Eating Competence and Dietary Intake of Sexual and Gender Minority College Students

Dietary intakes differ between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + college students

Objective: To compare dietary intakes between LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + college students. Participants: Participants were LGBTQ+ (n = 92) and non-LGBTQ+ (n = 491) college students. Methods: The 26-item Dietary Screener Questionnaire assessed intakes of added sugars, fiber, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, dairy, and calcium. Percentage of participants meeting Dietary Guidelines for Americans were also computed. Multivariate ANCOVA assessed differences in dietary intake. Chi-square analyses assessed differences in proportions of LGBTQ + and non-LGBTQ + students meeting recommendations. Results: LGBTQ + students reported lower intakes of fiber, whole grains, fruit, and fruits and vegetables both including and excluding French fries (all p < 0.05). Fewer LGBTQ + students met recommendations for fruit (5.7%) compared to their non-LGBTQ + counterparts (14.2%; p = .03). Conclusions: LGBTQ + students report poorer indices of diet quality compared to non-LGBTQ + students. Health promotion programming efforts to improve these outcomes may need to be tailored differently for students who identify as LGBTQ+.

Eating competence is related to executive function skills in college students

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine the relationship between eating competence (EC) and executive function (EF) skills in college students.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study in which an online survey was administered during autumn quarter 2020 to undergraduate students at a northwestern U.S. public university. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with measures of EC (16-item Satter Eating Competence Inventory, ecSI-2.0™) and EF skills (27-item Executive Function Index, EFI). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the ecSI-2.0™ total score and its four domain scores with each of the five EF skills.

RESULTS

Of the 1996 respondents included in the final analyses, 40.2 % were eating competent (total ecSI-2.0™ ≥32). The mean ecSI-2.0™ score among participants was 28.7. Gender distribution was 72.0 % women, 23.3 % men, and 4.7 % trans-and-gender non-conforming (TGNC) or preferred not to answer. EFI scores were higher among women (70.9) than among men (68.2) and TGNC (64.9). Both total ecSI-2.0™ score and the contextual skills domain were significantly associated with four of the EFI subscales. Internal regulation was related to impulse control and motivational drive. Further significant associations were found with other domains of ecSI-2.0™ and specific EFI subscales.

CONCLUSION

EF skills are associated with EC in college students, particularly skills related to food management and internal regulation. Since both EF and EC can be developed, this study offers promise for future research in an increasingly gender-diverse and neurodiverse college population during a time of increasing independence and autonomy.

Examination of eating competence in a geo-diverse sample with metabolic syndrome

Eating competence (EatC) is an intra-individual approach to eating attitudes and behaviors associated with greater well-being. EatC research has not included persons with confirmed metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, EatC of persons with MetS was explored to identify unique associations and inform implementation of MetS lifestyle interventions using baseline data from a multisite, randomized trial of a 2-year lifestyle intervention with MetS. EatC, measured with the Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 (ecSI 2.0™), was examined for relationships with bioclinical measures (e.g., blood pressure, lipids), medication use, BMI, waist circumference, fruit/vegetable intake, and psychosocial factors, (e.g., stress, mindfulness). Data were collected in person and video call by trained research personnel. EatC was examined as a continuous score and as a categorical variable with ecSI 2.0™ scores ≥ 32 considered eating competent. Participants (n = 618) were predominantly female (76%), White (74%), college educated (60%). Mean age was 55.5 ± 11 y. Mean ecSI 2.0™ was 29.9 ± 7.4 and 42% were eating competent. EatC was greater for males, persons who were older and food secure. Competent eaters (vs. non-eating competent) had lower waist circumference (112.7 ± 12.5 cm vs.116.8 ± 16.0 cm; P < 0.001) and BMI (35.0 ± 6.1 vs. 37.5 ± 7.3; P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood pressure did not differ by EatC status. Compared to non-eating competent persons, competent eaters perceived less stress, were more mindful, indicated better physical function, and more habitual vegetable intake (all P < 0.001) and sensory awareness (P < 0.05). EatC in MetS paralleled the non-MetS profile. EatC was associated with a healthier psychosocial profile, waist circumference and BMI. Findings support further research to examine the mediational or moderating influence of EatC in the treatment of MetS.

Gender differences in factors related to eating competence in college students: Weight-and-body shame and guilt, weight satisfaction, weight loss effort, and eating disorder risk

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine which weight-and-body-related attitudes and behaviors were most predictive of Eating Competence (EC) in college students amidst COVID-19, according to gender.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was part of a larger study in which an online survey was administered during autumn quarter 2020 to undergraduate students at a northwestern U.S. public university. Measures included EC (ecSI 2.0™), weight-and-body shame and/or guilt (WEBSG), weight satisfaction, current weight loss effort, and eating disorder risk.

RESULTS

Of the 1996 respondents included in the final analyses, 40.2 % were eating competent (ecSI 2.0™ ≥32). Gender distribution was 71.6 % women, 23.1 % men, and 4.6 % trans-and-gender non-conforming (TGNC). WEBSG and WEB-S were higher in women and TGNC than in men. Weight satisfaction was lower in women and TGNC students than men, and 47.3 % of the sample was trying to lose weight at the time of the study. Eating disorder (ED) risk was prevalent with nearly 34 % scoring ≥2 on SCOFF and 33 % reporting they saw themselves as having an ED now or in the past. Significant factors of EC varied for each gender, although WEB-S was a shared model factor for all genders.

CONCLUSION

EC may be protective, as this was related to less WEB-S in all genders; less WEB-G and greater weight satisfaction in men and women; and lower likelihood of ED risk and trying to lose weight among women. Further research is needed to elucidate whether these maladaptive weight-and-body attitudes and behaviors in college students can be improved to increase EC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.

Sexual Satisfaction among Lesbian and Heterosexual Cisgender Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Sexual satisfaction is a complex, multifaceted, and broad concept that is influenced by several factors. The minority stress theory posits that sexual and gender minorities are at a particular risk for stress due to stigma and discrimination at the structural, interpersonal, and individual levels. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate and compare the sexual satisfaction between lesbian (LW) and heterosexual (HSW) cisgender women.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. We searched the PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Websci, Proquest, and Wiley online databases from 1 January 2013 to 10 March 2023 to identify the published observational studies on sexual satisfaction in women according to their sexual orientation. The risk of bias in the selected studies was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal checklist for the analytical cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

A total of 11 studies and 44,939 women were included. LW reported having orgasms during a sexual relationship more frequently than HSW, OR = 1.98 (95% CI 1.73, 2.27). In the same direction, the frequency of women reporting "no or rarely" for having orgasms during their sexual relationships was significantly lower in the LW than the HSW, OR = 0.55 (95% CI 0.45, 0.66). The percentage of the LW who reported having sexual intercourse at least once a week was significantly lower than that of the HSW, OR = 0.57 for LW (95% CI 0.49, 0.67).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review showed that cisgender lesbian women reached orgasm during sexual relations more often than cisgender heterosexual women. These findings have implications for gender and sexual minority health and healthcare optimization.

The Relationship between Sleep Duration and Metabolic Syndrome Severity Scores in Emerging Adults

BACKGROUND

Research suggests sleep duration can influence metabolic systems including glucose homeostasis, blood pressure, hormone regulation, nervous system activity, and total energy expenditure (TEE), all of which are related to cardiometabolic disease risk, even in young adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between sleep duration and metabolic syndrome severity scores (MSSS) in a sample of emerging adults (18-24 y/o).

METHODS

Data were collected between 2012 and 2021 from the College Health and Nutrition Assessment Survey, an ongoing, cross-sectional study conducted at a midsized northeastern university. Anthropometric, biochemical, and clinical measures were obtained following an overnight fast and used to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). MetS severity scores (MSSS) were calculated using race- and sex-specific formulas. Sleep duration was calculated from the difference in self-reported bedtime and wake time acquired through an online survey. ANCOVA was used to examine the relationship between sleep duration and MetS severity score while adjusting for covariates (age, sex, BMI, physical activity level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and academic major).

RESULTS

In the final sample (n = 3816), MetS (≥3 criteria) was present in 3.3% of students, while 15.4% of students presented with ≥2 MetS criteria. Mean MSSS was -0.65 ± 0.56, and the reported sleep duration was 8.2 ± 1.3 h/day. MSSS was higher among low sleepers (<7 h/day) and long sleepers (>9 h/day) compared to the reference sleepers (7-8 h/day) (-0.61 ± 0.02 and -0.63 ± 0.01 vs. -0.7 ± 0.02, respectively, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest short (<7 h/day) and long (>9 h/day) sleep durations raise the risk of MetS in a sample of emerging adults. Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of improving sleep habits on future disease risk.

Eating Competence among Brazilian College Students

Eating competence (EC) is a biopsychosocial concept related to a healthier eating pattern. Studies have shown that weight gain and body shape and weight dissatisfaction are typical among college students, contributing to low self-esteem, risky eating behaviors, and a propensity to develop eating disorders. As eating habits are determinant factors for food choices that can be modified by eating behavior, this study aimed to evaluate EC in college students from Brazil, using the Brazilian version of the EC Satter Inventory (ecSI2.0™BR), and EC's association with health data. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey spread using the snowball method. The self-report instrument was divided into three parts (socioeconomic and demographic data; health data; and ecSI2.0™BR). Recruitment took place through social networks, and 593 students from public and private universities from all five regions of Brazil participated in the survey. The EC average was 29.46 ± 8.67, and 46.2% of the sample were considered competent eaters. Total EC did not differ among gender and Brazilian region. Younger participants (up to 20 y/o) presented higher scores for total EC, contextual skills and food acceptance. The total EC and contextual skills of health sciences students did not differ from those of students in other areas, except for agricultural sciences in which students had lower total EC. Obese individuals and the participants who perceived themselves to be overweight had low scores for EC. This study confirmed the hypothesis that college students have low EC, causing worse health outcomes related to BMI, perceived body weight, and occurrence of hypertension and dyslipidemia.

Everyday discrimination is a stronger predictor of eating competence than food insecurity or perceived stress in college students amidst COVID-19

Stress is a common experience of college students, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19. Perceived stress may help predict students’ eating behaviors. Eating competence is an adaptive model of eating characterized as being flexible, comfortable, and positive with food and eating, and reliable about getting enough nourishing and enjoyable food to eat. Eating competence is associated with numerous health benefits and may be developing and/or disrupted as young adults transition to college. No prior research has explored the associations of everyday discrimination and food insecurity with eating competence, and there is limited research on the eating competence of trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) college students. This cross-sectional study sought to examine the associations of everyday discrimination, food insecurity, and perceived stress with eating competence in a sample of 1996 undergraduate students. Participants completed an online survey comprised of validated tools assessing socio-demographics, eating competence, everyday discrimination, food insecurity, and perceived stress and stress management. After accounting for covariates (gender, stress management), multivariate regression analyses were conducted, and the coefficients of partial determination revealed that everyday discrimination was the strongest predictor of eating competence. Results demonstrated that lower experience of everyday discrimination, less stress, and being food secure were associated with greater likelihood of being eating competent (EC). Men were more likely to be EC than women or TGNC identities. Since the experience of everyday discrimination was the strongest, inverse predictor of eating competence, addressing discrimination must be considered in future efforts to improve eating competence.