Food Frequency Score Research Articles

Association of combined low physical activity and low dietary diversity with mild cognitive impairment among community-dwelling Japanese older adults.

This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the combination of low physical activity and low dietary diversity with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older Japanese adults. Data from 600 older adults (mean age 74.1 ± 6.4 years; 62.0% women) were analyzed. We evaluated dietary variety based on the Food Frequency Score (FFS) (maximum 30 points) by assessing the one-week consumption frequencies of ten foods. An FFS of ≤ 16 indicated low dietary diversity. We assessed MCI using the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG) Functional Assessment Tool. Physical activity levels was determined based on participant responses to two questions: "Do you engage in moderate levels of physical exercise or sports aimed at health?" and "Do you engage in low levels of physical exercise aimed at health?". Participants who responded "No" to both questions were classified as having low physical activity levels. We classified the participants into robust, low-dietary diversity, low-physical activity, and coexistence groups. The overall prevalence of MCI was 20.7%, with rates in the robust, low dietary diversity, low physical activity, and coexistence groups of 17.7%, 24.7%, 25.0%, and 41.9%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that low dietary diversity and physical activity were associated with MCI in older adults (odds ratio [OR] 2.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-6.28). The results of the present study demonstrated the association of the co-occurrence of low dietary diversity and low physical activity with MCI. Older adults with both risk factors may require early detection, as well as physical activity and dietary interventions.

Associations of Eating Out and Dietary Diversity with Mild Cognitive Impairment among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Dementia is a critical late-life health issue that occurs among members of aging societies. This study examined the relationships between eating out, dietary diversity, and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) among community-dwelling older adults. We analyzed data from 597 older adults (median age 73.0 years, interquartile range 69.0-78.0 years; 62.6% females). We applied the food frequency score to evaluate diet variety and the weekly consumption frequencies of ten food items were determined. The National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Functional Assessment Tool (NCGG-FAT) was used to evaluate MCI. Finally, we asked the participants how often they ate out each month; those who replied "none" were categorized into the "non-eating out" group. The overall prevalence of MCI was 122 (20.4%), with a higher prevalence in the low dietary diversity group than in the high dietary diversity group (28.6% vs. 18.6%). After adjusting for covariates, the participants who self-described as not eating out were independently associated with low dietary diversity (odds ratio [OR]=1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20-3.20), while low dietary diversity was associated with MCI (OR=1.72; 95% CI 1.02-2.87). Structural equation models revealed that not eating out had no direct effect on MCI but was associated with MCI via low dietary diversity (root mean square error of approximation=0.030, goodness-of-fit index=0.999, and adjusted goodness-of-fit index=0.984). Although non-eating out may not have a direct effect on MCI, an indirect relationship may exist between eating-out habits and MCI via dietary diversity status.

Association between dietary diversity and chronic kidney disease in community-dwelling older adults.

The present study examined whether dietary diversity is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in community-dwelling older Japanese adults. Participants comprised 8,195 older adults (mean age was 74.0 ± 5.6years; 42.7% were men) in this cross-sectional study. In this study, CKD was defined as estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) < 45mL/min/1.73m2. Diet variety was assessed using the Food Frequency Score (FFS) (maximum, 30 points). The FFS assessed the one-week consumption frequency of ten foods (meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, milk, soybean products, green & yellow vegetables, potatoes, fruits, seafood, and fats & oil). Participants with an FFS of 16 or fewer points were defined as having low dietary diversity. The prevalence of CKD was 376 (4.6%), and the low dietary diversity group had higher prevalence (5.6%) compared with the high and low dietary diversity group (4.3%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed low dietary diversity was associated with CKD in older adults (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.01-1.68). Stratified analysis showed that low dietary diversity was independently associated with CKD (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.07-1.91) in older adults with hypertension, but not in adults without hypertension (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.54-1.64). This cross-sectional study revealed that low dietary diversity was associated with CKD among older adults. Furthermore, low dietary diversity was associated with CKD among older adults with hypertension.

EVALUATION OF CALORIC INTAKE, KNOWLEDGE, AND PRACTICES ON POSTOPERATIVE REFEEDING IN DIGESTIVE SURGERY IN NGAOUNDERE HOSPITALS, ADAMAWA REGION, CAMEROON

Background and objective: Insufficient caloric intake among postoperative digestive surgery patients, linked to a lack of knowledge and practices regarding their re-feeding, is a frequent health problem in developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the caloric intake of postoperative digestive surgery patients, as well as the knowledge and practices related to their refeeding in two hospitals in the city of Ngaoundere. Methods: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, prospective cohort study over a 5 months period from June to November 2022, focusing on the patients, the diets of post-digestive surgery patients, their nurses, and the operating theatre nursing staff. Caloric targets were defined as those with mean intakes above 15 kcal/kg/day at day 3 and 25 kcal/kg/day at discharge. Results: A total of 134 patients, 240 caretakers, 20 nursing staff, and 614 dieters (meals) were included in the study. Males were more represented, with rates of 82.1%, 56.7%, and 75% for patients, nurses, and staff respectively. 25.4% of day-3 caloric targets and 24.6% of discharge caloric targets were met. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to investigate daily variations in means for each macronutrient, the difference being significant at p&lt;0.05. Lack of information and practice on the composition of a porridge, food frequency score, feeding chronology, and lack of nursing practice on the part of operating room nursing staff, were the main reasons observed. Conclusion: The dietary balance in postoperative digestive surgery patients and the practices of re-feeding are deficient in the 2 hospitals in the town of Ngaoundere, suggesting an in-depth study of the dietary consequences they may have, such as undernutrition. Peer Review History: Received: 15 June 2023; Revised: 13 July; Accepted: 29 August, Available online: 15 September 2023 Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.5/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, shmahe@yemen.net.ye Dr. Muhammad Zahid Iqbal, AIMST University, Malaysia, drmmziqbal@gmail.com

An Association of Dietary Diversity with the Nutritional Status of Cardiovascular Diseased Patients in the Private Tertiary Care Unit of District Peshawar

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of socio-demographic and dietary intake patterns on the nutritional status of cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients and to determine the dietary diversity of the households. METHODOLOGY This cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2018 to June 2018 at the Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar. Based on written consent, a sample of 250 adult CVD patients was selected through a convenient sampling method. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire containing demographic, anthropometry, biochemical, clinical data, and a dietary record. RESULTS In a sample of 250 patients mean age was 55.41±12.558. On the basis of BMI, almost 52.8% were overweight and 0.8% of the patients were obese. Overweight was the major trend among the patients where this tendency was more common in males (57.5%) as compared to females (41%). Diabetes and hypertension were the major complications among these patients. Daily and per week food frequency and dietary diversity scores showed high intake of meat, milk, saturated fats, high glycemic index fruits, intake of processed foods along with goodconsumption of vegetables. The regression coefficient of DDI showed whole milk, cream, meat and processed meat as a strong predictor of obesity, overweight and CVD. CONCLUSION The overall dietary diversity of the patients showed a trend toward western dietary patterns with a focus on meat, whole milk, and processed foods. Among the financially stable families of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, this dietary trend may pose a serious health concern in the context of non -communicable diseases in this region and demand for nutrition education at all levels of the society.

Associations of liver volume and other markers of hepatic steatosis with all-cause mortality in the general population.

We examined the associations between liver volume and other quantitative and qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis with all-cause mortality in the general population. We included 2769 German middle-aged individuals with a median follow-up of 8.9years (23,898 person-years). Quantitative markers used were serum liver enzymes and FIB-4 score, while qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis included magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of liver fat content and total liver volume. Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for confounding factors, were undertaken to investigate the associations of liver volume and other markers of hepatic steatosis with all-cause mortality. A larger MRI-assessed liver volume was associated with a nearly three-fold increased risk of all-cause mortality (Hazard Ratio=3.16; 95% confidence interval 1.88; 5.30), independent of age, sex, body mass index, food frequency score, alcohol consumption and education level. This association was consistent in all subgroups considered (men vs. women; presence or absence of overweight/obesity, metabolic syndrome or diabetes). Higher serum liver enzyme levels and FIB-4 score were also significantly associated with higher all-cause mortality in the total population and in all subgroups. No independent associations were found between other quantitative and qualitative markers of hepatic steatosis and the risk of all-cause mortality. We showed for the first time that larger liver volume was associated with a three-fold increase in long-term risk of all-cause mortality. This association remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, alcohol consumption, obesity and other coexisting metabolic disorders.

Positive Association between High Protein Food Intake Frequency and Physical Performance and Higher-Level Functional Capacity in Daily Life.

Nutritional factors, including low protein intake and poor dietary variety, affect age-associated impairment in physical performance resulting in physical frailty. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between intake frequency of major high protein foods and both physical performance and higher-level functional capacity using the food frequency score (FFS) and high protein food frequency score (PFFS) among community-dwelling older adults. The data of 1185 older adults categorized into quartiles based on FFS and PFFS were analyzed. After adjusting for covariates, FFS and PFFS were significantly associated with physical performance [FFS, usual gait speed (p for trend = 0.007); PFFS, usual gait speed (p for trend < 0.001), maximum gait speed (p for trend = 0.002), timed up and go (p for trend = 0.025)], and higher-level functional capacity [FFS (p for trend < 0.001); PFFS (p for trend < 0.001)]. After excluding PFFS data, the participants’ scores were associated with only higher-level functional capacity. Multi-regression analysis with higher-level functional capacity as the covariate showed that FFS and PFFS were significantly correlated with physical performance. Hence, improving food intake frequency, particularly that of high protein foods, and dietary variety may help maintain higher-level functional capacity and physical performance in community-dwelling older adults.

The Association between Dietary Variety and Physical Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between diet variety and physical frailty in community-dwelling older adults. Data of 577 older adults (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.3 years, women: 62.5%) were analyzed. Diet variety was assessed using the Food Frequency Score (FFS) (maximum, 30 points). The FFS assessed the one-week consumption frequency of ten foods (meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, milk & dairy products, soybean products, green & yellow vegetables, potatoes, fruits, seafood, and fats & oil). Physical frailty was assessed using Fried’s component (slowness, weakness, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss). The participants were classified into frail, pre-frail, and non-frail groups. The prevalence of physical frailty was 6.6%. This study found significant associations between physical frailty and low FFS after adjusting for covariates (odds ratio (OR) 0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84–0.97, p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff point of the FFS for physical frailty was ≤16 points. FFS lower than the cutoff point were significantly associated with physical frailty after adjusting for covariates (OR 3.46, 95% CI 1.60–7.50, p < 0.01). Diet variety assessed using the FFS cutoff value of ≤16 points was related to the physical frailty status in community-dwelling older adults.

Differing Associations Between the Most Abundant Genera of the Fecal Microbiome and Sex, Fiber Intake Score, Stress, Stool Consistency and BMI in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract Objectives The objective of this secondary analysis was to characterize the relationships between the most abundant genera of the fecal microbiome and sex, fiber intake scores, stress, stool consistency and body mass index (BMI) in healthy young adults using data from the 1-week baseline period of a clinical study. Methods Data from a total of 182 participants (n = 120 female) with a mean age of 19.7 ± 0.1 y (mean ± SEM) and a healthy body mass index (BMI; 23.4 ± 0.3 kg/m2) were used. Participants self-reported stool consistency (Bristol stool score) as an estimate of gastrointestinal transit time and stress (0 = no stress to 10 = extremely stressed) daily for 1 week. The Rapid Eating Assessment-short questionnaire was completed at the end of baseline to assess intake frequency of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. The food frequency scores from the 3 food categories were summed for the fiber intake score. Microbial composition was determined by 16s rRNA sequencing of 1 stool sample provided during the baseline period. The top 15 genera, identified by % abundance of OTU reads, were selected for further analysis. Relationships between each of the genera and sex, fiber intake score, stress, stool consistency and BMI were assessed using a multiple linear regression model. Results The top 15 genera in descending % abundance were Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Dialister, Prevotella, Parabacteroides, Ruminococcus, Oscillospira, Sutterella, Phascolarctobacterium, Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Lachnospira, Roseburia, Eubacterium and Collinsella. The % abundance of Faecalibacterium was higher in men (P = 0.018) and was inversely related to intake of fiber containing foods (P = 0.034). Ruminococcus % abundance was inversely related to BMI (P = 0.020). Oscillospira % abundance was higher in women (P = 0.012) and decreased with increasing BMI (P = 0.024), stress (P = 0.032) and stool consistency score (i.e., looser stools; P = 0.027). Lachnospira % abundance increased with a increasing stool consistency score (P = 0.029) and with decreasing intake of fiber containing foods (P = 0.025). Conclusions These findings show differing associations between the most abundant genera of the fecal microbiome and sex, fiber intake score, stress, stool consistency and BMI in healthy young adults. Funding Sources Supported by Wakunaga of America Co., Ltd.

Determinants of Stunting Among Children Age 6-59 Months, Siraro District, West Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Background: High level child stunting, Height for age measurement less than negative two standard deviation is 38%. It has significant effect on schooling, productivity, physical fitness, human resources and Loss of National economy. Children ages 6-59month are the most affected groups due to child hood infections, maternal health condition, in adequate dietary intake and poor child caring practice. However, there is insufficient information on determinant factors contributing for stunting. Therefore, identifying determinants of stunting among children aged 6-59 month would help to set priorities for action and to the design of stunting reduction plan at a grass roots level. Objectives: To identify determinants of stunting among Children aged 6-59 months in Siraro District. Methods: The unmatched Facility based case control study design was conducted in randomly selected 5 health facilities of Siraro District from August 01, 2019 to October 30, 2019. From 357 study subjects which 119 are cases and 238 controls were chosen by using anthropometric measurement based on the median of WHO 2006 reference population . Anthro-plus software was used to identify the anthropometric measurements of the child and a structured questionnaire which was primarily developed in English and translated to Afan Oromo was used for data collection. The collected data were entered using Epi-deta version3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. In bi-variable analysis co-variates with P-value of less than 0.25 was included in multivariable analysis. The final model was interpreted using AOR with 95%; CI at P-value of less than 0.05. Results: Age started supplementary feeding at 6 months with (AOR=2.54 95% CI ((1.01-6.42)), Childs mother has no Antenatal visit (AOR=2.39(95%; (1.15-4.97)), Children with poor Food Consumption Score were (AOR=3.48; 95 %;( 1.82-6.65)), Children’s with poor protein rich food Frequency Score were 3.74 times (AOR=3.74; 95%; 2.10-6.75)) were significantly associated with stunting. Conclusion; Factors like Age started supplementary feeding at less than six month, mother has no antenatal visit, poor food consumption score, poor protein rich food frequency score could be used to set priorities for action and design of stunting reduction. Therefore, zonal health department and Siraro Woreda health office should promote the importance of supplementary feeding at age of 6 months. Strengthening antenatal care service at a grass root level and promote antenatal visit of mothers. Enhance an appropriate complementary feeding practice and providing sufficient energy and protein reach food is important. Keywords: Stunting; Malnutrion; Determinants; among under five children DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/74-01 Publication date: May 31 st 2020

Effect of Integrated Pictorial Handbook Education and Counseling on Improving Anemia Status, Knowledge, Food Intake, and Iron Tablet Compliance Among Anemic Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

PurposeTo determine the effect of individual education through a pictorial handbook on anemia in conjunction with counseling on improving hemoglobin and hematocrit level, birth weight, knowledge, iron-rich food and iron-folic acid (IFA) intake.Patients and MethodsThe study developed a pictorial handbook that was conceptualized based on the Health Belief Model and adjusted to some cultural and local contexts. A quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test control group design was used, purposefully conducted between two homogenous municipalities, each having a rate of anemic pregnancy that was 40% or greater. The sample consists of 140 anemic pregnant women randomly allocated via lottery into two groups; the intervention group (n=70), which received two home visits—one for education and another for a counseling session, and control group (n=70), which received routine antenatal care. A chi-square test and a Mann–Whitney U-test were conducted to compare the baseline socio-demographics. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling some possible confounders, was performed to analyze the effect of intervention.ResultsThe post-test means of hemoglobin F (1, 132) = 122, p-value <0.001, and hematocrit levels F (1, 132) = 373, p-value <0.001, were significantly different and higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similar results were found in knowledge, food frequency score, number of IFA intake (with p-value <0.001), birth weight and daily iron intake from food (with p-value <0.05). The intervention had a particularly large effect on food frequency score and number of IFA intake, and medium effect on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.ConclusionIndividual education through a pictorial handbook on anemia in conjunction with the counseling intervention program had a positive impact on hemoglobin and hematocrit levels for anemic pregnant women in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Mail-based intervention for improvement of dietary habits among community-dwelling older adults living in heavy snowfall regions

Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mail-based intervention using the TAKE10! Program to improve dietary habits in cases where direct intervention is not possible.Methods Subjects aged 70-91 years (77.6±5.0) were randomly assigned to two groups: 72 in the intervention group and 71 in the control group. The intervention group received monthly mail, which included self-check sheets (TAKE10! Check sheet and TAKE10! Calendar) and a letter with feedback and comments for 5 months. The outcome measures were changes in the intake frequency of 10 food groups, Dietary Variety Score (DVS), and Food Frequency Score (FFS).Results Compared to baseline, the post-intervention intake frequencies for 9 of 10 food groups, DVS, and FFS significantly increased in the intervention group. No significant differences were observed between baseline and post-intervention in the control group. In the subgroup analysis of the intervention group, post-intervention DVS and FFS of both subjects who cooked their own food and those who did not showed significant increases compared to baseline.Conclusion The mail-based TAKE10! Program resulted in improved dietary habits and could be shared with families in addition to direct interventions and could also be used in regions with inadequate transportation systems or frequent poor weather conditions.

Lower dietary variety is a relevant factor for malnutrition in older Japanese home-care recipients: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundNutritional status of the older people is affected by various life-style factors. Although dietary habit is one of the life-style factors, it is unknown which of older home-care recipients’ dietary habits are associated with malnutrition.The purpose of this study was to examine the association of dietary variety, as an evaluation index for dietary habits, with malnutrition in Japanese older home-care recipients.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in a single city, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan between July and October 2016. Three hundred thirty-three community-dwelling older care recipients (aged 65 years or older who were receiving home-visit nursing care services) were enrolled. Their nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment®-short form: MNA®-SF), dietary variety (Food frequency score [FFS]), socio-demographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, etc.), health indicators (comorbidity [Charlson Comorbidity Index] and dysphagia status [Dysphagia Severity Scale]) were assessed. The participants were classified into two groups: malnourished (0–7 points) and non-malnourished (8–14 points), according to their MNA®-SF scores. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with malnutrition.ResultsA total of 317 participants were analyzed (118 men, 199 women, median age: 84 years). Compared to the fourth (highest) quartile of FFS, odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) of the third, second, and first (lowest) quartiles of FFS were 1.08 (0.42–2.80), 1.29 (0.56–2.98), and 2.30 (1.02–5.19), respectively (p for trend = 0.049). Higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score and the presence of dysphagia were also significantly associated with malnutrition (OR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.08–4.00 and OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 2.08–7.17, respectively).ConclusionLower dietary variety was significantly associated with malnutrition in Japanese older home-care recipients.

The impact of a primary health care intervention on infant feeding practices: a cluster randomised controlled trial in Brazil.

Proper feeding practices in early life can enhance the full human potential development of children. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a primary health care intervention on infant feeding practices among children from low-income families. A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Healthcare centres were randomised into intervention (n=9) and control (n=11) groups. In intervention sites, health workers were trained in accordance with the national guidelines. Infant feeding practices were assessed in children at 6months (n=617) and 12months (n=516) of age. Feeding practice quality was assessed using the Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI). Additionally, we evaluated the introduction of nonrecommended foods. At 6months, the mean ICFI score was higher in the intervention group [MD=0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.24-1.11]. The prevalence of infants who met the recommendation for meat into the food-frequency score was higher in the intervention than the control group [relative risk (RR)=1.63; 95% CI=1.26-2.11]. At 12months of age, the ICFI mean (MD=0.23; 95% CI=0.35-0.56) and the prevalence of children who met the recommendation for dietary diversity (RR=1.11; 95% CI=1.01-1.22) and meal frequency (RR=4.68; 95% CI=1.34-16.36) were higher in the intervention group, although only among children who had more than seven follow-up appointments during the first year of life. The children from intervention group had a significant delay for added sugar (MD=0.51; 95% CI=0.13-0.89), tea (mean=0.47; 95% CI=0.13-0.82), jelly (MD=0.35; 95% CI=0.11-0.58) and filled cookies (MD=0.29; 95% CI=0.06-0.52) compared to the control group. The health workers' training was effective with respect to improving infant feeding practices.

The prevalence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and its relationship with diet and obesity among public school teachers in Abeokuta, south-west Nigeria

Background: Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common chronic disorder in the high-income countries; and thought to be rare in low- and middle-income-countries. Lifestyle and diets have been suggested among others, as risk factors contributing to the development and severity of GORD. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of GORD and its association with dietary items and obesity among public school teachers in Abeokuta, south-western Nigeria.Methods: School teachers from 24 randomly selected public schools in Abeokuta were involved in the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on respondents’ bio data, food frequency and Carlson-Dent scores were calculated for each respondent. A score of 4 and above on the Carlsson-Dent questionnaire was considered diagnostic of GORD. Each respondent had his or her weight, height, waist circumference and hip circumference measured. Body mass index and waist-hip ratio were calculated for each respondent.Results: A total of 550 teachers participated in the study. The prevalence of GORD was found to be 13.8% among the teachers. There was a significant association between chocolate consumption and frequency of GORD (p=0.01). There was no association between consumption of soft drinks (p=0.673), kola nut (P=0.451), beer (p=0.674), bitter kola (0.425), groundnut (0.442), cowpeas (p=0.442), walnut (p=0.905), gari (p=0.931), fufu (p= 0.249) and lafun (p=0.480) and the frequency of GORD. Similarly, no association was found between obesity (BMI, p=0.738), waist-hip ratio (p=0.56) and the frequency of GORD.Conclusion: GORD is common among public school teachers in Abeokuta with a prevalence of 13.8%. Except for consumption of chocolate, no association was found between frequency of GORD and consumption of majority of the dietary items considered in this study.

Over-nutrition among primary school pupils in a semi-urban Local Government Area, South-western Nigeria

Background: Studies from the developing countries suggest that childhood obesity is more prevalent in the urban settings. The search for childhood overweight/obesity (over-nutrition) needs to go beyond the urban into the semi-urban and rural areas. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of over-nutrition and the associated factor among primary school pupils in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytic study of pupils of 15 schools (10 public and 5 private) using the multistage random sampling and the proportionate sampling techniques. Data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaire, data on physical activity, household possessions, dietary practices and relevant physical findings were obtained. Results: A total of 422 pupils were studied; the age ranged between 18 and 192 months with a mean of 107.2 ± 36.4 months. The prevalence of Overweight/Obesity (Over-nutrition) was 6.4% with male predominance: 8.1% vs 4.4% without statistical significance (p = 0.19). Over-nutrition was significantly more prevalent among pupils aged &lt;5 years and in the pupils of private schools (p = 0.000 and p = 0.007 respectively) and significantly related to the Dietary Diversity Score (p = 0.0001). Over-nutrition was more frequent among children whose parents had university education and were middle level civil servants without statistical significance. (p = 0.66, 0.19 respectively). Group physical activity was low in 96.3% and Food Frequency Score was poor in 87.5% of the overweight/obese pupils. Female gender, long duration of breastfeeding and delay in weaning significantly correlated with childhood over-nutrition. Conclusions: Over-nutrition is not uncommon in the semi-urban Nigerian setting. The early life feeding practices, quality of the child’s diet and physical activities appear to be important contributors to childhood over-nutrition in this setting.

Evaluation of the comprehensive health program "Sumida TAKE10!" for community-dwelling older adults, which aims to prevent or delay the need for long-term nursing care.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comprehensive health program "Sumida TAKE10!", which aims to improve dietary habits and promote physical activity among community-dwelling older adults including the pre-frail elderly. This study has been ongoing since 2005 in Sumida Ward, Tokyo with the ultimate aim of preventing or delaying the need for long-term nursing care. We used the term "pre-frail elderly" for older adults who are at risk of requiring long-term care.Methods "Sumida TAKE10!" consists of a general lecture in a public hall followed by 5 educational sessions biweekly at 4-6 community centers. From 2008 to 2013, 402 participants aged ≥65 years were enrolled and included as subjects of the study. The main outcome measures were changes in 10 food intake frequencies, food frequency score (FFS), dietary variety score (DVS), frequency of exercise (obtained via questionnaire) and physical fitness (5-meter maximal walking time, 5-meter walking time, handgrip strength, one-leg standing time with eyes opened (time to upright posture for standing on one leg with eyes open), and the timed up & go test). The secondary outcome measures were changes in the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence score, appetite, frequency of walking and sports, self-rated health, frequency of leaving the house, communication with neighbors, engagement in hobbies, participation in group activities and participation in volunteer activities (obtained via questionnaire).Results Compared to baseline, all outcomes showed significant improvement. "Sumida TAKE10!" can improve dietary habits and increase the physical activity of participants. Positive secondary effects were seen for life function, self-rated health, and social activities. Almost identical positive results were obtained from the pre-frail elderly group, while improvement was also seen in the dietary habits of the subjects who do not cook.Conclusion These results suggest that this program may be useful for population-based approach programs. In addition, comprehensive programs like TAKE10! may increase the health consciousness of community-dwelling older adults.

Evaluation of eating habits and lifestyle in patients with obesity before and after bariatric surgery: a single Italian center experience.

BackgroundThe study evaluated and compared the eating habits and lifestyle of patients with moderate to severe obesity who have undergone Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) and Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG).MethodsFood frequency (FF), food habits (FH), physical activity and life style (PA) as well as smoking habits (SH) were analyzed in 50 RYGB (25 M; aged: 24–64) and 50 SG patients (25 M; aged: 22–63) by means of a validated questionnaire, before (T0) and 6 months (T1) post bariatric surgery. A score for each section (FF, FH, PA, SH) was calculated.ResultsANOVA analysis (age/sex adjusted): FF and FH scores improved at T1 (RYGB and SG: p < 0.001); PA score improved but not significantly; SH score did not change at T1 neither in RYGB nor in SG. Mixed models: FF and PA scores did not correlate with age, gender, weight, BMI, neither in RYGB nor in SG; FH score was negatively correlated both with weight (RYGB: p = 0.002) and BMI (SG: p = 0.003); SH score was positively correlated with age, in SG (p = 0.002); the correlation was stronger in females than in males (p = 0.004).ConclusionsAlthough dietary habits improved, patients did not change their physical activity level or their smoking habits. Patients should receive adequate lifestyle counseling to ensure the maximal benefit from bariatric surgery.

Key Dietary Behavioral and Environmental Factors Mediating Dietary Variety Among Japanese Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

Adequate food intake is essential for health and is influenced by dietary behaviors and environments. Therefore, we examined the key behavioral and environmental factors mediating dietary variety as indicator of diet quality in a group of community-dwelling Japanese adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). This study used a cross-sectional design. We mailed a questionnaire survey to 2,731 community-dwelling Japanese adults with SCI, and responses from 841 individuals were analyzed. Dietary variety was assessed as the frequency scores of 10 foods which are major components of the Japanese diet. Correlations between the food frequency scores and dietary behavioral and environmental factors were determined by binominal logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the correlations between these scores and answers to the questions of ‘What is required to choose healthy foods?’ and ‘Where do you get information regarding health and nutrition?’ were determined using a chi-square test. High food frequency scores were positively and significantly associated with the dietary behaviors of ‘Concerning yourself with nutrition and meals for your own health’, ‘Eating breakfast’ and ‘Mealtime conversation about diet/nutrition/cooking with family/friends’, and ‘Having family/neighbors support’ in dietary environments. Regardless of the food frequency scores, ‘Knowledge’ was most frequently required to choose healthy foods, while the high food frequency scores were most significantly related to ‘Family/friends’ as sources of information about health and nutrition. Health self-management, mealtime conversation, and health promotion support from others who also provide knowledge about health and nutrition are the key factors mediating dietary variety among people with SCI.

Community-based intervention to improve dietary habits and promote physical activity among older adults: a cluster randomized trial

BackgroundThe fastest growing age group globally is older adults, and preventing the need for long-term nursing care in this group is important for social and financial reasons. A population approach to diet and physical activity through the use of social services can play an important role in prevention. This study examined the effectiveness of a social health program for community-dwelling older adults aimed at introducing and promoting physical activity in the home at each individual’s pace, helping participants maintain good dietary habits by keeping self-check sheets, and determining whether long-standing unhealthy or less-than-ideal physical and dietary habits can be changed.MethodThis cluster randomized trial conducted at 6 community centers in an urban community involved 92 community-dwelling older adults aged 65–90 years. The intervention group (3 community centers; n = 57) participated in the social health program “Sumida TAKE10!” which is an educational program incorporating the “TAKE10!® for Older Adults” program, once every 2 weeks for 3 months. The control group (3 community centers; n=35) was subsequently provided with the same program as a crossover intervention group. The main outcome measures were changes in food intake frequency, food frequency score (FFS), dietary variety score (DVS), and frequency of walking and exercise. The secondary outcome measures were changes in self-rated health, appetite, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence score.ResultsCompared to baseline, post-intervention food intake frequency for 6 of 10 food groups (meat, fish/shellfish, eggs, potatoes, fruits, and seaweed), FFS, and DVS were significantly increased in the intervention group, and interaction effects of FFS and DVS were seen between the two groups. No significant differences were observed between baseline and post-intervention in the control group. Frequency of walking and exercise remained unchanged in both groups, and no significant difference in improvement rate was seen between the groups. Self-rated health was significantly increased in the intervention group. Appetite and TMIG Index of Competence score were unchanged in both groups.ConclusionsThe social health program resulted in improved dietary habits, as measured by food intake frequency, FFS, and DVS, and may improve self-rated health among community-dwelling older adults.Trial registration numberUMIN000007357