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Using a qualitative methodology, 14 women experiencing food insecurity were interviewed to explore their experiences with engaging in healthy eating to manage their weight. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and evaluated using content analysis methods. Resilience factors situated throughout the social environment altered the path from exposure to risk (food insecurity) to poor outcomes (unhealthy eating behaviors/obesity). Resilience factors included social safety net programs, transportation, stretching the food budget, nutritional knowledge, and motivation. Study results can be used to develop strength-based policies and interventions to address obesity among women with low incomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study sought to examine the drivers of weight change in first-year university students. The study examined the moderating role of self-compassion in the relationship between stress, eating and weight change. Specifically, we expected that students low in self-compassion would respond to stress with unhealthy eating resulting in weight gain. We expected students high in self-compassion to be buffered from the negative effects of stress (moderated mediation model). First-year university students in New Zealand (N = 136) completed measures of healthy and unhealthy food intake and BMI at the beginning and end of the academic year. Self-compassion was measured at baseline only, and perceived stress was averaged over four time points across the year. Students gained a significant 1.45 kg (SD 3.67 kg) of body weight. Self-compassion moderated the relationship between stress and changes in: (a) unhealthy (but not healthy) food intake, and (b) body weight. For those with low self-compassion, perceived stress was significantly related to an increase in BMI and, unexpectedly, to a decrease in unhealthy food intake. Changes in food intake did not explain changes in BMI. Wellbeing interventions for university students to reduce negative effects of stress should incorporate concurrent training in self-compassion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Nutrition plays a vital role in children's physical and emotional health. More than half of school age children's calories are provided in the school food environment, making school interventions an opportunity to address child nutrition. METHODS: The Creating Health Environments for Schools (CHEFS) program is designed to leverage local resources to create customized solutions that improve the nutritional content of school food and encourage children to choose healthier food. There are 8 components: (1) customizing nutrition plans, (2) modifying/replacing menu items, (3) helping procure healthier food, (4) providing equipment grants, (5) training cafeteria staff, (6) implementing environmental changes and nudges, (7) engaging students and parents, and (8) supporting sustainability. Supporting child nutrition directors is key to facilitating cooperation with schools. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Menu modifications and procurement are interrelated and depend on successfully collaborating with corporate, independent, and local food services organizations. Limited school budgets require low or no‐cost solutions and staff training. Student and parent engagement are critical to facilitate culturally‐appropriate solutions that increase awareness of healthy food. CONCLUSIONS: Every school district has particular resources and constraints. CHEFs engaged stakeholders to design customized solutions and encourage healthier nutrition for school children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growth of aquaculture demands intense consumption of formulated foods, scarce natural resources such as water and land. The increase in aquaculture production needs to be sustainable in several aspects of the activity, including the use of more sustainable farming systems that provide reduced water demand, less space dependence for increased production, and availability of complementary natural food. In this perspective, the biofloc system (BFT), presents itself as a more friendly cultivation technology as a way to mitigate some impacts of aquaculture production. Much research has been carried out, addressing different aspects important to the production of fish in BFT. In this review, we address how stocking density, carbon sources and carbon nitrogen ration (C/N) affect animal performance and the nutritional value of bioflocs; the use of microbial aggregates as "in situ" and "ex situ" food and the benefits in feed conversion, and their influence on the immune system and disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is the position of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior that for effective recovery from and resilience to disasters, it is essential that impacted individuals and communities have access to safe, nutritious, and culturally and contextually appropriate foods and beverages, and receive emergency-related food and nutrition education before, during, and after a disaster. Despite the increasing number, duration, and intensity of disasters worldwide, there is relatively limited guidance for research, policy, and practice about addressing the emergency-related food and nutrition needs of affected populations. Although nutrition emergencies tend to be understudied, emerging efforts are working to advance food and nutrition security during disaster response and recovery. To help elevate the importance of emergency-related food and nutrition education before, during, and after a disaster, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior, which represents the unique professional interests of nutrition educators worldwide, summarizes the relevant literature and puts forth recommendations for all those who are engaged in this work in the following 4 key areas: (1) improving communication and outreach, (2) fostering community engagement and locally-driven preparedness, (3) building the evidence base and translating the evidence into action, and (4) training current professionals and the next generation of public health leaders. Altogether, before, during, and after a disaster, those who engage in this work, among other allies, can help elevate the importance of nutrition education and other strategies to promote healthy eating behaviors through research, policy, and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parenting practices such as parental monitoring are known to positively impact dietary behaviours in offspring. However, links between adolescent‐perceived parental monitoring and dietary outcomes have rarely been examined and never in an Australian context. This study investigated whether adolescent‐perceived parental monitoring is associated with more fruit and vegetable, and less sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) and junk food consumption in Australian adolescents. Cross‐sectional data was collected as part of baseline measurement for a randomised controlled trial in 71 Australian schools in 2019. Self‐reported fruit, vegetable, SSB and junk food intake, perceived parental monitoring and sociodemographic factors were assessed. Each dietary variable was converted to "not at risk/at risk" based on dietary guidelines, binary logistic regressions examined associations between dietary intake variables and perceived parental monitoring while controlling for gender and socio‐economic status. The study was registered in ANZCTR clinical trials. The sample comprised 6053 adolescents (Mage = 12.7, SD = 0.5; 50.6% male‐identifying). The mean parental monitoring score was 20.1/24 (SD = 4.76) for males and 21.9/24 (SD = 3.37) for females. Compared to adolescents who perceived lower levels of parental monitoring, adolescents reporting higher parental monitoring had higher odds of insufficient fruit (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.02–1.05) and excessive SSB (OR = 1.07; 95% CI = 1.06–1.09) intake, but lower odds of excessive junk food (OR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.95–0.98) and insufficient vegetable (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.96–0.99) intake. Adolescent dietary intake is associated with higher perceived parental monitoring; however, these associations for fruit and SSB differ to junk food and vegetable intake. This study may have implications for prevention interventions for parents, identifying how this modifiable parenting factor is related to adolescent diet has highlighted how complex the psychological and environmental factors contributing to dietary intake are. Key messages: Little research has been conducted on adolescent‐perceived parental monitoring, which is a factor contributing to overall parenting styles, and its relationship with adolescent's dietary intake. This study found that perceived parental monitoring is significantly associated with adolescent dietary intake, despite the increased autonomy and independence over food choices at this age.Our findings indicated that higher perceived parental monitoring is significantly associated with fruit, vegetable, sugar‐sweetened beverage and junk food intake in different ways, highlighting how complex the psychological and environmental factors contributing to dietary intake are.Further research is needed incorporating parents' own diet and different parenting practices from both an adolescent and parents' perspective to help better depict the most recommended style for the optimum diet during adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The original 'BETTER' (Building on Existing Tools To Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care) approach consisted of a prevention-focused visit between participants aged 40–65 years and a "Prevention Practitioner" (PP), who empowered the participant to set achievable prevention and screening goals for cancers and chronic diseases. BETTER was successfully adapted for economically deprived communities (BETTER HEALTH) in Canada. Our objective was to conduct a review of guidelines in preparation for adapting the 'BETTER HEALTH' approach for younger adults aged 18–39 years living with lower income, a group known to have earlier mortality due to a higher prevalence of preventable chronic diseases than their peers with higher income. Methods: We searched multiple electronic databases and grey literature for clinical practice guidelines on prevention/screening and included those that met the following criteria: published in English from 2008–2020 in Canada or any of the following countries (Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, United States and England); and addressed prevention or screening. We assessed quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II tool and extracted data (publication details, recommendations, and Quality/Level of evidence as reported by authors) from sources with overall scores of 5 or higher. Final recommendations were compiled after harmonization with input from diverse stakeholders (co-investigators, PPs, and the Community Advisory Committee). Results: We included a total of 85 guidelines, and developed a final list of 42 recommendations for 18–39 year-olds across 21 topics. Specific recommendations fell under the following topics: cancers, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, lifestyle (alcohol; healthy nutrition/physical activity); healthy relationships and healthy sexuality, immunization, oral health, social determinants of health, and substance use. Conclusion: We identified evidence-based guidelines on individual-level prevention/screening actions for adults 18–39 years old and relevant for those living with lower income which will directly inform development and implementation of the BETTER LIFE intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to explore how adolescents from a high school in Viken county define and interact with food systems in their immediate environments to understand if and how health and sustainability affect their food choices. A qualitative case study design and a participatory approach were employed. Data were collected through photo elicitation combined with group interviews. Pictures were analyzed in collaboration with participants, and the group interview through systematic text condensation. Results indicate that adolescents perceive food systems as being a substantial part of their everyday life, that they care about their health and that of the planet, and they wish to take sustainability and health into consideration when making food choices. Their food choices are affected by aspects such as family, friends, marketing, price, time, availability and accessibility. They perceive that their agency to influence their own diet and food systems is limited. Adolescents hold unique and important knowledge of their food-related behaviors and value their autonomy to make food choices. Future research and policies aiming to help adolescents make healthy and sustainable food choices should therefore actively include adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maintaining a healthy body weight requires balancing energy intake and expenditure. While previous research investigated energy input or food decisions, little is known about energy output or leisure activity decisions. By combining experimental decision-making paradigms and computational approaches, we investigated the psychological mechanisms of self-controlled food and leisure activity decisions through the effects of reward-oriented and health-oriented preferences as well as body weight status, stress, and coping. Based on individual's responses, the self-controlled food and leisure activity choices were indexed as the proportions of "no" unhealthy but tasty (or enjoyable) (inhibitory self-control against short-term pleasure) and "yes" healthy but not tasty (or not enjoyable) responses (initiatory self-control for long-term health benefits). The successful self-control decisions for food and leisure activity were positively correlated with each other, r = 22, p <.01. In beta regression analyses, the successful self-controlled food decisions decreased as the taste-oriented process increased, β = − 0.50, z = -2.99, p <.005, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 1.57, z = 4.68, p <.001. Similarly, the successful self-controlled leisure activity decisions decreased as the enjoyment-oriented process increased, β = − 0.79, z = -5.31, p <.001, and increased as the health-oriented process increased, β = 0.66, z = 2.19, p <.05. The effects of the other factors were not significant. Overall, our findings demonstrated the mutual interrelationship between food and leisure activity decision-making and suggest that encouraging health-oriented processes may benefit both energy input and expenditure domains and improve self-controlled choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic diseases; however, only one in 16 Australian adults consume F&Vs at the recommended two servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables per day. What and how much people eat is influenced by their social and physical environments. Supermarkets are a key setting influencing food purchases, and as such, they can shape consumption patterns of F&Vs. Implementing effective strategies to increase F&V intake is crucial. The objective of this research was to test the feasibility of modifying shopper purchasing behaviour to purchase more F&Vs using the Australian Dietary Guidelines 2&5 education message covering one‐half of the base of shopping trolleys. Placards giving the message that eating 2 fruits and 5 vegetables every day for good health were placed at the base of shopping trolleys as an educational nudge. Applying an intervention research design, 30 out of ~100 trolleys were fitted with the placards and shopper purchases were measured by collecting paper sales receipts to measure the weight (kg), total spending and F&V‐specific spending (Australian dollars) for intervention versus control trolleys for one Saturday. We also conducted a short intercept survey that was administered independently from the research study day on non‐trial shoppers. Shoppers who selected trolleys with the 2&5 education nudge placards (n = 101) purchased 1.66 kg less weight of F&Vs (Intervention: mean = 3.89 kg, SD = 3.40 kg, 95% CI = 3.21 kg, 4.56 kg, vs. Control: mean 5.55 kg, SD = 4.16 kg, 95% CI = 4.73 kg, 6.37 kg, p = 0.002) and spent less on F&Vs compared to shoppers in the control group (n = 102; Intervention: mean = $26.00, SD = $21.60, 95% CI = $21.78, $30.32 vs. Control: mean $36.00, SD = $27.00, 95% CI = $30.72, $42.36, p = 0.004). Intervention group shoppers also spent less in total spending between groups (Intervention: mean = $115.40, SD = $68.30, 95% CI = $101.95, $128.95 vs. Control: mean $151.30, SD = $79.40, 95% CI = $135.73, $166.93, p = 0.001). The 2&5 education nudge placard had the opposite effect as intended on shoppers' purchases to buy more F&Vs, although there may have been other differences between the intervention and the control groups since they were not randomised. Larger studies are required to elucidate and confirm these findings over the longer term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partnering with promotoras to implement a healthy lifestyle intervention has proven efficacious in reaching community members whom they serve. However, there are no clearly defined guidelines for implementing promotora training, especially when it involves developing mindfulness skills in promotoras unfamiliar with this concept. This is a report about the facilitators and barriers to training promotoras to implement a mindfulness-enhanced healthy eating and physical activity intervention, ADAPT+ , using the Train-the-Trainer model. Following this model, we laid the foundations for sustained implementation of ADAPT+ even after the training process. Future studies may examine how these guidelines help map promotora training in other mindfulness-related interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Performing cardiovascular and cancer screenings in target populations can reduce mortality. Visiting a General Practitioner (GP) once a year is related to an increased likelihood of preventive care. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of visiting a GP in the last year on the delivery of preventive services based on sex and household income. Methods: Cross-sectional study using data collected from the European Health Interview Survey 2013–2015 of individuals aged 40–74 years from 29 European countries. The variables included: sociodemographic factors (age, sex, and household income (HHI) quintiles [HHI 1: lowest income, HHI 5: more affluent]), lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and preventive care services (cardiometabolic, influenza vaccination, and cancer screening). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and multilevel models (level 1: citizen, level 2: country) were performed. Results: 242,212 subjects were included, 53.7% were female. The proportion of subjects who received any cardiometabolic screening (92.4%) was greater than cancer screening (colorectal cancer: 44.1%, gynaecologic cancer: 40.0%) and influenza vaccination. Individuals who visited a GP in the last year were more prone to receive preventive care services (cardiometabolic screening: adjusted OR (aOR): 7.78, 95% CI: 7.43–8.15; colorectal screening aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.80–1.95; mammography aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.69–1.83 and Pap smear test: aOR: 1.89, 95% CI:1.85–1.94). Among those who visited a GP in the last year, the highest ratios of cardiometabolic screening and cancer screening benefited those who were more affluent. Women underwent more blood pressure measurements than men regardless of the HHI. Men were more likely to undergo influenza vaccination than women regardless of the HHI. The highest differences between countries were observed for influenza vaccination, with a median odds ratio (MOR) of 6.36 (under 65 years with comorbidities) and 4.30 (over 65 years with comorbidities), followed by colorectal cancer screening with an MOR of 2.26. Conclusions: Greater adherence to preventive services was linked to individuals who had visited a GP at least once in the past year. Disparities were evident among those with lower household incomes who visited a GP. The most significant variability among countries was observed in influenza vaccination and colorectal cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Seafarers' diets are often high in fat, sugar and calories, thus contributing to an increased risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The multitude of obstacles to healthy eating in the on-board environment on merchant ships makes it essential to find new approaches for health promotion. This study explored seafarers' attitudes, the status quo of support measures and chances to improve nutrition on merchant ships from the perspective of crews and cooks. Methods: In the course of the EU-funded project "e-healthy ship", European and Southeast Asian seafarers (N = 810) and ship cooks (N = 62) were examined by using two questionnaires on 68 ships of two German shipping companies. Results: Almost all seafarers (98.8%) considered a healthy diet important for their well-being and the majority of seafarers reported being open-minded about changing their eating habits (88.4%). However, European seafarers were less likely to respond that they are willing to eat less meat [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.07–0.17); p <.001], more vegetables [OR 0.10; 95%CI (0.02–0.49); p =.005] and more fruits [OR 0.11; 95%CI (0.02–0.61); p =.011] than their Southeast Asian colleagues. On the one hand, 82.3% of the ship cooks reported having taken part in at least one cooking course organized by their employer (1: 33.9%, 2: 25.8%, 3: 14.5%, 4 or more: 8.1%), on the other hand, slightly above half stated that the last of these courses had taken place more than 2 years ago. Furthermore, the ship cooks showed a positive attitude towards the use of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in daily and complex tasks (> 85% agreement). Conclusions: To improve nutrition on board merchant ships, various parameters need to be adjusted, such as ensuring a demand-oriented food supply on board or supporting seafarers' healthy food choices through target group-specific nutrition education. Ship cooks would be able to play a crucial role if they receive support. The development of a tablet-based digital platform that supports the ship cooks in their daily tasks, offers training and empowers them to implement health-promoting measures themselves seems to be an accepted and promising approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Pakistan, type 2 diabetes is widespread, and although dietary recommendations from healthcare professionals are critical to its treatment, cultural norms can have a great influence on the dietary habits of people living with diabetes (PLwD). Understanding the social aspects of the lives of PLwD is crucial when examining the effectiveness of nutritional recommendations and adjustments. This study investigated (1) how PLwD and their family members adjust their nutrition to the recommendations of healthcare professionals to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and (2) what do PLwD and their family members perceive as enablers and barriers to the necessary nutritional adjustments for managing T2DM. Prime consideration was given to experiences of living in Pakistan as the cultural context. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 PLwD and 17 family members; the data were analysed thematically. Three themes emerged: (i) 'Influence of family system, gender, and age on meals prepared at home': family hierarchy and opinions based on gender and age can enable or hinder nutritional adjustment in meals prepared at home; (ii) 'Temptations of "unhealthy" foods, festivals, cultural interactions, and social etiquette': family/social interactions at home, gatherings, or festivities can affect PLwD's ability to resist temptations to eat foods prohibited by healthcare professionals; and (iii) 'Folk knowledge, folk remedy, and the balance between culture and Western medicine': PLwD and their family members in Pakistan hold strong beliefs concerning foods' medicinal properties. Power dynamics within families need to be considered when making nutritional recommendations. Medical guidelines should acknowledge personal agency and cultural beliefs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities (ASD/DD) face barriers to participation in health promotion programs due to the lack of available and/or affordable programs and trained staff at recreation centers. Children with ASD/DD in Korean immigrant families are one of the most underserved minority groups due to language, racial/ethnic discrimination, and stigma and shame within their own ethnic community. However, little research is available on development, implementation, and evaluation of a culturally adapted community health promotion program in this population. The purpose of this study is to assess effectiveness of a pilot program for children with ASD/DD from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The pilot study used a quantitative, quasiexperimental design (one-group design with pre- and posttest) following a seven-week health promotion program. We recruited 15 children with ASD/DD, ages nine through 16, from first-generation Korean immigrant families. The findings of the study suggest that the pilot program was effective in gaining nutrition knowledge and increasing physical involvement among participants. Given the fact that Asian immigrants are a fast-growing population and that nearly 75 percent of them were born abroad, development and evaluation of a community-based, culturally adapted health promotion program is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social support is associated with improved weight loss and health habits. Incorporation of social support into a group-style weight loss program positively influenced patient outcomes. Improved sense of support, body mass, and health habits support its inclusion to promote weight loss and health habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The stigma and discrimination experienced by individuals with an alcohol/substance use disorder often extends to the family members and friends who provide care, which is known as courtesy stigma. This courtesy stigma can lead to isolation, poor mental health and might impact the quality-of-care these individuals provide. The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of experienced courtesy stigma/discrimination in individuals in a family support service for a loved one's substance use, and to examine any cross-sectional associations with changes in mood, health- and social-related outcomes. Methods: Thirty-six individuals (25 female) with a mean age of 51.91 years took part in an ecological momentary assessment study in which the experience of courtesy stigma/discrimination and measures of mood, health (e.g. alcohol use, nicotine use, healthy eating, sleep, physical activity) and social connections were taken 3 times per day for fourteen days. Results: Across 1029 competed assessments (compliance ∼68%), there were 122 (∼11%) reports of courtesy stigma/discrimination. The most common sources of stigma/discrimination were from family members (∼43% of occurrences) and friends (∼31% of occurrences). Experiencing this stigma/discrimination was associated with increases in alcohol and nicotine use, as well as reductions in healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, social connections, and mood. Conclusions: The experience of courtesy stigma/discrimination was common in a sample of individual's who support a loved one with alcohol or substance use disorder. These experiences are associated with changes in health and social behaviors and may lead to a poorer quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) measures adherence to the dietary pattern presented by the EAT-Lancet Commission, which aligns health and sustainability targets. There is a need to understand how PHDI scores correlate with dietary greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and how this differs from the carbon footprints of scores on established dietary recommendations. The objectives of this study were to compare how the PHDI, Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) relate to (a) dietary GHGE and (b) to examine the influence of PHDI food components on dietary GHGE. Methods: We used life cycle assessment data from the Database of Food Recall Impacts on the Environment for Nutrition and Dietary Studies to calculate the mean dietary GHGE of 8,128 adult participants in the 2015–2016 and 2017–2018 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of (a) quintiles of diet score and (b) standardized dietary index Z-scores with dietary GHGE for PHDI, HEI-2015, and DASH scores. In secondary analyses, we used Poisson regression to assess the influence of individual PHDI component scores on dietary GHGE. Results: We found that higher dietary quality on all three indices was correlated with lower dietary GHGE. The magnitude of the dietary quality-dietary GHGE relationship was larger for PHDI [-0.4, 95% CI (-0.5, -0.3) kg CO2 equivalents per one standard deviation change] and for DASH [-0.5, (-0.4, -0.6) kg CO2-equivalents] than for HEI-2015 [-0.2, (-0.2, -0.3) kg CO2-equivalents]. When examining PHDI component scores, we found that diet-related GHGE were driven largely by red and processed meat intake. Conclusions: Improved dietary quality has the potential to lower the emissions impacts of US diets. Future efforts to promote healthy, sustainable diets could apply the recommendations of the established DASH guidelines as well as the new guidance provided by the PHDI to increase their environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food literacy has emerged as a key individual trait to promote the transformation of food systems toward healthy and sustainable diets. Childhood and adolescence are key periods for establishing the foundations of eating habits. Different food literacy competencies are acquired as children develop different cognitive abilities, skills, and experiences, contributing to the development of critical tools that allow them to navigate a complex food system. Thus, the design and implementation of programs to support the development of food literacy from early childhood can contribute to healthier and more sustainable eating habits. In this context, the aim of the present narrative review is to provide an in-depth description of how different food literacy competencies are developed in childhood and adolescence, integrating the extensive body of evidence on cognitive, social, and food-related development. Implications for the development of multisectoral strategies to target the multidimensional nature of food literacy and promote the development of the 3 types of competencies (relational, functional, and critical) are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Current evidence on the association between plant-based diet indices (PDIs) and mortality is inconsistent. We aimed to investigate the association of PDIs with all-cause and cause-specific mortality and to examine whether such associations were modified by socioeconomic deprivation level. Methods: A total of 189,003 UK Biobank participants with at least one 24-h dietary assessment were included. All food items were categorised into three groups, including healthy plant foods, less healthy plant foods, and animal foods. Three PDIs, including the overall PDI (positive scores for all plant-based food intake and inverse scores for animal-based foods), the healthful PDI (hPDI) (positive scores only for healthy plant food intake and inverse scores for others), and the unhealthful PDI (uPDI) (positive scores only for less healthy plant food intake and inverse scores for others), were calculated according to the quantities of each food subgroup in three categories. The Townsend deprivation index was used as the indicator of socioeconomic deprivation level. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) of PDIs for all-cause and cause-specific mortality. The modification effects of socioeconomic deprivation levels on these associations were evaluated. Results: During a median follow-up of 9.6 years, 9335 deaths were documented. Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile of overall PDI was associated with adjusted HRs of 0.87 (95% CI 0.81–0.93) for all-cause mortality and 0.77 (0.66–0.91) for cardiovascular mortality. Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile of hPDI was associated with lower risks of all-cause mortality (0.92, 0.86–0.98), and death caused by respiratory disease (0.63, 0.47–0.86), neurological disease (0.65, 0.48–0.88), and cancer (0.90, 0.82–0.99). Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile of uPDI was associated with an HR of 1.29 (1.20–1.38) for all-cause mortality, 1.95 (1.40–2.73) for neurological mortality, 1.54 (1.13–2.09) for respiratory mortality, and 1.16 (1.06–1.27) for cancer mortality. The magnitudes of associations of hPDI and uPDI with mortality were larger in the most socioeconomically deprived participants (the highest tertile) than in the less deprived ones (p-values for interaction were 0.039 and 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: This study showed that having a high overall PDI and hPDI were related to a reduced risk of death, while the uPDI was linked to a higher risk of death. Sticking to a healthy plant-based diet may help decrease mortality risks across socioeconomic deprivation levels, especially for those who are the most socioeconomically deprived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies suggest an increased prevalence of diet-related chronic diseases among African immigrants with increased length of stay in the U.S. The objective of the current study is to understand the dietary practices and perceptions of recent African immigrant families. Focus group sessions were conducted with Nigerian and Congolese immigrant parents residing in Illinois. Participants were recruited using convenience sampling methods and focus group sessions were conducted via videoconference. Participants discussed dietary practices, meal preparation, and family mealtimes for their families. They also discussed experiences with eating different kinds of foods since arrival in the U.S. Verbatim transcription of focus group sessions were completed and deductive thematic analysis of transcribed data was conducted using NVivo (QSR International Pty Ltd. [2020] NVivo [version 12]). Twenty African immigrant parents (Mean age: 42 years, Female: 95%) residing in Northern and Central Illinois participated in a total of five focus group sessions. Seven themes were derived from the analysis. Participants had a positive attitude toward healthy diet and had a high level of interest in receiving educational resources to make healthier food choices. Participants preferred and mostly consumed foods they were familiar with before migration. A majority of the participants perceived 'American foods' as unhealthy, characterizing them as containing a high amount of sugar and salt. Parents reported that their school-aged children often preferred a western diet over traditional African meals. This study helps to understand unique diet-related practices and perceptions of recent Nigerian and Congolese African immigrants in Illinois. Findings could help to inform cultural adaptation of evidence-based nutrition education programs for these groups of African immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyculture of black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon, mud crab Scylla paramamosain, and red seaweed Gracilaria tenuistipitata, were applied in improved extensive ponds in the Vietnamese Mekong delta to evaluate production and financial efficiency. The trial consisted of two treatments: (1) non-feed supplement, in which shrimp consumed only natural food in the culture pond; and (2) feed supplement, in which shrimp received commercial feed (50% feeding rate). Treatments were in triplicate; ponds featured natural occurrence of red seaweed. Postlarvae of shrimp and crab were stocked at densities of 4 ind./m2 and 0.15 ind./m2, respectively, and culture for six months. Results showed that shrimp receiving feed supplement demonstrated much better (P < 0.05) growth and survival than those without feed supplementation. Shrimp yield was significantly higher (P > 0.05) in the feed supplement pond (348.9 kg/ha) than in the non-feed supplement pond (169.2 kg/ha). Crab production was similar between the two treatments (P > 0.05), varying from 88.1 to 92.4 kg/ha. Production cost (456.2 US$/ha) in the non-feed supplement pond was significantly lower than that in the feed supplement pond (944.8 US$/ha), but the former produced less profit (2,230.9 US$/ha) than the latter (4,169.2 US$/ha). Notably, the average benefit–cost ratio in the non-feed supplement group (4.84 times) was relatively higher compared to the feed supplement group (4.35 times). These findings suggest that polyculture of shrimp, crab, and seaweed in the improved extensive pond could be applied either non-feed supplement or feed supplement for shrimp, depending on the financial conditions of the farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess eating behaviors and identify whether there is an association between eating behaviors and the perceived nutrition environment among college students. Participants: College students (n = 180) actively living on campus during the 2019–2020 academic school year. Methods: Cross- sectional study utilizing the validated NEMS-P survey tool to collect all data. A multivariate logistics regression was used to assess the association between eating behaviors and the perceived nutrition environment. Results: Statistically significant association noted between perceived higher cost of healthy eating and decreased consumption of fruit (p =.027), availability of nutrition information (healthy eating signs) and increased vegetable and fruit consumption (p =.018, p = 0.010) and increased ease of purchasing fruits and vegetables and increased consumption (p = 0.037). Conclusion: The campus nutrition environment can provide students the opportunity to learn about and practice healthy eating through available foods and beverages, nutrition education and signs that encourage healthy eating throughout the campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand the rewards university students associate with two key decisions shaping food choices. Participants: Thirty-eight university students. Methods: In this exploratory research, we conducted focus groups to identify the rewards students associated with choosing to eat at the campus dining hall and their specific food choices within that venue. We also obtained feedback on reward nomenclatures identified via a content analysis of health and business literature. Results: Students primarily chose the dining hall due to its convenience, foods offered, and the social aspects of the venue. Rewards associated with food choice included freshness, customization, variety, local foods, healthy foods, convenience, and portion size. Nomenclatures were relevant and meaningful. Conclusions: These students associate food choice decisions with rewards. Universities should consider whether dining halls and menu items link healthy foods to the rewards prioritized by students. Reward nomenclatures may be useful for researchers investigating the drivers of food choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identify and describe diet patterns of children during early childhood using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Longitudinal data were drawn from the STRONG Kids 2 program. Mothers were surveyed about their child's diet at 24 (n = 337), 36 (n = 317), and 48 (n = 289) months old. The Block Food Frequency Questionnaire for children aged 2–7 years was used to derive diet patterns; 23 food groups were created for analyses. Principal component analysis was used to obtain preliminary factor loadings, and loadings were used to form a priori hypotheses for CFA-derived diet patterns. Independent samples t tests were used to compare food groups, nutrient intakes, and child and family characteristics by CFA pattern scores above vs at/below the median. Three diet patterns consistently emerged: (1) processed meats, sweets, and fried foods; (2) vegetables, legumes, and starchy vegetables; and (3) grains, nuts/seeds, and condiments (only 24 and 36 months). Patterns were related to differences in added sugars, dietary fiber and potassium intakes, maternal education, and household income. Opposing healthful vs Western patterns, extant in child and adult literature, were observed across all ages. The third pattern differed between 24/36 and 48 months, representing a potential shift in food choices or offerings as children age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly 3 million people in the UK have a neurological condition; stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, brain tumour, motor neurone disease, among others – all affecting the person for the rest of their life. The NHS provides treatment at the onset of a condition but after that, there is a huge need for ongoing support. Research shows that those who are supported and know more about their condition are less likely to have to call on further in-hospital and GP care. There is enormous scope for improving the quality of life for those with neurological conditions. The right support—therapeutic and social—makes all the difference. The book, which this article is based on, shows how those with neurological conditions benefit from integrated ongoing support provided in the local community and self-help, and how lives can be improved. It explains good practice and encouraging methods in the support and treatment of those with life changing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Recipe 4 Success preventive intervention targeted multiple factors critical to the health and well‐being of toddlers living in poverty. This randomized controlled trial, which was embedded within Early Head Start home visits for 12 weeks, included 242 racially and ethnically diverse families (51% girls; toddler mean age = 2.58 years; data collected 2016–2019). Compared to parents in usual practice home visits, parents in Recipe 4 Success displayed greater sensitive scaffolding of toddlers' learning and more responsive food parenting practices (Cohen's d =.21–.30). Toddlers in Recipe 4 Success exhibited greater self‐regulation and had healthier eating habits (Cohen's d = |.16–.35|). Results highlight the value of Recipe 4 Success in promoting parent and toddler behavior change that could have life‐long benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association between pro-inflammatory markers platelet-activating factor (PAF), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), hsCRP, and intake of core food groups including fruit, cruciferous and other vegetables, grains, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, nuts and legumes, and dairy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. 100 adults (49 ± 13 years, 31% male) with variable cardiovascular disease risk were recruited. Data were collected in 2021 and 2022. Fasting PAF, Lp-PLA2 activity, hsCRP and usual dietary intake (via a validated food frequency questionnaire) were measured. Intake of foods were converted into serves and classified into food groups. Correlations and multiple regressions were performed with adjustment for confounders. Results: A one-serve increase in cruciferous vegetables per day was associated with 20–24% lower PAF levels. An increase of one serve per day of nuts and legumes was associated with 40% lower hsCRP levels. There were small correlations with PAF and Lp-PLA2 and cheese, however, these were not significant at the Bonferroni-adjusted P < 0.005 level. Conclusion: The lack of associations between PAF and Lp-PLA2 and other healthy foods may be due to confounding by COVID-19 infection and vaccination programs which prevents any firm conclusion on the relationship between PAF, Lp-PLA2 and food groups. Future research should aim to examine the relationship with these novel markers and healthy food groups in a non-pandemic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aims of this systematic review were to (1) identify assessment approaches of Indigenous food sovereignty using the core domains of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability, (2) describe Indigenous research methodologies when assessing Indigenous food sovereignty. Methods: Guided by Indigenous members of the research team, a systematic review across four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO) was performed. Studies in any language from 1996 to 2021, that used one or more of the core domains (identified from a recent scoping review) of community ownership, inclusion of traditional food knowledge, inclusion/promotion of cultural foods and environmental/intervention sustainability were included. Results: From 20 062 records, after exclusion criteria were applied, 34 studies were included. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly qualitative (n = 17) or mixed methods (n = 16), with interviews the most utilised (n = 29), followed by focus groups and meetings (n = 23) and validated frameworks (n = 7) as assessment tools. Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches were mostly around inclusion of traditional food knowledge (n = 21), or environmental/intervention sustainability (n = 15). Community‐Based Participatory Research approaches were utilised across many studies (n = 26), with one‐third utilising Indigenous methods of inquiry. Acknowledgement of data sovereignty (n = 6) or collaboration with Indigenous researchers (n = 4) was limited. Conclusion: This review highlights Indigenous food sovereignty assessment approaches in the literature worldwide. It emphasises the importance of using Indigenous research methodologies in research conducted by or with Indigenous Peoples and acknowledges Indigenous communities should lead future research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article emphasizes the importance of collaborative partnerships between industry and academia in addressing complex issues in food research, including nutrition, health, and environmental sustainability. Topics include the challenges of food security, rising global hunger rates, and the need for interdisciplinary approaches to innovate solutions.

Background: This study aims to investigate the relationship between gestational metabolic syndrome (GMS) and the Chinese Healthy Eating Index (CHEI) in mid-pregnancy, and to identify potentially beneficial or high-risk dietary habits. We have developed a mid-pregnancy version of CHEI-2022, adapting the Chinese Healthy Eating Index to align with the food quantity recommendations outlined in the 2022 Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents for mid-pregnancy. Methods: Using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, data from 2411 mid-pregnant individuals were collected through interviews. The Total CHEI score and its component scores were determined through analysis of responses from the food frequency questionnaire. GMS diagnosis involved conducting physical examinations and performing blood biochemical tests. A logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between GMS or related indices and both the total CHEI score and its component scores. Results: The study identified an overall GMS prevalence of 21.65% (522 out of 2411 participants). During mid-pregnancy, participants diagnosed with GMS exhibited higher BMI, FBG, 1hPBG, 2hPBG, TC, TG, HDL, SBP, as well as higher educational levels and daily activity, compared to those without GMS (P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with higher total CHEI scores (≥ 80) were found to have lower odds of GMS or related indices (P < 0.05). Increasing dietary intake of potatoes, whole grains, beans, dark green vegetables, and fruits, as per the CHEI recommendations, was associated with reduced odds of GMS or related indices (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A high-quality diet, as indicated by a total CHEI score of 80 or higher, and increased consumption of specific dietary components, namely potatoes, beans, dark green vegetables, and fruits, were found to effectively reduce the odds of GMS or related indices during mid-pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complementary feeding among children aged 6–23 months is a key determinant of micronutrient deficiencies and childhood stunting, the burdens of which remain high in Kenya. This study examines the affordability of complementary foods to increase young children's nutrient consumption across eight provinces in Kenya. We combined data from household surveys, food composition tables and published sources to estimate the cost of portion sizes that could meet half of the children's daily iron, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, folate, vitamin B12 and protein requirements from complementary feeding. These costs were compared to current household food expenditures. The selection of foods and price and expenditure data were stratified by province. Our analysis indicates that vitamin A, vitamin B12 and folate are affordable to most households in Kenya via liver, beans and in some provinces, orange‐fleshed fruits and vegetables, avocado and small dried fish. Calcium, animal‐ source protein, zinc and iron were less affordable and there was more provincial variation. In some provinces, small dried fish were an affordable source of calcium, protein and zinc. In others (North Eastern, Central, Eastern, parts of Rift Valley and Coast), small dried fish were not commonly consumed and other foods were less affordable. Future research should consider interventions aimed at reducing prices, increasing availability and changing behaviours related to these foods. Solutions such as supplementation and fortification may be needed for iron and zinc in some locations. Food affordability presented the greatest barriers in North Eastern province, which had lower dietary diversity and may require additional targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Breastfeeding during infancy is associated with healthier beverage consumption later in childhood, but little is known about this relation during infancy. This was a longitudinal study of breastfeeding and less healthy beverage consumption during the first year of life, in a birth cohort study conducted 2013–2018 in the Southeastern United States (n = 666). Methods: We estimated monthly rates of 100% juice and sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption comparing infants who were exclusively or partially breastfed, versus those who were not, in multivariable adjusted models. Results: Mothers had a median age of 26.5 years, 71% identified as Black/African‐American, and 61% reported household incomes <$20 000/year. The prevalence of any breastfeeding during the first month was 78.2% and 18.7% at month 12. By age 12 months, infants consumed juice a mean (SD) 9.1 (10.1) times per week and SSBs 3.6 (9.5) times per week. Breastfed infants had a 38% lower incidence rate of weekly juice consumption (95% CI 52%, 15%, p = 0.003) and a 57% lower incidence rate of weekly SSB consumption (95% CI 76%, 22%, p = 0.006), compared with infants who were not breastfed. Conclusions: Research on early‐life correlates of dietary health should focus on the earliest beverages, given evidence that consumption of obesogenic beverages may begin prior to age 1 year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Knowledge of dietary patterns is crucial for dietary behaviours interventions. Objectives. The aim of the study was to describe the dietary patterns of children between the ages of 6-10 years from primary schools in Lesser Poland. Material and methods. The study was carried out between 2008-2012 and included 1,140 children and their parents. The questionnaire for parents included socio-economic questions about the family, parents' education and frequency of consuming selected food products by children. The Food Frequency Questionnaire covered 21 selected food groups, and fast food and snacking were also asked about. Based on anthropometric measurements, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated for each child. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify individual dietary patterns of children. Results. Three cluster groups were distinguished showing the eating patterns of the children. Children from cluster 1 (healthy) showed the most health-promoting model of nutrition. They often consumed butter, vegetable oils, groats, pasta and rice, wholemeal bread, fish and fish products, red meat, eggs, raw vegetables, cooked vegetables, pulses, unsalted nuts and yellow cheese. The cluster representing the mixed feeding model (2) least frequently consumed salty snacks. Children from cluster 3 (unhealthy) more often consumed chips, crisps and salty sticks than cluster 2 and were more often overweight and obese than children from cluster 1. The education level and average monthly income were significantly higher in the families of children from the healthy cluster compared with those from the unhealthy cluster. Conclusions. Dietary patterns in children are influenced by socio-economic and parental education factors. Overweight and obese children presented unhealthy nutrition behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional YouTubers have become highly popular in producing video content through self-mediation. Objective. The present article aimed to study ways in which lifestyle YouTubers construct health practices in their videos within the YouTube media culture. Design. We conducted a narrative and visual analysis across a selection of 15 videos. Results. Results showed that YouTubers' practices and recommendations for a better life were structured around three themes: Eating to live well; Exercising to live well; Resting to live well and, a fourth cross-cutting theme on Practices aimed at self-development to achieve health and happiness. YouTubers were mainly female presenting, as well as middle/upper-class and white appearing. An overall optimistic tone characterised their health stories, as they delivered personal experiences of success on becoming healthy, happy, and better persons, while encouraging viewers to act similarly. Our findings suggested that YouTubers actively contribute to construct unprecedented definitions of health, enhanced by the social media culture and broader societal logics of healthism and postfeminism. Conclusion. Our study constitutes an original contribution to critical health psychology by examining some of the paradoxes raised by social media influencers like YouTubers regarding health and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: This study examined student and caregiver preference for school communication and explored the feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool to assist with communication about school meal program between schools and families. METHODS: The study used qualitative methodology through youth focus groups and caregiver semi‐structured phone interviews. The study was conducted in 4 high schools in a large, urban city. The phenomenon of interest included the exploration of preferences regarding communication around school meal programs and feasibility and acceptability of a digital tool for communication and promoting the ordering of healthful foods in the school environment. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed through NVivo qualitative software using thematic analysis approach to examine themes. RESULTS: Forty‐seven students (ages 14‐21, grades 9‐12) participated in 7 focus groups and 24 caregivers participated in semi‐structured phone interviews. Three themes emerged around (1) communication preferences, (2) accessibility, and (3) extrinsic motivational factors for engagement in healthy eating behaviors. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that communication methods could potentially influence motivation and engagement in youth school meal participation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Needs assessments have been successful in helping communities and congregations focus their health ministry efforts; however, most have used leader perceptions of congregational health needs. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the self-reported needs of both church leaders and members to be addressed by their congregation. Church leaders (n = 369) and members (n = 459) from 92 congregations completed the 2019 Mid-South Congregational Health Survey. Frequencies and generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) were performed to examine the top 10 self-reported needs and associations by church role, respectively. Of the top 10 congregational needs, anxiety or depression, high blood pressure, stress, and healthy foods were ranked identically regardless of church role. Church leaders perceived obesity and diabetes to be important congregational health needs, whereas members perceived affordable health care and heart disease to be important congregational health needs. GLMM, controlling for within-church clustering and covariates, revealed church leaders were more likely than members to report obesity (odds ratio [ OR ]: 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.39, 2.67], p <.0001) and diabetes (OR : 1.73, 95% CI = [1.24, 2.41], p =.001) as congregational needs. Findings display similarities and differences in needs reported by church role. Including many perspectives when conducting congregational health needs assessments will assist the development of effective faith-based health promotion programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geospatial technologies have seen increased utilization in the social work profession for a variety of topics. Most of this usage has centered around the creation of digital maps to visualize social issues and/or affected populations. Innovative technology allows for the collection of field data resulting in real-time creation of such maps. ArcGIS Survey123 is a mobile app that allows for traditional survey data collection to be conducted digitally in the field, while also providing the ability to obtain photos and spatial coordinates. Resultant outputs can include traditional tabular datasets, photo arrays, and digital maps. A pilot project using ArcGIS Survey123 as the data collection tool was conducted in a rural area of Southwest Florida to examine access to food by establishment type as well as to expose social work students to a novel data collection technique. The result of the project was a comprehensive food system map that provided data on availability of certain food products as well as anecdotal data on the relationship between housing locations and food prices. Given the ease with which surveys could be employed for data collection purposes, it is recommended that ArcGIS Survey123 be considered for inclusion in research curricula in academic social work programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential life skills related to food and meals have a potential triple dividend for children and adolescents, that is, short-term, medium-term and possible generational effects with regard to public health, sustainability and well-being of future citizens in local communities. While parents and childhood environments are a basis for learning about food and meals, systematic food education in the setting of primary and lower secondary schools may have a significant role that should be utilized more strongly, reaching and benefitting all pupils from a life course perspective. Through this article, we explore the current state of the art of the mandatory school subject Food and Health (FH) from the Nordic perspective. Our leading questions are: (1) What potential is currently utilized and which future potential does FH education have in primary and secondary schools in terms of food education for essential life skills and competencies, and (2) How can this untapped potential be better harnessed with a goal of facilitating better learning in FH? Drawing on data from Norway as a case study, supported by Swedish and Finnish data, we discuss the status, challenges and potential reformation of food education, focusing on FH. This includes perspectives on the prioritization of the FH subject and the organization of more systematic food education in schools, which might improve FH's status and significance. Combining theory-practice, creating room for discussion and focusing less on cooking-related activities may better facilitate learning in FH. Without proper FH, food education might be nonsystematic, thereby generating unequal outcomes for children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tools for measuring adherence to sustainable healthy diets among children and adolescents are lacking. Objective: To advance methods for measuring adherence to sustainable healthy diets among children and adolescents by adapting an existing index, compare scores obtained using the original and adapted versions of the index in a sample of Chilean children, and describe the adapted index association with diet characteristics. Methods: The Planetary Health Diet Index (PHDI) was adapted to better reflect children's and adolescents' nutritional requirements. The adapted index (PHDI-C) comprises 16 components with a maximum score of 150 points. PHDI-C was piloted among a sample of 958 Chilean children (3–6 years) using dietary data collected in 2016 through single 24-h recalls. A decision tree and food disaggregation methodology were developed to guide the calculation of scores. Scores obtained using the original and adapted versions of the index were compared. Linear regression models adjusted by child's gender and age were fitted to explore associations between total PHDI-C score, dietary recall characteristics and nutritional composition of children's diets. Results: PHDI accounted for 75.7% of children's total caloric intake, whereas PHDI-C accounted for 99.6%. PHDI & PHCI-C scores were low among this sample of children; however, mean total score was lower when using PHDI compared to PHDI-C [40.7(12.1) vs 50.1(14.6)]. Children's scores were very low for nuts & peanuts, legumes, dark green vegetables, whole cereals, tubers & potatoes, and added sugars components across both indices, but were higher for dairy products and eggs & white meats components when using the PHDI-C due to adjustments made to ensure nutritional adequacy. Mean total PHDI-C score was significantly lower on weekends and special occasions, and significantly higher when children reported having a special diet (e.g., vegetarian). Total PHDI-C score was negatively associated with total sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, and animal-based protein intake, and positively associated with total protein, plant-based protein, total carbohydrates, and total fibre intake. Conclusions: This study provides a replicable method for measuring adherence to sustainable healthy diets among children and adolescents that can be used to monitor trends and measure the effectiveness of actions targeting improving children's diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L) fruit pulp is available abundantly and has a high potential for food in rural areas, useful for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, however, the main hindrance for this pulp is lack of mechanization and availability of pulp in sufficient quantity at one place. The pulp of this fruit is usually used by rural communities where the processors use manual pulping, which is not only time-consuming but yields seasonally during July and August in India. Therefore, the objective of this work was to design, develop and evaluate the efficiency of fruit pulp extractors. The pulper was designed and developed such way that to be compact and easy to operate, consisting of the main housing with stainless steel teeth on a rotating shaft and pulping performed by beating and shearing. The performance evaluation of the machine was carried out at different rpm (320, 360, 410) input capacity (8, 10 and 12 kg) for fixed time of operation is 6 minutes. The pulp weight was evaluated during the pulping process period. The highest pulping efficiency (84.78%) and pulp recovery (33.9%) was obtained rpm of 410, with 6 minutes of pulping, and batch capacity of 10 kg of fruits which resulted in a capacity of 50 kg fruits per hour. This high efficiency makes this mechanized effective for pulping palmyrah fruits and, thus, it can replace manual pulping, especially in rural communities involved with the palmyrah fruit pulping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experiences of long-term achievement in participants attending programs for changing health habits including diet and physical activity interventions aiming for weight reduction is lacking. This study aimed to explore how participants experienced their own achievement of healthy habits 60 months after attending a Healthy Life Centre programme in the Norwegian primary healthcare. Methods: An explorative qualitative design with an inductive approach was employed. Individual semi-structured interviews were performed with 20 participants attending a Healthy Life Centre programme 60 months ago. They were aged 30-72 years, and 55% were females. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using systematic text condensation. Results: Two main themes emerged from the interviews with three subthemes each. The first theme "Changes over time" includes "Nutritional changes", "Physical activities adjusted to own presumptions" and "Health habits incorporated into life with manageable goals". The second theme "Barriers to fulfil changes" includes "Life circumstances with health issues influences the continuity to adjust to changes", "a busy everyday life" and "a lack of external drive when not having commitment to the Healthy Life Centre". Conclusions: Focusing on changes adjusted to participants' own everyday lives and having an approach with small goals can facilitate long-term changes in health habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about Canadians' knowledge of the 2019 Canada's Food Guide (CFG) recommendations. Using cross-sectional survey data from the Guelph Family Health Study, our brief communication aimed to explore parents' knowledge of the 2019 CFG recommendations through descriptive statistics and content analysis. Among a sample of 122 parents, we found that parents had a general understanding of the 2019 CFG's recommendations but poor knowledge of specific details of the recommendations, such as the names of the three food groups and which foods contain unhealthy fats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time since its introduction, the 2019 Canada's Food Guide (2019-CFG) highlighted specific guidance on eating practices, i.e., recommendations on where, when, why, and how to eat. The Canadian Eating Practices Screener / Questionnaire court canadien sur les pratiques alimentaires was developed to assess eating practices based on the 2019-CFG healthy eating recommendations. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the construct validity and reliability of the Canadian Eating Practices Screener. From July to December 2021, adults (n = 154) aged 18–65 years completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the screener. Construct validity was assessed by examining variability in screener scores, by comparing screener scores among subgroups with hypothesized differences in eating practices, and by examining the correlation between screener scores and fruit and vegetable intake. Reliability, i.e., internal consistency, was assessed by calculating Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Screener item scores were summed to provide a total score ranging from 21 to 105. The mean screener score was 76 (SD = 8.4; maximum, 105), ranging from 53 (1st percentile) to 92 (99th percentile). Differences in total scores in hypothesized directions were observed by age (p = 0.006), perceived income adequacy (p = 0.09), educational attainment (p = 0.002), and smoking status (p = 0.09), but not by gender or health literacy level. The correlation between screener scores and fruit and vegetable intake was 0.29 (p = 0.002). The Cronbach's coefficient alpha was 0.79, suggesting acceptable to high internal consistency. Study findings provide preliminary evidence of the screener's construct validity and reliability, supporting its use to assess eating practices based on the 2019-CFG healthy eating recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children is a globally recommended policy measure to improve diets and health. The aim of the analysis was to identify opportunities to enable policy learning and shift beliefs of relevant actors, to engender policy progress on restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods to children. We drew on the Advocacy Coalition Framework to thematically analyse data from qualitative policy interviews conducted Australia (n  = 24), Fiji (n  = 10) and Thailand (n  = 20). In all three countries two clear and opposing advocacy coalitions were evident within the policy subsystem related to regulation of unhealthy food marketing, which we termed the 'strengthen regulation' and 'minimal/self regulation' coalitions. Contributors to policy stasis on this issue were identified as tensions between public health and economic objectives of government, and limited formal and informal spaces for productive dialogue. The analysis also identified opportunities for policy learning that could enable policy progress on restrictions on marketing of unhealthy foods to children as: taking an incremental approach to policy change, defining permitted (rather than restricted) foods, investing in new public health expertise related to emerging marketing approaches and scaling up of monitoring of impacts. The insights from this study are likely to be relevant to many countries seeking to strengthen regulation of marketing to children, in response to recent global recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated which foods are most saliently judged as healthy and unhealthy in Brazil and Germany and the reasons for these judgements. Dietary guidelines in the two countries differ in that those in Brazil are based on a food processing classification rather than nutrient profiling, whereas dietary guidelines in Germany do not include the processing level of food. In an online study with 355 lay adults (Brazil n = 205, Germany n = 150), we explored which foods are listed as healthy and unhealthy using a free‐listing method. The main reasons for these healthiness judgements were then identified with a one or two‐word phrase and compared between countries. Saliency analysis was conducted to identify the 15 most salient healthy and unhealthy foods in each country. Principles of content analysis were used to assess the reasons why these 15 items were listed as most salient by the participants. Results showed that both Brazilians and Germans listed mostly natural or minimally processed food (e.g. fruits, vegetables, grains, fish and milk) as healthy, whereas types of convenience and fast food, sweets and other ultra‐processed foods (e.g. chocolate, soda, French fries, pizza and hamburger) were the most salient unhealthy items listed in both countries. Differences in culturally relevant items listed in each country are discussed. Further, in both countries, despite differences in their dietary guidelines, food healthiness judgements for the most salient items listed relied heavily on the nutritional content of food, reinforced the 'good/healthy' and 'bad/unhealthy' dichotomy, and were centred on benefits or harms to the body (e.g. prevention or cause of diseases and weight control). The similarity of food healthiness judgements between the two countries, together with their agreement with conventional health claims and dietary guidelines, suggest that lay Brazilian and German adults are knowledgeable about the general concepts of 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' food. Finally, these findings suggest that rather than just providing more nutritional information, policymakers and health professionals need to take into account the multiple psychosocial and environmental determinants of eating in these countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the extent of alignment between 'healthiness' defined by a food classification system that classifies foods and beverages primarily by their nutrient composition, the Health Star Rating (HSR) and a system that considers only the degree of processing of the product, the NOVA classification system. We used data for 25 486 products contained within the George Institute for Global Health's Australian 2022 FoodSwitch Dataset. Agreement between the two systems in the proportion of products classified as 'healthier' (HSR ≥3.5 or NOVA group 1–3) or 'less healthy' (HSR <3.5 or NOVA group 4) was assessed using the κ statistic. There was 'fair' agreement (κ = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.29–0.31) between both systems in the proportion of all products classified as healthier or less healthy. Approximately one‐third (n = 8729) of all products were defined as 'discordant', including 34.3% (n = 5620) of NOVA group 4 products with HSR ≥3.5 (commonly convenience foods, sports/diet foods, meat alternatives, as well as products containing non‐sugar sweeteners) and 34.1% (n = 3109) of NOVA group 1–3 products with HSR <3.5 (commonly single‐ingredient foods such as sugars/syrups, full‐fat dairy and products specially produced to contain no ultra‐processed ingredients). Our analysis strengthens the evidence for the similarities and differences in product healthiness according to a nutrient‐based classification system and a processing‐based classification system. Although the systems' classifications align for the majority of food and beverage products, the discordance found for some product categories indicates potential for confusion if systems are deployed alongside each other within food policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A balanced and healthy diet is very important in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in childhood. In addition to regulating blood glucose with diet, diet should also support optimal growth. Low-carbohydrate diet aims to provide daily energy from fats and was originally used for childhood epilepsy. We present a patient with T1DM who experienced unfavorable effects when on a low-carbohydrate diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary plaque stability is a key pathological mechanism of coronary heart disease (CHD). Inflammation is recognized as a key factor of coronary plaque stability. The dietary inflammatory index (DII) is calculated from 21 dietary nutrients to predict the inflammation potential of an individual's diet. We hypothesized that high DII may be associated with decreased coronary plaque stability in CHD patients; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between DII and plaque stability in patients with CHD. This cross-sectional study included 314 patients with CHD. DII was calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Plaque stability was measured with optical coherence tomography. The DII ranged from –1.41 to 3.04. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher DII scores were associated with unstable plaque characteristics including thin-capped fibroatheroma (odds ratio [OR], 3.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78–7.29), macrophage infiltration (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.01–4.61), and plaque rupture (OR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.73–7.29). Mediation analyses revealed that DII was important mediator of the relationship between plaque stability and food intake including soybeans and nuts, fish and shrimp, eggs (P <.05). The present study confirmed that higher DII is significantly associated with decreased plaque stability in CHD patients, suggesting an important protective role of anti-inflammatory diets in the pathogenesis of CHD. High dietary inflammatory index (DII) is significantly associated with decreased plaque stability in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients, suggesting that a pro-inflammatory diet increases systemic inflammation, which leads to unstable plaque progression. It is suggested that patients with CHD should change their dietary structure and increase their anti-inflammatory diet intake to delay the development of CHD. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]