Inadequate Fruit Consumption Research Articles

Cardiovascular risk factors among geriatric Nigerians in a primary care clinic of a tertiary hospital in Southeastern Nigeria

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors tend to aggregate in geriatric population with variable distribution. These risk factors may act as alert signals for proactive geriatric CV health programs. This study was aimed at determining the frequencies of CV risk factors among geriatric Nigerians in a primary care clinic of a tertiary hospital in Southeastern Nigeria. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 280 geriatric Nigerians at the primary care clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Nigeria. Geriatric Nigerians aged 60 years and above were screened for risk factors of CV disease. The data collected included sociodemographic variables and metabolic, dietary, and behavioral risk factors using a structured, pretested, and researcher-administered questionnaire. Results: The top five most common CV risk factors were physical inactivity (67.1%), inadequate fruit consumption (65.7%), hypertension (48.2%), abdominal obesity (47.9%), and dyslipidemia (36.8%). Others were general obesity (31.1%), inadequate vegetable consumption (22.5%), diabetes mellitus (15.7%), habitual use of alcoholic beverages (9.0%), habitual use of snuff (3.9%), and nonhabitual smoking of cigarettes (2.8%). Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the risk factors of CV disease exist among geriatric Nigerians in primary care, with five most frequent being physical inactivity, inadequate fruit consumption, hypertension, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia. Screening geriatric Nigerians for modifiable CV risk factors should be integrated into geriatric primary care in the study area.

WITHDRAWN: Gut microbiota bridges the inadequate consumption of fruits and bladder cancer

// Canxia He 1 , Baolong Li 2 , Lei Huang 1 , Xiaodong Liu 1 , Peijun Tian 1 , Yongping Bao 3 , Minghua Ren 4 and Yujuan Shan 1 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150090, China 2 Center of Safety and Evaluation of Drugs, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150030, China 3 Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7UQ, UK 4 Department of Urinary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China Correspondence to: Yujuan Shan, email: yujuan72@163.com Baolong Li, email: lbl73@163.com Minghua Ren, email: renminghua1972@163.com Keywords: bladder cancer; gut microbiota; intestinal mucosal barrier Received: July 31, 2017      Accepted: December 04, 2017      Epub: December 19, 2017 ABSTRACT Intake of fruits and vegetables has been negatively correlated with bladder cancer (BC), while its underlining mechanism remains unknown. Here, the numbers of Clostridium cluster XI and Prevotella were diminished in BC patients whose fruits intake were largely lower than that in healthy subjects. Quantities of butyric acid in feces and iso-butyric acid in cecal contents, were reduced in BC patients and BC mice, respectively. Furthermore, the loss of goblet cells and visible breakage of the mucosal epithelium in the colon and cecum as well as the downregulations of zo-1/ occludin /claudin-1 were obviously observed. The concentrations of lipopolysaccharide and D-lactic acid, two sensitive markers of gut permeability, were also increased. The concentrations of interleukin-6, interleukin-22 and secretory immunoglobulin A, key players in gut immunity, were significantly elevated in BBN-induced BC mice. In conclusion, there are definitely existed an imbalance of the gut microbiota in BC which possibly bridged the inadequate consumption of fruits and carcinogenesis of BC.

Cross-sectional STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) Population Survey of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and Risk Factors in Brunei Darussalam 2016.

This article provides a cross-sectional weighted measurement of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and risk factors prevalence among Brunei adult population using WHO STEPS methodology. A 2-staged randomized sampling was conducted during August 2015 to April 2016. Three-step surveillance included (1) interview using standardized questionnaire, (2) blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, and (3) biochemistry tests. Data weighting was applied. A total of 3808 adults aged 18 to 69 years participated in step 1; 2082 completed steps 2 and 3 measurements. Adult smoking prevalence was 19.9%, obesity 28.2%, hypertension 28.0%, diabetes 9.7%, prediabetes 2.1%, and 51.3% had fasting cholesterol level ≥5 mmol/L. Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables prevalence was high at 91.7%. Among those aged 40 to 69 years, 8.9% had a 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk ≥30%, or with existing CVD. Population strategies and targeted group interventions are required to control the NCD risk factors and morbidities.

Physical activity correlates among people with psychosis: Data from 47 low- and middle-income countries

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). However, few large-scale studies have investigated the factors that may influence PA participation in individuals with psychosis and data from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is especially scarce. Thus, we investigated PA correlates in a large sample of people with a psychosis diagnosis across 47 LMICs. MethodsCross-sectional data from the World Health Survey, restricting to those with a self-reported lifetime diagnosis of schizophrenia/psychotic disorder, was analyzed. PA was assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and participants were dichotomized into those that do and do not (low PA) meet the minimum recommended PA weekly targets (≥150min). A range of socio-demographic, health behavior, and mental and physical health variables were examined using random effects logistic regression. ResultsOverall 2407 people (mean 42.0years, 41.5% males) with schizophrenia/psychosis were included. The prevalence of low PA was 39.2% (95%CI=37.0%–41.2%). Male sex (odds ratio (OR)=1.33), increasing age, unemployment (vs. employed OR=2.50), urban setting (vs. rural OR=1.75), inadequate fruit consumption (vs. adequate fruit intake OR=3.03), depression (OR=1.33), sleep/energy disturbance, and mobility limitations were significantly associated with low PA. Marital status, education, wealth, smoking, vegetable and alcohol consumption, anxiety, cognition, pain, and chronic medical conditions were not significant correlates. ConclusionPA is influenced by a range of factors among people with psychosis. These correlates should be considered in interventions aiming to facilitate PA in psychotic individuals living in LMICs.

Consumo de frutas e vegetais associado a outros comportamentos de risco em adolescentes no Nordeste do Brasil

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of consumption of fruits and vegetables and identify the association with low level of physical activity, exposure to sedentary behavior, consumption of soft drinks and overweight/obesity in adolescents. MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional school‐based study with a representative sample of 3992 students aged 14–19 years from the state of Sergipe, Brazil. The outcome was low consumption of fruits and vegetables (<5servings/day). Independent variables were: level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, consumption of soft drinks, and overweight/obesity. Global Student Health Survey questionnaire and body mass and height measurements were used, as well as chi‐square test and crude and adjusted binary logistic regression. The significance level adopted was 5%. ResultsThe prevalence of inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was high – 88.6% (95%CI=87.6–89.5). Higher likelihood of low consumption of fruits and vegetables was verified among boys who were exposed to sedentary behavior (OR=1.63; 95%CI=1.18–2.24), who consumed soft drinks (OR=3.04; 95%CI=2.10–4.40), with insufficiently physical activity (OR=1.98; 95%CI=1.43–2.73) and girls who consumed soft drinks (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.43–2.47) and those with overweight/obesity (OR=1.63; 95%CI=1.19–2.23). ConclusionsThere is a need of public policies aimed at encouraging the consumption of healthy foods among adolescents.

Características antropométricas y hábitos alimentarios de estudiantes de danza clásica, Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón

IntroductionDance student has a high demand, due to technical and talent they have possess, as well as the development of a slender and slim figure that has to be maintained.The aim of the study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics and eating habits of dance students. Materials and methodsSample: 16 female students of classical dance 8-14 years. Variables studied: Eating habits and anthropometric variables. ResultsThe mean age was 11.58 years. The BMI was 15.91kg/m2 (SD 1.43), of whom 62.5% were normal. The sum of folds had a mean of 52mm (SD 9.99, range 38 to 67mm). The muscle mass percentage was higher than fat mass, 35.73% (SD 2.8) vs. 32.37% (SD 4.2). The weight of muscle and fat mass was 12.23kg (SD 2.85) and 10.96kg (SD 3.45), respectively.The muscle/bone index was 2.45 (SD 0.24), and an adipose/muscle ratio of 0.9 (SD 0.17).Most had 4 meals daily and consumed adequate dairy products and meat, although 37.5% made an inadequate breakfast, 44 and 75% had an inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, respectively. ConclusionsThe main question should not be losing weight, but to change the figure at the expense of adequate reduction of body fat without losing muscle mass significantly. This should not affect the continuous learning of artistic technique and the normal processes of growth, maturation and development.

Understanding fruit and vegetable intake of Native American children: A mixed methods study

Native American children experience greater rates of obesity and risk for chronic diseases in comparison to their counterparts in other ethnic groups. Contributing to this risk may be inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate the fruit and vegetable consumption of Native American children between the ages of 2 and 5 by using an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design. This study first collected qualitative data from caregivers of Native American children (n = 45) and stakeholders in Native American communities (n = 10) to gain perspectives of fruit and vegetable consumption. Data was then utilized to develop a fruit and vegetable survey which was administered with a fruit and vegetable food frequency questionnaire. These quantitative assessments were administered to caregivers of Native American children (n = 92) to gain an understanding of predictors of fruit and vegetable intake among this population. This study was guided by the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model of health behavior. Findings from the mixed methods analysis demonstrate that, while the IMB model may be a useful tool to utilize in explaining the complex relationship between factors that impact fruit and vegetable consumption among Native American children, a revised model may be appropriate to use in future intervention development.

Consumption of fruits and vegetables associated with other risk behaviors among adolescents in Northeast Brazil

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of consumption of fruits and vegetables and identify the association with low level of physical activity, exposure to sedentary behavior, consumption of soft drinks and overweight/obesity in adolescents. MethodsThis is a cross-sectional school-based study with a representative sample of 3992 students aged 14–19 years from the state of Sergipe, Brazil. The outcome was low consumption of fruits and vegetables (<5servings/day). Independent variables were: level of physical activity, sedentary behavior, consumption of soft drinks, and overweight/obesity. Global Student Health Survey questionnaire and body mass and height measurements were used, as well as chi-square test and crude and adjusted binary logistic regression. The significance level adopted was 5%. ResultsThe prevalence of inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was high – 88.6% (95%CI=87.6–89.5). Higher likelihood of low consumption of fruits and vegetables was verified among boys who were exposed to sedentary behavior (OR=1.63; 95%CI=1.18–2.24), who consumed soft drinks (OR=3.04; 95%CI=2.10–4.40), with insufficiently physical activity (OR=1.98; 95%CI=1.43–2.73) and girls who consumed soft drinks (OR=1.88; 95%CI=1.43–2.47) and those with overweight/obesity (OR=1.63; 95%CI=1.19–2.23). ConclusionsThere is a need of public policies aimed at encouraging the consumption of healthy foods among adolescents.

Prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in rural & urban Tamil Nadu.

Background & objectives:Surveillance of risk factors is important to plan suitable control measures for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study was to assess the behavioural, physical and biochemical risk factors for NCDs in Vellore Corporation and Kaniyambadi, a rural block in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu, India.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out among 6196 adults aged 30-64 yr, with 3799 participants from rural and 2397 from urban areas. The World Health Organization-STEPS method was used to record behavioural risk factors, anthropometry, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess associations between risk factors.Results:The proportion of tobacco users (current smoking or daily use of smokeless tobacco) was 23 per cent in the rural sample and 18 per cent in the urban, with rates of smoking being similar. Ever consumption of alcohol was 62 per cent among rural men and 42 per cent among urban men. Low physical activity was seen among 63 per cent of the urban and 43 per cent of the rural sample. Consumption of fruits and vegetables was equally poor in both. In the urban sample, 54 per cent were overweight, 29 per cent had hypertension and 24 per cent diabetes as compared to 31, 17 and 11 per cent, respectively, in the rural sample. Physical inactivity was associated with hypertension, body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, central obesity and dyslipidaemia after adjusting for other factors. Increasing age, male sex, BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and central obesity were independently associated with both hypertension and diabetes.Interpretation & conclusions:Diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, physical inactivity and overweight were higher in the urban area as compared to the rural area which had higher rates of smokeless tobacco use and alcohol consumption. Smoking and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables were equally prevalent in both the urban and rural samples. There is an urgent need to address behavioural risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables through primary prevention.

Cancers in Australia in 2010 attributable to inadequate consumption of fruit, non‐starchy vegetables and dietary fibre

Objectives:To estimate the number and proportion of cancers occurring in Australia in 2010 attributable to consumption deficits in fruit, non‐starchy vegetables and dietary fibre. Methods:We estimated the population attributable fraction (PAF) for cancers causally associated with inadequate intake of fruit and non‐starchy vegetables (oral cavity, pharynx, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, stomach, larynx); inadequate intake of fruit (lung); and insufficient intake of fibre (colorectum). We used standard formulae incorporating prevalence of exposure (1995 National Nutrition Survey) and relative risks from independent studies. Results:Overall, 1,555 (1.4% of all) and 311 (0.3% of all) cancers were attributable to inadequate intakes of fruit and non‐starchy vegetables, respectively. A further 2,609 colorectal cancers (18% of colorectal) were attributable to insufficient fibre intake. If Australians increased their fibre intake by eating the recommended daily intakes of fruit and vegetables, an estimated 1,293 (8.8%) colorectal cancers could be prevented. Conclusions:One in six colorectal cancer cases was attributable to inadequate intake of dietary fibre and about 1,800 cancers at other sites were attributable to insufficient fruit and non‐starchy vegetable consumption. Implications:Increasing the proportion of Australians who consume the recommended intake of fruit, vegetables and fibre could prevent up to 4% of all cancers.

HÁBITOS ALIMENTARES E FATORES ASSOCIADOS EM SERVIDORES PÚBLICOS

Introduction: Food is essential for the functioning of the physical and biological activities of the body.Studies have shown that multiple factors may influence food intake of an individual. Furthermore, theliterature indicates regional differences on dietary habits. Thus, identifying factors associated with dietaryhabits of each region may contribute to direct local strategies to improve this situation. Objective: Toanalyze the prevalence and factors associated with inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, soft drinks andfrying of public servants of the State University of Northern Parana (UENP). Methods: The study group asformed of 147 servers and teachers from UENP campus of Jacarezinho (PR), 73 females and 74 males agedbetween 18 and 64 years old. Dietary habits were assessed by the food frequency questionnaire DIPS (FoodConsumption Patterns), level of physical activity using the IPAQ 8, and questionnaire and socioeconomicstatus by the Brazilian Association of Research Companies questionnaire. Results: Increasing age showedsignificantly decrease the inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, frying and sodas. The lowermiddlesocioeconomic status was associated with irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables (OR=2,453:CI=1,134-0,303 and OR=3,545:CI=1,370-9,173, respectively). Inadequate consumption of fruitwas higher for insufficiently active individuals (OR=2,683:CI=1,110-6,489). Conclusion: The frequencyof adults with unhealthy eating habits and their association with age, socioeconomic status and physicalactivity level shows the need to promote positive behavior and healthy lifestyle among the servers.

Consumption of fruit and vegetables and the health conditions of men and women attended in the primary healthcare network

This cross-sectional study sought to analyze the associations between health conditions and the inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) of 1,255 men and women attended in Primary Healthcare Units in Belo Horizonte (State of Minas Gerais). Data collection included FV consumption, socioeconomic status and health conditions. Results are presented by prevalence ratio (PR) with a confidence interval of 95% (CI 95%). A 77.5% (CI 95%: 75.1%-79.8%) of inadequacy of consumption (< 5 daily servings) was found and it was more prevalent among men (83.8%, CI 95%: 79.0%-88.5% than among women: 76.0%, CI 95%: 73.4%-78.6%). For women, the inadequate consumption of FV was higher among those with poor perception of health quality (PR: 1.37; CI 95%: 1.19-1.59) and among those who consider their dietary habits as being unhealthy (PR: 1.15; CI 95%: 1.07-1.24). For men, the inadequate consumption was higher between individuals that reported 2 to 4 visits to the doctor in the year prior to the interview (PR: 1.21; CI 95%: 1.06-1.21). The conclusions showed that the consumption of FV among the population under study is below the recommendations and the health conditions are associated differently for each gender.

Association between physical activity level and consumption of fruit and vegetables among adolescents in northeast Brazil

ObjectiveTo determine the association between low levels of physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 2,057 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from the city of Aracaju, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed the level of physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables by standardized and validated questionnaires. The control variables were sex, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, alcohol consumption and smoking. For data analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used, with a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe prevalence of low levels of physical activity was 81.9%; the inadequate consumption of fruits ocurred in 79.1% and the inadequate consumption of vegetables in 90.6%. Adolescents who consumed few fruits daily had an increase in 40% of chance of being insufficiently active and, for those who consumed few vegetable's the likelihood of being insufficiently active was 50% higher, compared to those who had adequate intake of these foods. ConclusionsLow levels of physical activity were associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents in a city in northeastern Brazil. These findings suggest that insufficiently active adolescents have other unhealthy behaviors that may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Associations between Parental Feeding Styles and Childhood Eating Habits: A Survey of Hong Kong Pre-School Children.

Childhood obesity is a global public health issue, including in the Chinese setting, and its prevalence has increased dramatically throughout the last decade. Since the origins of childhood obesity may lie in the pre-school period, factors relating to very young children’s food consumption should be investigated. Parental influence, including feeding style, is the major determinant of childhood dietary behaviour through altering food provision and social environment. However, the applicability of previous research on parental feeding styles was limited by small sample size. To evaluate the influence of parental feeding styles on children's dietary patterns, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 4553 pre-schoolers in Hong Kong. Information was obtained about dietary intake and how regularly they had breakfast, using previous health surveillance surveys taken among primary school students. Parental feeding styles were assessed by a validated Parental Feeding Style Questionnaire and categorized into ‘instrumental feeding’, ‘emotional feeding’, ‘prompting and encouragement to eat’ and ‘control over eating’. Multivariable analysis was performed, adjusted for demographic information. Instrumental and/or emotional feeding was found to relate to inadequate consumption of fruit, vegetables and breakfast, and positively correlated with intake of high-energy-density food. Encouragement on eating was associated with more frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and breakfast. Control over eating correlated with more frequent consumption of fruits, vegetables and breakfast, and less consumption of dairy products and high-energy-density food. The present study has provided evidence on the associations between parental feeding styles and dietary patterns of Hong Kong pre-school children from a reasonably large population. Parents should avoid instrumental and emotional feeding, and implement control and encouragement to promote healthy food intake. Longitudinal studies and interventions on parental feeding style are required to confirm the research findings.

Exploring Fruit and Vegetable Intake of American Indian Children Using a Mixed Methods Approach

American Indian (AI) children experience disproportionate rates of obesity compared to counterparts in other ethnic groups. Contributing to this issue may be inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables (f/v). Little research exists on factors that contribute to f/v intake of American Indian children. The objective of this on‐going study is to assess how perceptions of f/v impact the f/v intake of AI children. During the initial qualitative phase, caregivers (n=45) and community stakeholders (n=10) participated in focus groups and individual interviews, respectively. The questions asked during these sessions focused on understanding what perceptions caregivers and community stakeholders have in regards to children's f/v intake. Data was analyzed using qualitative content analysis strategies, with each focus group and interview analyzed separately and then combined and assessed for concordance and discordance. Codes and categories were assessed for applicability to and grouped into the three constructs of the Information‐Motivation‐Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model of health behavior. Key quotes from each construct have been used in the development of a quantitative assessment tool. Construct/Theme Sub‐Theme Qualitative Quote Quantitative Item Information Food Safety &amp;quot;Some vegetables are worse than others. You always hear about tomatoes and spinach, so I don&amp;#39;t even buy them.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Some fruits and vegetables will give you food poisoning.&amp;quot; Motivation Social Support &amp;quot;I am the only one in my family that cares about fruits or vegetables at all.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;I am the only one in my family that cares about eating healthy.&amp;quot; Behavioral Skills Role Modeling &amp;quot;My daughter, she&amp;#39;ll be like, mom is doing it so let me try it.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;When it comes to eating vegetables, I feel I am a good role model for my child.&amp;quot; This tool will be administrated with a f/v food frequency questionnaire to empirically test and validate these qualitative findings. Findings from this mixed methods study will aid public health and nutrition professionals working with caregivers of AI children to develop effective nutrition messaging.

Associação entre prática de atividade física com consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes em adolescentes do Nordeste do Brasil

ObjectiveTo determine the association between low levels of physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents. MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 2,057 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years from the city of Aracaju, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed the level of physical activity, consumption of fruits and vegetables by standardized and validated questionnaires. The control variables were sex, age, socioeconomic status, maternal education, alcohol consumption and smoking. For data analysis, univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used, with a significance level of 5%. ResultsThe prevalence of low levels of physical activity was 81.9%; the inadequate consumption of fruits ocurred in 79.1% and the inadequate consumption of vegetables in 90.6%. Adolescents who consumed few fruits daily had an increase in 40% of chance of being insufficiently active and, for those who consumed few vegetable,s the likelihood of being insufficiently active was 50% higher, compared to those who had adequate intake of these foods. ConclusionsLow levels of physical activity were associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents in a city in northeastern Brazil. These findings suggest that insufficiently active adolescents have other unhealthy behaviors that may increase the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.

Chronic disease health risk behaviours amongst people with a mental illness.

Amongst people with a mental illness, modifiable health risk behaviours contribute substantially to increased chronic disease morbidity and mortality. This study examined the prevalence of and interest in changing such behaviours amongst community mental health service clients in Australia. A telephone interview was undertaken with Australian community mental health service clients. Participants reported engagement in four health risk behaviours: tobacco smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol consumption, and physical activity. Participants were classified as at risk based upon Australian national guidelines. At-risk participants were asked whether they were considering improving their health risk behaviour within the next month. The association between psychiatric diagnosis and risk, and interest in improving health risk behaviours was examined. Risk prevalence was highest for inadequate vegetable consumption (78.3%), followed by inadequate fruit consumption (60%), smoking (50.7%), physical inactivity (46.8%), short-term alcohol risk (40.3%) and chronic alcohol risk (35.3%). A majority of at-risk participants were considering improving their health risk behaviour for smoking, physical inactivity and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (65.1%, 71.1%, and 53.3%, respectively). After adjusting for demographic factors, no diagnostic categories were associated with risk for any behaviour. Those with a diagnosis of depression were more likely to be interested in quitting smoking and increasing physical activity. Regardless of diagnosis, a high prevalence of chronic disease health risk behaviours was identified, with many participants expressing an interest in improving these behaviours. Such findings reinforce recommendations that preventive care addressing the chronic disease risks of clients be provided routinely by mental health clinicians. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12613000693729. URL: www.anzctr.org.au/.

Television Time among Brazilian Adolescents: Correlated Factors are Different between Boys and Girls

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of excess television time and verify correlated factors in adolescent males and females. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 2,105 adolescents aged from 13 to 18 years from the city of Aracaju, Northeastern Brazil. Television time was self-reported, corresponding to the time spent watching television in a typical week. Several correlates were examined including age, skin color, socioeconomic status, parent education, physical activity level, consumption of fruits and vegetables, smoking status, alcohol use, and sports team participation. Results. The prevalence excess television time (≥2 hours/day) in girls and boys was 70.9% and 66.2%, respectively. Girls with low socioeconomic status or inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables were more likely to have excess television time. Among boys, those >16 years of age or with black skin color were more likely to have excess television time. Conclusions. Excess television time was observed in more than two-thirds of adolescents, being more evident in girls. Correlated factors differed according to sex. Efforts to reduce television time among Brazilian adolescents, and replace with more active pursuits, may yield desirable public health benefits.

Fatores associados à constipação intestinal em idosos residentes na zona rural

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of intestinal constipation in the rural area elderly and verify the factors associated. This is a home survey performed with 850 elderly residents of the rural area of Uberaba, Minas Gerais state. A structured instrument was used; information regarding their eating habits was obtained using an adapted questionnaire for food consumption frequency, and intestinal constipation was self-reported. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test and multiple logistic regression ( p <0.05) were performed. The prevalence of intestinal constipation was 13.2%. The factors associated with intestinal constipation were: female gender ( p <0.001), 80 years of age or older ( p =0.035), living with another person ( p =0.004), having no income ( p =0.033), inadequate consumption of fruits ( p =0.005) and vegetable ( p =0.002). It is considered that client-centered nutritional education can help remove the factors associated with the outcome. Descriptors: Constipation; Aged; Gastrointestinal Motility; Rural Population; Geriatric Nursing.

A cross‐sectional survey of health risk behaviour clusters among a sample of socially disadvantaged Australian welfare recipients

To examine the prevalence and clustering of six health risk behaviours (smoking, alcohol, inadequate sun protection, physical inactivity, and inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption) among severely disadvantaged individuals. A cross-sectional touch screen computer survey was conducted with 383 clients attending a social and community welfare organisation in New South Wales. Participants were assessed on smoking status, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, sun protection and socio-demographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis and logistic regression were used to assess the prevalence, clustering and socio-demographic predictors of health risk behaviours. Ninety-eight per cent of the participants reported inadequate vegetable consumption, 62.7% reported inadequate fruit consumption, 82.5% reported inadequate sun protection, 61.7% smoked tobacco, 51.4% consumed alcohol at risky levels and 36.5% were insufficiently active. Most participants (87%) reported three or more risk behaviours. Male participants, younger participants and those with lower education were more likely to smoke tobacco and consume alcohol. The prevalence of health risk behaviours among a sample of typically hard-to-reach, severely disadvantaged individuals is extremely high. Future intervention development should take into account the likelihood of health risk clustering among severely disadvantaged groups.