Awareness Of Healthy Eating Research Articles

Does Early-life Famine Exposure Lead to Healthy Later-life Dietary Behavior: Evidence from the Great Chinese Famine

This paper investigates the long-run effect of early-life exposure to famine on survivors’ dietary behavior. By exploiting exogenous variations in local severity of the Great Chinese Famine and variations of different cohorts, we conduct a difference-in-differences analysis. Based on detailed three-day food intake records from the China Health and Nutrition Survey, we find that famine exposure led the famine cohort who was conceived or born during the famine to adopt healthier dietary behaviors, as evidenced by a higher healthy eating score and a healthier dietary composition. Additionally, the pre-famine cohort exposed to the famine at ages 9-12 in late childhood exhibited a healthier food composition, characterized by a higher share of aquatic products. However, no statistically significant effects were observed for the pre-famine cohorts that experienced the famine in early and middle childhood. The results remain robust across various sensitivity checks. We propose that early-life famine exposure influences dietary behavior through mechanisms such as awareness of healthy eating, diet knowledge and risk aversion.

Research progress of Chinese and Western diet therapy for children and adolescent obesity and overweight

Childhood and adolescent overweight and obesity rates have been increasing year by year, becoming extremely common and posing serious health risks, making it a global epidemic. Childhood obesity should not be ignored, and in-depth prevention and treatment should be implemented to reduce the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood and promote long-term health and physical development in children. Dietary therapy is beneficial for children to maintain a healthy weight, achieve nutritional balance, and prevent obesity. Additionally, specific nutritional requirements such as the ketogenic diet can be used in combination with dietary therapy to target the treatment of obese children. The traffic light diet plan can enhance children’s awareness of healthy eating and promote adherence to a balanced diet. However, childhood obesity is influenced by various factors. This article will analyze the causes of childhood obesity and incorporate the dietary concepts of ancient Chinese scholars. It will compare the different dietary treatment methods for childhood obesity in traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, such as the Warm Gallbladder Decoction, and explore other complementary interventions such as medication. By comparing the similarities and differences between traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, we can avoid their respective shortcomings and develop their advantages, combining them to provide feasible short-term and long-term treatment methods for obese children and adolescents. Furthermore, it can provide future research prospects for the development of dietary treatments specifically tailored to pediatric obesity patients.

Investigation of Organic Chicken Breeding and Meat Quality

In recent years, with the increase in income in our country, it is seen that most of the consumers have awareness of healthy eating and their interesting in organic food. The emergence of various diseases such as cancer and obesity plays a major role in this preferred. In addition, with the prolongation of life expectancy, the desire to increase the quality of life is of great importance. Due to the harm caused by the foods obtained by conventional methods to human health and the environment, consumers demand for healthy and quality food has led to the emergence of a market segment consisting of organic products. The availability of many conventional foods in the market with unsafe additives, preservatives, sweeteners and colorants can be seen as another factor in the increasing importance given to natural, safe and healthy foods. In this review study, it is aimed to correct some existing misperceptions by giving detailed information about organic chicken breeding and meat quality.

Barriers and facilitators to healthy active living in South Asian families in Canada: a thematic analysis

ObjectivesThe study objective was to understand the barriers and facilitators to healthy active living in South Asian families living in Canada.DesignSemi-structured interviews of 30–60-minute duration with South Asian women with...

On the issue of raising students’ awareness of healthy nutrition using modern information technologies (analytical review)

The ways of using modern digital resources as a tool for motivating and controlling proper nutrition in the choice of food products by schoolchildren are presented. The review provides literature sources for monitoring schoolchildren’s dietary preferences. Analyzed information platforms to raise students’ awareness of healthy eating. Digital technologies provide up-to-date information on healthy eating, healthy lifestyles and can help children and adolescents develop healthy eating habits and cultures. When using digital technologies, it is necessary to carry out educational work with children, with parents, and teachers. The results of the effectiveness of educational programs depend on a properly organized set of preventive measures using modern means of education and communication.

Healthy eating and exercise relationship in female footballers

Background and Study Aim. As a result of the recognition of women's football in the world and the growing popularity of female footballers, the healthy eating of female footballers and their status towards exercise have also become a major research topic. The aim of this study is to investigate the attitudes of female soccer players towards healthy eating and their sports addiction. This study aimed to assess female footballers' attitudes toward healthy eating and exercise addiction based on age, league, position, active sports year, training status and number of exercises per week, and examine female football players' attitudes toward healthy eating and exercise addiction.
 Material and Methods. The sample group of the study consists of 167 female soccer players who are active in the Turkish women's soccer leagues 2021-2022. The data collection instruments "Personal Information Form", "Healthy Eating Attitude Scale" and "Exercise Addiction Scale" were used for the study. Independent samples t-test was used for binary comparisons for scale scores and single factorial ANOVA and Tukey HSD test for multiple comparisons.
 Results. When the study examined mean healthy eating attitude scores, there were no differences in educational status, age, and active sports year, while league, position, and weekly exercise were not found. Variables for exercise dependence were not identified.
 Conclusions. Therefore, based on the data obtained, the sample group concluded that there was a small, nonsignificant relationship between attitudes and exercise dependence on healthy eating. It can be said that female footballers may have improved their performance and development as a result of increasing their awareness of healthy eating and adoption of female footballers that exercise addiction interacts with healthy eating.

Awareness of Healthy Eating and Implementation of Immune Boosting Superfoods in the Diet during COVID 19

Background: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. Healthy patterns of eating optimize the function of the immune system and improve immunometabolism. Nutrition has a positive impact on COVID-19 as it may be a way to support people at higher risk for the disease, that is, older people and people with pre-existing conditions (non-communicable diseases). Objective: The objective of the study was to study the awareness and implementation of immune boosting super foods during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hyderabad for 2 months and 174 participants were selected to volunteer study. All the participants were asked to fill the questionnaire designed to collect the data about dietary information, food frequency table, and anthropometric measurements. Conclusion: The questionnaire comprised “Immune boosting tips to prevent coronavirus infection” at the end to educate the participants on the same.

Factors influencing the nutritional behavior of Syrian migrants in Germany \u2014 results of a qualitative study

BackgroundSyrian migrants represent the third-largest group of foreigners in Germany and are therefore potential users of health promotion initiatives, including nutrition programs. It is little known how (healthy) nutrition is understood and implemented by this group and which factors influence their experiences related to food and eating in the host country. Thus, this study aimed to explore the importance of (healthy) nutrition, facilitators, and barriers of a preferred diet; nutritional changes in relation to the country of origin; and how nutrition may change with increasing length of stay.MethodsThirty semi-structured qualitative interviews with Syrian migrants (male = 16, female = 14, 18–35 years, length of stay 10–68 months) were conducted in 2018. Seventeen migrants could be followed-up after 12 months and were interviewed in 2019 again and were asked for changes in their nutritional behavior. Interviews were conducted in German, English, or Arabic, transcribed and translated into English if necessary. For analysis, an abbreviated version of the Grounded Theory was used.ResultsWe identified six overarching themes that described influencing factors on a favored diet in Germany over the course of stay: (1) managing everyday life; (2) intercultural contact with local residents; (3) social context of cooking and eating; (4) ambiguity toward Arabic food; (5) mistrust toward certain types of food; and (6) influence of postmigration stressors. In general, the importance of nutrition is high among Syrian migrants. However, daily stressors, the lack of practical knowledge of how to cook favored dishes, and food insecurity in the new food environment make it difficult to obtain a preferred diet. With increasing stay, many developed a higher awareness of healthy eating, mainly due to a new independence or influences from the social environment in Germany.ConclusionResults highlight the need for health promotion interventions to be more responsive to the specific needs of Syrian migrants, including nutrition. Syrian migrants differ in their capabilities, needs, and aims, and they should be addressed differently by health professionals, social services or migrant specific services. Future research should continue to focus on the living conditions of Syrian migrants and its influence on nutrition.

On the effectiveness of using virtual reality games in social marketing

Abstract Social marketing aims to influence behaviors that would be beneficial to individuals and communities. To achieve this goal, it is based on various interventions. Such interventions need to include all four P’s of marketing mix: product, price, place, and promotion. Among all these elements, promotion is assumed to be the most important and associated with common understanding of social campaign. Although, interventions which only use the promotion are not considered to be social marketing, social advertising is very essential for the success of the campaign as it plays a key role in terms of its perception and draws attention of a wide audience to the problem. Thanks to the occurrence of advertising in the media it can reach the larger number of recipients and initiate many positive changes. Recently, next to the traditional communication channels, like TV and press, relatively new media have occurred (mobile phones, social media, etc.). Apart of that, social marketing campaigns may also use advertising in games. This type of entertainment is widely popular and provides a deep recipient’s engagement, especially when the game is presented in virtual reality. Therefore, it can significantly increase the effectiveness of social advertising. The aim of the article is to present an experiment that allows to study the efficacy of virtual reality game in social advertising. The research is designed to gather data from two different sources - survey and cognitive neuroscience tools. The study proposal is based on the simple action game that aims to raise players’ awareness of healthy eating. The application of virtual reality for this purpose is very promising since it is quite novel technology and because of its features allows for much deeper immersion into game’s world that traditional computer or video games.

Health Promotion Intervention on Self-Efficacy for Fruits and Vegetables Consumption Among In-School Adolescents with Hearing Impairment in Southwestern, Nigeria (P10-026-19)

ObjectivesPersons with hearing impairment are particularly disadvantaged in most studies related to Fruits and Vegetables (FV) consumption due to the hidden nature of their disability. This study was designed to assess the effect of Health Promotion Intervention on Self-Efficacy (SE) and practices related to consumption of FV among in-school adolescents with hearing impairment (HI) in Southwest, Nigeria. MethodsThe quasi-experimental study was carried out among students with HI attending special schools in Oyo and Lagos States. 320 students (156 in Experimental group-EG and 164 in control group-CG) were taken at baseline (BL) and 290 (153-EG and 137-CG) at post-intervention (PI). Semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System(FV intake module) and Self–Rated Abilities Scale for Health Practices was used to collect data. Total score was 22 and cut-off point was 12; daily FV consumption ≥2x was considered adequate. Twelve-weeks intervention including training and on-site FV provision was implemented followed by a PI assessment. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, t-test, and logistic regression were used to analyse the data at α0.05 significance level. ResultsAge of respondents was 17.7 ± 2.8, awareness of FV consumption among EG and CG were 57.1% and 82.9% respectively. Consumption of FV among EG increased from 76.3% at BL to 100% at PI; reported FV consumption was adequate in 14.5% (EG) and 21.1% (CG) respondents at BL and 20.9% (EG) and 10.6% (CG) at PI. More of the EG (87.6%) would like FV served in their schools compared with 73.7% at BL. Age(P = 0.000), Ethnicity (P = 0.000), healthy eating awareness (P = 0.000), FV availability(P = 0.004) and SE(P = 0.001) were significantly associated with FV consumption among EG at PI. Self-efficacy significantly increased at PI(x̅ = 14.55) compared to BL(x̅ = 11.65) among EG and decreased at PI (x̅ = 12.59) compared to BL(x̅=13.52) among CG. Predictors of FV consumption among the EG included ethnicity (OR = 0.054; CI = 0.010–0.098), awareness of concept of FV consumption (OR = 0.079; CI = 0.022–0.135) and having pocket money (OR = 0.119; CI = 0.003–0.151). ConclusionsThe intervention increased self-efficacy for fruits and vegetable consumption among the target population. Factors contributing to fruits and vegetable consumption included age, ethnicity, awareness of healthy eating, availability and access to fruits and vegetables. Health promotion programming for persons living with disabilities is advocated. Funding SourcesNone - personally funded. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪

Process Evaluation of Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities: A Rural Community-Based Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program

ObjectiveTo evaluate the implementation of a community-based cardiovascular disease prevention program for rural women: Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC). DesignMixed-methods process evaluation. Setting/ParticipantsA total of 101 women from 8 rural towns were enrolled in the SHHC program; 93 were enrolled as controls. Eligible participants were aged ≥40 years, sedentary, and overweight or obese. Local health educators (n = 15) served as program leaders within each town. Outcome MeasuresReach, fidelity, dose delivered, dose received, and program satisfaction were assessed using after-class surveys, participant satisfaction surveys, interviews with program leaders, and participant focus groups. AnalysisDescriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and thematic analysis were employed. ResultsIntervention sites reported high levels of fidelity (82%) and dose delivered (84%). Overall reach was 2.6% and program classes were rated as effective (3.9/5). Participants were satisfied with their experience and reported benefits such as camaraderie and awareness of healthy eating and exercise strategies. Common recommendations included increasing class time and enhancing group discussion. Conclusions and ImplicationsImplementation was good in terms of fidelity, dose delivered, and satisfaction, although low reach. Findings from this research have informed a second round of implementation and evaluation of the SHHC program in rural communities.

A New mHealth App for Monitoring and Awareness of Healthy Eating: Development and User Evaluation by Spanish Users.

Modern-day society has moved towards a more sedentary lifestyle. Advances in technology and changes in habits in our daily lives have led a large part of the population towards a spiralling sedentary lifestyle and obesity. The main objective of this work is to develop and subsequently assess a mobile app, named DietApp, that provides advice about obtaining a healthy diet according to age, clinical history and physical condition. DietApp has been developed for iOS and Android systems, and a survey comprising 7 simple questions enabled the app to be evaluated on a user level by taking into account aspects such as its usefulness and ease of use. DietApp was assessed by 150 Spanish individuals between 18 and 69 years of age, and 84% of them thought it was easy to use. 80% of users also considered the dietary suggestions provided by the app to be very useful while 62% were of the opinion that it is very useful in general. All of them would recommend the app to other users. During the six months when the app was used, any dietary excess or shortcomings were corrected in 72% of those interviewed. A mobile app has been created that is easy to use and attractive, providing personalised suggestions according to illness that are useful for the individual.

Social support influences on eating awareness in children and adolescents: the mediating effect of self-regulatory strategies

ABSTRACTThe impact of the social environment on healthy eating awareness results from complex interactions among physical, economic, cultural, interpersonal and individual characteristics. This study investigated the impact of social support and social influence on healthy eating awareness, controlling for socio-economic status, gender and age. Additionally, the mediating effect of self-regulation strategies was examined. A total of 2764 children and adolescents aged 10–17 from four European countries completed self-report measures on healthy eating awareness, social influence and the use of self-regulation strategies. Healthy eating awareness and the use of self-regulation strategies were more likely to occur among younger participants. An interaction between gender and age was related to the use of some self-regulation strategies; compared to girls, boys decreased the use of self-regulation strategies more from pre-adolescence to adolescence. Peer social influence was associated with more unhealthy eating in older participants. Results suggest a need to promote self-regulatory competences among young people in order to assist them with regulating their eating behaviours, especially in the presence of peers. Both school-based interventions and family-based interventions, focusing on self-regulation cognitions and social (peer) influence, could help children and adolescents to use self-regulatory strategies which are essential to eat healthier.

ASSESSING NUTRITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND SUPPLEMENTATION PRACTICES IN ELITE BADMINTON PLAYERS

Badminton is an “intermittent” racquet sport, requiring technical skill and sport-specific-fitness. This study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge of badminton players to shape the delivery of future support, and...

Improving Food Skills in Canada: From Knowledge to Action

Over the past 25 years, Canada has experienced an increase in overweight and obesity rates among children, youth and adults. Childhood overweight and obesity is influenced by several important factors, including shifting social and physical environments, as well as awareness, skills and knowledge of healthy eating. Many children are not acquiring food preparation skills from their parents, traditionally the primary mode of learning, and they gain little nutrition education at school. Without the opportunity to observe and practice basic cooking and food preparation skills within the home and school environment, children and adolescents may not be equipped with the necessary skills to make informed choices within an increasingly complex food environment. Improving awareness, knowledge and skills of healthy eating as a component of a broader comprehensive strategy can help to address overweight and obesity. Creating a collaborative approach to address food skills and bringing forward focused nutrition issues, messages, tips and new skills, can help improve awareness, understanding and ultimately eating habits. This dynamic symposium on improving food skills in Canada follows the Socio-Ecological Model and involves an interdisciplinary approach where stakeholders at all levels are actively engaged. A panel of presenters from government and non-government organizations will discuss how food skills fit within a broader strategy to address obesity and share approaches to improving food skills in Canada. Tangible examples such as Health Canada's Healthy Eating Awareness and Education Initiatives, and examples of innovative community food skills programs will be presented. Participants will leave with a set of messages and ideas they can integrate in their own work to help improve food skills in Canada.

John Michael Dawson

Badminton is an “intermittent” racquet sport, requiring technical skill and sport-specific-fitness. This study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge of badminton players to shape the delivery of future support, and...

Assessment of evaluations made to healthy eating policies in Europe: a review within the EATWELL Project

To identify and assess healthy eating policies at national level which have been evaluated in terms of their impact on awareness of healthy eating, food consumption, health outcome or cost/benefit. Review of policy documents and their evaluations when available. European Member States. One hundred and twenty-one policy documents revised, 107 retained. Of the 107 selected interventions, twenty-two had been evaluated for their impact on awareness or knowledge and twenty-seven for their impact on consumption. Furthermore sixteen interventions provided an evaluation of health impact, while three actions specifically measured any cost/benefit ratio. The indicators used in these evaluations were in most cases not comparable. Evaluation was more often found for public information campaigns, regulation of meals at schools/canteens and nutrition education programmes. The study highlights the need not only to develop harmonized and verifiable procedures but also indicators for measuring effectiveness and success and for comparing between interventions and countries. EU policies are recommended to provide a set of indicators that may be measured consistently and regularly in all countries. Furthermore, public information campaigns should be accompanied by other interventions, as evaluations may show an impact on awareness and intention, but rarely on consumption patterns and health outcome.

Factors influencing the food choices of Irish children and adolescents: a qualitative investigation

Food choices established during childhood and adolescence tend to persist into adulthood with consequences for long-term health. Yet, to date, relatively little research has examined factors that influence the food choices of children and adolescents from their perspectives. In this article, previous research is extended by examining developmental differences between children's and adolescents' perceptions of factors influencing their food choices. Focus group discussions were conducted with 29 young people from three age groups (9-10, 13-14 and 16-18 years). An inductive thematic analysis identified three key factors as influencing food choices. These factors included intra-individual factors: the link between food preferences and awareness of healthy eating; intra-familial factors: the role of the home food environment; and extra-familial factors: eating away from the home. Findings indicate that there were developmental differences between children's and adolescents' perceptions of factors influencing food choice. Among adolescents, parental control began to diminish and adolescents exercised increased autonomy over their food choices compared with children. To develop effective nutrition interventions, it is important to gather child and adolescent input regarding factors perceived as influencing their food choices.

Promoting positive body image in young girls: an evaluation of ‘Shapesville’

The aim of the current research was to evaluate Shapesville, a children's picture book designed to promote positive body image in young children. Participants were a convenience sample comprising 84 girls (aged 5-9 years) recruited from four private girls' schools. Girls were randomly allocated to be read either Shapesville or a control book. Individual measures of body image, stereotyping on the basis of weight and media internalisation, as well as knowledge of non-appearance topics, were obtained at pre- and post-intervention, as well as at 6-week follow-up. Relative to the control book, girls' appearance satisfaction increased after reading Shapesville. In addition, stereotyping on the basis of weight and internalisation of media ideals was reduced. Finally, reading Shapesville also increased girls' knowledge base of non-appearance topics, such as recognising their special talents and awareness of healthy eating, at post-intervention. These gains were somewhat reduced at follow-up, yet were largely still significantly greater than at pre-intervention. The present study demonstrates that Shapesville has the potential to be a successful prevention tool for use with young girls. Schools can incorporate Shapesville into their curriculum as early as school entry, in order to help prevent the early development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.