Nutrition Awareness Research Articles

Perceived barriers and enablers middle-aged and older adults experience to adopting ‘sustainable’ diets: A mixed methods systematic review

Abstract The adoption of sustainable diets among middle-aged and older adults may lead to both improved health outcomes and lower environmental impact. Understanding the barriers and enablers that influence food choices and dietary patterns in this growing demographic is pivotal to inform the promotion of dietary change. A convergent integrated mixed methods systematic review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus and PsychInfo) were searched for studies published from January 2009 to February 2024 that identified the perceptions of participants 45 years and older in high-income countries about sustainable food choices and barriers and enablers to consumption. From 6295 studies, 23 studies were included and critically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Findings were integrated in a narrative review. Key enablers included the following: understanding of environmental impacts of food; nutritional benefits of plant products; nutrition knowledge and awareness of the health and environmental concerns around some animal food sources. Key barriers included the following: cost of eating a sustainable diet; preference for taste of animal foods like meat and high accessibility; inconvenience of preparation; concerns around nutritional adequacy of plant foods versus animal foods; sociocultural influences and lack of familiarity about sustainability and diet. These findings provide insight into public perceptions of over 45 year olds and may be used by public health practitioners in education and nutrition promotion efforts to motivate people to overcome barriers, such as lack of knowledge, accessibility and food preparation skills as highlighted by this review. Other forms of research into policy and regulatory functions may be needed to further inform strategies to modify dietary patterns.

Stunting Reduction Policy: Learning From the Field

Stunting is a condition of growth failure in toddlers (babies under five years old) as a result of chronic malnutrition so that the child is too short for his age. This study was located in Banyumas Regency. The selection of the location of this study in Sumbang District, namely Datar Village, Karangturi Village, Susukan Village and Gandatapa Village because these villages are the priority for the acceleration of integrated stunting reduction in Banyumas Regency. This study aims to reveal and describe the community's interpretation of stunting and community expectations with the existence of stunting policies in villages affected by the integrated stunting reduction acceleration priority program. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive approach targeting heads of families who have toddlers (under 5 years old). The data collection method uses in-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions. The results of this study indicate that there is an understanding of stunting prevention that is not yet fully good in all elements in the village community concerned. Only cadres and village officials have a relatively good understanding, which tends to be normative and administrative, about the stunting prevention program in their respective villages. This study also produces recommendations or implications for the need for a nutrition awareness movement in all elements of the village community (inclusiveness) concerned. This movement shows that there is no dependence on the government to fulfill the nutritional needs of rural families

Initial participant perspectives about participating in an online, semi-supervised, cirrhosis-specific nutrition and exercise intervention.

In chronic diseases, there have been issues with low levels of participant adherence and retention during well-supported lifestyle behaviour change interventional studies. Theoretically informed, the objective was to explore the types of challenges participants are experiencing to inform future designs. We conducted an exploratory descriptive study in an adult cirrhosis population after the first 4-6 weeks of a 12-week semi-supervised nutrition and exercise online program. Participants in the parent feasibility study, assessing the nutrition and exercise intervention (Heal-Me), were eligible for this nested study. Heal-Me is a multimodal program that is tailorable to a participant's abilities through regular interaction with the study's registered dietician and exercise specialist. Interviews (~60 min) with participants were recorded then analysed descriptively, guided by the capability, opportunity and motivational behaviour change model. The 20 participants preferred the expert-led group online nutrition and exercise classes over independent activities such as protein tracking and the exercise videos. Social gamification (e.g., weekly polls on favourite things like movies or sports teams) contributed to the group experience. All except one person required program tailoring to address preferences, abilities and new onset health events. Findings led to the inclusion of 4 behaviour change techniques to the initial 17, whereas 2 others were expanded. While program tailoring, awareness of cirrhosis nutrition and regular interactions with staff influenced participant retention and adherence in the first 4-6 weeks of the online program.

Effect of Raising Nutritional Awareness Level on Height of Stunted School-aged Children

Effect of Raising Nutritional Awareness Level on Height of Stunted School-aged Children

Regional and socio-demographic predictors of dietary proficiency of adolescent girls in Nigeria

Background: Dietary behaviors of female adolescents are of increasing concern due to their critical role in determining long-term health outcomes. Aims: This study aimed at investigating dietary proficiency of adolescent girls aged 10 – 19. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 2261 in-school female adolescents aged 10 – 19 years. Participants were selected using a multistage stratified random sampling procedure was used to select participants from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Two states were selected from three geopolitical zones in Nigeria: North-Central (Kogi and Niger States), South-East (Abia and Imo States), and South-West (Osun and Ondo States). A validated questionnaire was employed to collect data on sociodemographic variables, Dietary Diversity (DD), Nutrition Knowledge (NK), and Dietary Behavior (DB). These variables were combined to define Dietary Proficiency. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27. Chi-square test assessed regional associations, while logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of dietary proficiency (DP). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Significant regional variations were observed in DD (χ2 = 36.069), NK (χ2 = 56.895), DB (χ2 = 176.52), and DP (χ2 = 40.551). Older girls residing in peri-urban location, from Igbo ethnic group, and moderately large household predicted a likelihood of higher DD with odd ratios exceeding 1. Larger household size (OR = 1.056, 95% CI = 0.813 – 1.373) predicted higher NK. Residing in South-East region (OR = 2.030, 95% CI = 1.640 – 2.513) and being in the mid-adolescent age group (14 – 16 years) (OR = 2.093, 95%CI = 1.589 – 2.756) doubled the likelihood of high DB. Predictors of higher DP included older age (OR = 1.160, 95% CI = 0.923 –1.457) and residence in the South-East region (OR = 1.148, 95% CI = 0.883–1.49). Conclusion: Regional and sociodemographic differences significantly influenced dietary proficiency among adolescent girls. Addressing these disparities through targeted nutrition education and awareness programs is crucial for promoting healthier dietary behaviors and improving overall dietary proficiency in this population. Keywords: Dietary Factors, School Adolescent Female, Food Choices, Food Intake, Nigeria.

Study of Relationship Between Food Habits and the Occurrence of Constipation Among Students in Ivory Coast

The work of Amoikon <i>et al.</i> (2016) showed a high prevalence of constipation and dietary deviations in a student population in Ivory coast. In order to seek a probable relationship between dietary factors and this health problem, a study was carried out at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny University of Ivory Coast. It took place from October 15, 2016 to February 17, 2017 in a population of 1228 students, with an average age of 22.5 years, dominated by males. This is a prospective cross-sectional study, with a descriptive and analytical aim, with the main objective of studying the relationship between eating habits and the appearance of constipation among students. After analysing the relationship between their eating habits and the occurrence of constipation, it was blamed, on the one hand, the high consumption of certain foods such as red meat, carbonated drinks, sugary foods, foods containing eggs or milk and on the other hand a low consumption of water, fruits and vegetables. In view of these results we can conclude that certain inadequate dietary behaviors are responsible for constipation in students’ population and could have repercussions on their success rate in our universities. To this end, it would be important to organize nutritional awareness campaigns throughout the country and to educate students with a view to improve their eating habits and their health conditions.

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Increasing Awareness and Practice of Healthy Nutrition in the Community

The Role of Information and Communication Technology in Increasing Awareness and Practice of Healthy Nutrition in the Community

Dietary Habits, Nutritional Knowledge, and Their Impact on Thyroid Health in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and various bodily functions through hormone production. Women are particularly susceptible to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease, with associated symptoms affecting overall well-being. Prior research has inadequately addressed the influence of dietary habits and nutritional knowledge on thyroid health, especially in women. This study aimed to evaluate the dietary habits and nutritional awareness of women aged 18-45 with diagnosed thyroid disorders, emphasizing the effects of education level on knowledge and dietary practices. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 297 women diagnosed with thyroid conditions. The survey assessed demographics, comorbidities, hydration habits, and knowledge about nutrient intake critical for thyroid health. Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and correlation analyses were performed to evaluate associations. Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease were most prevalent among younger women (18-25 years). A significant association was observed between higher education and knowledge of protein and carbohydrate roles in managing thyroid health (p < 0.01). Women with higher educational backgrounds more frequently used healthier cooking methods and were more informed about beneficial nutrients, including vitamin D and omega-3. A chi-square test indicated that low water intake was significantly associated with comorbid conditions, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease (p < 0.01). Significant gaps remain in dietary knowledge, particularly concerning protein intake and nutrient-drug interactions, indicating a need for targeted dietary education. Women with higher education demonstrated greater dietary awareness, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational interventions to enhance thyroid disorder management.

Nutrition, hydration and supplementation considerations for mountaineers in high-altitude conditions: a narrative review.

Staying and climbing in high mountains (>2,500 m) involves changes in diet due to poor access to fresh food, lack of appetite, food poisoning, environmental conditions and physiological changes. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the principles of nutrition, hydration and supplementation in high-altitude conditions and to propose practical recommendations/solutions based on scientific literature data. Databases such as Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar were searched to find studies published from 2000 to 2023 considering articles that were randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, narrative review articles, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The manuscript provides recommendations for energy supply, dietary macronutrients and micronutrients, hydration, as well as supplementation recommendations and practical tips for mountaineers. In view of the difficulties of being in high mountains and practicing alpine climbing, as described in the review, it is important to increase athletes' awareness of nutrition and supplementation in order to improve well-being, physical performance and increase the chance of achieving a mountain goal, and to provide the appropriate dietary care necessary to educate mountaineers and personalize recommendations to the needs of the individual.

Socio-Demographic Influences on Dietary Habits and Nutritional Awareness: A Case Study of Polish Biathlon Association National Team Members.

This study investigated the influence of sociodemographic factors on the dietary habits of athletes of the Polish Biathlon Association. Focusing on age, education, employment status, and gender, this research assesses food choices, meal preparation, and nutritional awareness within a structured sports environment. A cross-sectional survey of 54 athletes was conducted using a modified "Eating Habits of Poles" questionnaire to explore food selection, preparation methods, consumption patterns, and nutritional perspectives. This focus on biathletes emphasizes their distinct dietary needs, which arise from the demanding combination of endurance and precision in their sport, providing valuable insights for tailored dietary strategies to enhance their performance and overall health. The results indicate that age, education, and employment status significantly influence Polish biathletes' dietary habits and nutritional awareness. Older athletes (under 23 years) demonstrated significantly higher nutritional awareness regarding modern dietary trends (p = 0.015). In contrast, 50% of higher-education athletes were more engaged in meal planning and healthier food choices than those with elementary education (p = 0.031). Employment status also played a role; 70% of the athletes were students who exhibited more convenience-based food choices, whereas 30% were employed and maintained more structured eating patterns (p = 0.008). Minimal gender differences were found, with 50% of male and 50% of female athletes showing similar dietary habits, likely due to standardized nutrition programs provided to all athletes. This indicates a potential need for further research to determine whether professional dietary support can effectively address typical gender-related variations in food behavior and lead to improvements in dietary outcomes. This study highlights the importance of targeted nutrition education and professional support for optimizing the nutritional habits of professional athletes. This emphasizes that socio-demographic factors such as age, education, and employment status significantly shape these behaviors, underscoring the need for personalized nutritional strategies within athletic programs.

Effectiveness of introducing fresh fruits in Anganwadi menu among children between 3–6 years in Mysuru city

ABSTRACT Introduction: Micronutrient malnutrition remains a huge public health problem, with the main issues lying with the lack of diet diversity, either lack or less of animal products, sparse amount of fruits and vegetables. Fruits are a very good source of vitamins and minerals to help in the growth and development of the child. There are a lot of implementation hurdles at the ground level. Hence there is a need for further exploration of the role of fruits and dietary diversity on the growth and development of the children. Methodology: The study is an interventional study, conducted over 3 months. There was a systematic random sampling performed. A total of 60 participants, were taken out of which 30 were given the intervention. The assessment was conducted through anthropometry and semi-structured questionnaire. Results: When asked about their reluctance to include fruits in their diet, 58.3% did not prioritise it in their daily diet, while the rest found it expensive to buy it. There was a significant difference in the height and MUAC between the groups and that had no influence on the intervention. There was a slight increase in height over the three months in the interventional groups. Conclusion: Malnutrition is not a single-factor disease but happens because of many factors which include, education, income, environment and nutritional awareness among mothers and families. Fruits are a major component in the diet and have to be included by the family for the children to improve their basic anthropometry and also more functions.

Nutritional awareness in pregnancy and obstetric outcomes: analysis of 400 cases

Nutritional awareness in pregnancy and obstetric outcomes: analysis of 400 cases

The Importance of Optimal Nutritional Intake for The Health of Pregnant Women in Indonesia: Key Challenges and Strategic Solutions

Optimal nutrition during pregnancy plays a vital role in ensuring maternal health and healthy fetal development. Appropriate nutritional needs, including macronutrients and micronutrients, are essential to support fetal growth, prevent pregnancy complications, and reduce the risk of premature birth and low birth weight. In Indonesia, maternal nutrition is still a major challenge, with a high prevalence of anemia and chronic energy deficiency. Factors such as economic constraints, unequal access to health services, lack of education about the importance of nutrition, and socio-cultural influences on diet, exacerbate this condition. The challenge in meeting the nutritional needs of pregnant women is also related to the low awareness and knowledge of nutrition among the community, especially in remote areas. To overcome this problem, a multi-sectoral approach is needed involving government intervention, community empowerment, and increasing access to health services. Continuous education and targeted nutritional assistance programs can be effective solutions in improving the nutritional status of pregnant women in Indonesia. Thus, strong cooperation is needed between various stakeholders to ensure optimal maternal health, which will ultimately improve the quality of future generations.

Facilitators and barriers to healthful eating among adolescents in high-income countries: A mixed-methods systematic review.

Adolescent obesity continues to be a public health challenge with poor quality diets contributing to its etiology. As part of the process to plan health promotion and policy interventions, understanding adolescents perceived facilitators and barriers to healthful eating is important. An integrative convergent mixed-methods systematic review was used to synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence from studies among adolescents aged 10-19 years in high-income countries. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Scopus were searched for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2023 and exploring adolescents' perspectives on healthful eating and contemporary contextual factors. Transformed quantitative data were integrated with qualitative data. Text was coded into subthemes and themes using an inductive approach. Key facilitators included health and physical appearance; motivation; taste; nutrition knowledge, awareness, and skills; nutrition education access; availability and accessibility of healthful foods; family; and social influences and digital media. Key barriers included taste and cravings for unhealthful foods; mood; lack of motivation, awareness, knowledge, and skills; high availability and low cost of unhealthful foods; peers and social influences; ineffective school policies; high density of fast-food outlets; unhealthful food advertising; digital influences; and time constraints. Social, behavioral, digital, and food environmental factors should be considered from an adolescent perspective in the design of education, health promotion, and policy interventions.

Assessing the Likelihood of Buying Thai Local Snacks.

The snack market in Thailand is growing fast, and yet it faces challenges from the growth in health-conscious consumption. Under these circumstances, it can be quite complicated for people involved in the snack-value chain to respond adequately to more sophisticated demands for snacks. Therefore, this study investigates Thai consumers' behavior with regard to snacks and its determinants. For the data used in this study, we surveyed 1077 respondents using a questionnaire. Based on a five-point scale, the questions covered respondents' snack consumption behavior and revealed their preference for additional payment regarding three aspects of snacks: safety and standards, quality, and carcinogen-free snacks. According to an ordered logistic regression, the results show that people's awareness of food safety and nutrition, and their health consciousness, increase their willingness to pay extra for better-quality snacks. Advertisements and people's recognition of input sources could also play an essential role in influencing consumers' preferences. These findings should provide insights for policymakers and producers to catch up with the new demand trend in the Thai snack market.

IMPACT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZATION ON BREAD WHEAT: SCREENING FOR CHANGES IN QUALITY, ANTIOXIDANT AND ESSENTIAL AMINO ACID CONTENT

Wheat grain has a unique nutritional value and contains health-promoting and essential components in the daily human diet. Increasing consumer awareness of health and nutrition has led to a greater focus on sustainable and healthy wheat production in the face of climate change. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nitrogen on yield and protein characteristics as well as antioxidant capacity and essential amino acid profile of bread wheat genotypes adapted to different ecological conditions. Different nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg ha-1) were applied to 15 genotypes (3 lines, 1 hybrid and cultivars) with different growth habit to determine yield, quality, antioxidant and amino acid composition parameters. As a result of this study, total phenol content, antioxidant activity and gluten index of wheat decreased although grain yield potential increased in genotypes. In the results where the genetic factor is the primary focus, it was established that the responses to nitrogen fertilizer doses exhibited variability across different years particularly the case during the dry season. With regard to the YearxNitrogenxGenotype interaction, a notable increase was observed in total phenol content and antioxidant activity, while a decline was evident in yield, protein, and wet gluten parameters, particularly in the nitrogen dose applied during the dry season. The increase in protein content contributed significantly and positively to the essential amino acid composition. However, increasing the amount of some amino acids negatively affects others. The objective of this study is to identify and contribute insights into the impact of nitrogen factor on product quality, health and nutrition issues, grain yield potential of genotypes, plant breeding and agronomic studies.

Preventing Stunting Through Mujaer Fish Nuggets in Early Childhood Education

Background: Stunting significantly affects early childhood development, highlighting the need for effective nutritional interventions. Specific Background: The development of fish nugget products offers a novel strategy to enhance dietary diversity among young children through parental engagement. Knowledge Gap: However, there is limited understanding of how parental participation influences nutritional programs and stunting prevention in early childhood settings. Aims: This study investigates fish nugget production as a nutritional strategy and the role of parental involvement in a preschool context. Results: Through qualitative methods, including interviews and observations, the study reveals that 90.48% of parents expressed interest in preparing fish nuggets at home, leading to increased nutritional awareness and strengthened community ties. Novelty: This research presents a community-based model that utilizes local resources to address stunting while promoting parental engagement. Implications: The findings underscore the importance of collaborative efforts in nutritional education, suggesting that similar initiatives could be adopted in other communities to effectively combat stunting. Highlights : Emphasizes the role of parental involvement in improving children's nutrition. Highlights the effectiveness of community-based interventions in combating stunting. Demonstrates increased interest in healthy food preparation among parents. Keywords: Stunting, Nutritional Education, Parental Engagement, Fish Nuggets, Early Childhood

Antecedents of Consumer Purchase Intention Towards Organic Food

This study analyzes the factors that influence consumer intention to buy organic food in Indonesia. Against the backdrop of increasing health and nutrition awareness, this study examines the role of functional value, consumer innovation, eco-friendly beliefs, health benefits, and knowledge of organic food. Data was collected through a consumer survey which showed that demand for organic food grew by 21% in 2018. Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing were used as data analysis methods. The results showed that all variables studied had a significant positive effect on consumer purchase intention. The main purchase intention is the functional value and quality of organic products, as well as consumer knowledge of health benefits and trust in environmentally friendly products. This study provides practical insights for organic food industry players to develop relevant and effective marketing strategies to increase consumer interest. In addition, the findings make an academic contribution to the understanding of the factors that influence consumer purchasing behavior towards organic products. This study also identifies existing limitations and offers recommendations for further research to deepen the understanding of consumer behavior towards organic food.

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating.

Socialization of Education on the Importance of Balanced Nutrition for the Young Generation in the Millennial Farmers Group of Kabul Village

The millennial generation, a growing segment of Indonesia's youth, is expected to play a crucial role in the nation's future development. Thus, it is imperative to adequately prepare this resource, particularly by enhancing the quality of their education and health. Knowledge and understanding of health, especially nutrition, are critical for this group as it directly impacts their cognitive abilities. However, many young people still lack awareness of balanced nutrition, leading to various health. To address this, an educational outreach on the importance of balanced nutrition was conducted for the millennial farmer group in Kabul Village. The goal was to equip the youth with knowledge about balanced nutrition, influencing their eating habits and dietary patterns in the target village. The outreach employed educational methods, including material presentations by the team, interactive discussions, and summarizing the discussion outcomes. Monitoring results during the outreach indicated high participant interest, evidenced by numerous questions, particularly regarding parental roles in ensuring balanced nutrition for adolescent family members. Young participants highlighted the challenge of avoiding unhealthy snacks due to the proliferation of culinary trends and social media influences, often leading them to try foods without considering their nutritional value. The balanced nutrition education initiative aims to benefit both millennials and the older generation. Consequently, it is hoped that parents will emphasize balanced nutrition messages to their children within their families.