Diet Quality Research Articles

FTO rs9939609 polymorphism is associated with dietary quality in Korean females.

Variation in fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) is a critical risk factor in the etiology of obesity. FTO is associated with preference and sensory perception of nutrients and dietary intake. However, the effect of genetic variation on overall dietary quality has not yet been fully elucidated. This study examined whether FTO rs9939609 (T > A) was associated with dietary quality in Koreans. Data of 46,928 individuals from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study were analyzed according to FTO rs9939609 genotype, general characteristics, and diet quality based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index (KHEI), employing sex- and age-stratified approaches. The FTO genotype did not significantly influence overall diet quality; however, female carriers of the obesity risk allele A (TA + AA) showed significantly higher KHEI scores for balance of energy nutrient consumption, especially for carbohydrate ratio (2.00 ± 1.99 versus 1.90 ± 1.98, Padjusted <0.001) and fat ratio (2.87 ± 2.15 versus 2.76 ± 2.17, Padjusted <0.001) than A-allele non-carriers (TT). Furthermore, when the females were grouped based on their median age (51 years), such an association between the FTO genotype and energy nutrient ratio was only evident in the younger group. However, such an effect of the genetic variant on diet quality and energy nutrient consumption was not evident in males, and the interactive effect of FTO and sex and age was not statistically significant. The FTO rs9939609 (T > A) polymorphism is associated with dietary quality, particularly influencing the balance of energy nutrient intake in Korean females.

Are food taxes for healthy eating acceptable? A survey of public attitudes in the UK

IntroductionAppropriately designed food taxes can improve diet quality and health. Fiscal levers are used in several countries to combat the rise in obesity and diet-related diseases. This study aims to...

Disparities in Diet Quality and Food Security Across Ethnic-Immigration Status and US Nativity.

This study examines separate relationships between ethnic-immigration status, length of residence (US nativity), dietary quality, and food security status among US adults. Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2020 were used. The study sample included 6933 adults aged 18 and above. Food security status was categorized as either food secure or food insecure. Dietary quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index (HEI-2015) component scores. The ethnic-immigration status comprised US-born and immigrant groups, including Whites, Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, and multi-racial group. The US nativity was categorized as native, less than 5years, 5-14years, 15-30years, and above 30years of residency. Associations between ethnic-immigration status, US nativity, and food security were analyzed using logistic regression. Their associations with dietary quality used linear regression. The results showed that US-born Hispanics, multi-racial group, and immigrant Hispanics had about twice the odds of being at a risk of food insecurity compared to their US-born White counterparts, while US-born Blacks had about one and half odds. Food insecurity was higher among respondents with less than 5years and over 30years of residency in the USA, with odds slightly less than two. Immigrants had better overall dietary quality than US-born Whites and natives (p-values < 0.001). The study highlights the importance of nutrition interventions that consistently promote equitable access to affordable and nutritious foods while fostering the exchange of valuable dietary practices among groups and encouraging cross-cultural learning to improve overall health.

Combined associations of physical activity, diet quality and their trajectories with incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the EPIC-Norfolk Study

The combined impact of physical activity (PA), diet quality, and their change over time on cardiometabolic disease risk remains uncertain. We aimed to examine the associations between the combined trajectories of these health behaviours and the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among 9,276 middle-aged adults. In the EPIC-Norfolk study, longitudinal changes in PA energy expenditure (∆PAEE) and Mediterranean diet score (∆MDS) were derived from repeated measurements between 1993 and 2004. Over a median follow-up of 18 years, 968 participants developed DM and 2,540 developed CVD by 2022. In mutually adjusted Cox regression models, HR (95%CI) per 1-SD higher ∆PAEE and ∆MDS were 0.87 (0.81–0.94) and 0.92 (0.86–0.99) for incident DM, and 0.94 (0.89–0.99) and 0.93 (0.88–0.97) for incident CVD, respectively. Compared to participants with sustained low PAEE and MDS, those with sustained higher levels of both traits had a 40% (21-55%) lower incidence of DM and a 25% (11-37%) lower CVD incidence. At the population level, consistent favourable levels of activity and diet quality could reduce cumulative incidence of DM by 22% and CVD by 16%. The greatest benefit arises when an active lifestyle is combined with a high-quality diet, initiated earlier in adulthood, and maintained over time.

The association between the Mediterranean Diet and the Prime Diet Quality Score and polycystic ovary syndrome: a case control study

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian morphology. This study aims to investigate the association between adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Med-Diet) and the Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS) and the risk of PCOS.MethodThis case-control study included 472 women aged 18–45, with 180 PCOS cases and 292 controls. PCOS diagnosis was based on the Rotterdam criteria. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire, and adherence to the Med-Diet and PDQS was calculated. Statistical analyses included logistic regression to examine associations between diet quality and PCOS.ResultsHigher adherence to both the Med-Diet and PDQS was significantly associated with lower odds of PCOS. Participants in the highest quartile of the Med-Diet score had a 41% reduced risk of PCOS in the crude model (OR = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.48–0.67) and a 32% reduced risk in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.57–0.79), after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, body mass index (BMI), physical activity, and total energy intake. Similarly, those in the highest PDQS quartile showed a 53% reduced risk in the crude model (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.35–0.56) and a 43% reduced risk in the fully adjusted model (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.44–0.68), accounting for the same confounders.ConclusionThe findings suggest that higher adherence to the Med-Diet and PDQS is associated with a reduced risk of developing PCOS. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying biological mechanisms and to establish causality through prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials.

How to evaluate ultra-processed food intake in pediatrics? UPF score: an easy alternative

BackgroundThe rising intake of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) among the pediatric population poses challenges due to the lack of precise and easily accessible tools to quantify such intake. This complicates understanding its effects on dietary quality and hampers the design of interventions to prevent the negative impact of UPF consumption on health. Given these challenges, it is essential to establish reliable methods to assess UPF consumption and its effect on diet.ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the relationship between the UPF score and dietary characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study involved 353 participants aged 3 to 17. The methods included (1) collection of a three-day food record; (2) an evaluation of intake across five food groups; (3) categorization of intake frequency (0, 1, 2, or up to 3 times weekly); and (4) scoring by cumulative intake. Principal component analysis and regression models were utilized to assess diet associations with UPF score.ResultsHigher cumulative UPF score groups were associated with increased intake of energy, fats, and sodium (p < 0.01); decreased fiber intake (p = 0.03), vegetables, fruits, and cereals (p < 0.05); higher sugar intake (p < 0.01); and reduced intake of vitamins A and C (p < 0.05). Four principal components, representing over 65% of sample variability, identified two healthy and two less healthy dietary patterns. Linear regression indicated higher fiber intake at lower UPF scores, declining with higher UPF scores.ConclusionsThe UPF score represents a useful tool for assessing UPF intake and dietary characteristics in pediatric populations.

Impact of early multidisciplinary team interventions on dietary management behavior in breast cancer patients: a pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChemotherapy side effects can easily contribute to malnutrition and disrupt the normal diet of breast cancer patients. Offering early multidisciplinary team interventions during chemotherapy can establish a solid groundwork for dietary management and enhance the quality of life throughout the survival period. This study aims to assess the impact of early multidisciplinary team interventions on dietary management behavior, self-care self-efficacy, quality of life, and body mass index in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.MethodsA prospective, two-arm, single-blind, single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted between November 2023 and July 2024 from a tertiary-level general hospital in Shaanxi, China. A total of 88 participants who were either preparing for or undergoing early or middle stage chemotherapy were enrolled for this intervention. The intervention group received diet-related early multidisciplinary team interventions, in addition to the usual dietary education. The control group only received the usual dietary education. The intervention program included 8 themes, which were covered each week. The data on dietary management behavior, self-care self-efficacy, quality of life, and body mass index were measured at baseline (T0), immediately after the intervention (T1), 1 month after (T2), and 3 months after (T3) the intervention.ResultsSeventy-nine participants, divided into an intervention group of 40 and a control group of 39, completed all the measures. There were statistically significant intergroup effects between the two groups and time effects on dietary management behavior, self-care self-efficacy, and quality of life. Additionally, there was an interaction effect (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant intergroup effect on body mass index before and after the intervention (P > 0.05).ConclusionThe early multidisciplinary team interventions are an effective method for improving dietary management behavior and confidence among breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Nurses should be attentive to the dietary issues faced by female patients during chemotherapy and should work to train and organize a multidisciplinary team to provide this intervention. This may lay a theoretical and capable foundation for managing a healthy lifestyle for future survival period.Trial registrationThis intervention was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300076503, October 10, 2023).

Produce prescription to improve health among adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

Produce prescription to improve health among adults with type 2 diabetes in Australia: Protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

The measurement of dietary species richness reveals that a higher consumption of dietary fibre, fish, fruits and vegetables, is associated with greater food biodiversity in UK diets.

We determined whether Dietary Species Richness (DSR) i) can be robustly measured using four-day food intake data, ii) is dependent on sociodemographic characteristics, and iii) is associated with diet quality. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) nutrient databank 2018-2019 was expanded to include FoodEx2 food classifications, ingredients, the number and identity of unique species, Nutrient Rich Food 8.3 (NRF8.3) Index scores, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Four-day food intake data and sociodemographic variables were used to calculate diet quality and DSR on the food and diet level. The United Kingdom (UK). Participants from NDNS 9 to 11 (2016-2019). Composite dishes had the highest DSR (median 8 [Q1=4, Q3=12]), followed by seasoning, sauces, and condiments (median 7, [Q1=4, Q3 =10]) and, grains and grain-based products (median 5, [Q1=2, Q3=7]). Median DSR over four days was 49 [Q1=43, Q3=56; range 14 - 92], with the first two days achieving 80% of DSR measured over four days. DSR was significantly higher in those who were younger, those with a higher household income, or those with a lower level of deprivation (all p<0.001). Higher DSR was associated with a small but significant improvement in nutritional quality (p<0.001). Also, adherence to dietary guidelines such as fibre, fruits and vegetables, and fish was associated with significantly higher DSR (all p<0.001). We successfully established DSR based on four-day food intake data. We also identified opportunities to improve DSR by increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, fibre, and fish.

Association between dietary index for gut microbiota and diarrhea among US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2005–2010

ObjectivesGrowing attention has been paid to the relationship between the gut microbiota and diarrhea. A recently proposed Dietary Index for Gut Microbiota (DI-GM) reflects the overall dietary quality as it pertains to gut microbiota diversity. However, evidence regarding the association between DI-GM and diarrhea is still lacking. This study aims to investigate the association between DI-GM and the risk of diarrhea.MethodsA total of 15,590 adults (≥20 years old) from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010 were included in this analysis. Diarrhea was defined by self-reported common Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) type 6 or 7, or more than three bowel movements per day. DI-GM comprises 14 food/nutrient components known to be associated with gut microbiota. A higher score indicates a more favorable diet for the gut microbiota. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between DI-GM and diarrhea, with subgroup and sensitivity analyses performed to confirm robustness.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, gender, race, physical activity, chronic diseases, and other confounders, each 1-point increase in DI-GM was associated with a 5% reduction in diarrhea risk (adjusted OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.98, p = 0.005). Compared with those who had a DI-GM score of 0–3, individuals with a DI-GM score ≥ 6 demonstrated a significantly lower risk of diarrhea (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65–0.91, p = 0.002). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses further supported this negative association. Notably, the “beneficial component” was found to have a more pronounced effect on reducing diarrhea risk.ConclusionBased on a large representative population, our findings suggest that a higher DI-GM score is significantly associated with a lower risk of diarrhea, underscoring the importance of overall dietary patterns in maintaining gut function and homeostasis.

The association between lifestyle and the mental health of secondary school students: a case study in Cambodia

ABSTRACT Adolescents require good well-being and a healthy lifestyle to thrive. Understanding the association between demographics, dietary intake, physical activities, and mental health during adolescence encourages healthy lifestyle choices. This study aims to investigate the association between students’ lifestyles, specifically dietary intake and physical activities, on their mental health. In this cross-sectional correlation study, secondary school students across Cambodia from grades 7 to 12 (aged between 10 to 18 years) were asked to complete a questionnaire survey. The questionnaires included requests for demographic information, dietary intake by Dietary Quality Index (DQI), physical activities by International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and mental health by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Statistical analysis was performed using hierarchical multiple regression. A total of 1,528 students completed the survey, 41.23% of whom were male and 58.77% female. Gender, mother’s education level, DQI score, and IPAQ score showed a negative correlation with the Total Difficulties Questionnaire (TDQ) score (p < 0.01). The input variables were grouped into three models. Model 1 included demographical variables notifying explanatory variance of 11.5% (R2 = 0.115, F = 16.35, p < 0.001), indicating a significant association between demographics and mental health. Model 2 included the DQI score, raising the explanatory variance by up to 13.3% (R2 = 0.133, F = 4.49, p < 0.001). Model 3 included the IPAQ score, boosting the explanatory variance to 35.3% (R2 = 0.353, F = 41, p < 0.001) and reducing the residual sum of squares to 987.6, with an F-statistic of 128.29 (p < 0.001), demonstrating the substantial contribution of these variables. This study highlights the significant role of demographic factors, dietary habits, and physical activities in influencing the mental health of students. The findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive interventions that address these multiple dimensions to effectively improve students’ mental well-being.

Neighbourhood out-of-home food environment, menu healthiness, and their associations with meal purchasing and diet quality: a multiverse analysis

BackgroundGovernments worldwide have implemented various interventions to improve the healthiness of food offered by out-of-home outlets. However, there is limited evidence on whether healthier menus would influence individual dietary behaviours and quality. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated associations between different measures of the neighbourhood out-of-home food environment, incorporating menu healthiness, and out-of-home meal purchasing and diet quality.MethodsWe used a sample of 3,481 adults in Great Britain (GB) with valid home postcodes from the 2021 International Food Policy Study. We linked this sample to a national database of food outlet geographical locations to characterise individuals’ exposure to the out-of-home food environment. The exposure metrics included menu healthiness scores, availability, proximity, and relative composition of out-of-home food outlets in various neighbourhood buffers around the home (i.e., 500 - 1600 m). Outcomes considered were out-of-home meal consumption and overall diet quality. Using multiverse analyses, where multiple reasonable analytical choices can be tested, we investigated the associations between different exposure measures and these outcomes.ResultsGB adults had access to an average of 97 (95% CI 91, 104) out-of-home food outlets within 1600 m of their homes. The number of both healthier and less healthy out-of-home food outlets was positively associated with the number of meals purchased out-of-home across all neighbourhood buffers, e.g., every 10 additional less healthy out-of-home food outlets within 500 m of the home corresponded to a 6% (95% CI = 2, 11) increase in the frequency of out-of-home meal purchases in the previous week. Proximity, relative composition, and menu healthiness of neighbourhood out-of-home outlets were not associated with out-of-home meal purchase frequency after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There were no consistent associations between out-of-home food environment exposures and diet quality.ConclusionThe only aspect of the neighbourhood out-of-home food environment associated with out-of-home meal purchase frequency was the number of out-of-home food outlets. Menu healthiness of out-of-home food outlets was not associated with how often people purchased out-of-home meals or overall diet quality. Interventions focusing on mitigating the proliferation of out-of-home food outlets may be more effective in changing individual dietary behaviour than those focusing on food served.

Dietary Quality Index-International and the odds of irritable bowel syndrome: a case-control study.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common gut-brain interaction disorder. The etiology of IBS is not entirely elucidated, however, among the risk factors, dietary factors are regarded as crucial. Previous studies have primarily investigated the association of single nutrients and food groups with odds of IBS, rather than diet quality, which considers the interaction of food groups in odds of disease. Thus, the current study sought to investigate the association of dietary quality index-international (DQI-I) and odds of IBS in Iranian adults. In this case-control study, dietary intakes of 100 IBS cases and 310 healthy controls were examined using a validated Dish-based Semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (DS-FFQ). DQI-I score was then calculated based and categorized into tertiles. The Persian version of the Rome IV questionnaire was utilized to assess IBS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association of DQI-I score and the odds of IBS. After controlling for potential confounders, no significant association was shown between DQI-I scores and IBS odds among whole and gender-stratified groups. Although DQI-I represents a healthy diet, the results of the current case-control study demonstrated that, a higher DQI-I score was not associated with reduced odds of IBS in fully adjusted regression models. Considering inherent limitations as well as the scarce evidence regarding the association between DQI-I and odds of IBS, further large-scale, prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

Longitudinal associations between mothers' and fathers' food skills and their children's cooking skills.

Since parents serve as role models for their children, their level of food skills may influence their children's cooking skills. Learning how to cook at an early age may lead to better cooking skills and diet quality later in life. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal association between parents' food skills and children's cooking skills using data from the Guelph Family Health Study, a trial of a home-based obesity prevention intervention. Data from 135 families, including 158 children (mean age of 8.9 years; 75.9% White) and their parents (121 mothers and 66 fathers), were included. Parents self-reported their food skills and children self-reported their cooking skills. Linear regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to examine the longitudinal association between parent food skills (as a total food skills score and separately as mechanical and conceptualizing skills) and child cooking skills, adjusted for child age and sex, parent age, household income, and intervention status. Mean overall food skills score (out of a maximum of 4) was 3.65 ± 0.38 for mothers and 3.42 ± 0.52 for fathers; mean cooking skills score for children was 3.36 ± 0.59. Neither mothers' nor fathers' food skills were significantly associated with child cooking skills. The findings indicate that despite parents having high overall food skills scores, these food skills do not appear to translate into higher cooking skills scores among their children. Parents may need to directly involve their children in cooking activities to impact their cooking skills.

Socioeconomic Disparity and Dietary Pattern of School Children in Pabna

Introduction: A limited number of dietary assessments based on socioeconomic conditions specifically designed for children are available Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in dietary patterns of youth by socioeconomic status. Methodology: This descriptive study involved 100 students from primary and high schools in Pabna, Bangladesh, conducted from January to June 2021. Only students with tiffin facilities were included. Data was collected through a questionnaire, with the average completion time being around 15 minutes. Results: In a study of 100 participants, 49% were male and 51% were female, with 31% from primary school and 69% from high school. The participants were categorised by socioeconomic status: 59% low, 36% middle, and 5% high. Most students (58%) did not pay for their meals. Among high socioeconomic students, cereals (mean serving size 6.92) and meat met standard serving sizes, while fruits fell short (mean serving size 1.53). For middle-class students, cereals also had the highest mean serving size at 5.08, while fruits again had a low mean at 0.54. Overall, fruits, vegetables, and milk were below standard serving sizes for all students, and fats exceeded the recommended amount for both groups. Conclusions: The findings of this study show dietary patterns depend on socioeconomic conditions among school-going students. As socio-economic status tends to get better, diet quality improves and promotes a healthy lifestyle as compared to those living in improvised conditions.

Associations of healthy eating index 2020 and its components with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes patients and the mediating roles of metabolic indicators: NHANES 2007–2018

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a major public health issue, especially among individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), where its prevalence can reach up to 70%. This research examines the relationship between the Healthy Eating Index 2020 (HEI-2020) and its individual components with the occurrence of NAFLD in T2DM patients, while also investigating the potential mediating effects of various metabolic indicators.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2007 to 2018 were utilized. This cross-section study included 1,770 T2DM patients, who were divided into NAFLD and non-NAFLD groups using the Fatty Liver Index as a diagnostic tool. The HEI-2020, which assesses diet quality, was computed based on 24-h dietary recall data. Key metabolic indicators such as the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, metabolic score (MS), mean arterial pressure, uric acid levels, and total cholesterol were evaluated.ResultsThe findings indicated that higher HEI-2020 scores were associated with a lower likelihood of NAFLD (odds ratio 0.978, 95% confidence interval: 0.959–0.998), with the strongest inverse associations observed in the top quartiles of diet quality. Whole fruits, greens and beans, and saturated fat were crucial dietary factors. Mediation analysis demonstrated that the TyG index and MS accounted for 5.11 and 36.94% of the relationship between HEI-2020 and NAFLD, respectively.ConclusionGreater adherence to the HEI-2020 is associated with a lower likelihood of NAFLD in T2DM patients, with metabolic indicators partially mediating this association. Enhancing diet quality, particularly by increasing the consumption of whole fruits and greens while reducing saturated fat intake, may be important in managing metabolic health and liver function in this vulnerable population.

Adherence to the EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet in Portugal and its associations with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors

PurposeThe Planetary Health Diet (PHDiet) proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission is expected to bear health and environmental benefits. This study assesses adherence to the PHDiet in Portuguese adults and its associations with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. For that, an adapted PHDiet score was computed, and its construct validated.MethodsData from the National Food and Physical Activity Survey 2015–2016 were used for this analysis, covering a representative sample of 3852 adults with two non-consecutive dietary interviews (8–15 days apart). Adherence to the PHDiet was measured through a score (ranging from 0 to 140), afterwards divided into terciles (T1–T3). Multinomial regression models were used (i) to assess the construct validity through associations with diet quality based on WHO recommendations and diet environmental impact using greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) and land use (LU); (ii) to investigate associations between adherence to the PHDiet and socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics. The prevalence of consumption of PHDiet components above/below the recommendations was estimated.ResultsAdherence to the PHDiet was generally low (36.0, 95% CI 35.4–36.6), with high consumption of meat and added sugars and low consumption of pulses, nuts, and whole grains. Higher PHDiet scores were found for diets with lower environmental impact (GHGE: ORT1vsT3:1.31; 95% CI 1.26; 1.37; LU: ORT1vsT3:1.25; 95% CI 1.21; 1.29), lower animal protein intake levels (ORT1vsT3:1.11; 95% CI 1.06; 1.16) and higher diet quality (ORT1vsT3:0.70; 95% CI 0.68; 0.72), verifying the construct validity. Men (ORT1vsT3:1.32; 95% CI 1.12; 1.55), intermediate-educated individuals (ORT1vsT3:1.43; 95% CI 1.16; 1.75), and those facing food insecurity (ORT1vsT3:1.79; 95% CI 1.36; 2.38) had higher odds of having lower scores.ConclusionLow adherence to the PHDiet is associated with several socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. This highlights the need to implement targeted public health policies that encourage shifts towards a healthier and more sustainable dietary pattern.

Temporary Migration Decisions and Effects on Household Income and Diets in Rural Bangladesh

ABSTRACTTemporary migration is a widely observed phenomenon among poor rural households, yet often overlooked by policy‐makers and not captured well in standard household surveys. Although temporary migration is often related to agricultural seasonality, household preferences for temporary over longer‐term migration, and the differential effects of these two types of migration on livelihoods, are not yet well understood. Here, we use survey data collected in northern Bangladesh to analyze determinants of households’ choice between temporary and longer‐term migration, and effects on various livelihood indicators. Issues of selection bias and endogeneity are addressed with instrumental variables. We show that temporary migration is more common than longer‐term migration in poor agrarian societies, partly determined by socioeconomic and family demographic constraints. Although longer‐term migration has larger positive effects on household income, temporary migration has larger positive effects on food consumption and dietary quality during lean periods. Our results suggest that temporary migration is an important strategy for poor rural households to cope with risks and therefore deserves more explicit attention in research and policy.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Produce Prescription Program for Adults With Food Insecurity and Obesity.

Produce prescription programs may improve dietary quality and health but have not been well tested among adults with food insecurity and obesity. Our aim in this pilot randomized controlled trial was to examine the feasibility and preliminary effects of ProduceRx, a produce program combined with behavioral weight loss counseling, compared with wait-list control (WLC). Adults with obesity and food insecurity (N = 32) were randomly assigned to ProduceRx or WLC. ProduceRx had weekly counseling sessions and received $20 of produce vouchers weekly, whereas WLC had a 12-week wait period before enrolling in the program. All participants completed assessments at baseline and 12 weeks. The retention rate was 90.6%. Groups did not differ significantly in changes in dietary quality, food security, mood, and stress. ProduceRx lost 2.4% ± 0.7% of initial body weight, which was more than WLC who gained 0.4% ± 0.7% (P = .01). Compared with WLC, ProduceRx had significantly greater improvements in eating self-efficacy (P = .04). Produce prescriptions combined with behavioral weight loss demonstrated preliminary feasibility and efficacy in helping adults with food insecurity and obesity.

Can Diet Quality Be Associated with Disease Activity in a Prospective Dutch Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort?

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by a relapsing-remitting disease course, influenced by dietary factors. This study aims to examine diet quality in IBD patients and investigate its association with disease activity. Methods: In total, 477 participants from a prospective IBD cohort study at two Dutch hospitals were approached to complete a population-specific food frequency questionnaire (GINQ-FFQ) at baseline and after one year. Disease characteristics were assessed at multiple time points. Food-related Quality of Life (FrQoL) was assessed at baseline. Diet quality was measured via the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS), Healthy Diet Indicator score (HDI), ultra-processed food intake, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to identify dietary patterns. The outcomes were compared to the general Dutch population. Results: In total, 191 participants completed the GINQ-FFQ at baseline, of whom 53 had active disease. Patients in remission had higher FrQoL than patients with active disease (p = 0.020). Diet quality and adherence to specific dietary patterns were not associated with disease activity. However, logistic regression showed a trend toward increased odds of increase in disease activity with an animal protein-rich pattern (OR: 1.479, p = 0.088) and a potential association between the Convenience diet and decreased disease activity (OR: 1.396, p = 0.060). Both the Dutch population and the patient cohort scored poor on all diet quality scores. Conclusions: The current study shows no conclusive evidence of an association between disease activity and both diet quality and dietary patterns in patients with IBD. However, the findings do suggest a possible association between animal protein-rich diets with more disease activity and Convenience-like diets with less disease activity. Furthermore, a similar diet quality was observed in IBD patients and the general Dutch population. Nevertheless, diet quality was generally poor and can be improved.