Knowledge Of Healthy Eating Research Articles

Mexican indigenous schoolchildren’s healthy eating knowledge

ABSTRACT Nutrition education in school settings is effective in addressing poor nutrition. Mexican indigenous people are the most vulnerable population with the highest prevalence of malnutrition in the country. The objective was to analyze the healthy eating knowledge of indigenous schoolchildren in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. One hundred eighty-two schoolchildren participated and answered two questions about healthy eating. Answers were analyzed by content analysis; Pearson correlations and redundancy analysis were performed. Indigenous children have basic knowledge about healthy eating and receive food knowledge in school education. Healthy eating knowledge depends on school grade, developmental stage, and gender. The drawings of the first-grade group correspond to the pre-operational phase, showing a deficiency in cognitive development. Children do not relate healthy eating to the traditional foods of their community. We suggest creating food guides adapted to the local food culture that generates food appropriation and food identity in indigenous children.

Gen Z's Willingness to Adopt Plant-Based Diets: Empirical Evidence from Greece, India, and the UK.

Comprising the largest population cohort on this planet, Gen Z presents a future-oriented consumer segment driven by climate change and food. This study sought to investigate Gen Z's perceptions toward plant-based foods and diets and explore the relationship that attitude components, meal preparation involvement, personal and lifestyle factors, and perceived barriers in adopting a plant-based diet have with willingness to adopt green-eating practices. Using cross-sectional data from university students in Greece, India, and the UK, various tools were employed to determine the factors influencing youths' consumer behavior toward animal-protein substitutes. PCA indicated the underlying dimensions of students' viewpoints on plant-based foods, whereas hierarchical and k-means clustering provided the cluster structure. An ordered probit model was estimated to delineate Gen Z's willingness to adopt plant-based diets and distinguish among mostly unwilling, somewhat willing, and mostly willing youths. Our findings identified two consumer segments, namely proponents and opponents of plant-based foods and diets, with statistically significant differences in the perceived health benefits of plant-based diets, attachment to animal-based proteins, perceived exclusion of animal-based foods, dissatisfaction with plant-based foods' attributes, and demand for ensuring adequate protein intake. The ordered probit model estimates showed that there is a "homogeneity" in the factors influencing youths' intention to adopt plant-based diets, with attitude components, meal preparation indicators, perceived barriers to eating "green", and personal factors, such as self-assessed knowledge of healthy eating and physical activity, being strongly associated with students' willingness to switch to plant-based diets in all three countries. Mapping potential obstacles and enablers in terms of shifting to more green-eating behaviors, our findings could add information to better understand the factors affecting food choice and youths' transition to a more sustainable lifestyle.

Exploring Children's Knowledge of Healthy Eating, Digital Media Use, and Caregivers' Perspectives to Inform Design and Contextual Considerations for Game-Based Interventions in Schools for Low-Income Families in Lima, Peru: Survey Study.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in schoolchildren is increasing in Peru. Given the increased use of digital media, there is potential to develop effective digital health interventions to promote healthy eating practices at schools. This study investigates the needs of schoolchildren in relation to healthy eating and the potential role of digital media to inform the design of game-based nutritional interventions. This study aims to explore schoolchildren's knowledge about healthy eating and use of and preferences for digital media to inform the future development of a serious game to promote healthy eating. A survey was conducted in 17 schools in metropolitan Lima, Peru. The information was collected virtually with specific questions for the schoolchild and their caregiver during October 2021 and November 2021 and following the COVID-19 public health restrictions. Questions on nutritional knowledge and preferences for and use of digital media were included. In the descriptive analysis, the percentages of the variables of interest were calculated. We received 3937 validated responses from caregivers and schoolchildren. The schoolchildren were aged between 8 years and 15 years (2030/3937, 55.8% girls). Of the caregivers, 83% (3267/3937) were mothers, and 56.5% (2223/3937) had a secondary education. Only 5.2% (203/3937) of schoolchildren's homes did not have internet access; such access was through WiFi (2151/3937, 54.6%) and mobile internet (1314/3937, 33.4%). In addition, 95.3% (3753/3937) of schoolchildren's homes had a mobile phone; 31.3% (1233/3937) had computers. In relation to children's knowledge on healthy eating, 42.2% (1663/3937) of schoolchildren did not know the recommendation to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, 46.7% (1837/3937) of schoolchildren did not identify front-of-package warning labels (FOPWLs), and 63.9% (2514/3937) did not relate the presence of an FOPWL with dietary risk. Most schoolchildren (3100/3937, 78.7%) preferred to use a mobile phone. Only 38.3% (1509/3937) indicated they preferred a computer. In addition, 47.9% (1885/3937) of caregivers considered that the internet helps in the education of schoolchildren, 82.7% (3254/3937) of caregivers gave permission for schoolchildren to play games with digital devices, and 38% (1495/3937) of caregivers considered that traditional digital games for children are inadequate. The results suggest that knowledge about nutrition in Peruvian schoolchildren has limitations. Most schoolchildren have access to the internet, with mobile phones being the device type with the greatest availability and preference for use. Caregivers' perspectives on games and schoolchildren, including a greater interest in using digital games, provide opportunities for the design and development of serious games to improve schoolchildren's nutritional knowledge in Peru. Future research is needed to explore the potential of serious games that are tailored to the needs and preferences of both schoolchildren and their caregivers in Peru in order to promote healthy eating.

Understanding Healthy Eating Habits of Elderly People in a Geriatric Center in Kirkuk City: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background A person's nutritional knowledge has a great influence on their eating habits and nutritional status. Identifying knowledge gaps can lead to educational efforts to reduce the probability of malnutrition and encourage healthy aging. This study aimed to assess older people's knowledge of healthy eating and identify associated factors in the Geriatric Center in Kirkuk City. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted from November 5, 2023, to February 25, 2024, at the Geriatric Center in Kirkuk City on 25 older adults who were targeted at the only specialist center in Kirkuk City. All center residents were included (≥60 years old and without severe cognitive impairment). A non-probability, purposive sample was employed in the study. Data were collected using an interview-structured questionnaire. The structured questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part focused on socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, marital status, education level, and type of work before admission to the center, as well as smoking status, walking, and medical history. The second part related to assessing older people's knowledge of healthy eating using 17 items. Data entry and analysis were performed using SPSS (v 26; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US). Data are reported as frequency and percentage and the chi-square test/Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables. The significance level for statistical analysis was set at p<0.05. Results Of the 25 participants included in the study, 20 (80%) were men and 5 (20%) were women. Approximately two-thirds of the 17 (68%) were between 60 and 69 years old, with a mean age of 69.44 ± 5.71 years. Of the 25 older people surveyed, 16 (64%) had low knowledge of healthy eating while 9 (36%) had high knowledge. Knowledge level was significantly associated with age (p = 0.001), gender (p = 0.040), education level (p = 0.006), and smoking status (p = 0.037). Conclusions In the geriatric center in Kirkuk City, the level of knowledge of healthy eating was low. The knowledge level ofpeople tends to be related to factors like age, gender, education level, and smoking status. This, in turn, requires implementing educational programs by healthcare providers at the center to promote knowledge and understanding of healthy diets and practices.

From omnivores to vegans: Differences and similitudes among different dietary patterns in Spain. Nutrition knowledge, dietary recommendations compliance and level of food supplementation

Western diets are associated with the rise in prevalent diseases of our time and have a significant environmental impact. The growing concern over these issues has led to a trend of shifting away from traditional omnivorous diets towards various dietary patterns with differing levels of animal-origin food restriction, such as flexitarian, pescatarian, vegetarian, or vegan diets. While much of the current literature has focused on analysing the motivations and barriers of these dietary groups, little is known about other aspects that may unite or differentiate them beyond their food intake preferences. In 2022, a survey was conducted in Spain, where 38% of the population follows a non-omnivorous diet. A total of 792 participants, with equal representation across omnivores and vegans, took part in the survey. The objective was to identify various aspects related to different dietary patterns, including knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards food. This study presents novel findings regarding knowledge of healthy eating, adherence to national dietary recommendations, and levels of food supplementation. Approximately half of the participants, regardless of dietary pattern, were found to be unaware of the composition of a healthy and balanced meal. Omnivores demonstrated the highest compliance with recommendations for dairy and protein intake but showed poorer adherence to fruit and vegetable recommendations. Plant-based diet groups also displayed suboptimal results. Both vegetarians and vegans exhibited higher rates of supplementation, though not as high as expected. Overall, there appears to be a widespread lack of knowledge among the Spanish population regarding healthy and balanced diets. The prevalent non-compliance with dietary recommendations and the level of dietary supplementation among the more restrictive dietary groups, suggest potential inadequacies in diet quality within these populations. These findings can inform future interventions aimed at improving dietary patterns among these population groups in terms of health, guidance, or food development.

Understanding the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Healthy Eating among Adolescents in Chongqing, China: An Empirical Study Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling.

Healthy eating is crucial for optimal growth, development, and the prevention of chronic diseases in adolescents. Our study aimed to develop a comprehensive structural equation model (SEM) to analyze the relationships between knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and healthy eating among adolescents in Chongqing. An online questionnaire was administered to middle school students in 39 districts and counties of Chongqing, China from 2 December to 15 December 2021 to collect sociodemographic and KAP information. SEM models were constructed to examine the relationships between educational environment and healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The Monte Carlo test was employed to assess the significance of the mediating effect of relevant variables. The study included 139,832 adolescents aged 14.8 ± 0.7 years, with a 14% rate of overweight and obesity. Health and nutrition knowledge averaged a score of 3.60 ± 1.50 (correct rate: 60%). Participants had positive attitudes (average score: 13.61 ± 2.29) and engaged in healthy eating practices (average score: 12.06 ± 3.08). The results of the SEM revealed a significant influence of the educational environment on adolescents' knowledge (β = 0.235, p < 0.001) and attitude towards healthy eating (β = 0.143, p < 0.001). Knowledge exhibited positive effects on both attitude (β = 0.225, p < 0.001) and practice (β = 0.054, p < 0.001), while attitude exhibited positive effects on practice behavior (β = 0.565, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of knowledge on practices through attitude was more substantial than the direct effect (ratio 2.361). Our study highlights the mediating role of attitude between healthy eating knowledge and practices. A significant association exists between a favorable educational environment and improved knowledge and positive attitudes toward healthy eating among adolescents. In the future, nutrition and health education should prioritize exploring effective ways to translate knowledge into practices.

Improving Engagement in Antenatal Health Behavior Programs-Experiences of Women Who Did Not Attend a Healthy Lifestyle Telephone Coaching Program.

Living Well during Pregnancy (LWdP) is a telephone-based antenatal health behavior intervention that has been shown to improve healthy eating behaviors and physical activity levels during pregnancy. However, one-third of eligible, referred women did not engage with or dropped out of the service. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of women who were referred but did not attend or complete the LWdP program to inform service improvements and adaptations required for scale and spread and improve the delivery of patient-centered antenatal care. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with women who attended ≤2 LWdP appointments after referral. The interviews were thematically analyzed and mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework and Behavior Change Wheel/COM-B Model to identify the barriers and enablers of program attendance and determine evidence-based interventions needed to improve service engagement and patient-centered antenatal care. Three key themes were identified: (1) the program content not meeting women's expectations and goals; (2) the need for flexible, multimodal healthcare; and (3) information sharing throughout antenatal care not meeting women's information needs. Interventions to improve women's engagement with LWdP and patient-centered antenatal care were categorized as (1) adaptations to LWdP, (2) training and support for program dietitians and antenatal healthcare professionals, and (3) increased promotion of positive health behaviors during pregnancy. Women require flexible and personalized delivery of the LWdP that is aligned with their individual goals and expectations. The use of digital technology has the potential to provide flexible, on-demand access to and engagement with the LWdP program, healthcare professionals, and reliable health information. All healthcare professionals are vital to the promotion of positive health behaviors in pregnancy, with the ongoing training and support necessary to maintain clinician confidence and knowledge of healthy eating, physical activity, and weight gain during pregnancy.

Perceptions of healthy food, and perceived facilitators and barriers to buying and consuming healthy food, among female caregivers in Soweto, South Africa

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Background. Obesity poses a continuous health challenge in South Africa and disproportionately affects black African households. To target obesity in these settings, it is crucial to have an in-depth understanding of food choices made by affected households. Objectives. To explore how healthy food is perceived by women living in Soweto, and the facilitators of and barriers to buying and consuming this food.&#x0D; Methods. This was a qualitative study that utilised semi-structured interviews. Ten participants were recruited using purposive sampling. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. The study took place in Soweto, South Africa, and was conducted from February to May 2019.Results. Six themes were developed from the data: perceptions of healthy food; protecting family members from unhealthy food; learning about healthy food; appreciation by the family; home-cooked food v. food bought on the street; and budgetary restrictions. The first three themes were grouped by the overarching theme ‘consciousness of healthfulness of food’, and the last three themes were grouped by the theme ‘influences of the family and environment on food choices’.&#x0D; Conclusions. A focus on the whole family’s dietary behaviours is recommended and, in future interventions, guidance communicated in intervention materials should be tailored to existing knowledge of healthy eating.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Higher levels of concern about dieting and moderate-intensity physical activity predict orthorexia nervosa among young adults

IntroductionIn some individuals, interest in healthy attitudes and behaviours towards food may show obsessive signs. Preoccupation with ‘healthful’ eating may contribute to orthorexia nervosa (ON) – a strong preoccupation with “healthy eating” manifested by the avoidance of all foods considered by the individual to be “unhealthy”.ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to determine whether disordered eating behaviour, physical activity and self-esteem are predictors of ON in young adults.MethodsFive hundred fifty-four Polish and Italian university students participated in the present study. Participants were asked to answer the Eating Habits Questionnaire, the Eating Attitudes Test, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.ResultsOur findings found that higher levels of concern about dieting and moderate-intensity physical activity were related to ON. Particularly, higher levels of concern about dieting, bulimic behaviour and thoughts about food and moderate-intensity physical activity predicted problems associated with healthy eating. Higher levels of concern about dieting, self-esteem as well as self-control of eating and perceived pressure from others to gain weight were associated with knowledge of healthy eating. Whereas, higher levels of concern about dieting with country factor (Poland) predicted feeling positively about healthy eating.ConclusionsIn ON treatment, reduction in symptoms and concerns characteristic of eating disorders and adequate levels of physical activity should be taken into consideration.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Avaliação de hábitos alimentares de estudantes universitários da Universidade Eduardo Mondlane na cidade de Maputo

Introduction: Food is fundamental to human life, and the form of food consumption depends on where the individual lives, works, or studies. Objectives: The aim of the research was to assess the dietary habits of university students from the Veterinary Faculty of Eduardo Mondlane University, with a focus on characterising their socioeconomic profiles, to derive knowledge about healthy eating, to describe food consumption practices, and to identify factors that influence students’ dietary preferences. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study for convenience. Data collection was performed online, and an adapted questionnaire was applied, inspired by the dietary guide that contains steps towards a healthy diet. The results of the socioeconomic profiles and dietary influences were compared with similar studies and the literature was explored. Knowledge about healthy eating and food consumption was compared and classified according to food guidelines. Simple descriptive statistics were used. Results: Forty-eight (48) students participated in the study, mostly male (54%), single (96%), not on a scholarship (87%), and from families with incomes below the minimum wage (56%). They were found to have general knowledge of healthy eating (60%) but did not eat properly. Most students (96%) had the habit of performing extra activities during mealtime, did not read the nutritional information on food labels before purchasing items (71%), and did not take part in suitable physical activity (92%). Most students did not add more salt after serving meals at the table (52%) and did not consume alcoholic beverages (60%). It was also found that socioeconomic aspects, hygienic-sanitary quality, culture, and religion were determinants of food choices and that university entry led to changes. Conclusion: The students had inadequate eating habits but reported an intention to change their diets after completing their course, with the aim of increasing their family income.

The Spanish Version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ-ES) and Its Links to Symptoms and Concerns Characteristic of Eating Disorders among Young Adults.

The aim of the study was to investigate the psychometric properties (internal consistency, factor structure, and convergent validity) of the Spanish version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ-ES) and its links to disordered eating in young adults. Two university student samples with a total of 487 participants (N1age = 21.75 ± 5.10; N2age = 21.17 ± 6.81) participated in the study. They filled out the Eating Habits Questionnaire and the Eating Attitudes Test. Our findings showed that the EHQ-ES demonstrated strong internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s α = 0.903 and ω = 0.939. The EHQ-ES consists of 20 items to measure problems associated with healthy eating (α = 0.855, ω = 0.879), knowledge of healthy eating (α = 0.783, ω = 0.826) and feeling positively about healthy eating (α = 0.775, ω = 0.773). In addition, subscales of the EHQ correlated with subscales of the EAT-26, showing that Orthorexia Nervosa is associated with disordered eating in a sample of university students. The current study is the first to describe a Spanish version of the EHQ. This demonstrates that EHQ-ES is a reliable screening tool for Spanish-speaking young adults. Moreover, the EHQ-ES can be a useful instrument for assessing ON in research and clinical practice.

Developing connections between healthy living and environmental sustainability concepts in Cretan preschool children: a randomized trial

ABSTRACT The study aimed to enhance young children’s knowledge of healthy eating, active play and environmental sustainability through play-based activities developed by nursery educators in Crete, Greece. Intervention group children received 4–6 weeks of curriculum activities, and their knowledge about healthy eating, active play and sustainability concepts was measured before, post-curriculum and 3-months after the intervention. Children’s eating or physical activity habits were measured at the same time points. The intervention group significantly increased its knowledge about the connection between healthy living and sustainability, sustained high fruit and vegetable intake immediately post intervention and increased levels of physical activity 3-months post intervention, when compared to the control group. The findings highlight that young children can build their knowledge of health and sustainability concepts, and make more informed choices about healthy eating and physical activity. The preschool setting can play a role in health promotion and develop much-needed environmental consciousness among young children.

A qualitative investigation of Millennials’ healthy eating behavior, food choices, and restaurant selection

ABSTRACT This exploratory study investigates Millennials’ knowledge of healthy eating, eating behavior, restaurant selection, and effects of stress on eating. A qualitative method was employed to collect data from 50 Millennials living in Central Florida (USA) via semi-structured interviews. The empirical data were analyzed with theoretically driven and inductively orientated approaches to evaluate the participants’ knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating, technology usage, daily eating habits, stress, and restaurant selection. As one of the few studies on healthy eating behaviors of Millennials, this research provides clear theoretical and practical implications within academia and for the society at large.

Gaining a deeper understanding of nutrition using social networks and user-generated content

Using user-generated content (UGC) on Twitter, the present study identifies the main themes that revolve around the concept of healthy diet and determine user feelings about various foods. Using a dataset of tweets with the hashtag “#Diet” or “#FoodDiet” (n = 10.591), we first use a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model to identify the food categories most discussed on Twitter. Then, based on the results of the LDA model, we apply sentiment analysis to divide the identified tweets into three groups (negative, positive and neutral) based on the feelings expressed in corresponding tweets. Finally, the text mining approach is performed to identify foods according to the feelings expressed about those in corresponding tweets, as well as to derive key indicators that collectively present the UGC-based knowledge of healthy eating. The results of the present study show that among the foods most negatively perceived in the UGC are bacon, sugar, processed foods, red meat, and snacks. By contrast, water, apples, salads, broccoli and spinach are evaluated more positively. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the collective UGC knowledge is lacking on such healthy foods as fish, poultry, dry beans, nuts, as well as yogurt and cheese. The results of the present study can help the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as other institutions concerned with the study of healthy eating, to improve their communication policies on healthy products and preparation of balanced diets.

Comparison of the eating behaviour and dietary consumption in older adults with and without visual impairment.

Globally, a high prevalence of obesity and undernutrition has been reported in people with visual impairment (VI) who have reported multi-factorial obstacles that prevent them from achieving a healthy diet, such as having restricted shopping and cooking abilities. The present study is the first to investigate the relationship between VI and dietary consumption using a representative sample size, standardised methods to categorise VI and a detailed analysis of dietary consumption. Ninety-six participants with VI and an age-matched control group of fifty participants were recruited from across the UK. All participants were aged 50 years or over. The participants completed a 24-h food recall for a period of 3 d. The participants also answered questions about their abilities to shop for and cook food as well as their knowledge of healthy eating. The participants with VI in this sample consumed significantly fewer energy content and other nutrients than is recommended for their age group and when compared with an age-matched control group. The participants with VI mainly made food choices irrespective of nutritional value. The results of the present study highlight for the first time that a large proportion of older adults with VI in the UK are undernourished. These results suggest local and government-led initiatives should be implemented to support the diets of older adults in the UK, and these initiatives could include healthy eating workshops, café clubs or skills training and rehabilitation.

Obesity Beliefs and Its Treatment: Insights from a Mixed Method Study in Overweight and Obese Patients and Health Care Personnel at Secondary Health Care Facility, Nigeria (OR08-04-19)

ObjectivesBackground: Overweight/obesity is a problem in Nigeria and roll out of treatment programmes at secondary health care level is a priority.Objective: This research aimed to compile a profile of behaviours and moderating factors for the development of a weight loss intervention. MethodsTwo groups of patients were recruited from outpatient clinics at secondary health care facilities. Group 1 (n = 328) completed a questionnaire on socio-demographics, medical history, body image, food choices and physical activity. Group 2 (n = 18) completed an in-depth interview on weight loss concepts/body image. Height and weight of both groups were measured. Six health care personnel were involved in key informant interviews. Quantitative data (QtD) were analysed with SPSS and in-depth interviews (qualitative = QID) with Nvivo. ResultsAbout 40% of survey respondents were overweight and 60% obese; 44.4% of in-depth interview respondents were overweight and 55.6% obese. Physical inactivity (55.8% inactive), low fruit/vegetable intake (consumed ≤ 2 times/day), high fat meat intake (consumed > 1 time/day) and large carbohydrate staple portions (consumed 2 times/day) were identified as key target behaviours (QtD). Moderating factors include underestimation of weight (QtD, QlD), satisfaction with current size although overweight/obese (QlD), co-morbidities and not obesity per se identified as problematic (QID), lack of insight in the role of physical inactivity (QlD), poor knowledge of healthy eating (QtD), too comfortable and relaxed, resulting in over-eating (QlD) and no control over body size (genes, God’s will) (QlD).From the health personnel perspective (three physicians, two matrons and one nutritionist) (QlD), only few recognised obesity as a disease. Obesity was not routinely screened for except it is obvious, partly due to lack of tools/skills. Lifestyle modification was mentioned as treatment but only the context of treatment of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus. ConclusionsConsiderations for intervention development are poor food choices, physical inactivity, satisfaction with a large body size and not recognising obesity as such and lack of understanding of causes of obesity. Funding SourcesPostgraduate Academic Mobility for African Physician Scientists (PAMAPS), EU-PhD sponsorship.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Self-Efficacy, and Healthy Eating Behavior Among Children: Results From the Building Healthy Communities Trial.

Background/Aim. Increased knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about a topic and behavioral capability and self-efficacy for healthy eating are often a precursor to behavior change. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of the multicomponent school-based program on children's healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy for healthy eating, and on their eating habits over time. Method. Quasi-experimental (4 treatment, 2 comparison) in a metropolitan area using a pretest-posttest method. Participants were 628 fifth-grade youth (377 treatment, 251 comparison) with a mean age of 9.9 years. The Building Healthy Communities (BHC) program is an 8-month school-wide healthy school transformation program and includes six main components. Outcome measures include children's healthy eating knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavior. Missing data were imputed, confirmatory factor analysis tested scale factor structure, and path analysis determined a parsimonious path explaining behavior change. Results. The Student Attitudes and Self-Efficacy (SASE) scale had good measurement model fit. BHC group's healthy eating knowledge and behaviors increased significantly, while SASE remained moderate. For both groups, the students' knowledge and SASE significantly predicted their healthy eating behaviors; however, the intervention group accounted for a greater amount of variance (35% vs. 26%). Discussion. The BHC program was effective in improving healthy eating knowledge and behavior among youth, and the relationship between variables did not vary by group. Healthy eating knowledge is a significant predictor of both future knowledge and behavior.

Public health teaching in practice, peer learning and partnership working: the Cook School project

Authentic learning opportunities replicating working environments will enhance learners’ employability and intrinsic motivation. Within most undergraduate curricula, opportunities for students to experience hands-on learning opportunities which mimic public health practice are limited. A pilot university cook and eat programme (the Cook School) was developed based upon community cook and eat programmes. The aim was to enable trained undergraduate Nutrition students to facilitate healthy eating activities to their peers, as a voluntary co-curricular activity. Two cook and eat programmes, each of five weeks duration, were offered to undergraduate students (12 participants per programme). Cooking was delivered by trained chefs and the healthy eating components were facilitated by trained undergraduate Nutrition students. Participants did not know beforehand that sessions would include nutrition information &amp; activities in addition to cooking. Facilitators identified ‘employability’ as a key driver for their participation in this project. Their post-course evaluations suggested that key employability skills like team work, time management, communication and organisation were enhanced by involvement in the Cook School. Participants suggested that attending Cook School improved their knowledge of healthy eating. Whether this translates into improved diets long term is currently unknown. This pilot project offered undergraduate Nutrition students a unique opportunity to gain key employability skills within an authentic learning environment, working in partnership with their peers. Keywords: Authentic learning, Peer learning, Motivation, Partnership, Employability

Improving knowledge and behaviors on diet and physical activity in children: results of a pilot randomized field trial.

The aim of this study was to increase the knowledge of healthy eating, to encourage change in nutritional behavior in accordance with the Mediterranean diet and to promote physical activity in children aged 7 to 9 years and their parents in a school setting through the use of cards and board games of the project Giochiamo (Let us play). This experimental randomized field trial enrolled children in a school setting. The trial consisted of two phases. The first phase, including both intervention and control groups, encompassed a informative session about the food pyramid and physical activity (PA) by experts of public health and preventive medicine. The second phase, including only the experimental groups, involved games focusing on the main concepts of the food pyramid and PA. A questionnaire was administered before the intervention and after one month in order to assess changing in knowledge and behavior scores. Eighty-nine children were randomly allocated in the intervention (22 children of the fourth year, 22 children of the second year) and the control group (23 children of the fourth year, 22 children of the second year). The univariate analyses showed significant differences (p = 0,004) between intervention and control groups for behavior score after the intervention. In particular, in a stratified analysis classes of the second year showed significant differences for knowledge score (p = 0,005) and for behavior score (p = 0,002), resulting higher among the intervention group. No significant differences resulted in classes of the fourth year for both scores. The results of the Giochiamo project clearly demonstrate that the lecture and the games were effective to improve knowledge and behavior habits on the Mediterranean diet and PA. Second year students showed significant differences for knowledge and behavior score in comparison to fourth year students suggesting that, the earlier the intervention occurs, the better are the results in terms of improvement of knowledge and eating habits and PA behaviors.

Healthy Weight Knowledge and Body Size Disparities in Chinese Adults.

This study was an exploration of whether raising the level of knowledge regarding healthy eating and physical activity at all socioeconomic status (SES) levels is vital to reducing the SES gradient in body size disparities. This study uses longitudinal data with a total of 20,757 person-years drawn from 11,469 households of individuals aged 18-55 who participated in the 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey. Linear mixed-effects regression models capture the link among SES, knowledge of healthy eating and physical activity, and body mass index (BMI). All analyses are stratified by sex. The results show there are knowledge gaps among SES groups from 2004-2011 for both men and women. In addition, there is a positive association between knowledge and BMI for men and no association for women. Conversely, the results suggest differentiated effects of knowledge on women's BMI by educational attainment. Current intervention programs that focus on raising knowledge regarding what contributes to a healthy weight are limited to reducing body size disparities; understanding social and gender meanings of ideal body size may be the key to curbing the trend toward obesity disparities in China.