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Background: Nutritional knowledge in mothers is crucial in caring for toddlers. Providing nutrition has an impact on the growth and development of children. Breast milk contains complete nutrients. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, followed by breastfeeding and complementary feeding, can prevent stunting. Objectives: This research aims to determine the correlation between maternal nutritional knowledge and history of breastfeeding with the occurrence of stunting in infants aged 24-59 months. Methods: The study was conducted in the working area of Angkup Community Health Center, Silinara District, Central Aceh. The study design was cross-sectional. A total sampling technique was used to select 38 toddlers. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The obtained results were analyzed using chi-square and multiple linear regression tests. Results: The analysis results showed an Asimp. Sig 0.020 < 0.05, indicating a significant association between maternal nutritional knowledge and the occurrence of stunting in toddlers. The analysis of breastfeeding also indicated an Asimp. Sig value of 0.004 < 0.05 suggests a significant association between breastfeeding and the occurrence of stunting in toddlers. Regression analysis demonstrated the influence of maternal nutritional knowledge and breastfeeding on the stunting variable by 35% in infants in the working area of Angkup Community Health Center, Central Aceh, from January to March 2022. Conclusions: The occurrence of stunting in the village of Angkup is related to maternal nutritional knowledge and the history of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The family environment plays a crucial role in creating the health behaviours of children and youth. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of parents with children aged 7–12 who represent an influential environment for creating the eating behaviours of children. A qualitative study was conducted using focus-group interviews (FGI) involving 101 parents from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Three categories of parents were identified based on their level of involvement and awareness of nutrition: 'aware', 'determined', and 'relaxed'. Among parents of 10–12-year-old students, an additional category, 'distanced' parents, was identified. The study revealed that parents require support in terms of providing compelling arguments and practical recommendations related to meals and reducing or eliminating their children's consumption of sweets, snacks, fast food, and, in the case of older students, energy drinks. Parents reported that their children had a moderate understanding of the principles of proper nutrition. The majority of respondents viewed this knowledge as primarily theoretical and expressed a need for practical guidance and activities, which they believe should be offered by schools. To achieve positive outcomes in educational activities related to food and nutrition, it is essential to involve children, parents, guardians, teachers, and other school staff in these efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate fish consumption is common and may result from multiple reasons, especially in adolescents who are a population at particular risk of the negative consequences of not consuming the recommended amounts of fish. The aim of the study was to analyze the knowledge about fish-consumption benefits and safety in a population-based sample of Polish adolescents. The stratified random sampling was conducted within two stages: sampling of counties from all voivodeships in Poland (being the basic administrative units of Poland) and inviting secondary schools from the drawn counties to obtain a sample representative of all regions of Poland. The Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method was applied to gather the data within the study, and a questionnaire concerning knowledge about fish-consumption benefits and safety with 20 true–false statements was applied. Among 1289 participants, the statement with the highest share of correct answers concerned fish being a source of protein (78.9%) and fish-derived fats being health promoting (77.0%). The statement receiving the least correct answers concerned the type of fatty acids found in fish (7.6%) and the risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish (20.5%). Participants who were female, older than 18, underweight, living in an urban environment, from a region far away from the sea and from comprehensive schools provided a higher share of correct answers than other subgroups (p < 0.05). Knowledge concerning fish-consumption benefits and safety among Polish adolescents is in many cases inadequate; thus, nutritional education is needed, especially among younger adolescents, those attending vocational schools, males and those living in a rural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal nutrition is one of the most significant environmental factors affecting human health. The aim of this study was to assess the attitudes of primary school students aged 7–9 towards nutrition considering three fundamental components: knowledge, emotional disposition, and dietary behaviors. The research was conducted using the Focus Group Interview (FGI) technique among 78 children. Considering their attitudes towards food and nutrition, four profiles were identified: "engaged", "obedient", "reluctant", and "indifferent". Children who were "engaged" and "obedient" due to their parents' involvement in creating their dietary attitudes exhibited the most alignment with the principles of optimal nutrition. Regardless of profile type, it was observed that children were familiar with recommended and unrecommended food products, as well as the role of water in proper nutrition. It was demonstrated that parents wield the most substantial influence on children's nutrition. As a result, initiatives promoting the proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle should commence with parents. Children of nutritionally conscious parents tend to eat more healthily and demonstrate a high nutritional awareness. Conversely, the children of busy parents who lack time for meal preparation more frequently replicate their parents' nutritional mistakes. These findings emphasize the importance of the family environment in shaping the dietary behaviors of children and youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Children suffer the consequences of poor nutrition and improper eating practices for the rest of their lives. Every year, more than 3.4 million children under the age of 5 die due to inadequate feeding practices. Optimal nutrition decreases morbidity and mortality, reduces the risk of chronic diseases and promotes better development. Material and methods. A mixed study was conducted. Quantitative study: the survey was carried out, based on a sample of 423 adults from the Republic of Moldova, who have at least one child aged 3 years. The qualitative study involved 4 focus group meetings with different categories of participants (family doctors, pediatricians, parents) and an in-depth interview –with a representative of the Ministry of Health. Results. Aspects regarding the identification of barriers and opportunities for the development of parents’ skills in the process of diversifying the nutrition of children up to 3 years of age and the evaluation of parental knowledge, attitudes and practices were reflected. Conclusions. Although proper nutrition for children aged 0-3 is currently being studied and argued, there are difficulties in the practical application of the diversification process, conditioned by: inadequate information from parents, lack of reliable evidence-based information sources, and the precarious socio-economic state currently existing in the country.

Abstract Background Lack of nutritional knowledge and ineffective attitudes can complicate the problems faced by this group of street children and have significant effects on their behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of street children in Kerman in 2021. Methods This experimental study was conducted on 70 street children supported by Aftab Children Support Center in Kerman in 2021. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and were divided into two intervention and control groups using a random number table. A nutrition distance education program was implemented using an educational compact disk (CD) for the participants in the intervention group, while the children in the control group did not receive any training. The children’s nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed before and one month after the intervention using the Nutritional Behavior Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 22) using the chi-square test, paired and independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results The results revealed a significant difference in nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors after the intervention (p

Abstract Objective: Evaluate knowledge and beliefs about dietary nitrate among United Kingdom (UK)-based adults. Design: An online questionnaire was administered to evaluate knowledge and beliefs about dietary nitrate. Overall knowledge of dietary nitrate was quantified using a twenty-one-point Nitrate Knowledge Index. Responses were compared between socio-demographic groups. Setting: UK. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 300 adults. Results: Only 19 % of participants had heard of dietary nitrate prior to completing the questionnaire. Most participants (∼70 %) were unsure about the effects of dietary nitrate on health parameters (e.g. blood pressure, cognitive function and cancer risk) or exercise performance. Most participants were unsure of the average population intake (78 %) and acceptable daily intake (83 %) of nitrate. Knowledge of dietary sources of nitrate was generally low, with only ∼30 % of participants correctly identifying foods with higher or lower nitrate contents. Almost none of the participants had deliberately purchased, or avoided purchasing, a food based around its nitrate content. Nitrate Knowledge Index scores were generally low (median (interquartile range (IQR)): 5 (8)), but were significantly higher in individuals who were currently employed v. unemployed (median (IQR): 5 (7) v. 4 (7); P < 0·001), in those with previous nutrition education v. no nutrition education (median (IQR): 6 (7) v. 4 (8); P = 0·012) and in individuals who had heard of nitrate prior to completing the questionnaire v. those who had not (median (IQR): 9 (8) v. 4 (7); P < 0·001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates low knowledge around dietary nitrate in UK-based adults. Greater education around dietary nitrate may be valuable to help individuals make more informed decisions about their consumption of this compound.

Background: As the field of physical therapy increasingly acknowledges the integral role of nutritional assessment and counseling, revisiting this subject is essential due to limited updated information regarding this topic. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the factors that may influence physical therapists' attitudes toward integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into their physical therapy practice. The study's primary aim was to explore the attitudes of registered physical therapists in Israel toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. We also explored the relation between personal and professional characteristics of physical therapists and their attitudes. Methods: An anonymous nationwide online self-report survey was conducted. It included three sections: personal and professional background characteristics, self-reported level of nutritional knowledge and sources of nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into practice. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all outcome measures. The total score of the attitude statements was compared between different groups of participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict positive attitudes. Results: The study included 409 physical therapists. The attitude score was 19.78 (2.53) of 25, indicating a positive attitude. A majority (67%) reported that they did not acquire knowledge regarding nutrition during their entry-level studies or in other formal settings (63%). The three primary sources of nutritional information for the participants reported were the Internet (87.0%), registered dietitian (70.0%), and professional, scientific journals (36.0%). Prior knowledge acquired during entry-level physical therapist studies and clinical experience of ≥ 13 years significantly predicted positive attitudes (β = 0.17, β = −0.13, respectively). Conclusion: Registered physical therapists held a positive attitude toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. Two background professional characteristics were predictors of positive attitudes. Accordingly, there is need to appropriate formal education regarding nutritional issues. Further studies are required to explore the actual integration of nutrition into the physical therapy framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical performance and overall health are crucial in the athletic population, and their improvement relies on specific dietary guidelines and practices. Athletes and physical activity practitioners who participate in physical activity for specific health reasons need nutritional knowledge to improve physical performance. This study aimed to understand nutrient intake and nutritional knowledge among physical activity practitioners and athletes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study sampled 263 individuals divided into two groups: athletes (n = 121) and practitioners (n = 142). Their nutritional knowledge and dietary intake were measured with validated questionnaires: the Arabic Abridged Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire and the Saudi Food Frequency Questionnaire. The majority of the sample (77.2%) had poor nutritional knowledge. Highest scoring domains for the dietary intake were protein from meat, fish, chicken (65.6%), vegetarian protein (62.4%), grains (51.0%), and the lowest were vegetables (41.1%), dairy (36.3%), and fruits (27.9%). In conclusion, athletes and practitioners in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have poor nutritional knowledge and dietary intake and may benefit from nutritional education and training to improve their knowledge, dietary intake, and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the context of the evolving role of Physical Therapists (PTs) in health promotion, this study explored the incorporation of nutritional assessment and counseling into PTs' professional practice in Israel. Using an anonymous cross-sectional survey design, the research gauged PTs' professional background, nutritional knowledge, lifestyle habits, and the extent of nutritional care integration. Our survey gathered data from 409 certified PTs in Israel, revealing inadequate nutritional knowledge, commendable nutritional lifestyles, and limited nutritional care integration. Participants with over 13 years of clinical experience demonstrated significantly higher levels of nutritional assessment and counseling integration within their physical therapy practices. Workplace setting, nutritional lifestyle, and nutritional knowledge emerged as significant predictors for nutritional care integration. Specifically, working in outpatient clinics and possessing better nutritional lifestyles and knowledge were associated with the increased integration of nutritional assessment and counseling within physical therapy practice. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and formal nutrition education to bridge the knowledge gaps and optimize patient care. These results advocate for comprehensive nutrition education in physical therapy curricula and the fostering of PTs as role models. Integrating nutrition care could empower PTs to enhance patient outcomes and fulfill their role in preventive healthcare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Development Goal 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote healthy and sustainable diets. Student-athletes deal with unique challenges due to the demands of physical and mental requirements of their sports, making proper nutrition and dietary habits crucial for their overall health and performance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between nutritional knowledge and dietary habits among State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Athletes at a state university in Pampanga, Philippines, as a basis for the development of a contextualized Nutrition Education Plan (NEP). The study was grounded on a postpositivist philosophical worldview that employed a quantitative non-experimental approach, specifically a correlational design. A total of 177 student-athletes were assessed for their nutritional knowledge and dietary habits using survey questionnaires. It was determined that student-athletes' level of nutritional knowledge was described as "knowledgeable" while their perceived dietary habits were described as "good", but still, there is an area for continued improvement. Meanwhile, it was found that there was no significant difference between nutritional knowledge and dietary habits of student-athletes when grouped according to their demographic profile. On the other hand, there was a significant but weak positive relationship between nutritional knowledge and dietary habits of studentathletes. The results of student-athletes' nutritional knowledge and dietary habits paved the way for a contextualized NEP anchored on the student-athlete. The study recommends generalizing the NEP and considering the other athletes who also need nutrition and dietary habits improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to investigate the effectiveness of using a mobile learning application on undergraduates' intrinsic motivation and their general nutrition knowledge. This quasi-experimental study involved the participation of 125 students who were divided into two groups: a control group consisting of 62 students and an experimental group comprising 63 students. Pre- and post-intrinsic motivation questionnaires and a nutritional knowledge test were administered. The results showed significant differences between the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group exhibited a higher level of knowledge, and there were no statistically significant differences in intrinsic motivation between the control group and the experimental group. The application was found to be effective in improving nutrition knowledge but did not enhance intrinsic motivation. Further research may be needed to understand the factors that influence intrinsic motivation and how to effectively increase it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish is a potential source of animal protein because it contains essential amino acids needed by the body. Additionally, fish is known to have numerous benefits due to its nutritional content, which helps to boost immunity. Ironically, fish consumption in Indonesia is relatively low although Indonesia is a country with substantial fish production. This research aims to analyze the differences in income, nutritional knowledge, and fish consumption behavior among the community in Cimanggis Subdistrict, Depok City, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The research follows a quantitative approach with descriptive and comparative methods as data collection techniques. The research method involves secondary data analysis. The sample consists of 25 respondents from the community affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Cimanggis Subdistrict, Depok City. Data is gathered based on Isfahani's study regarding the aspects of nutritional knowledge and fish consumption behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of the research show that there is an income difference between the COVID-19 and the postCOVID-19 period, although it is not statistically significant. Furthermore, there is no significant difference in respondents' nutritional knowledge between the period of COVID-19 and the postCOVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by the paired sample t-test with thitung < ttabel (-0.358) and ttabel (2.060), meaning H0 is accepted, which can be interpreted as no difference in nutritional knowledge between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. However, there is a difference in fish consumption behavior between the period of COVID-19 and the post-COVID-19 pandemic, as indicated by the paired sample t-test with thitung < ttabel (2.186) and ttabel (2.060), meaning H0 is rejected, which can be interpreted as a difference in fish consumption behavior between the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional knowledge includes knowing nutritional processes, major nutritional sources of foods, the relationship of diet to health and disease, and dietary recommendations. This study aimed to determine teachers' basic nutrition and nutrition-health knowledge levels, who are important opinion leaders in society, and to evaluate their food preferences. The research, a cross-sectional study, was carried out in a district in 2022. 280 teachers were included in the research. The survey form consists of 14 questions about sociodemographic information and nutritional preferences; and 32 questions on the "Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults" (NKLSA). The t-test in independent groups, Pearson Correlation and the Chi-Square test were used for statistical analysis. More than half of the teachers had a medium level of basic nutritional knowledge, nearly half had a good level of food preferences and a 52% correlation between their knowledge levels. The frequency of those with poor basic nutritional knowledge is significantly higher in men than in women. When the teachers' body mass indexes, daily water consumption, breakfast habits, number of daily meals, and skipping meals were evaluated according to information about nutrition, no significant difference was found in basic nutritional knowledge scores and food preference scores. It should be ensured that teachers have access to the right information sources about nutrition, and awareness activities should be carried out for nutrition, including students, to obtain accurate information about nutritional information and food preferences. [Med-Science 2023; 12(1.000): 1-8]

Abstract Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasing exponentially, becoming a matter of concern for Public Health, given its adverse health effects. Objective: To identify individual and faGmily factors predicting UPF consumption in childhood. Design: The SENDO project is an ongoing prospective dynamic cohort of Spanish children. In this study, we used baseline information of participants recruited between January 2015 and June 2021. Dietary information was collected with a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, and food items were classified using the NOVA classification. Individual and family factors associated with UPF consumption (P < 0·20) in univariate analyses were introduced in a model of generalised estimating equations which accounted for intra-cluster correlations between siblings. Setting: The SENDO project (Spain), 2015–2021. Participants: Spanish children are recruited at the age of 4–5 years and followed yearly through online questionnaires completed by parents. Results: In this sample of 806 participants (49 % girls; mean age 5 years (sd: 0·90)), the mean UPF consumption was 37·64 % of total energy intake (sd: 9·59). Large family size and longer exposure to screens predicted higher consumption of UPF. On the other hand, better knowledge of children’s dietary recommendations, healthy dietary attitudes towards child’s eating habits and longer breastfeeding were associated with lower consumption of UPF. All these factors accounted for approximately 16 % of the variability on the consumption of UPF in childhood. Conclusion: Since most of the factors identified in this study are modifiable, they should be considered in public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy dietary habits in early life.

This study aimed to determine cyclists’ nutritional knowledge and habits, and nutritional ergogenic aid usage and shed light on the relation between cyclists’ nutritional knowledge and ergogenic aid usage. It was conducted in Cyprus. There were three groups (study groups: competitive cyclists-CC, recreational cyclists-RC; control group-CG: sedentary adults). Data were collected with a questionnaire that had three sections (the first two sections were related to general nutritional habits, ergogenic aids, anthropometric measurements, and the last section included The Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire-NSKQ). All data were evaluated by Statistical Package for the Social Science-SPSS version 24.0. Totally 174 adults participated voluntarily in this study (n: 58 for each group). CC and RC skipped their main meals and smoked less than CG (p

Background Adequate nutritional intake plays a pivotal role in optimizing performance, recovery, and body composition goals. This study aimed to investigate the dietary intakes (DIs); nutritional knowledge (NK); and attitudes, perceptions, and challenges (APC) of semiprofessional rugby players in Scotland. Methods Dietary intakes and NK of 24 male semiprofessional rugby players of a Super6 club were evaluated using validated questionnaires. Players were categorized as having good or poor NK according to NK scores. Diet-related APCs were assessed using researcher-developed questionnaires and 1-1 semi-structured interviews. Results Mean ± SD total NK% was poor, 53.7 ± 11.9%. The ‘Good’ NK group scored significantly higher in the Weight Management (p = 0.014), Macronutrients (p

Background: Current educational techniques may have a few effects on dietary habits and food preferences in adolescents, so by designing an educational attractive program, nutritional knowledge can be significantly enhanced. This study aims to investigate the effect of a structured educational intervention based on poetry, game, and problem-solving skills on promoting nutritional knowledge, and behavior in primary school students. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 120 primary school students aged 10-12 years in Sabzevar, Iran, in 2019. The participants were selected through multi-stage random sampling and divided into experimental (EG, n=60) and control (CG, n=60) groups. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three sections (demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge section, and nutritional behavior section). The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were checked and confirmed. The educational program, including educational poems, a "road to health" game, and problem-solving skills, was designed. The EG received a self-directed educational program. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and one month after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of nutritional knowledge and nutritional behaviors significantly improved in the EG compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Moreover, after the intervention, the mean score of nutritional behavior in the EG significantly improved compared to before the intervention (P < 0.05). The highest percentage in mean scores in the food pyramid groups was related to the consumption of vegetables (27%), consumption of milk and dairy products (26%), non-consumption of low-value snacks (13%), and non-consumption of sugar and candy (11%), respectively. Conclusion: The educational program based on poetry, game, and problem-solving skills can be practical, attractive, and cost-effective for promoting nutritional knowledge and behavior in adolescents.

Context: Osteoporosis (fragile bones) affects millions of people and is referred to as "the health hazard" due to the serious illnesses, fatalities, adverse impacts on quality of life, and significant expenditures to both the patient and society. Only cardiovascular disorders are ranked higher by the World Health Organization as a worldwide health-care issue than osteoporosis. Aims: To assess menopausal women's dietary knowledge, attitudes, and practices for osteoporosis prevention. Setting and Design: This study was conducted at Vantamuri Primary Health Center (PHC) and Rukmini Nagar Urban Health Center (UHC) in Belagavi with a cross-sectional design. Methodology: One hundred postmenopausal women who visited the Vantamuri PHC and Rukmini Nagar UHC in Belagavi participated in this study. A cross-sectional design with purposive sampling and a questionnaire were used to acquire the data. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. To ascertain the relationship between knowledge, attitude, and a few broad facts, a descriptive analysis was performed. Results: It indicates that 45% of the participants had moderate knowledge about osteoporosis. 86% of women showed a positive attitude toward osteoporosis. The study revealed that 85% of the participants had limited physical activity. The majority of participants were not consumed calcium and Vitamin D supplements. Conclusion: The majority of postmenopausal women who attended the respective PHC Belagavi, according to the study, have a moderate understanding of osteoporosis. Both the illness and the best ways to avoid osteoporosis are unknown to many women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the nutritional knowledge levels of academicians and their adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Methods: The research data were collected face to face with the help of a questionnaire created by the researchers. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, nutritional knowledge levels and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were questioned with the questionnaire form. Nutritional knowledge levels of individuals were evaluated with the 'Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (NKLSA)'. Mediterranean diet pattern characteristics were identified with the 'Mediterranean diet adherence score (MEDAS)'. Results: The mean age of the individuals was 40.2±9.20 years, 42.2% of individuals were overweight and 7.8% are obese. 8.4% of the individuals had bad, 24.7% moderate, 44.8% good, 22.1% very good basic nutrition knowledge levels. 7.1% of the individuals had bad, 26.6% moderate, 27.9% good, 38.3% very good knowledge levels about food preference. 68.2% of individuals were in compliance with the Mediterranean diet. A statistically significant difference was found between individuals who did and did not comply with the Mediterranean diet in terms of the total score of NKLSA, basic nutrition knowledge score and food preference knowledge score (p<0.05). Conclusions: It was determined that the majority of academicians were in compliance with the Mediterranean diet and their nutritional knowledge level was good. However, half of the academicians were determined to be overweight or obese, which is a risk factor for noncommunicable chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutrition has a significant impact on the health of post-menopausal women. An appropriate dietary plan provides women with the necessary nutrients to maximize their activity and help minimize chronic diseases that may arise after menopause. The objective of the study was to assess the nutritional knowledge and dietary diversity of post-menopausal women in the rural area of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among post-menopausal women aged 45 to 60. A sampling frame of 167 post-menopausal women was created by visiting each household, and 101 participants were chosen randomly from this frame. Face-to-face interviews were used to gather data. The body mass index (BMI) was used to evaluate nutritional status. To gather dietary data and calculate dietary diversity scores, a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was used. Knowledge score was used to gauge nutrition-related knowledge. Result: The average nutrition knowledge score was 8.55 out of 13. Knowledge has a statistically significant effect on the dietary diversity of post-menopausal women (P< 0.015). In this study, BMI was 41 percent, within the normal range, 35 percent were overweight, and 22 percent were obese. Around 45 percent of the respondents had a low dietary diversity score. There was a weak association between BMI and dietary diversity (P> 0.077). Almost 90 percent of women experienced menopausal problems, and 25 percent had inadequate knowledge about menopause. Conclusion: Knowledge of nutrition is associated with post-menopausal women's dietary diversity. Nutrition knowledge can improve the dietary diversity of post-menopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lack of nutritional knowledge and ineffective attitudes can complicate the problems faced by this group of street children and have significant effects on their behaviors. This study aimed to examine the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of street children in Kerman in 2021. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 70 street children supported by Aftab Children Support Center in Kerman in 2021. The participants were selected using convenience sampling and were divided into two intervention and control groups using a random number table. A nutrition distance education program was implemented using an educational compact disk (CD) for the participants in the intervention group, while the children in the control group did not receive any training. The children's nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were assessed before and one month after the intervention using the Nutritional Behavior Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS software (version 22) using the chi-square test, paired and independent samples t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The results revealed a significant difference in nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors after the intervention (p < 0.001) due to the effect of the nutrition training program. Accordingly, the mean scores of the participants in the intervention group for nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors increased by 11.45, 14.80, and 6.05 units after the intervention compared to their scores before the intervention. Furthermore, the effects of the training program on the participants' nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were 89.6%, 91.5%, and 64.3%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study concluded that training based on nutrition education improved the children's nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Thus, the officials in charge of promoting the health of vulnerable groups in the community need to provide the necessary facilities to implement effective training programs for street children and encourage them to participate in training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Food adequacy and dietary quality in the lactation period are fundamental for maternal and child health. Lactating mothers are vulnerable to malnutrition because of increased physiological demand, monotonous diet, lactogenesis process, and increased nutrient requirements. The micronutrient adequacy especially among women is not ensured in Indian diet. The dual course of gender bias and poverty, along with lack of knowledge about diet quality are significant impediments in maintaining minimum dietary diversity among Indian women. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity and associated factors among lactating women. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1236 lactating women through a multistage sampling procedure in Haryana state, India. Data were collected in Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) using a pretested structured interview schedule. Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was used to calculate the minimum dietary diversity. Results The mean dietary diversity score among lactating women from the ten food groups was 6.35 ± 2.57 and the prevalence of minimum dietary diversity was 77.1%. The complete model revealed that both individual and household factors can explain the variation in dietary diversity intake. Furthermore, the result of model 2 explained that women aged 31 to 35 years (AOR 5.92,95% (1.87–18.77), graduation and above qualified women (AOR 1.98, 95% (0.96–4.09) and lactating women with high knowledge on nutrition (AOR 2.00, 95% (1.34–4.57) were the significant factors promoting minimum dietary diversity. Conclusion Three-fourths of the lactating women reached adequate minimum dietary diversity. Younger age, low educational level, and poor nutritional knowledge were significant constraints to achieving minimum dietary diversity. Further improvement in the minimum dietary diversity among lactating women is very much required. It is also advised that exiting platforms dispersing awareness on nutrition should be supported and strengthened.

IntroductionDifferent approaches, involving different areas and figures, are useful for the rehabilitation of obese subjects through a multidisciplinary hospital path. A focal point of rehabilitation is represented by education on healthy eating by increasing the dietary knowledge patients. Few tools investigating food knowledge are available in Italy: therefore, the need has emerged to develop easy-to-use tools for clinical practice that allow to detect food knowledge to set up a more targeted food re-education. The following work aimed at building and validating a questionnaire capable of investigating the dietary knowledge of the population affected by obesity.MethodsA pool of experts carried out a review of the literature, gathering all the information necessary to select and construct the best set of questions and the format of the final project of the questionnaire. During statistical analysis the validity, reproducibility and stability of the questionnaire were investigate in a sample of 450 subjects with obesity.ResultsEarly analysis disclosed that 5 questions of the original questionnaire had no discriminating power. The successive validation phases were successful, confirming good content validity, stability and reproducibility over time.DiscussionThe questionnaire has all the characteristics to be considered a valid tool for investigating dietary knowledge in the obese population. The psychometric tests confirmed a good internal consistency of the structure, a validity of the content, a good reproducibility and stability over time.

Background: Increasing the frequency of eating out in restaurants contributes to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The quality of restaurant dishes depends on the chef’s ability to process delicious food and the chef’s understanding of nutrition in healthy food processing. Nutritional knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition from chefs are very important if nutrition and health aspects are the basis for consideration of food selection. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the chef’s nutrition knowledge and attitudes toward nutrition during the restaurant’s food handling. Methods: A cross-sectional approach and descriptive design were used in this research. Chef nutritional knowledge and attitudes were measured using a structured questionnaire through three question topics including food preparation, food processing, and food presentation. Results: Chefs have good nutritional knowledge about food presentation and plating (66.7%) and good attitudes towards nutrition in relation to food preparation, food processing and molecular gastronomy techniques, and food presentation and plating (83.3, 79.3, and 86.1% respectively). Educational background and work experience influence the knowledge and practice of food handling during processing. Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between a chef’s educational level, years of working experience and nutritional knowledge. But educational levels, years of working experience, and the availability of standard operating procedures in restaurants were not significantly related to the chef's nutritional attitude.

Background. Increasing the frequency of eating out in restaurants contributes to an increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases. The quality of restaurant dishes depends on the chef's ability to process delicious food and the chef's understanding of nutrition in healthy food processing. Nutritional knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition from chefs are very important if nutrition and health aspects are the basis for consideration of food selection. Objective. The objective of this study is to assess the chef's nutrition knowledge and attitudes toward nutrition during the restaurant's food handling. Methods. A cross-sectional approach and descriptive design were used in this research. Chef nutritional knowledge and attitudes were measured using a structured questionnaire through three question topics including food preparation, food processing, and food presentation. Results. Chefs have good nutritional knowledge about food presentation and plating (66.7%) and good attitudes towards nutrition in relation to food preparation, food processing and molecular gastronomy techniques, and food presentation and plating (83.3, 79.3, and 86.1% respectively). Educational background and work experience influence the knowledge and practice of food handling during processing. Conclusion. There is a significant relationship between a chef's educational level, years of working experience and nutritional knowledge. But educational levels, years of working experience, and the availability of standard operating procedures in restaurants were not significantly related to the chef's nutritional attitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Education can improve nutritional behaviors of individuals. The aim of this study was to assess effects of nutritional health education based on the BASNEF model on nutritional behaviors of families with elderly members in Ilam, Iran. Materials & Methods: The present research was conducted as an interventional study among 70 individuals (35 subjects for intervention and 35 for control groups) giving care to family members older than 60 years. The data collection tool in this study was a researcher-made questionnaire designed based on the BASNEF model measuring awareness, attitude, subjective norms, enabling factors and intent toward nutritional behaviors. Baseline and follow up information between interventions and controls were compared and the results were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: The results of paired t-test revealed series of significant differences between score obtained at baseline and follow-up measurements within the intervention group for only 3 subscale of knowledge (p= 424.68, p= 0.001), attitude (t = 66.54, P = 0.001), as well as behavioral intention (t = 974.9., P= 0.001). The results of independent t-test showed series of significant differences between the two groups for 4 subscale of knowledge (t=0.399, p=0.001), attitude (t=90.78, p=0.000), enabling factor (t=0.09, p=0.02) and intention (t=110, p=0.000). Conclusion: Our findings indicated that participating in educational programs can significantly increase level of knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention about healthy nutritional behaviors. This study demonstrated the importance of receiving educational programs adopted from a model such as BASNEF in developing personal understanding of enabling factors to change the behavioral nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de la Facultad de Medicina Humana is the property of Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias Biomedicas de la Universidad Ricardo Palma and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Despite growing research on the health benefits of probiotics in athlete populations, there has been little investigation into athletes’ consumption of probiotics and fermented foods. Similarly, data is limited about athletes’ fermented and probiotic foods consumption. This study aimed to examine the experiences with probiotics, and the frequency of consuming probiotics and fermented foods in a sample of elite Turkish athletes. The secondary aim was to provide data on the existing literature on the dietary intake of the athletes. A total of 30 elite volleyball athletes, 19 male, and 11 female, of a club competing in Turkey’s adult men's first league and Turkey’s adult women's second league in the pre-season period of 2016 were included in this pilot study. A questionnaire include general characteristics questions, experiences, and thoughts about probiotics, and a fermented food frequency questionnaire was applied face to face. Athletes’ nutrient intakes were calculated by dietary records obtained on 3 consecutive days. The energy and macronutrient intakes were calculated via a software program. Athletes’ anthropometric measures were determined. A total of 60% reported that they have never heard of the term “probiotic” before. The main reason to use probiotics was “good gastrointestinal health” and the main reason for initially trying probiotics is “positive experiences with others”. Athletes who had never taken probiotics would consider using probiotics in the future (73.9%) if they would know what probiotics were. Except for cheese types, fermented foods and beverages consumption was low. Athletes were willing to learn and use probiotics. Investigation of the use of probiotics and consumption of fermented foods will enlighten a better understanding of athletes' actual behavior, and may increase the possible health effects of probiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The spread of COVID-19 in Indonesia has caused many deaths. One of the ways to deal with COVID-19 is to increase immunity. Youth is the majority population group in the world, meaning many can potentially be exposed to the coronavirus. Youth, including students, tend to be easily exposed to the coronavirus because they have bad eating habits (lack of protein, vitamin C, and vitamin A intake). Bad eating habits can occur due to a lack of knowledge related to nutrition, especially those related to efforts to increase immunity. Objectives: To determine the relationship between nutrition-related knowledge to increase body immunity with eating food sources of protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C during the covid-19 pandemic in Airlangga University students. Methods: Descriptive quantitative method used a cross-sectional research design with a sample of Airlangga University students. The data was obtained using an online survey using the accidental sampling method. Furthermore, the researcher distributed online questionnaires in the form of google forms with the help of media such as pamphlets through social media. Then the data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Most of the respondents were students of the Faculty of Public Health, female, 21 years old, and living with their nuclear family at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, have good knowledge of nutrition to increase immunity (75%), except for factors which can reduce immunity. There is a significant positive relationship between knowledge and eating habits. Conclusions: There was a significant relationship between knowledge related to nutrition to increase immunity during the covid-19 pandemic through eating food sources of protein, vitamin A, and vitamin C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional knowledge includes knowing nutritional processes, major nutritional sources of foods, the relationship of diet to health and disease, and dietary recommendations. This study aimed to determine teachers' basic nutrition and nutrition-health knowledge levels, who are important opinion leaders in society, and to evaluate their food preferences. The research, a cross-sectional study, was carried out in a district in 2022. 280 teachers were included in the research. The survey form consists of 14 questions about sociodemographic information and nutritional preferences; and 32 questions on the "Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults" (NKLSA). The t-test in independent groups, Pearson Correlation and the Chi-Square test were used for statistical analysis. More than half of the teachers had a medium level of basic nutritional knowledge, nearly half had a good level of food preferences and a 52% correlation between their knowledge levels. The frequency of those with poor basic nutritional knowledge is significantly higher in men than in women. When the teachers' body mass indexes, daily water consumption, breakfast habits, number of daily meals, and skipping meals were evaluated according to information about nutrition, no significant difference was found in basic nutritional knowledge scores and food preference scores. It should be ensured that teachers have access to the right information sources about nutrition, and awareness activities should be carried out for nutrition, including students, to obtain accurate information about nutritional information and food preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasing exponentially, becoming a matter of concern for Public Health, given its adverse health effects. Objective: To identify individual and faGmily factors predicting UPF consumption in childhood. Design: The SENDO project is an ongoing prospective dynamic cohort of Spanish children. In this study, we used baseline information of participants recruited between January 2015 and June 2021. Dietary information was collected with a validated semi-quantitative FFQ, and food items were classified using the NOVA classification. Individual and family factors associated with UPF consumption (P < 0·20) in univariate analyses were introduced in a model of generalised estimating equations which accounted for intra-cluster correlations between siblings. Setting: The SENDO project (Spain), 2015–2021. Participants: Spanish children are recruited at the age of 4–5 years and followed yearly through online questionnaires completed by parents. Results: In this sample of 806 participants (49 % girls; mean age 5 years (sd: 0·90)), the mean UPF consumption was 37·64 % of total energy intake (sd: 9·59). Large family size and longer exposure to screens predicted higher consumption of UPF. On the other hand, better knowledge of children's dietary recommendations, healthy dietary attitudes towards child's eating habits and longer breastfeeding were associated with lower consumption of UPF. All these factors accounted for approximately 16 % of the variability on the consumption of UPF in childhood. Conclusion: Since most of the factors identified in this study are modifiable, they should be considered in public health strategies aimed at promoting healthy dietary habits in early life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bee products have been used for centuries for culinary, medicinal, and cosmetic purposes, and their properties are still a subject of research, which provide new arguments in favour of their use. The research aimed to determine the current state of use of bee products by Polish consumers and determine the ways and conditions of their use, with particular reference to the level of nutritional knowledge and health status. The survey was conducted using the CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) method on 487 respondents. It was found that honey is used mainly for culinary purposes and, to a lesser extent, for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. Other bee products are much less commonly used than honey—mainly beeswax and royal jelly for cosmetic purposes and propolis and bee pollen for medicinal purposes. Segments distinguished by the frequency of use of honey for particular purposes were differentiated by gender, age, income level, use of other bee products, and motivation to use them. Their differences were also found in terms of the level of nutritional knowledge and self-assessed health status—the highest ratings in both categories were indicated by representatives of the Honey users' segment, which consisted of people who use honey most frequently for cooking, cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Regression analysis additionally showed that higher levels of nutritional knowledge and better health status were associated with the use of honey to treat gastrointestinal ailments and with the use of propolis for medicinal purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Previous evidence suggests that school garden-based programmes (SGBP) may be a promising yet cost-effective intervention to improve children’s knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on healthy eating. This review aimed to summarise and evaluate the evidence available on the impacts of SGBP in addressing diet and nutrition-related KAP among school-aged children. Methods Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus were searched until February 2021. Randomised, non-randomised controlled and pre-post intervention studies investigating the impacts of SGBP on at least one of the outcomes of interest including diet and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes towards fruits and vegetables (F&V), food diversity and dietary practice among school-aged children were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Quality appraisal for studies included was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. Results A total of 10,836 records were identified, and 35 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. This includes 25,726 students from 341 schools and 8 nurseries from 12 countries. Intervention duration ranged from 6 weeks to 4 years with 18 studies involving a varied degree of parental participation. SGBP, which majorly includes school gardening activities, cooking lessons and nutrition education, demonstrated beneficial effects on children’s nutritional knowledge, their attitudes and acceptability towards fruits and vegetables and children’s dietary practices including the actual F&V consumption and dietary diversity. However, the impacts of SGBP on such outcomes were highly influenced by various social and environmental factors including the activities/components and duration of the intervention, parental involvement, sample size, and the age of children when interventions were first introduced. Conclusion These findings suggest that SGBP may be effective in promoting children’s nutritional knowledge, attitudes and acceptability towards vegetables, however, the impacts may vary by the type, the extent, and the length of the programmes, and other factors such as parent involvement. Future SGBP is suggested to implement using a combined multidisciplinary approach targeting the children, parents, and community to effectively promote healthy eating among the children and prevent childhood obesity.

Objective To examine changing trend in nutritional knowledge and its influencing factors among Chinese reproductive women and to provide evidences for the development of targeted nutrition education. MethodsThe data on complete demographic characteristics and dietary knowledge for 13 752 women aged 15 – 49 years were extracted from 5 waves of China Health and Nutrition Survey conducted from 2004 through 2015 in 15 provincial level regions across China. The prevalence of nutritional knowledge in each of the 5 surveys were analyzed and multilevel logistic regression model was applied to investigate influencing factors of nutritional knowledge. ResultsThe number of women surveyed were 2 728，2 597，2 528，3 260, and 2 639 in the year of 2004, 2006, 2009, 2011, and 2015, respectively. In the 5 waves of the survey, the ratio of the participants with nutritional knowledge literacy increased from 0.37% (10/2 728) in 2004 to 48.09% (1 269/2 639) in 2015, with the average growth rates of 963.14% and 2.83% for the periods of 2004 – 2006 and 2006 – 2015. The results of logistic regression analysis on pooled data demonstrated that the women with following characteristics were more likely to have a higher nutritional knowledge: with the education of junior high school (odds radio [OR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.12 – 1.56) or senior high school and above (OR = 1.57, 95% CI : 1.32 – 1.86) compared to those with the education of elementary school and below, with higher family annual income per capita (OR= 1.23, 95% CI: 1.10 – 1.38) versus those with the low income, living in central regions (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.18 – 1.63) or eastern regions (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.52 – 2.38) in contrast to those living in western regions, and being aware of food pyramid or dietary guidelines (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.19 – 1.53) in comparison with those without the knowledge. ConclusionAmong Chinese reproductive women, the nutritional knowledge needs to be further improved and the knowledge level is mainly influenced by education, family annual income per capita, living region and the awareness of food pyramid or dietary guidelines.

The study investigates the nutritional and medicinal knowledge of wild edible flowers among rural women. It identifies the diverse use of these flowers, their nutritional composition, and their traditional culinary applications. The research also highlights the cultural significance of these flowers. Challenges in awareness and perception highlight the need for education and promotion. The study suggests that sustainable use of these flowers can improve nutrition, health, and well-being in rural communities, honoring local traditions.

This study investigated the influence of maternal education on nutritional compliance among mothers of under-five in some selected Hospitals in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The study was a descriptive survey design carried out at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta; General hospital, Sokenu-Ijaye - Abeokuta; Sacred Heart Catholic Hospital, Lantoro; Olikoye Ransome Kuti Memorial Hospital, Asero and General Hospital, Odeda. Three hundred (300) mothers whose children are under five years old were conveniently sampled on their children immunization day. Data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire. The result revealed that there was a significant association between education and nutritional knowledge (X2 (3) = 66.76, p< 0.05). Education was also associated with nutritional compliance behaviour among mothers (X2 (3) = 11.02, p< 0.05) while the level of nutritional knowledge was significantly associated with nutritional compliance behaviour among mothers (X2 (1) = 6.76, p< 0.05). It was concluded that nutritional knowledge and education significantly influence nutritional compliance among mothers of under-five and necessary recommendations were made. Its implications for social work practice was also discussed.

Featured Application: The results presented in this paper provide a reference point on the important determinants of honey consumption which can help honey marketers to promote consumer buying behaviour as well as provide doctors and nutritionists with arguments to encourage higher honey consumption by patients. Due to its sensory qualities and therapeutic properties, honey is a desirable dietary ingredient. Despite the growing interest in proper nutrition in developed countries, honey consumption in developed countries is relatively low. This is also true in Poland. Hence, research was undertaken to determine Polish consumers' behaviour with regard to honey, and its determinants, with particular emphasis on nutritional knowledge and health status. The relationships between the different aspects of consumer behaviour in the honey market and the demographic and economic characteristics of the respondents were verified using the Mann–Whitney U test for comparisons of non-dependent groups for variables on an interval scale. A multiple regression model was developed to examine the relationship between the respondents' nutritional knowledge and their honey-related behaviour, while the relationship between the respondents' health status and their behaviour towards honey was verified using a logistic regression model. Obtained results indicate that gender, age, education, and income differentiate consumers' behaviour with regard to honey. The level of nutritional knowledge had a moderate effect on variations in the respondents' behaviour. A better assessment of health status was associated with greater importance of nutritional-health motivators of honey consumption, while poorer health status determined a greater importance of such determinants as the place where honey is sold or its label attractiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease that affected multiple countries and sustained person-to-person transmission making it a concerning and serious public health threat. This pandemic has emphasized that good nutrition and a healthy life is the key to strengthening immunity. Aim of the study: To assess knowledge of nutrition toward the COVID-19 among the Palestinian population. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was launched at West Bank and Gaza Strip. A total number of 554 participants have shared the completion of this survey and the response rate was 90.2%. Results: The mean level of knowledge among participants was 65.38% and the study indicated that 55.8% behaving healthy nutritional habits. The analysis revealed that the mean score of knowledge increased by 1.61 comparing the oldest age groups (>30 years) against the youngest group. As the same as, the knowledge mean score increased by 2.46 among the obese individuals according to BMI classification (>30). Whereas, the knowledge mean score was increased significantly among those who work in medical sectors compared to others unemployed individuals. As well, the knowledge score increased by 2.04 among individuals with comorbidity than healthy ones. Conclusion: Nutritional knowledge score during COVID-19 was 67.03% and the knowledge about the body immunity system and the protective measures against COVID-19, scored a weighted mean of 76.21%. The level of knowledge among all participants did not reflect a satisfactory level of knowledge among the public regard COVID-19 while the level of behaving healthy nutritional habits illustrated that nearly 45% of the participants were practicing unhealthy nutritional behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Objective: Obesity rates are reaching alarming levels. Adolescence is a critical period for the prevention of nutritional problems, as it is a time of development of one's own eating habits. These habits will persist into adulthood, so showing adolescents healthy lifestyle patterns is important. The ideal option would be through school-based nutrition intervention programmes. The main objective of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of intervention programmes based on nutritional knowledge and the behaviour of adolescents aged 11-19 years. Method: To carry out this systematic review we employed Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science as databases and a search period that spanned the last 10 years, following the PRISMA statement. Subsequent to the search, 110 articles were found. Finally, 19 articles were selected for in-depth analysis after a thorough screening. Results: The results show that, in general, intervention programmes have improved the nutritional knowledge of high school students, which means an improvement in their eating behaviours. In addition, these programmes increase their levels of physical activity. However, gender differences are observed, with girls being more concerned about maintaining a balanced diet. Conclusion: In conclusion, schools are an ideal environment for developing programmes that interfere in adolescent eating behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GeSNK) is an instrument that has been developed and validated to assess the level of nutrition knowledge in adolescents and young adults. The aim of the present study was to validate the GeSNK questionnaire in a group of Spanish adolescents in the framework of a Nutrition Education Programme in Secondary Schools in Andalusia, Spain. This cross-sectional questionnaire validation study was developed in two phases: translation-cultural adaptation and validation. A total of 305 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, studying from the first to the third year of compulsory secondary education, participated on a voluntary basis. The GeSNK questionnaire consists of 62 items: 29 items for the General Nutrition section and 33 items for the Sports Nutrition section. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the complete questionnaire (GeSNK Total) was: 0.934; for the GeSNK General Nutrition section it was 0.918; and for the GeSNK Sports Nutrition section it was 0.856. The stability measured by the correlation coefficient for the General Nutrition section was 0.406 (p = 0.000); for the Sports Nutrition section it was 0.198 (p = 0.017); and for GeSNK Total the stability was 0.545 (p = 0.000). The questionnaire also demonstrated adequate construct validity. We therefore conclude that the Spanish version of the GeSNK questionnaire is a valid instrument to measure the level of knowledge in general nutrition and sports nutrition in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A healthy diet can ensure a robust immune system that can resist any onslaught by viruses and bacteria. Aim: To assess the nutritional knowledge and consumption patterns of immunity boosting foods of adults before & after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown periods and the effect of the lockdown on daily food intake among respondents in selected towns in Osun state. Methods: Cross sectional data was collected from six largest local governments areas purposively selected from the three senatorial districts of Osun State (n = 1000) using a well-structured, self-administered questionnaire and the data collected was analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's correlation test The study assessed the food intakes of adults using a qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Results: The results indicated that the majority (89.8%) of the respondents had high knowledge of the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily food intake was affected by COVID-19 lockdown, consumption of healthy food among the respondents was high during lockdown as 77% strongly agreed that vitamins and minerals supplement can be considered healthy and immunity boosting, while there was a reduction in the consumption of healthy foods after the lockdown periods. The test of hypothesis showed that the occurrence of pandemic and nutritional knowledge had a significant relationship with the consumption of healthy foods. Conclusion: This study extends and confirms previous research on high nutritional knowledge of immunity-boosting foods in relation to COVID-19 among the respondents and a general reduction in the consumption of healthy foods after the COVID −19 lockdown periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to validate previous structural models of factors influencing dietary behavior changes and construct the knowledge, attitude, and behavioral models of youth school football players. Methods: 279 school football players aged 12–17 years in Grades 7–12 in Hunan Province, China, completed a questionnaire to collect data on sports nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. A structural equation model (SEM) was built based on the knowledge-attitude-behavior (KAB) model and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model to introduce nutritional knowledge directly or by altering attitudes into the dietary behavior path of players. Four factors affecting dietary behaviors were involved in the hypothetical structure, which consists of the following hypotheses: (1) nutrition knowledge affects the attitude towards sports nutrition (H1); (2) nutrition knowledge affects dietary behaviors (H2); (3) nutrition knowledge affects subjective norms (H3); (4) nutrition knowledge affects perceived behavioral control (H4); (5) subjective norms affect dietary behaviors (H5); and 6) perceived behavioral control affects dietary behaviors (H6). Results: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed that the reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity of the built SEM conformed to the measured relationships in each dimension. In the final structural model, it was found that nutrition knowledge had a direct impact on the attitudes of players and affected their dietary behaviors in a direct manner or through their subjective norms and perceived behavioral control. Conclusions: The results are in agreement with the TPB-based KAB chain and support the KAB theory for youth school football players in Hunan Province, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current educational techniques may have a few effects on dietary habits and food preferences in adolescents, so by designing an educational attractive program, nutritional knowledge can be significantly enhanced. This study aims to investigate the effect of a structured educational intervention based on poetry, game, and problem solving skills on promoting nutritional knowledge, and behavior in primary school students. Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 120 primary school students aged 10-12 years in Sabzevar, Iran, in 2019. The participants were selected through multi-stage random sampling and divided into experimental (EG, n=60) and control (CG, n=60) groups. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of three sections (demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge section, and nutritional behavior section). The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were checked and confirmed. The educational program, including educational poems, a "road to health" game, and problem-solving skills, was designed. The EG received a self-directed educational program. Both groups completed the questionnaires before and one month after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, the mean scores of nutritional knowledge and nutritional behaviors significantly improved in the EG compared to the CG (P < 0.05). Moreover, after the intervention, the mean score of nutritional behavior in the EG significantly improved compared to before the intervention (P < 0.05). The highest percentage in mean scores in the food pyramid groups was related to the consumption of vegetables (27%), consumption of milk and dairy products (26%), non-consumption of low-value snacks (13%), and non-consumption of sugar and candy (11%), respectively. Conclusion: The educational program based on poetry, game, and problem-solving skills can be practical, attractive, and cost-effective for promoting nutritional knowledge and behavior in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent chronic metabolic disorder characterized by impaired glucose regulation. Managing T2DM requires healthy dietary habits to achieve glycemic control and reduce the risk of complications. However, T2DM patients often struggle to adhere to these patterns due to cultural practices, socioeconomic factors, and insufficient nutritional education. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest prevalence of diabetes in the Middle East and ranks seventh in the world. Aim The current study aimed to evaluate dietary habits and assess the associated factors with them, such as sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Methods This cross-sectional, observational, survey-based study was conducted between January and July 2023. Adult patients with T2DM attending primary healthcare centers in Jeddah Second Health Cluster, Saudi Arabia, were included in the study. Pediatric patients who are not Saudi and have type I diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. The data were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire, the UK Diabetes and Diet Questionnaire (UKDDQ). Statistical analysis was performed using the computer program IBM SPSS (version 26.0, IBM Corp., Armonk, USA). The total score of questions from question 1 to question 24 (except questions 18, 20, 22, and 23) was calculated for everyone regarding the validated questionnaire. Comparisons between the demographic factors and UKDDQ scores (not normally distributed) were conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. A Spearman's test was done to explore the correlation between the numerical factors and the scores of the questions. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study included 428 Saudi patients with T2DM with a mean (standard deviation (SD)) age of 47.8 ± 11.7 years old. More than two-thirds were overweight 165 (38.6%) and obese 124 (29.0%). Two-thirds of the patients were married 278 (65%), and most were employed 322 (75.2%). The mean (SD) of the total UKDDQ score was 2.7 ± 0.4 out of 5. The results showed that males demonstrated better dietary habits than females, as reflected in their higher UKDDQ scores (P = 0.029). Additionally, patients with a university education or higher, as well as unemployed individuals, reported significantly better scores (P = 0.022 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, participants without a family history of diabetes had higher UKDDQ scores compared to those with such a history (P = 0.009). There was also a very weak positive correlation between age and UKDDQ scores (r = 0.135, P = 0.005). Conversely, a very weak negative correlation was found between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the number of years living with diabetes (r = -0.096), as well as between BMI and UKDDQ scores (r = -0.156), both with significant p-values (P = 0.049 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions The findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing T2DM patients' dietary habits. Notably, males and participants with lower BMI, higher education, unemployment, and those without a family history or complications exhibited more favorable dietary scores. Essential approaches include tailored interventions, health literacy initiatives, community programs, family involvement, long-term follow-up, multidisciplinary care, and addressing socioeconomic barriers are crucial to improve glycemic control and preventing diabetes-related complications., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Jeddah Health Local Ethics Committee at the Ministry of Health issued approval A01549. Ethical approval was obtained from the Jeddah Health Local Ethics Committee at the Ministry of Health before the beginning of the study (approval number: A01549). A statement was included at the beginning of the questionnaire to indicate that this is a research study and to clarify the study objectives and targeted participants. The statement also indicated that participation in the study was completely voluntary and that the data was collected anonymously. All information provided by the study participants was kept confidential and was not shared with anyone outside the research team. No personal identifiers or names were collected. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, AlEsawi et al.)

Background: Adolescence which is a critical stage for growth and development is influenced by various issues along with maternal nutritional knowledge, control over their earnings, freedom of movement, and participation in household decision-making over child's health care. Objective: This study focused on assessing mothers' nutritional knowledge and hygiene practices and their effect on dietary diversity as well as the nutritional status of school-going adolescents of Dhaka city. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at 44 schools in Dhaka city. A total of 710 school-going adolescents aged 10–17 years were randomly selected and their mothers were interviewed for assessing their knowledge on nutrition and hygiene practices. One-way ANOVA and multivariate linear regression were used to examine the association between dietary diversity and the nutritional status of the adolescents with their mother's nutritional knowledge and hygiene practices. Results: About one-third (35.8%) of the mothers maintained hygiene and sanitation satisfactorily. Although 53.1% of them had satisfactory general knowledge about a healthy diet, only 6.5% showed good knowledge of the nutritional value of food. The prevalence of stunting, thin, and overweight was 8, 4.6, and 5.8%, respectively. Fair hygiene practices were positively associated (P = 0.048) with height for age z-score. Maternal knowledge on the nutritional value of food was positively associated (P = 0.027) with the dietary diversity of the adolescents. Conclusion: Adequate nutritional knowledge and hygiene practices of the mothers have positive effects on children's dietary diversity and nutritional status. Providing nutrition education to mothers would ensure better nutritional status and improved dietary practices for their children.