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ObjectiveTo use cognitive interviewing and pilot testing to develop a survey instrument feasible for administering in the food pantry setting to assess daily intake frequency from several major food groups and dietary correlates (e.g. fruit and vegetable barriers) - the FRESH Foods Survey.DesignNew and existing survey items were adapted and refined following cognitive interviews. After piloting the survey with food pantry users in the USA, preliminary psychometric and construct validity analyses were performed.SettingThree US food banks and accompanying food pantries in Atlanta, GA, San Diego, CA, and Buffalo, NY.ParticipantsFood pantry clients (n 246), mostly female (68 %), mean age 54·5 (sd 14·7) years.ResultsMeasures of dietary correlates performed well psychometrically: Cronbach's α range 0·71-0·90, slope (α) parameter range 1·26-6·36, and threshold parameters (β) indicated variability in the 'difficulty' of the items. Additionally, all scales had only one eigenvalue above 1·0 (range 2·07-4·71), indicating unidimensionality. Average (median, Q1-Q3) daily intakes (times/d) across six dietary groups were: fruits and vegetables (2·87, 1·87-4·58); junk foods (1·16, 0·58-2·16); fast foods and similar entrées (1·45, 0·58-2·03); whole-grain foods (0·87, 0·58-1·71); sugar-sweetened beverages (0·58, 0·29-1·29); milk and milk alternatives (0·71, 0·29-1·29). Significant correlations between dietary groups and dietary correlates were largely in the directions expected based on the literature, giving initial indication of convergent and discriminant validity.ConclusionsThe FRESH Foods Survey is efficient, tailored to food pantry populations, can be used to monitor dietary behaviours and may be useful to measure intervention impact.

High-level isolation units (HLIUs) have been established by countries to provide safe and optimal medical care for patients with high-consequence infectious diseases. We aimed to identify global high-level isolation capabilities and determine gaps and priorities of global HLIUs, using a multiple method approach that included a systematic review of published and gray literature and a review of Joint External Evaluations and Global Health Security Index reports from 112 countries. A follow-up electronic survey was distributed to identified HLIUs. The landscape analysis found 44 previously designated/self-described HLIUs in 19 countries. An additional 33 countries had potential HLIUs; however, there were not enough details on capabilities to determine if they fit the HLIU definition. An electronic survey was distributed to 36 HLIUs to validate landscape analysis findings and to understand challenges, best practices, and priorities for increased networking with a global HLIU cohort; 31 (86%) HLIUs responded. Responses revealed an additional 30 confirmed HLIUs that were not identified in the landscape analysis. To our knowledge, this was the first mapping and the largest ever survey of global HLIUs. Survey findings identified major gaps in visibility of HLIUs: while our landscape analysis initially identified 44 units, the survey unveiled an additional 30 HLIUs that had not been previously identified or confirmed. The lack of formalized regional or global coordinating organizations exacerbates these visibility gaps. The unique characteristics and capabilities of these facilities, coupled with the likelihood these units serve as core components of national health security plans, provides an opportunity for increased connection and networking to advance the field of high-level isolation and address identified gaps in coordination, build an evidence base for HLIU approaches, and inform HLIU definitions and key components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of international collaboration and preparedness in managing infectious diseases and health emergencies. It focuses on the Infectious Disease Emergency Specialist (IDES) training program in Japan, which was established after the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The IDES program provides comprehensive training to Japanese physicians in responding to health emergencies, including a second-year international training component. The article also highlights the National Emerging Special Pathogens Training and Education Center (NETEC) in the United States as a model for collaboration and coordination in managing infectious diseases. The collaboration between NETEC and IDES has facilitated knowledge exchange and best practices in handling special pathogens and has contributed to Japan's readiness for future health crises. The article emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and the establishment of robust healthcare networks to strengthen global health security. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives To understand the process by which early childhood education (ECE) providers effectively used an existing intervention to facilitate the creation or strengthening of a written breastfeeding policy, understand the factors important to this process, and present a logic model to guide future intervention design and evaluation. Methods A purposive sample of interviewees who recently completed an ECE nutrition and physical activity intervention and reported positive pre-post scores for breastfeeding support were recruited to complete semi-structured interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded, following a Grounded Theory approach. Results The ECE programs (n = 23) had a written breastfeeding policy and were located across six states in the United States. The most common aspects of breastfeeding support covered in the policies were handling and storing of breastmilk, pieces of equipment to be provided (e.g., breast pump), and the creation of a space or room designated for breastfeeding and pumping. Many factors important to the policy creation process were identified such as motivation, education, technical assistance, perceptions of parental indifference, staff buy-in, and time and administrative constraints. Once motivated to create a policy, ECE providers described actions, such as gathering background information and model policies, discussing policy needs with stakeholders, utilizing technical assistance, and overcoming barriers. Conclusions for Practice From these findings, a logic model was created to guide future intervention design and evaluation, and several recommendations were made to help guide subsequent interventions in promoting the development and implementation of written breastfeeding policies at ECE programs., Author(s): Eric E. Calloway [sup.1] , Katie L. Stern [sup.1] , Daniel J. Schober [sup.2] , Amy L. Yaroch [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition, 8401 West [...]

This study examined consumption of fruits and vegetables, foods with added sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) based on the frequency of food pantry use. A repeated cross-sectional study was conducted among food pantry clients (n = 563) in Omaha, Nebraska. Daily intake of individual dietary items was combined into each final dietary outcome measure and dichotomized: <1 time per day or ≥ times per day. Descriptive statistics were produced, and a logistic regression model was fit. More frequent pantry use was associated with 2.1 times greater odds of consuming foods with added sugar one or more times per day compared to non-pantry users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research exploring the attitudes and opinions of food pantry clients on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore differences in perceptions of SNAP policies and sociodemographic variables between food pantry clients that were SNAP and non-SNAP participants. A survey was conducted with food pantry clients in the Midwest assessing sociodemographics, perceived benefits/experiences with SNAP participation, attitudes toward SNAP policy (e.g., restrictions), and household food security. Chi-square analyses and post hoc adjustments were conducted. Differences between SNAP participations and non-SNAP participants were found across sociodemographics, perceived benefits, and endorsement of SNAP policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy interventions have been identified as a potential avenue to improve dietary quality among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants. However, limited research has explored these policies from the perspective of SNAP participants. This qualitative study explores SNAP participants: (1) attitudes and experiences with the SNAP and (2) opinions about and attitudes toward potential SNAP policies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with current SNAP participants. Interviews were coded and analyzed following a Grounded Theory approach. Emergent themes included perceptions of the current SNAP; children's role in food and beverage choices; autonomy in utilizing SNAP benefits; shopping with SNAP; and potential SNAP policy changes. Findings suggest implementing policies that support SNAP participants' autonomy may be effective in promoting and sustaining improved dietary quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-level isolation units (HLIUs) are facilities strategically outfitted to receive patients with suspected or confirmed high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs). Although most HCID outbreaks occur in low- and middle-income countries, global travel and migration and the deployment of healthcare workers to global outbreaks have led to the occurrence of HCIDs in high-income countries that requires the activation of an HLIU. Despite the existence of HLIUs worldwide, there has been little collaboration between units at the international level. This study reviews the results of a descriptive survey of global HLIUs conducted between December 2022 and February 2023. The purpose of the survey was to identify traits and attributes of global HLIU peers to determine commonalities and differences among the units, identify priorities for increased networking, and inform future activities among global partners. Findings from this survey demonstrate the array of similarities and differences among HLIUs across the globe, indicate potential areas of further investigation, and identify areas in which alignment could be improved and global standards could be created.