Nutritional Disparities Research Articles

Navigating Nutritional Inequality in Schizophrenia: A Comprehensive Exploration of Diet, Genetics, and Holistic Management Across the Life Cycle.

This review explores the understudied topic of nutritional inequality among individuals with schizophrenia, highlighting the complex interplay between diet, genetics, and mental health. Unhealthy dietary patterns, socioeconomic factors, and disordered eating behaviors contribute to malnutrition, increasing the risk of physical health issues and premature mortality. Socioeconomic factors exacerbate nutritional disparities, necessitating targeted interventions. Genetic influences on nutrient metabolism remain under-researched, although nutritional genomics shows potential for personalized interventions. Current research reveals methodological gaps, urging larger sample sizes and standardized approaches. The integration of nutrigenomics, encompassing various omics disciplines, emerges as a transformative tool. The holistic life-cycle approach to schizophrenia management underscores the vital role of nutrition, calling for personalized interventions to enhance mental health outcomes.

Longitudinal analysis of growth and nutritional disparities across socio-demographics from early childhood to adolescence: Findings from the Indian cohort of the Young Lives Survey.

Previous studies generally used cross-sectional data and focused on under-five children to assess the risk factors for malnutrition among Indian children. Some recent studies have reported that recovery from or faltering in malnutrition is possible after five years of age, but socio-demographic subgroup disparities have not been explored. This study aims to find the longitudinal disparity in height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body-mass-index-for-age Z-scores (BMIAZ scores) across various sub-groups of a cohort from childhood to adolescence. This study used a cohort from the Young Lives Survey, which followed children aged of 1-15 years between 2002 and 2016-17 in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, India. Mixed-effect models were applied to find the main, time, and interaction effects of HAZ scores and BMIAZ scores. In addition, an extended Kitagawa-Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition approach to assess group-based differences over time was used. The cross-sectional prevalence of stunting reduced across all subgroups, while thinness rose during the same period. The interactions of child sex, mother's education, place of residence, wealth index, and antenatal care with time were statistically significant at p <0.05. The gender disparity in adjusted HAZ score decreased from 0.214 units at 1 year to 0.011 units at 15 years, whereas BMIAZ score differential increased from 0.106 to 0.538 units over same timeframe. Disparities in scores were also observed across rural-urban, maternal education, social group, religion, socioeconomic status, maternal age at birth, antenatal care, and premature birth status. The study sheds light on the nuanced dynamics of paediatric growth, emphasising the importance of longitudinal approaches in understanding and addressing the health disparities across different stages of childhood and adolescence.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Dietary Intake and Quality Among United States Veterans

BackgroundDietary quality plays an important role in disease development and prognosis, and diet is also a key contributor to disparities in many chronic diseases and health conditions. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess racial and ethnic disparities experienced by veterans; we examined food intake and dietary quality across different racial and ethnic groups of United States veterans. MethodsThe study included 420,730 males and females aged 19–107 y (91.2% males) enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Million Veteran Program with plausible dietary intake measured by food frequency questionnaire. Dietary quality was evaluated with dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) score. Dietary intakes of various race and ethnicity groups were standardized to the age distribution of non-Hispanic White participants, separately for males and females. Differences across race and ethnicity groups were compared using general linear regression models after adjustment for socioeconomic and lifestyle factors as well as military service. ResultsCompared to non-Hispanic White males, non-Hispanic Black males had a relatively lower DASH score, higher red and processed meats, higher sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and lower low-fat dairy intakes. Non-Hispanic Asian males had a relatively higher DASH score as compared to non-Hispanic White males with relatively higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and relatively lower intakes of sodium, red meat and SSBs. Age-standardized DASH scores of Hispanic males and “Other” race/ethnicity groups were not statistically different from non-Hispanic White males. Similar race and ethnicity dietary patterns were found in females, although not all reached a statistically significant level. ConclusionsA modest difference in overall dietary quality (i.e., DASH score) was observed, but unique differences in food preferences across the different racial/ethnic groups were identified. Findings from our study may provide insight for the potential development of specific interventions to help address nutritional disparities experienced among veterans.

Child growth and refugee status: evidence from Syrian migrants in Turkey

Abstract This study examines disparities in health and nutrition among native and Syrian refugee children in Turkey. To understand the need for targeted programs addressing child well-being among the refugee population, we analyze the Turkey Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) – which provides representative data for a large refugee and native population. We find no evidence of a difference in infant or child mortality between refugee children born in Turkey and native children. However, refugee infants born in Turkey have lower birthweight and age-adjusted weight and height than native infants. When we account for a rich set of birth and socioeconomic characteristics that display substantial differences between natives and refugees, the gaps in birthweight and age-adjusted height persist, but the gap in age-adjusted weight disappears. Moreover, the remaining gaps in birthweight and anthropometric outcomes are limited to the lower end of the distribution. The observed gaps are even larger for refugee infants born before migrating to Turkey, suggesting that the remaining deficits reflect conditions in the source country before migration rather than deficits in access to health services within Turkey. Finally, comparing children by the country of their first trimester, we find evidence of the detrimental effects of stress exposure during pregnancy.

Effects of pre-pregnancy maternal underweight on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes of the foetus

Background: Maternal underweight, defined as a body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m², poses significant challenges in maternal and fetal health. Despite being prevalent worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the effects of pre-pregnancy underweight on pregnancy and perinatal outcomes remain under-researched compared to maternal obesity. This study aims to explore the complex interactions between pre-pregnancy maternal underweight and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), with a focus on Nigeria's diverse socioeconomic landscape. Materials and Methods: This study employed a retrospective analysis method, leveraging data from national health surveys, birth registries, and healthcare databases across six Nigerian states (Lagos, Osun, Anambra, Imo, Kano, and Kaduna). The study examined pre-pregnancy BMI, maternal demographics, socioeconomic factors, and pregnancy outcomes. The analysis included the systematisation setback technique to assess the relationship between pre-pregnancy underweight and pregnancy outcomes, considering regional nutritional disparities. Results: The findings indicated a significant association between maternal underweight before pregnancy and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Underweight mothers were more likely to experience LBW, PTB, and SGA infants. Socioeconomic and demographic factors, such as low educational attainment and rural residence, were identified as significant predictors of maternal underweight. The study highlighted regional differences, with higher rates of underweight mothers in economically disadvantaged areas. Conclusion: Addressing pre-pregnancy maternal underweight is crucial for improving perinatal outcomes. The study underscores the need for targeted public health interventions, including nutritional support, education, and enhanced healthcare access, particularly in low-resource settings. By mitigating the risks associated with maternal underweight, healthcare professionals can promote healthier pregnancies and better developmental trajectories for infants.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Education in Medical School: A Narrative Review.

This review explores the diverse landscape of integrating nutrition and physical activity education into medical school curricula, focusing on the imperative role of physicians in promoting health through lifestyle changes. By examining global medical education structures, we uncovered disparities in nutrition and physical activity training, and highlighted the need for a shared framework to address international and regional challenges. Despite acknowledging the importance of both nutrition and physical activity, studies have consistently uncovered deficiencies in medical school curricula, especially in skills related to providing lifestyle advice and behavioral counseling. Survey studies among medical students have illuminated various perceptions and knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive and mandatory nutrition and physical activity training. While acknowledging progress, challenges, such as time constraints, resource availability, and faculty expertise, persist. Integrating lifestyle education results in resistance, a demand for strategic communication, and faculty buy-ins. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach that balances theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence that medical students need to promote effective nutrition and physical activity in healthcare.

Project DINE: Addressing Disparities in Nutrition and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity through Nutrition and Father Engagement

Abstract: This study assessed the outcomes of an intervention (Project DINE) that added nutrition and breastfeeding education to Healthy Start programs in Georgia for a sample of Black expecting parents. Using a community-based participatory approach and a 2 × 2 randomized cluster factorial design, three of six Healthy Start sites were intervention sites. Participants completed the Adult Food and Physical Activity Behavior Questionnaire and a breastfeeding education survey pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests determined that there was an improvement in overall self-reported diet quality among the expecting couples (n=61; p = .025). Breastfeeding survey data showed that the percentage of correct answers increased from 78% to 84% (n=89; p=.0009) for all participants. Qualitative data were also collected through open-ended responses on the breastfeeding post-test (n=66) and focus groups with fathers (n=10). This project demonstrates the need for nutrition and breastfeeding education for both expecting parents during pregnancy to improve maternal health.

Nutritional quality of food purchases during the COVID-19 public health crisis: An analysis of geographic disparities in North Carolina

ObjectiveTo examine geographic disparities in the nutritional quality of food purchases during the COVID-19 public health crisis in North Carolina (NC). MethodsUsing shopper-level longitudinal transaction records between October 2019– and December 2020 from NC’s largest grocery retailer, we fit mixed-effect models to examine disparities in the nutritional quality of food purchases among shoppers in counties with different levels of socioeconomic development and how such disparities changed after March 2020, accounting for other observed and contextual factors. ResultsShoppers in counties with lower development levels purchased a larger share of calories from least healthy foods and a smaller share from healthier foods compared to shoppers in counties with higher development levels. These disparities were slightly attenuated for the least healthy foods and did not change for healthier foods after the onset of the COVID crisis. ConclusionDespite existing nutritional disparities among shoppers in counties with different levels of socioeconomic development, we did not observe a large-scale accentuation of inequities in dietary quality during the COVID-19 crisis. This pattern may have resulted from programmatic responses to mitigate the adverse effects of the COVID crisis on vulnerable populations. Future work should further explore the role of such responses.

Impact of food insecurity on cognitive health in older adults: insights from the NHANES 2011-2014 data.

To investigate the relationship between food insecurity and cognitive decline among elderly Americans. Utilizing NHANES 2011-2014 data, we examined cognitive function via the Immediate Recall Test (IRT), Delayed Recall Test (DRT), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and assessed food security through the US Food Security Survey Module. Multiple regression models were used to adjust for demographic and health variables. Food insecurity demonstrated a significant association with lower cognitive function scores. The effects of food insecurity on cognitive function were moderated by factors such as smoking and alcohol use, indicating a direct influence of food insecurity on cognitive decline. This study underscores the importance of food security for cognitive health in the elderly and advocates for targeted interventions to address nutritional disparities and enhance cognitive functioning in aging populations.

Cardiovascular Disease Prevalence in Asians Versus Americans: A Review of Genetics, Diet, and the Call for Enhanced Prevention and Screening.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) continues to pose a global health challenge, demonstrating significant disparities in occurrence among various populations. A wide number of research studies have indicated a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease in South Asian immigrants compared to the local American population. The demand to improve the cardiovascular benefits of immigrants is increasing, which calls for further research with larger and more diverse population samples. This study will investigate the major causes of this variation, which include genetically diverse characteristics and changes in nutritional status among the study population groups. To assess the increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease among South Asian populations compared to the US population, a narrative review of accessible data is carried out. The data in support of the present document are from the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Statistics for Heart Diseases and Stroke 2023, a trend analysis about incidences of cardiac diseases and global burden in 2017, all dating back to the last two decades. Relevant articles from PubMed and Google Scholar have also been included, as appropriate, and their references are provided wherever necessary. Graphs for the geographical variations in disease incidence are produced using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA). The review shows that there is a significant decline in the prevalence of CVD among American citizens when compared to the steady increase in the number of cases among South Asians, which is attributed to the unique genetic predisposition of South Asians to be more prone to CVDs. The changing dietary habits also play an important role in the fall in HDL levels in South Asians when compared to Americans. This is driven by genetic disparities, including the APOA1 and APOA2 genes, and nutritional disparities, including variance in quality and quantity of dietary consumption. Addressing the escalating cases of CVDamong South Asians necessitates additional research to enhance proactive preventive measures and implement screening programs specifically tailored to address prevalent risk factors within the population.

Promoting Healthier Purchases: Ultraprocessed Food Taxes and Minimally Processed Foods Subsidies for the Low Income

Fiscal policies can shift relative food prices to encourage the purchase and consumption of minimally processed foods while discouraging the purchase and consumption of unhealthy ultraprocessed foods, high in calories and nutrients of concern (sodium, sugar, and saturated fats), especially for low-income households. The 2017-2018 packaged food purchase data among U.S. households were used to derive household income- and composition-specific demand elasticities across 22 food and beverage categories. Policy simulations, conducted in 2022-2023, assessed the impact of national taxes on unhealthy ultraprocessed food and beverage purchases, both separately and alongside subsidies for minimally processed foods and beverages targeted to low-income households. Resultant nutritional implications are reported on the basis of changes in purchased calories and nutrients of concern. In addition, financial implications for both households and the federal government are projected. A sugar-based tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would lower both volume and calories purchased with the largest impact on low-income households without children. Meanwhile, targeted subsidies would increase fruit, vegetable, and healthier drink purchases without substantially increasing calories. Under tax simulations, low-income households would make larger reductions in their absolute volume and calorie purchases of taxed foods and beverages than their higher-income counterparts, suggesting that these policies, if implemented, could help narrow nutritional disparities. Levying national taxes on unhealthy ultraprocessed foods/beverages and offering targeted subsidies for minimally processed foods/beverages could promote healthier food choices among low-income households. Such policies have the potential to benefit low-income households financially and at a relatively low cost for the federal government annually.

Perspective: Nutrition Health Disparities Framework: A Model to Advance Health Equity

Disparities in nutrition, such as poor diet quality and inadequate nutrient intake, arise from multiple factors and are related to adverse health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and some cancers. The aim of the current perspective is to present a nutrition-centric socioecological framework that delineates determinants and factors that contribute to diet and nutrition-related disparities among disadvantaged populations. The Nutrition Health Disparities Framework (NHDF) describes the domains (biological, behavioral, physical/built environment, sociocultural environment, and healthcare system) that influence nutrition-related health disparities through the lens of each level of influence (that is, individual, interpersonal, community, and societal). On the basis of the scientific literature, the authors engaged in consensus decision making in selecting nutrition-related determinants of health within each domain and socioecological level when creating the NHDF. The framework identifies how neighborhood food availability and access (individual/built environment) intersect with cultural norms and practices (interpersonal/sociocultural environment) to influence dietary behaviors, exposures, and risk of diet-related diseases. In addition, the NHDF shows how factors such as genetic predisposition (individual/biology), family dietary practices (interpersonal/behavioral), and food marketing policies (societal) may impact the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages and increase chronic disease risk. Family and peer norms (interpersonal/behavior) related to breastfeeding and early childhood nutrition interact with resource-poor environments such as lack of access to preventive healthcare settings (societal/healthcare system) and low usage of federal nutrition programs (societal/behavioral), which may increase risk of poor nutrition during childhood and food insecurity. The NHDF describes the synergistic interrelationships among factors at different levels of the socioecological model that influence nutrition-related outcomes and exacerbate health disparities. The framework is a useful resource for nutrition researchers, practitioners, food industry leaders, and policymakers interested in improving diet-related health outcomes and promoting health equity in diverse populations.

Nutritional Disparities in Urban Aging: Ethnicity as culprit for Malnutrition in Ratnanagar Municipality

INTRODUCTION: Nutritional disparities in urban aging have emerged as a critical concern globally. As the aging population grows and urbanization accelerates, understanding the drivers of malnutrition among older adults in urban areas, especially across diverse ethnic groups becomes increasingly urgent. The study addresses the critical concern of malnutrition among older adults in urban areas, focusing on the influence of ethnicity on nutritional disparities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An analytical cross- sectional study was conducted among 341 elderly people aged above 60 years from March 2023 to August 2023 in Ratnanagar municipality of Chitwan. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select participants from each ward. Face to face interview technique and anthropometric assessment was used in collecting data using semi-structured questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics including ethnicity, life-style factors, dietary factors, functional status and nutritional status. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences version 26. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 69.86 years (SD = 7.72), with a range from 61 to 99 years. Of 317 participating elderly people, the prevalence of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition was 27.44% and 55.84% respectively. Dalit (50% malnourished, 50% at risk); Janajatis (31.50% malnourished, 57.48% at risk); Madeshi (33.33% malnourished, 50% at risk) and Muslim (20% malnourished, 60% at risk) respondents, categorized as disadvantaged, showed higher proportions of malnutrition or at-risk status; while Brahmin/Chhetri respondents considered advantaged, exhibited comparatively lesser proportion of malnutrition [1.79 (95% CI: 1.06-3.03)]. Likewise, disadvantaged ethnic group exhibited a significant AOR of 1.46 (95% CI: 1.05-2.89) for being at risk, compared to advantaged group. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant disparities in nutritional status among older adults in Ratnanagar Municipality, with disadvantaged ethnic groups being particularly vulnerable to malnutrition. The findings of this study have important implications for public health policy and practice in Nepal.

Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Life Expectancy in Pakistan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of socioeconomic factors on life expectancy in Pakistan&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library&#x0D; Findings: Socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on life expectancy in Pakistan. Higher education, greater access to healthcare, and higher income levels are associated with longer life expectancies. Gender disparities exist, with women generally having longer life expectancies than men due to differences in healthcare access and lifestyles. Urban areas tend to have higher life expectancies compared to rural areas due to better healthcare facilities and resources. These findings highlight the need for targeted policies and interventions to address disparities and improve overall population health in Pakistan.&#x0D; Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The socioeconomic development theory, the well-being theory &amp; the social ecology theory may be used to anchor future studies on the examining impact of socioeconomic factors on life expectancy in Pakistan. Invest in the expansion and improvement of primary healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved areas. Develop policies that specifically aim to reduce health inequalities, such as initiatives to improve healthcare access in remote areas and interventions to address disparities in nutrition and sanitation.

Medicaid And SNAP Advance Equity But Sometimes Have Hidden Racial And Ethnic Barriers.

Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program were developed during the Civil Rights era to help poor people and reduce racial and ethnic differences in health care access and food security. Although the two programs have succeeded in narrowing health and nutrition disparities, certain policies hinder goals of racial and ethnic equity, even though they do not explicitly mention race or ethnicity. These policies, including administrative policies (such as work requirements) and more basic decisions about whether to cover immigrants or expand Medicaid, can create barriers that promote racial and ethnic disparities, contrary to the programs' underlying goals.

Seaweed modernity: Empire, state, and the Sino-Japanese relations

Seaweed, which had long been adopted by traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of inflammation and tumorous swelling, became a marine crop with increased political and economic importance in early 20th century China. Chinese consumers and manufacturers embraced a global discourse spread from Japan and the West that highlighted the dietary and industrial values of seaweed and its extracts. Chinese elites also identified the social value of seaweed in reducing nutrition disparities between coastal and inland China. The global circulatory processes of seaweed knowledge co-existed with the continued Japanese imperialism and growth of Chinese nationalism in the first half of the 20th century, which led to periodic boycotts of Japan-imported seaweed or increases in the tariffs levied on them. From the 1930s, the Kwantung Marine Productions Experimental Station based in Dalian began cultivating Laminaria Japonica, a type of brown seaweed, along the Yellow Sea in southern Manchuria. At the heart of this colonial scientific program was an attempt to mitigate Chinese nationalist sentiment with the “homegrown” marine products, overcome Japan’s wartime shortage of raw materials, and enhance the self-sufficiency of Manchuria following the outbreak of the Asia Pacific War.

Snacking practices from infancy to adolescence: parental perspectives from longitudinal lived experience research in England.

Consumption of snacks and ultra-processed foods (UPF) high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) is associated with rising rates of obesity and growing socioeconomic disparities in nutrition. While infancy, childhood and adolescence are critical periods for development of dietary preferences, there remains a dearth of research exploring factors that underpin snacking behaviour over this time. This review aims to address this gap by drawing from qualitative lived experience research, with 122 families of different socioeconomic position (SEP), to explore how the (i) home food environment, (ii) food environment and (iii) social value and meanings of food shape parental provision of snacks. This review shows that snacking holds important meanings in everyday family life, with infants integrated into existing snacking practices from an early age. Price promotions, low-cost and long shelf-lives all make UPF and HFSS snacks an appealing option for many low-SEP parents; while children's requests and preferences for HFSS snacks present a challenge across SEP. However, higher-SEP parents can ensure fresh fruits are always available as an alternative snack, while fruit is described as a financially risky expenditure for low-SEP families. The present findings also indicate that retailers and producers are increasingly promoting 'healthier' snacks through product packaging and marketing, such as 'meets one of your five a day', despite these products displaying similar nutritional profiles to traditional UPF and HFSS snacks. We outline a series of policy recommendations, including extending Healthy Start Vouchers and the Fruit and Vegetable Scheme in schools and action to address misleading product marketing and packaging.

Associations between cooking self-efficacy, attitude, and behaviors among people living alone: A cross-sectional survey analysis

Cooking-related literacy and attitudes may play important roles in preventing and reducing diet-related chronic diseases and nutrition disparities. People living alone are an under-researched but growing population who face above average food insecurity rates. This study's objectives were to 1) test how cooking self-efficacy and attitude are stratified demographically among a sample of people living alone, focusing on variations across gender, age, and food security, and 2) examine how cooking self-efficacy and attitude are associated with two indicators of cooking behavior – cooking frequency and convenience orientation. We draw from a cross-sectional survey analysis of 493 adults living alone in Illinois, USA with validated measures for cooking self-efficacy, attitude, frequency, convenience orientation, and demographic characteristics. Hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine demographic factors explaining variation in self-efficacy and attitude, with attention to interactions between gender, food insecurity, and age. Poisson and OLS linear regression models were used to examine associations between self-efficacy and attitude and cooking frequency and convenience orientation. We find cooking-related self-efficacy and attitude showed strong but distinct associations with cooking frequency and convenience orientation. Overall, food insecure groups had lower self-efficacy than those who were food secure; however, food insecure women had higher self-efficacy than men in similar positions, apart from older-adult women who held particularly low efficacy. Cooking attitudes varied in small ways, notably with food insecure younger and older women possessing more negative cooking attitudes than middle-aged women. This research highlights the importance of understanding the cooking-related orientations of single-living people, while demonstrating that this group's ability to prevent and manage food insecurity is not uniform. These results can inform targeted interventions around food and nutrition insecurity, cooking attitudes, and self-efficacy among single-living populations.

240 Community Participant-based Study Design: Use of Virtual Focus Groups to Explore Acceptability of a Cooking Intervention among African-American Women Living in Washington, D.C.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: African-Americans are at increased risk for nutrition disparities; home cooking is a strategy to optimize dietary quality. to develop a cooking intervention, a mixed-methods community-based participatory, acceptability study was conducted to understand cooking behaviors, options for intervention content, and implementation factors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Self-identified African-American adults were recruited from a larger community-based study within Washington, D.C. Five moderated virtual focus groups with four participants in each group were conducted in March and April of 2021. A semi-structured moderator’s guide focused on cooking, meal habits, food choices, and the proposed cooking intervention was utilized. Qualitative data collected were verbatim transcriptions and notes from research team members. Thematic analysis was conducted using an iterative process among research team members. Participant validation interviews were conducted following the research team analysis. Electronic self-administered surveys were used to measure demographic, food environment, cooking behavior, health behavior, and psychosocial variables. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Study participants (n=20 females, mean age 60.1 years) lived in low-food resource neighborhoods but reported high food security (n=14). Barriers to the intervention included traveling distances to other neighborhoods for produce, poor quality of vegetables and fruit within neighborhood stores, lack of trustworthiness from neighborhood store experiences, perception of decreased cooking skills, and competing priorities related to time and weekday schedules. Motivators included health promotion for self, family, community, and enjoyment from cooking. Virtual or in-person sessions were suggested. Intervention options included costs of recipe ingredients, using recipes with ingredient flexibility, nutrition information, and provisioning of or compensation for ingredients used in virtual classes. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Use of virtual focus groups for a participant-based design of a cooking intervention among African American adults living in low-food access neighborhoods provided acceptability results that were food and home environments contextual and provided barriers and motivators to participation and implementation of behavior from the intervention.

The value of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network in advancing the evidence base for effective nutrition and obesity policy: assessment using the Consolidated Framework for Collaborative Research

IntroductionAddressing nutrition disparities and preventing obesity require multi-level interventions, including policies that address the nutrition environment and other social determinants of health. The Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research Evaluation Network (NOPREN) was established in 2009 to conduct transdisciplinary research and accelerate the translation and implementation of science-based policy interventions. This study examined NOPREN’s collaborative practices and identified opportunities to improve network impact.MethodsUsing a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative survey data (n = 106) and in-depth, qualitative interviews (n = 18) to evaluate the experiences of NOPREN members and understand the extent to which NOPREN was achieving its goals.ResultsUsing the Consolidated Framework for Collaborative Research (CFCR), quantitative and qualitative results were organized into 11 themes. We find that NOPREN’s structure and standardized processes facilitate connections to individuals and resources, foster relationships, and support effective cross-sector collaborations. Areas of improvement include capacity building and a more intentional approach towards recruitment of a diverse membership.ConclusionA collaborative research network can build synergy across sectors and accelerate knowledge transfer. These findings will be used to inform the network’s strategic priorities to maximize impact. Findings may also inform similar collaborative efforts for addressing complex public health problems.