General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire Research Articles

Factors Influencing Meal Provision and Dietary Support Behaviour of Caregivers of People with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Caregivers play an important role in supporting care recipients to navigate their health needs, including adherence to dietary recommendations, which are complex and multifaceted. This study aims to (i) describe the nutrition knowledge of caregivers of people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and (ii) explore caregivers' perceptions of their role in providing healthy meals and nutrition support for care recipients. A cross-sectional study design employed a multi-strategy research approach. Caregivers (n = 78) of people with stage 1-5 CKD or post-transplant were recruited from a single centre. Their nutrition knowledge was assessed quantitatively with the revised General Nutrition Knowledge questionnaire. Theory-informed semi-structured interviews of a sub-sample (n = 12) qualitatively explored caregiver perceptions. Most caregivers were female (75.6%) and cared for a male care recipient (87%; aged 74 (66; 80) yrs.). The caregivers (75.6%) provided a meal ≥6 times/week to their care recipient and had moderate nutrition knowledge (66.1 (60.5; 73.9)%). Four themes emerged describing the caregivers' perceptions of meal provision and nutrition support, including the following: (i) food literacy skills are valued; (ii) social support is important; (iii) caregivers' sense of social responsibility; and (iv) the management of complex and multifaceted dietary needs. The caregivers had moderate nutrition knowledge; they wanted to provide healthy meals and support to their care recipients to adhere to dietary recommendations. Targeted, co-designed nutrition education programs for caregivers may enhance nutrition care delivery to people with CKD.

Investigating the mediating role of physical activity within the association between food insecurity and BMI

Food insecurity is linked with obesity and while the mechanisms behind this association are complex, lower levels of leisure-time physical activity in those with food insecurity may contribute to this. Individual-level factors (such as concerns of performing physical activity) may partly determine levels of physical activity within individuals with food insecurity, as such individuals may seek to minimise their levels of physical activity in order to preserve energy. Using the Food Insecurity Physical Activity Concerns Scale (FIPACS) (used to measure concerns of performing leisure-time physical activity, focusing on factors specific to food insecurity), the current study investigated whether the association between household food insecurity and body mass index (BMI) is explained by a mediation pathway of FIPACS scores and leisure-time physical activity. We also investigated whether the association between food insecurity and FIPACS scores is moderated by nutrition knowledge. Participants (N = 329, food insecure = 55) completed an online survey consisting of the FIPACS, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire long-form (IPAQ), the Diet, Disease, and Weight management sub-section of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, a measure of diet quality, and self-reported BMI. Findings revealed that FIPACS scores and leisure-time physical activity did not mediate the association between food insecurity and BMI (b < .01, SE = 0.01). Additionally, nutrition knowledge did not moderate the association between food insecurity and FIPACS scores (b = -0.09, SE = 0.08). Findings suggest that concerns of performing physical activity in the context of food insecurity are unrelated to leisure-time physical activity, and that these two factors do not explain the association between food insecurity and BMI. Future research should investigate other factors in the link between food insecurity, physical activity, and BMI.

Analysis of the diet, weight-loss behavior, and nutritional knowledge of athletes and coaches in weightclass sports: influence of a coach's nutritional knowledge on athletes.

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge. The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed. GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in nutrition knowledge scores was also noticed between athletes with high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between the GNKQ scores of coaches and athletes (r = 0.369; p < 0.001). The nutritional knowledge of coaches was also correlated with weight-loss strategies (weight loss attempt frequency; r = -0.235; p = 0.027; weight loss duration; r = -0.268; p = 0.012). Additionally, differences were observed in the intake of all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) in the diets of athletes (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that the nutritional knowledge of coaches indirectly affects athletes. Coaches have significant influence over athletes and possess experience with diet and weight-loss patterns. This insight should be effectively utilized to enhance the training and performance of athletes and coaches.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Students Towards Nutrition and Health: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Students' health and well-being generally depend on their nutritional intake. Medical students, in particular, must be physically and mentally fit to perform better academically and to treat their patients holistically. Consuming a nutritious diet and maintaining good health requires an adequate understanding of nutrition and related diseases. Thus, this study used a validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire to evaluate nutritional knowledge and aimed to assess medical students' knowledge and attitudes about health and nutrition-related diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 123 medical students between July 2023 and June 2024. A general nutrition knowledge questionnaire was used for the online survey, which consisted of questions on nutrition knowledge, individual dietary choices, thoughts about expert advice and awareness about health problems and diseases related to weight management and diet. The responses obtained were put in an Excel (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) spreadsheet, and the data obtained was transformed into bar graphs and pie charts by using SPSS version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). For the statistical analysis of data, percentages were calculated. The mean age of the study participants was 18.56 ± 1.16 years. The gender-wise distribution of participants shows around 47.7% (50) male and 57.3% (66) female. 39.8% of students answered correctly the precise requirement of macronutrients. 21.1%of students were unsure about the content of added sugar, salt and fibre requirements. The majority of students made healthy dietary choices, while many students were unaware of the expert's advice and diet-related diseases. It was discovered in the current study that students' general understanding of a nutritious diet was good, but they lacked knowledge regarding the nutrient content. Students showed a sufficient level of understanding of the healthy food selections, but they were not aware of the healthy cooking methods. Students were unaware of the advice given to the patients, while awareness of nutrition-related diseases was acceptable. Inadequate understanding and lack of awareness are attributed to the limited nutrition-related curriculum in medical schools.

Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Content Validity of the Saudi Sign Language Version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire.

Profoundly hearing-impaired individuals lack health-promotion education on healthy lifestyles, and this may be due to communication barriers and limited awareness of available resources. Therefore, providing understandable healthy eating knowledge and a proper education evaluation via a questionnaire is vital. The present study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and validate the content of a Saudi sign language version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ). The study followed the World Health Organization guidelines for the translation and cultural adaptation of the GNKQ, using two-phase translation (from English into Arabic and then from Arabic into Saudi sign language), including forward-translation, back-translation, and pilot testing among profoundly hearing-impaired individuals. A total of 48 videos were recorded to present the GNKQ in Saudi sign language. The scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) value was equal to 0.96, and the item-level content validity index (I-CVI) value for all questions was between 1 and 0.9, except for question 6 in section 1, which was 0.6; this discrepancy was due to religious, social, and cultural traditions. The translation, cultural adaptation, and content validity of the Saudi sign language version of the GNKQ were satisfactory. Further studies are needed to validate other measurement properties of the present translated version of this questionnaire.

Nutritional knowledge, eating habits, factors affecting muscle damage, and antioxidant enzyme levels of Korean wrestlers.

The aim in this study was to investigate the diet and nutritional knowledge of elite Korean wrestlers and verify the differences in their exercise performance , muscle damage indicators, and antioxidant enzyme levels according to wrestler level. A 7-day dietary and nutrition knowledge survey was administered to 30 adult male elite wrestlers (national team: n=11; professional team: n=19). The Wingate test was conducted for 60 seconds to analyze muscle damage indicators and antioxidant levels. Blood and blood lactate concentration analyses were performed four times; the statistical significance level of all data was p<0.05. Significant differences were found in general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) scores (p=0.043), diet (p=0.001), anaerobic performance (p=0.001), muscle damage indicators (p=0.026), antioxidant levels, and blood lactic acid concentrations (30 min after exercise, p=0.007; 90 min after exercise, p=0.038) between the national and the professional groups. To the findings confirm the relationship between the differences in diet, nutrition, and motor function for wrestlers of different expertise levels. In a follow-up, a comprehensive study on nutrition knowledge, athlete training , and weight loss is needed that considers a wider scope of subjects and analyzes additional variables.

A Cross-Sectional Study of General Nutrition Knowledge among Nursing Students in the UAE.

Adolescence is a crucial time for establishing long-lasting healthy habits, but many university students often engage in unhealthy eating behaviors. Increased independence, social influences, and mental stress all play a role in leading to poor dietary choices that can impact overall health and well-being. It is important to have a good grasp of nutrition to make informed food choices and avoid the development of chronic illnesses. To assess the nutrition knowledge of nursing students and examine the interconnections between participants' beliefs about diet, disease, and weight management. : A total of 100 nursing students participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study. Data gathering was conducted from March 2023 to May 2023 at a nursing college in the UAE. Participating students completed a self-reported validated revised general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ-R). Descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation were used for analysis, along with univariate and multivariate analyses as a statistical methodology to examine individual variables within the dataset independently. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale in this study is 0.880. A cut-off point of 50 percent correctness was employed to signify a high level of knowledge. All participating students were female, with the majority (94%) being single. Most students (68%) had a normal mass index of 23.6, whereas 32% were overweight. The analysis showed that more than half of the students (57%) rated their overall health condition as good. The analysis also found that the only variable detected to predict the good nutrition knowledge level among studied students was having children less than 18 in the same family. The results of the current study indicate that future wellness actions should prioritize increasing students' general nutrition knowledge while also considering individual and academic factors impacting NK in college.

Physical strength, body composition, and G-test results of air force cadets based on nutrition knowledge differences

The Gravitational Acceleration Test (G-test) is a demanding, and sophisticated high-intensity physical activity, greatly influenced by individual body composition and physical strength. This study analyzed the general nutrition knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) responses of Air Force cadets to identify the relationship between nutrition knowledge, body composition, physical activity, physical strength, and gravity-induced loss of consciousness. Based on the G-test results, 105 fourth-year Air Force cadets were divided into two groups: GP (G-test pass group) and GF (G-test fail group). The analysis items were GNKQ responses, body composition, and physical strength analysis, based on which independent sample t-tests , and logistic regression analysis were conducted. Physical activity according to the G-test results was statistically higher in the GP compared to the GF (vigorous activity reps/week, p = 0.017; mins/day, p = 0.011). The GP Group showed a statistically high GNKQ score compared to the GF Group: Overall (p = 0.003), Section 1 (p < 0.001), and Section 2 (p = 0.002). Based on this study, it can be deduced that analyzing the effect G-test through continuous research over the next years and applying them to physical training will have a greater impact on the cadets’ increased physical strength and their success on the G-test.

The Demographic Variation in Nutrition Knowledge and Relationship with Eating Attitudes among Chinese University Students.

There is a noticeable absence of health education among college students. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of general nutrition knowledge among Chinese university students and explore its association with eating attitudes. Data were collected from a group of 273 students in Spring of 2023, using a valid and reliable research instrument consisting of three sections: demographic variables, the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). The results were analyzed using SPSS, with correlations and t-tests to examine the relationships between nutritional knowledge and dietary attitudes. Furthermore, the present study employed the random forest (RF) algorithm, a machine learning technique, utilizing the Mean Decrease Impurity (MDI) method to investigate the influence of various features on participants' eating attitudes. The findings revealed that Chinese university students had an average accuracy of over 60% in their nutritional knowledge, but their understanding of the relationship between diet and disease still needs improvement. Moreover, male students had significantly lower nutritional knowledge than female students, and there was a positive correlation between nutritional knowledge and parents' income. The study also found a significant correlation between the level of nutritional knowledge and eating attitudes. RF results indicated that the family income level exhibited the most substantial impact on the eating attitudes of the participants. The study highlights the need for nutrition education curriculum developers to focus more on improving students' nutritional knowledge, with particular attention given to male students, low-income individuals, and those with an abnormal BMI.

Improvements in nutrition knowledge among adults with physical disabilities: A program evaluation of the mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition to optimize resilience (MENTOR) program 2020–2021

BackgroundThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) funds a quality improvement (QI) health promotion telewellness program for adults with physical disabilities. ObjectiveThe nutrition component of the parent program, Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition to Optimize Resilience (MENTOR) program, from 2020 to 2021, was evaluated to assess changes in nutrition knowledge of people with physical disabilities. MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental program evaluation by pre-post survey of participating adults with physical disabilities. Participants attended weekly nutrition classes for eight weeks with optional one-on-one counseling with a Registered Dietitian. Participants completed pre-post General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire Revised (GNKQ-R) that were analyzed using paired t-tests. Participants were grouped into quartiles by pre-program GNKQ-R scores for additional comparisons. Program attendance and post-program feedback were also evaluated. ResultsA total of 286 participants completed the MENTOR program, and 31% (n = 89) completed pre-post questionnaires for data analysis. Mean pre-program GNKQ-R scores were 58.4 ± 15.1 and post scores were 64.4 ± 11.3, which demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in nutrition knowledge (p < .001). Ancillary analysis revealed that participants with the lowest quartile of pre-program nutrition knowledge had the greatest improvements in their post-GNKQ-R scores (Mean change 16.4 ± 13.9). Questionnaire data revealed participants’ subjective knowledge changes and their feedback on the nutrition component of the program. ConclusionsThe eight-week MENTOR program effectively improved nutrition knowledge among people with physical disabilities. This demonstrates the impact the program can have on individual knowledge levels. Additionally, these results support the implementation of the program to the broader population of people with disabilities.

Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Nutritional Knowledge among Working Mothers in Terengganu

Broadly defined, nutrition knowledge relates to understanding concepts and processes connected to nutrition and health, such as diet and health, diet and disease, main nutrient sources, and dietary guidelines and recommendations. This study aims to determine the association between sociodemographic factors (age, educational level, marital status, salary income, location, type of job, and family members) and nutritional knowledge among working mothers in Terengganu. This cross-sectional study collected sociodemographic information and nutritional knowledge using General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire among 281 working mothers aged 19 to 60 years old. The results show the majority of the participants (70%) had good scores, 23.8% had excellent scores, 6.4% had an average score and 0.4% had poor scores respectively. The prevalence of nutritional knowledge among working mothers in Terengganu was excellent as they were 93.2% scored for high nutritional knowledge, and only 6.8% scored for low nutritional knowledge. Furthermore, there was a significant association between sociodemographic factors (age, educational level, marital status, and salary income) with nutritional knowledge among working mothers in Terengganu. Meanwhile, there was no significant association between sociodemographic factors (location, type of job, and family members) with nutritional knowledge among working mothers in Terengganu. A nutritious diet helps to maintain healthy body weight, promotes favourable pregnancy outcomes, supports normal growth, development, and aging, and minimizes the risk of chronic disease, all of which contribute to overall health and well-being. Therefore, nutritional knowledge should be widely disseminated to Malaysians of all ages.&#x0D;

Evaluation of Validity and Reliability of a German General and Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes and Coaches (GSNKQ-AC).

Despite the availability of nutritional recommendations, studies have reported inadequate nutrition in athletes. The existing literature highlights the importance of the nutritional knowledge of both athletes and coaches in influencing athletes' food choices and behavior, as well as its direct and indirect impact on athletes' performance and health. To adequately assess nutritional knowledge, monitoring via valid and reliable questionnaires is required. As no questionnaire tailored to German-speaking athletes and coaches exists, this study aimed at developing a new General and Sports Nutritional Knowledge Questionnaire for Athletes and Coaches (GSNKQ-AC). The development followed a literature-based, ten-step validation approach. The initial questionnaire (63 items) was revised and reduced to 29 items in the final version after conducting construct verification in the target group (n = 84 athletes and coaches), evaluating content validity by a panel of nutrition experts (n = 8), verifying face validity by think-out-loud interviews in the target group (n = 7), and conducting classical test theory for item reduction analysis (n = 53). For the final GSNKQ-AC, internal consistency, calculated as Cronbach's alpha, was 0.87. Students with a focus on sports nutrition (n = 31) scored significantly higher than athletes and coaches (n = 53), revealing good construct validity (77% vs. 62%, p < 0.001). Test-retest reliability (n = 42, matched pairs) showed a Spearman's correlation coefficient of r = 0.61 (p < 0.01). The brief GSNKQ-AC can be used for status quo or longitudinal assessment of nutritional knowledge among athletes and coaches to reveal gaps and ensure purposeful planning of educational interventions.

An Exploratory Study of Nutrition Knowledge and Challenges Faced by Informal Carers of Community-Dwelling People with Dementia: Online Survey and Thematic Analysis.

Nutrition knowledge is a primary factor influencing food choices and the ability to identify nutritional risk for carers of people with dementia. Acquiring nutrition knowledge helps carers monitor changes in food intake and micronutrient intake, and whether a healthy and balanced diet is being consumed. This study aimed to assess the nutrition knowledge of carers in the Australian community and their experiences with nutrition education. Using a mixed-methods approach, the nutrition knowledge of informal carers was assessed using the revised General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (AUS-R-NKQ), and interviews of informal carers were used to explore the perspectives in a sub-sample. A total of 57 carers (44 females; mean age of 63.0 ± 13.1) completed the survey, and 11 carers participated in follow-up interviews. The total sample scored 22.9 (±4.57) out of 38 on the AUS-R-NKQ, suggesting basic nutrition knowledge. The interviewed carers acknowledged the importance of healthy nutrition but viewed the provision of a healthy diet for a person with dementia as challenging. In both the survey and interviews, carers reported limited use and availability of dementia-specific nutrition resources. Carers were unsatisfied with the advice and number of referrals provided to improve the nutrition of the person with dementia and desired less confusing nutrition education materials adapted to their level of knowledge. The present study highlights the need for informal carers to be supported to acquire adequate nutrition knowledge.

Associations between nutrition knowledge and obesity-related attitudes and physical activity among young adults from Kenya, South Africa, and the United Kingdom

Objective: This study’s aim was to test associations between nutrition knowledge and obesity-related attitudes and physical activity (PA) among 3000 18–35-year-old men and women from Kenya, South Africa (SA), and the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in April 2022. To estimate nutrition knowledge, dietary recommendation knowledge score was computed using the standard General Nutrition Knowledge questionnaire. Obesity-related attitudes were from the British Social Attitudes Survey. Self-reported days of vigorous and moderate PAs and walking were used. Ordinal logistic regression was employed to test all associations, while adjusting for age group, gender and a household asset score. Using simple mediation, testing was also done to ascertain whether obesity-related attitudes mediated associations between nutrition knowledge and PA. Results: Consistently, better nutrition knowledge was associated with disagreeing that ‘There is no reason to worry about obesity’ (ORs ≥ 1.09), but lower odds of being against ‘Providing free weight management courses’ and ‘Creating/improving cycle paths and pavements to encourage PA’ (ORs ≤ 0.90). Better nutrition knowledge was also associated with higher vigorous PA in SA (OR = 1.09), and moderate PA (OR = 1.04) and walking (OR = 1.12) in the UK. In the combined sample, associations of nutrition knowledge with vigorous PA were fully mediated by believing that ‘Obesity results from not exercising enough’ (11.1% mediated). Likewise, associations of nutrition knowledge with moderate PA were fully mediated by attitude towards ‘Creating or improving cycle paths and pavements to encourage PA’ in the UK (38.9% mediated). Conclusions: Nutrition knowledge is associated with obesity-related attitudes and PA among young adults, but some relationships are country-specific. Interventions based on findings from high-income countries should be evaluated before being implemented in low-resource settings.

DETERMINANTS OF ADOLESCENT OBESITY: PARENTAL INFLUENCE AND REGION OF RESIDENCE IN ITALY

Objective: Childhood obesity is on the rise globally, and family environment and socio-economic factors can play a relevant role. In Italy, regional differences in the prevalence of childhood obesity are observed. This study aimed to investigate the interaction between geographical region of residence, family environment and obesity among Italian adolescents. Design and method: Students of primary or secondary schools and their parents, residing in Calabria (South Italy) and Tuscany (Central Italy), were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. All participants were asked to fulfill a questionnaire composed of four sections. First section investigated demography and anthropometry, while General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge questionnaire (GeSNK), Mediterranean Diet Score, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed nutritional knowledge, dietary habits and physical activity levels respectively. BMI was calculated and students were classified using WHO BMI-for-age charts. Determinants of students’ habits and BMI were investigated with multivariate regression analyses. Results: 179 students and 113 parents from Tuscany, 247 students and 185 parents from Calabria participated in the study. Obesity prevalence was higher in Calabria than in Tuscany among both students and parents, however multivariate regression analysis showed that geographical region of residence was not in itself a determinant of the BMI of students. Although transmission of eating and physical activity habits from parents to sons appears to occur, parental BMI was the only parental characteristic identified as an independent determinant of the students’ BMI at multivariate regression analysis (adjusted for geographical area, students’ age and gender, parental BMI and education level, parents’ and students’ habits and nutritional knowledge). Conclusions: Prevention strategies oriented to reduce childhood obesity should also involve parents.

The Intensity Use of mHealth Apps and its Relation to Nutrition Knowledge, Healthy Eating Self-Efficacy, and Positive Body Image

Abstract—In terms of mobile apps, mHealth technology might enhance public health. However, despite the development of hundreds of health-related mobile applications, few studies have studied their relationship to psychological constructs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the intensity of mHealth app use and nutrition knowledge, healthy-eating self-efficacy, and positive body image among Jordanian students and to measure their levels. In the first semester of the academic year 2022-2023, a structured, self-administered web-based questionnaire containing valid and reliable measures (i.e., positive body image scale, healthy eating self-efficacy, general nutrition knowledge questionnaire, and the adopted intensity use of mHealth apps scale) was administered to 414 undergraduates. The findings reported that their usage of mHealth-related mobile applications was low, as they had inadequate nutrition knowledge, low healthy-eating self-efficacy, and a moderate positive body image. The Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive correlation between the degree of usage of health-related mobile applications and nutrition knowledge, healthy eating self-efficacy, and positive body image (p&lt;0.01). These findings underscore the need to promote healthy eating self-efficacy and positive body image among students and to improve their nutrition knowledge. In addition, these results advise decision-makers to encourage students to include mHealth applications in their daily routines to benefit their health.

Nutrition knowledge and influence on diet in the carer-client relationship in residential care settings for people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disabilities generally have poorer health outcomes compared with those who do not, including outcomes related to nutrition-related non-communicable diseases. Carers support people with intellectual disabilities in many aspects including habitual shopping and preparation of food, but their own nutrition knowledge and the influence this may have on dietary intakes of clients is unknown. We explored the nutrition knowledge of carers of people with intellectual disabilities in residential care settings, their dietary habits and their influence on clients' food shopping and preparation and therefore the diet consumed by their clients. Ninety-seven carers belonging to a large independent care sector organisation specialising in the care of people with an intellectual disability completed a validated general nutrition knowledge and behaviour questionnaire. Seventeen carers from the residential care settings were interviewed to contextualise practice. Knowledge about key dietary recommendations scored highly. Carers who had more work experience were found to have higher scores in 'making everyday food choices' (p=0.034). Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables (at least one portion per day) was observed (for fruit by 46% of the carers and for vegetables by 60% of the carers), whilst most carers reported avoiding consuming full-fat dairy products, sugary foods and fried foods. The concept of a healthy diet; typical dietary habits of clients; role in food acquisition; and training in nutrition emerged as themes from the interviews. Carers discussed various topics including the importance of a balanced diet, cooking fresh foods and control of food portion sizes for clients relative to the care philosophy of a client-centred approach, which encapsulates client autonomy. Gaps in knowledge around specific nutrients, making healthy choices and cooking skills remain. Carers have an influence on clients' dietary choices; they are able to provide healthy meals and share good dietary habits with clients. Further training in nutrition is recommended for impact on clients' health.

Validation of the General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GeSNK) in Spanish Adolescents

The General and Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GeSNK) is an instrument that has been developed and validated to assess the level of nutrition knowledge in adolescents and young adults. The aim of the present study was to validate the GeSNK questionnaire in a group of Spanish adolescents in the framework of a Nutrition Education Programme in Secondary Schools in Andalusia, Spain. This cross-sectional questionnaire validation study was developed in two phases: translation-cultural adaptation and validation. A total of 305 adolescents aged 11 to 17 years, studying from the first to the third year of compulsory secondary education, participated on a voluntary basis. The GeSNK questionnaire consists of 62 items: 29 items for the General Nutrition section and 33 items for the Sports Nutrition section. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the complete questionnaire (GeSNK Total) was: 0.934; for the GeSNK General Nutrition section it was 0.918; and for the GeSNK Sports Nutrition section it was 0.856. The stability measured by the correlation coefficient for the General Nutrition section was 0.406 (p = 0.000); for the Sports Nutrition section it was 0.198 (p = 0.017); and for GeSNK Total the stability was 0.545 (p = 0.000). The questionnaire also demonstrated adequate construct validity. We therefore conclude that the Spanish version of the GeSNK questionnaire is a valid instrument to measure the level of knowledge in general nutrition and sports nutrition in adolescents.

Eight Week Telewellness Program Improves Nutrition Knowledge Among People with Physical Disabilities

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week telewellness program for improvements in nutrition knowledge among people with physical disabilities. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective study of people with disabilities who participated in the Mindfulness, Exercise, and Nutrition to Optimize Resilience (MENTOR) Program from January-December 2021. <h3>Setting</h3> Virtual telewellness program. <h3>Participants</h3> Adults (n=89) ages 22-77 yrs. (mean 52.1±14.4) with a self-reported physical disability with 67.4% using an assistive device for ambulation (n=60). <h3>Interventions</h3> Eight-week, synchronous telewellness program using a commercial platform (Healthie) with built-in Zoom videoconferencing software. Participants attended weekly group classes in mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and health coaching. A Registered Dietitian led the nutrition classes and offered optional nutrition counseling. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> Participants completed the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire- Revised (GNKQ-R) via the Healthie platform before and after the program. The GNKQ-R consists of four knowledge domains (Dietary Recommendations, Food Groups, Healthy Food Choices, & Diet, Disease and Weight Management) with a total composite score of 0-88 with higher scores indicating higher knowledge. The hypothesis for this retrospective analysis was that participants' GNKQ-R scores would increase as a result of the MENTOR program. Differences between pre and post total score and sub-scores were assessed using general linear models and reported as mean±standard error. <h3>Results</h3> Pre-intervention total scores ranged from 8-79 and post-intervention total scores ranged from 14-81. Post-intervention scores improved on total GNKQ-R (58.4±1.6 vs. 64.4±1.2 p< 0.001) and the four knowledge domains (Dietary Recommendations: 12.3±.0.3 vs. 13.4±0.2, p< 0.001; Food Groups: 23.1±0.8 vs. 26.5±0.6, p< 0.001; Healthy Food Choices 9.0 ± 0.3 vs. 9.7±0.4, p=0.01; Diet, Disease, and Weight Management 14.0±0.4 vs 15.0±0.4, p=0.007). <h3>Conclusions</h3> A comprehensive eight-week telewellness program (MENTOR) resulted in statistically significant improvements in nutrition knowledge among people with disabilities. Future research is examining MENTOR's effects on adoption of healthy food choices and dietary behaviors over the long term. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> The authors report no conflicts of interest.

Practising pharmacists want more nutrition education

Background and purposeAlthough pharmacists are first and foremost medication specialists and suppliers, in Australia they are also ideally positioned within the healthcare setting to encourage and support positive lifestyle choices in the community. Little has been done to assess their nutrition knowledge in over 20 years. We aimed to explore pharmacists' nutrition knowledge and associated practice and to subsequently develop and evaluate a short course to fill identified gaps. Educational activity and settingThe General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire was revised for testing nutrition knowledge in the pharmacy setting. Once validated, the questionnaire was distributed to pharmacists using social/professional media advertising. A short course was then developed, and its effectiveness assessed on final-year pharmacy students. FindingsPharmacists' (N = 258) mean score was 89.9 out of 121 (SD = 10.6) with significant variation. Nutrition education provision in practice was provided inconsistently and was associated with how strongly participants rated their own knowledge. Most pharmacists (95.7%) agreed they are well-placed to assist in disease burden reduction through nutrition education; however, most (98.4%) felt their knowledge needed improvement. The short course was well received by participants, deemed to be appropriate in context, and resulted in a median improvement in matched scores of 14.7% (P < .001) with no significant decline in knowledge when reassessed three weeks later (P = .383). SummaryPharmacists' nutrition knowledge and practice was variable. Further education can improve knowledge without significant time outlay and is likely to improve associated counselling practices.