of deprivation. Data were analysed using Chi-square tests and ANOVA. A logistic model was fitted to estimate adjusted odds ratios of excess weight. The proportion of adolescents with a healthy weight differed (p < 0.001) between the most (64.9%) and least (76.4%) deprived neighbourhood areas. There was only indicative evidence of differences between settlement types (p = 0.087). Sugar-sweetened beverage and fast-food consumption was more frequent in the most deprived areas (p < 0.001), and in urban versus rural settlements (p < 0.001). The most important associations with excess weight were area-level deprivation and ethnicity, but not settlement type. Prioritising socioeconomic factors irrespective of settlement type is necessary when developing interventions to improve dietary patterns and body weight status among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten J. Coppell
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand
- Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology, Nelson 7010, New Zealand
| | - Michael Keall
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington South 6242, New Zealand;
| | - Sandra Mandic
- School of Sport and Recreation, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 0627, New Zealand
- Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
- AGILE Research Ltd., Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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Smets V, Cant J, Vandevijvere S. The Changing Landscape of Food Deserts and Swamps over More than a Decade in Flanders, Belgium. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13854. [PMID: 36360732 PMCID: PMC9656286 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Food deserts and swamps have previously been mostly studied in Anglo-Saxon countries such as the USA and Great Britain. This research is one of the first studies to map food deserts and swamps in a mainland European, densely populated but heavily fragmented region such as Flanders. The evolution of food deserts and swamps between 2008 and 2020 was assessed. Special focus was given to areas where high numbers of elderly, young people and/or families with low income live. Food deserts were calculated based on supermarket access within 1000 m and bus stop availability, while food swamps were calculated using the Modified Food Environment Retail Index. The main cause behind the formation of food deserts in Flanders is its rapidly aging population. Food deserts with a higher number of older people increased from 2.5% to 3.1% of the residential area between 2008 and 2020, housing 2.2% and 2.8% of the population, respectively. Although the area that could become a food desert in the future due to these sociospatial and demographic evolutions is large, food deserts are currently a relatively small problem in Flanders in comparison to the widespread existence of food swamps. Unhealthy retailers outnumbered healthy retailers in 74% of residential areas in 2020, housing 88.2% of the population. These food swamps create an environment where unhealthy food choices predominate. Residential areas with a higher number of elderly people, young people and families with low incomes had healthier food environments than Flanders as a whole, because these areas are mostly found in dense urban centers where the ratio of healthy food retailers to all retailers is higher. This research showed that food deserts and swamps could be a growing problem in European regions with a high population density that experience the high pressures of competing land uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Smets
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Sciensano [Scientific Institute of Public Health], J.Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Cant
- Research Group for Urban Development, University of Antwerp, Mutsaardstraat 31, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Vandevijvere
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Sciensano [Scientific Institute of Public Health], J.Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
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