Increasing Nutrition Education Research Articles

Risk Factors for Central Obesity in Women 45-54 Years of Age in Indonesia (Riskesdas 2018 Analysis)

The prevalence of central obesity in Indonesia, especially in women aged 45-54 years, has increased according to the results of the Basic Health Research (Riskesdas, Riset Kesehatan Dasar). Central obesity is associated with a higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the incidence of central obesity in women aged 45-54 years in Indonesia using the 2018 Riskesdas data with a cross-sectional study design. The study sample consisted of 60,557 individuals, with 64.54% having central obesity. Marital status (PR=1.12; 95%CI 1.09-1.15), low physical activity (PR=1.18; 95%CI 1.14-1.21), and consumption of high-risk foods (PR=1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05) were found to be associated with an increased risk of central obesity. In contrast, primary education (PR=0.86; 95%CI 0.83-0.89), employment status (PR=0.91; 95%CI 0.90-0.93), and smoking status (PR=0.89; 95%CI 0.84-0.95) acted as protective factors against central obesity. The results of this study suggest the need for increased nutrition education and physical activity in women aged 45-54 years as well as health support programs for married women.

Evaluation of the Effect of Nutrition Education on Osteopathic Medical Students' Personal Nutrition Choices and Incorporation Into Future Medical Practice.

Our current research project evaluates the impact of nutrition education on the medical student's personal nutrition goals and the likelihood of incorporating nutrition needs into patient evaluation and treatment plans in future practice. The growing popularity of lifestyle medicine has further emphasized the importance of nutrition in the treatment of all patients, especially those suffering from chronic diseases. The paucity of formal medical nutrition education in medical school curricula leaves a significant gap in the knowledge base of physicians in practice. In an attempt to close the gap, we increased nutrition education in first-year osteopathic medical students by establishing a nutrition course emphasizing modern competencies and their importance in clinical practice. Methods: The course evaluation utilized a two-group quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test study design. The intervention group consisted of medical students participating in the newly established course, and the control group consisted of second-year medical students who had not taken the course as part of their curriculum. Information was collected about students' knowledge, attitudes, behaviors around nutrition, their plans to pursue a residency with a focus on culinary medicine and incorporate medical nutrition into their medical practice in the future, and their intention to incorporate culinary medicine into future treatment plans. Participation rates within a voluntary culinary medicine interest group were also tracked. Students in the intervention group were 26% more likely to report that proper nutrition for patient care had been addressed in coursework. This suggests that medical students exposed to the medical nutrition course have received more training that is critical in proper patient care than students in the control group. Students in the intervention group were 93% more likely to believe that proper nutrition can be used to prevent disease. Lastly, significantly more students in the intervention group (33% more) intend to explore residency programs with a focus on culinary medicine than those students in the control group. These results demonstrate that nutritional education promotes an awareness of the effectiveness of nutritional counseling in disease prevention and management. Furthermore, it will hopefully prompt future physicians to consider nutritional counseling during their clinical rotations, through residency, and into their independent practice. The presentation of nutrition in the first year of medical school is critical to develop increasing numbers of primary care physicians that promote the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle for patients.

Peranan Gizi dalam Pencegahan Penyakit

This study aims to explore the role of nutrition in disease prevention and identify the factors influencing the nutritional status of the population in Indonesia. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this research analyzes scientific literature and secondary data from official sources such as the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The analysis results indicate that macro and micronutrients, such as complex carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals, play a significant role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. The Mediterranean diet and plant-based eating patterns have proven effective in improving health and preventing disease. However, Indonesia faces complex nutritional challenges, including a high prevalence of stunting in children and rising obesity rates in adults. Stunting is primarily caused by limited access to nutritious food and lack of nutritional knowledge, while obesity is associated with high-calorie diets and low physical activity. This study suggests increasing nutrition education, access to nutritious food, and promoting healthy lifestyles as essential steps to address nutritional problems in Indonesia and improve the overall quality of life.

Prevalence and factors associated with eating disorders among undergraduate students in a public university in Ghana

AbstractTo estimate the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among undergraduate students in a public university in Ghana; to identify the factors associated with EDs and to explore the relationship between sociodemographics and developing EDs. A cross‐sectional design was employed to obtain data from 1101 students using the total enumeration sampling method. Information on sociodemographics was obtained and anthropometric measurements were self‐reported. The Eating Attitude Test was modified to obtain the prevalence rate. The factors associated with EDs and the relationship between sociodemographics and EDs were also assessed using a chi‐square statistical test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and ED risk. A total of 1101 students participated in the study with a mean age of 21.87 ± 2.94, ranging from 16 to 43 years. About 7% of the students were found to have EDs, with the majority being female young adults. Factors found to influence EDs were peer/family pressure, stress, and body dissatisfaction. The association between psychological factors and EDs was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Gender (p = 0.011), course of study (p = 0.001), and level of study (p = 0.010) were sociodemographic variables associated with an increased likelihood of developing EDs. This study found the prevalence of EDs to be relatively higher than that estimated for Africa and non‐Western countries and almost as high as that of the Western world. This calls for urgent steps to be taken, including creating awareness and increasing nutrition education to reduce the incidence, if not completely nip it in the bud. Sociocultural factors and body image preferences were identified as core factors underlying susceptibility to EDs and hence will inform and guide intervention activities. This study will address literature gaps and provide baseline data on the prevalence rate of EDs in Ghana and Africa at large. Information from the study will aid dietitians/nutritionists in developing interventions suitable for persons with EDs. Most importantly, this study will refer individuals who may have EDs to seek the necessary assistance from qualified health professionals like doctors, dietitians, and psychologists.

Effect of nutrition education integrating the health belief model and theory of planned behavior on dietary diversity of pregnant women in Southeast Ethiopia: a cluster randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMaternal anemia, miscarriage, low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), prenatal and infant mortality, morbidity, and the risk of chronic disease later in life are all increased by a lack of dietary diversity during pregnancy. However, evidence for the effect of nutrition education on the dietary diversity score (DDS) among pregnant women was sparse in Ethiopia, particularly in the study areas. This study aimed to assess the effect of nutrition education on dietary diversity among pregnant women in urban settings in Southeast Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based two-arm parallel cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 447 randomly selected pregnant women attending antenatal care (224 intervention group and 223 control group) at health facilities from February to December 2021. A multistage cluster sampling technique, followed by systematic sampling, was used to select the pregnant women. Pregnant women who participated in the interventions were given nutrition education starting at 16 weeks of gestation and continuing for 6 months. We used a pre-tested, interviewer-administered, structured questionnaire to collect the data. A 24-hour qualitative dietary recall was used to calculate the dietary diversity score (DDS). A multivariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was conducted to evaluate the intervention effect.ResultsAfter the intervention, the proportion of adequate dietary diversity was 14.15% higher in the intervention arm compared to the control group (45.09% versus 30.94%, P = 0.002). The overall difference in adequate dietary diversity between the two groups was 8.5%. After adjusting for background characteristics, the multivariable GEE binary logistic model revealed that having received intervention [(AOR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.79)], being literate [(AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.13, 10.23)], and having high wealth [(AOR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.35)] significantly improved adequate dietary diversity.ConclusionThe findings indicated that having received the intervention, being literate, and having a high level of wealth significantly improved maternal dietary diversity. Efforts should be made to increase nutrition education using the health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB). Moreover, there is a need to improve literacy and economic empowerment through income-generating activities to enhance adequate dietary diversification during pregnancy.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov (PACTR202201731802989, Retrospectively registered on 24 January 2022).

Nutrition Education Intervention on maternal knowledge, and perception toward infant and young child feeding in Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria

Background: The poor infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices in developing countries require appropriate interventions targeted towards its improvement. Aims: To assess the impact of child feeding intervention on the maternal IYCF knowledge, perception and intention in Abakaliki Metropolis, Nigeria. Subjects and Methods: This quasi-experimental study adopted a mixed method approach and purposive sampling technique to recruited 100 eligible breastfeeding mother and child (6 – 12 months) pairs. The respondents were subjected to a one-day intervention which comprised 7 – hours detailed nutrition education on IYCF and hands-on-practical demonstration of indigenous complementary foods formulation/processing. Paired t-test was used to investigate the significant differences in the IYCF knowledge and perception before and after the intervention while focus group discussions identified their intended child feeding practices after the intervention. Results: Results reported a mild increase in the mean knowledge (13.71 + 3.67 to 15.79 + 3.97) and perception (16.86 + 4.36 to 17.21+ 2.96) score after the intervention. Qualitative data revealed mothers’ intention to stop; forceful feeding, offering processed drinks and early switching of breast. Furthermore, the respondents affirmed that they were furnished with the right knowledge/skills for enrichment and formulation of new/existing varieties of local complementary foods. Conclusion: The intervention increased maternal IYCF knowledge, perception and promoted good IYCF intentions. Increased nutrition education of the mothers should be encouraged as it facilitates the improvement in maternal IYCF knowledge, perception and feeding behaviors. Keywords: Infant and young child feeding, knowledge, perception, intention, nutrition interventions.

Support for inadvertent undereating in female adolescent athletes with clinical indicators of low energy availability.

This study evaluated pathways to low energy availability in a sample of female adolescent athletes (n = 464). Cross-sectional. Participants (age 13-18 y) underwent assessments for height, weight, eating attitudes and behaviors, and menstrual function. Bone mineral density and body composition were evaluated by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry in a subset of participants (n = 209). Athletes were classified with clinical indicators of low energy availability if they met criteria for 1) primary or secondary amenorrhea or 2) clinical underweight status (body mass index-for-age < 5th percentile). Disordered eating was assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Thirty (6.5%) athletes exhibited clinical indicators of low energy availability, with higher estimates in leanness than non-leanness sports (10.9% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.005). Among athletes with clinical indicators of low energy availability, 80% (n = 24) did not meet criteria for disordered eating, eating disorder, or report the desire to lose weight. Athletes with (vs. without) clinical indicators of low energy availability exhibited lower lumbar spine (-1.30 ± 1.38 vs. -0.07 ± 1.21, p < 0.001) and total body (-0.30 ± 0.98 vs. 0.53 ± 0.97, p < 0.006) bone mineral density Z-scores. A majority of female adolescent athletes with clinical indicators of low energy availability did not exhibit characteristics consistent with intentional dietary restriction, supporting the significance of the inadvertent pathway to low energy availability and need for increased nutrition education in this population.

Healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice on quality of nutrition care in hospitals from a developing country: a multicenter experience

BackgroundDespite the fact that malnutrition can affect both recovery and outcome in acute care patients, little is known about malnutrition in Palestine, and even less is known about the assessment of malnutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices (M-KAP) toward healthcare providers and nutrition care quality measures in hospitalized patients. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the M-KAP of physicians and nurses in routine clinical care and determine the influencing factors.MethodsFrom April 1 to June 31, 2019, cross-sectional research was performed at governmental (n = 5) and non-governmental (n = 4) hospitals in the North West Bank of Palestine. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire from physicians and nurses to collect information on knowledge, attitude, and practices related to malnutrition and nutrition care, alongside sociodemographic characteristics.ResultsA total of 405 physicians and nurses were participated in the study. Only 56% of participants strongly agreed that nutrition was important, only 27% strongly agreed that there should be nutrition screening, only 25% felt food helped with recovery, and around 12% felt nutrition as part of their job. Approximately 70% of participants said they should refer to a dietitian, but only 23% knew how and only 13% knew when. The median knowledge/attitude score was 71, with an IQR ranging from 65.00 to 75.00, and the median practice score was 15.00 with an IQR of 13.00–18.00. The mean knowledge attitude practice score was 85.62 out of 128 with SD (9.50). Respondents who worked in non-governmental hospitals showed higher practice scores (p < 0.05), while staff nurses and ICU workers showed the highest practice score (p < 0.001). Respondents with younger age categories, working in non-governmental hospitals in the ICU as practical and staff nurses, showed the highest KAP score (p < 0.05). Significance positive correlations were found between respondents’ knowledge/attitude and practice scores regarding the quality of nutrition care in hospitals (r = 0.384, p value < 0.05). In addition, the result also revealed that almost half of respondents believed that the most important barriers to inadequate intake of food at the bedside are related to food appearance, taste, and aroma of meals served (58.0%).ConclusionsThe research revealed that inadequate knowledge was perceived as a barrier to effective nutrition care to the patient. Many beliefs and attitudes do not always translate into practice. Although the M-KAP of physicians and nurses is lower than in some other countries/studies, it highlights a strong need for more nutrition professionals in the hospital and increasing nutrition education to improve nutrition care in hospitals in Palestine. Furthermore, establishing a nutrition task force in hospitals elaborated by dietitians as the unique nutrition care provider will assure to implementation of a standardized nutrition care process.

Didactic and clinical nutrition content in dental hygiene programs: Directors' perspective.

Concern over inadequacy and implementation processes of nutritional content in dental hygiene education program (DHEP) curriculum policy at both a didactic level and clinical level exists. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the DHEP extent and practices of didactic and clinical nutrition content, identify DHEP barriers to increasing nutrition education content, and determine the need for a nutrition content curriculum standard from the director's perspective. A qualitative descriptive design was utilized, and DHEP directors were recruited through purposive sampling. Interviews were transcribed directly following each interview and data was analyzed simultaneously. The thematic analysis process was a hybrid approach incorporating both the inductive and deductive approaches. Four major themes emerged from the study: value of nutrition services, power, capacity building expectations, and nutrition curriculum distribution. The directors' intentions with nutritional content for the DHEP were not consistent with what occurred in implementation. The findings revealed a disconnect in the directors' ability to implement adequate nutrition curriculum content. The lack of power as the educational leader in the form of decreased autonomy due to policy implications filtered across all interviews. The findings further noted the capacity building expectations needed among DHEPs in the areas of faculty and student calibration. Multiple challenges impact the ability of program directors to implement accurate and adequate didactic and clinical related nutrition content in DHEPs. Future research, including DHEP directors and faculty teaching nutrition courses across the United States, would be beneficial in developing a broader perspective and creating a nutrition model standard.

Factors Related To Maternal Eating Behavior during Postpartum: The Health Belief Model

Background: Postpartum is a critical transition period for a woman. Every day 810 women around the world die from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth, which 52% of them dying during the postpartum period. These deaths occur due to complications such as postpartum bleeding, hypertension disorders, and infection. Purpose: This study aims to determine the factors related to maternal eating behavior during postpartum in Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia. Based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) conceptual framework, those factors are perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefit, and perceived barrier. Methodology: This was an observational analytic study using a cross- sectional design. The population in this study was 2750 postpartum mothers and the sample size examined 123 postpartum mothers as respondents it was conducted by Multistage Random Sampling. Respondents were given informed consent before conducting research for Ethical Considerations. All variable was obtained using a questionnaire. A multiple logistic regression test was conducted to determine the influence dimensions of HBM on maternal eating behavior during postpartum. Findings: Based on the result of this study Perceived Susceptibility (p=0,00) and Perceived Benefit (p=0,000) have significant correlation with maternal eating behavior. Then perceived Severity (p=0.983) and Perceived Barrier (p=0,616) do not correlate with maternal eating behavior among postpartum in Jember Regency Indonesia Conclusion: This study concludes that the greater perceived susceptibility and perceived benefits will influence postpartum mothers to have healthy eating behavior. We recommend increasing nutrition education as well as collaboration with other sectors.

P023 Examining College Students’ Willingness to Consume Local Foods Utilizing the Health Belief Model with the Addition of Social Influence and Self-identity

<h3>Background</h3> Due to the environmental burden of the current global food system, it is imperative to seek ways to reduce potential adverse effects within each step of the system. One such way is to reduce carbon emissions associated with transport through the purchase of local foods. College students are a population of interest in increasing local food consumption, which can positively impact their dietary habits and contribute to strong local economies and sustainable food systems. <h3>Objective</h3> The purpose of the present study was to examine the determinants influencing college students' willingness to consume local food using the Health Belief Model (HBM) with the addition of social influence and self-identity. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> A cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 425 college students in the Southern region of the US. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Participants completed validated instruments measuring, HBM constructs, social influence, and self-identify. Confirmatory factor analysis was first conducted to assess the adequacy of the measurement model. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed to examine the hypothetical relationships using Mplus 7. <h3>Results</h3> The results showed that perceived benefits, cues to action, self-efficacy, social influence, and self-identity had a significant positive impact on willingness to consume local foods, while perceived susceptibility and perceived severity did not. Perceived barriers were not found to have a significant negative impact on willingness to consume local food. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Results of this study indicate that increased nutrition education on the benefits of local foods, advertisement through various marketing medias, and cooking classes could encourage increased local food consumption among this population. Further research should be conducted on the implementation of these practical strategies and whether they positively impact college students' local food consumption. <h3>Funding</h3> The University of Alabama

Nutritional knowledge and practice of elite rugby players in Kenya

Rugby is a sport that has great physical and physiological demands that come with heavy requirements on the body’s nutrient stores. Nutrition plays a key role when it comes to good performance in rugby and in turn, aspects of nutrition specifically relevant to rugby are used to improve on how an athlete performs throughout the year: pre-season, competition season and off season. Despite the tremendous growth of rugby within the global and Kenyan scene, there are few studies that have been done on the nutrition knowledge and practices of elite rugby union players. The general objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional knowledge and practices of elite rugby players in Kenya. This study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional design. The research was carried out in Nairobi and Kakamega counties in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to select elite rugby players called up to the national team and the sample size for this study was sixty-seven (67). The data was analysed using SPSS version 25. The study’s results showed that 46% of the respondents were found to be in the age bracket of 25-30 years, with 52% of the respondents having attained tertiary education. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents played the back position. A large proportion (75%) of the respondents correctly responded that carbohydrates were the main source of energy for the body, whereas only 23% correctly responded that sports drinks are the best to replace fluids on the field of play. The average daily kilocalorie intake of the respondents was low at 2097kcal against a recommended 2165kcal. Milk and milk products were the most consumed sources of protein at 37% (5-6 times a week). Cereals were the most common sources of energy at 30% (daily). There was no significant relationship between nutrition practice and nutrition knowledge amongst elite rugby players in Kenya (r (67) = -0.106, p = .400.). In conclusion, good nutrition knowledge did not necessarily translate to better nutrition practices. There is need for increased nutrition education amongst elite rugby players to ensure dietary intake is per set recommendations. Key words: nutrition, knowledge, rugby union, elite rugby players, practice, dietary intake

Changing Perceptions of the Role of Food Assistance Programs in the Development and Prevention of Obesity in Lima, Peru

Abstract Objectives The purpose of this study is to assess the perceived role of food assistance programs (FAPs) in the development and prevention of overweight/obesity (OW/OB) in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru and analyze how these perceptions have changed across time. Methods In 2009, we conducted focus groups with FAP beneficiaries and in-depth interviews with FAP administrators (N = 34) from three common FAPs in two low-income districts of Lima, Peru. These data captured participants’ perceptions of OW/OB and their recommendations to address them. We conducted grounded theory analysis on this dataset to identify dominant themes and structure a second round of data collection. In January-February 2021, we are conducting in-depth interviews with FAP beneficiaries and administrators from the same programs and districts (current N = 16, expected N = 36). We will conduct grounded theory analysis on the second dataset and cross-analyze the two datasets to measure differences and similarities. Results In 2009, nearly all FAP beneficiaries and half of FAP administrators identified OW/OB as a public health problem in their community. They expressed need for more nutrition education, potentially through FAPs. Most FAP administrators and some beneficiaries also recommended offering healthier food in one particular FAP (Community Kitchens). Preliminary results from 2021 reveal that nearly all FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their community. Educational resources about OW/OB were limited and participants continued to recommend increased outreach, potentially through FAPs. Most beneficiaries of Community Kitchens cited the need for healthier food options. Conclusions From 2009 to 2021, more FAP beneficiaries and administrators perceived OW/OB to be a problem in their communities; however, resources to address this problem remained limited. Our findings suggest the need for increased nutrition education through FAPs and adjustments to foods available in specific FAPs. Funding Sources Tulane University.

Assessment of Fish Consumption Patterns amongst Students in Kwara State Nigeria

Fish is a nutrient dense food of animal origin commonly consumed across lifecycle. Different species are found across continents based on many factors with varying benefits of which health is key. The nutrition benefits of fish are not fully understood among youths as many consume other sources of protein for many reasons due to lack of information. The diverse reasons for consuming other sources of protein such as meat, eggs, poultry etc. need to be investigated so as to increase nutrition education among youths. This study was designed to determine the fish consumption levels among undergraduates, reasons for its consumption, and reasons for non-consumption. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among one hundred and fifty(150) students from Kwara State Polytechnic and one hundred and fifty-two students (152) of the University of Ilorin with a total of three hundred and two (302) undergraduate students. Respondents were randomly selected in each institution. Self-administered structured questionnaires containing both persona and dietary information were filled. Results showed that about 92.4% (280) respondents consume fish in any form; 57.2% (174) preferred frying to boiling; 53.5% (162) preferred mackerel locally called Titus in Nigeria to any other species. Fish consumption when cross matched with educational qualification indicates increase in consumption with education qualification. Respondents with National Diploma qualification (51.8%) consumed fish more than once in a week, this could be as a result of their environment or financial status compared with others. Nutrition education on fish consumption especially amongst youths should increase to enable them obtain essential nutrients such as iodine, omega- 3 fatty acid necessary for memory improvement. Hygiene and display pattern by retailers should also improve to make purchase and consumption of fish more appealing for the youths. Government agencies such as the Ministry of Health should educate marketers on safer ways of handling fish from farm to retail. Members of the public should also be sensitized on consequences of consuming unwholesome foods particularly with respect to risk assessment.

Food Insecurity Among DACA Students and Its Perceived Sociocultural, Environmental and Policy Determinants – An Exploratory Study in a Midsized Western US University

Abstract Objectives Previous research suggests a relationship between food insecurity and college students. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of food insecurity, its determinants, and coping strategies among Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students. Methods Participants were recruited using snowball sampling and private social media platforms in partnership with the Office of Diversity and its affiliate groups on campus. Eighteen DACA students completed the demographic and nutrition survey; eight students agreed to participate in focus groups (FG). A validated 10-item US Adult Food Security Survey was used to assess food insecurity. In the FGs, participants were asked a series of questions about their understanding of food insecurity, the perceived factors associated with food insecurity, and coping strategies and ideas used for improving food security on campus. All data were transcribed and participant identifiers removed. Content analysis was performed to ascertain common codes and themes. Results Thirteen of the 18 participants were identified as food insecure. Major themes that emerged as determinants of food insecurity were ineligibility of DACA students to secure government financial aid that non-DACA students are eligible to apply for while in college, lack of time to prepare meals, and inadequate budgeting skills. Some viewed affordable food as unhealthy, and consequently limited eating to avoid poor quality food. Some students chose to buy other basic needs over buying food. Some participants coped with food insecurity by rationing food while others acknowledged buying less expensive, but poorer quality or unhealthy food. Other participants relied on relatives, food pantries, or shared food among friends and roommates. To reduce food insecurity, participants recommended increasing nutrition education and financial literacy education for DACA students on university campuses. Increasing availability of scholarships, stipends, and paid internships are also important options. Conclusions Food insecurity and its impact is prevalent among this sample of students. This study suggests that the unique immigration status of DACA students contributes to their food insecurity. Funding Sources Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award, CSU Chico.

Assessment of Dietary Diversity of Mothers and Children of 6-24 Months from Eastern and Southern Provinces of Zambia.

In-depth information on dietary diversity and food consumption patterns in Zambian households is still scarce. This study, therefore, probed dietary intakes of mothers and their children living in households of two Zambian districts, Chipata and Monze, located in the eastern and southern provinces of Zambia, respectively. After assessing their diet, Dietary Diversity Scores (DDSs) were calculated and classified into low and high categories, while correlations were used to test determinants of DDS. The assessment revealed that the consumption of cereal-based products ranked highest in frequency. Specifically, the consumption of maize-based foods was highest in Chipata (55.43%) and then in Monze (43.56%) households. There was an observed low preference for mixed dishes that were not either maize or groundnut porridges. We also found positive and negative correlations of DDS with the educational level of household heads and age of mothers, respectively. We, therefore, suggest that increased nutrition education may improve dietary preferences, so also further investigation into other factors hindering low choices for mixed recipes will be useful in increasing overall diet quality.

Exploring the Associations Among Nutrition, Science, and Mathematics Knowledge for an Integrative, Food-Based Curriculum.

Explore associations between nutrition, science, and mathematics knowledge to provide evidence that integrating food/nutrition education in the fourth-grade curriculum may support gains in academic knowledge. Secondary analysis of a quasi-experimental study. Sample included 438 students in 34 fourth-grade classrooms across North Carolina and Ohio; mean age 10 years old; gender (I = 53.2% female; C = 51.6% female). Dependent variable = post-test-nutrition knowledge; independent variables = baseline-nutrition knowledge, and post-test science and mathematics knowledge. Analyses included descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The hypothesized model predicted post-nutrition knowledge (F(437) = 149.4, p < .001; Adjusted R = .51). All independent variables were significant predictors with positive association. Science and mathematics knowledge were predictive of nutrition knowledge indicating use of an integrative science and mathematics curriculum to improve academic knowledge may also simultaneously improve nutrition knowledge among fourth-grade students. Teachers can benefit from integration by meeting multiple academic standards, efficiently using limited classroom time, and increasing nutrition education provided in the classroom.

South Dakota Team Nutrition: Farmer Grow MyPlate and Power Chef Challenge

Increase nutrition education by motivating students to use MyPlate to eat healthfully as well as to teach how MyPlate foods are produced. Provide culinary and nutrition education training to school nutrition professionals, elementary and middle school students with the Power Chef Challenge. Farmers Grow MyPlate uses each of the USDA MyPlate food groups as the focus to provide hands-on lessons on nutrition, physical activity, food preparation, food safety, and food production. Lesson implementation, food preparation activities and especially field trips to farms and markets are being supported with sub-grants for use in summer day camps, school classrooms, after-school programs, and summer child care settings. Power Chef Challenge is a nutrition education program teaching basic food preparation skills with the intent of having youth participants share and prepare healthy recipes with their families. The core outcome is the ability to prepare a healthy meal or dish based on USDA MyPlate guidelines. Pre- and post-surveys will be analyzed for all children who participate in Farmers Grow MyPlate and Power Chef Challenge. They will be scored, and pre- and post-intervention scores will be compared using t-tests. Survey results from the 2014-2016 implementation of Farmers Grow MyPlate will be shared. Pilot program survey results from the spring 2017 implementation of Power Chef Challenge will also be shared. Process measures will inform modifications to both Farmers Grow MyPlate and Power Chef Challenge.

Charting the cost of nutritionally-adequate diets in Uganda, 2000-2011

Although malnutrition rates have been on the decline in Uganda over the past two decades, they remain high. Challenges to achieving nutritional improvements result, in part, from high staple foods prices, which raise the cost of the food basket and increase the risk of food and nutrition insecurity, especially for poor households who are net buyers of staple foods. Nearly two-thirds of Ugandan households are net buyers of staples, a pattern that highlights the potential importance of food prices as a key driver of food insecurity. During 2007-2008 the country experienced particularly sharp increases in the prices of staple foods. This paper examines how price changes influenced the cost of obtaining a nutritionally-adequate diet in Uganda. Diet costs are measured across five representative locations over the period 2000 to 2011. A linear programming model and observed monthly food prices are used to compute the lowest-cost diets in five major markets for an adult male and adult female aged 19-50. The diet costs are computed under two scenarios: (i) subject to a range of nutrient-specific constraints (a basic diet), and (ii) with allowance for palatability constraints (a constrained diet). To compare food costs over time, prices are deflated using the monthly consumer price index\ (CPI). Food prices are converted to prices per 100 gram portions, so as to maintain consistency with units of nutrient composition for given food items. The diet cost is compared to the Ugandan poverty line over time. The real cost of obtaining a nutritionally-adequate diet with palatability constraints grew at a rate of three to nine percent per year per annum over the period 2000 to 2011. Diet costs (with palatability constraints) have exceeded the poverty line for most years since 2000, with the gap widening in the period 2007-2008. Results highlight the importance of food prices to overall nutrition, and document spatial heterogeneity in diet costs in Uganda. Findings underscore the importance of developing and supporting interventions that raise the purchasing power of the poor and increase nutrition education and outreach aimed at cost-effectively achieving dietary diversity. These results are limited by the fact that the researchers did not have data for vegetables, sweet potatoes, and sorghum (all commonly-consumed staples) as well as fats, oils, sugar and animal roducts. Key words : diets, food prices, linear programming, malnutrition, markets, poverty,staples, Uganda

Self-Reported Nutrition Education Received by Australian Midwives before and after Registration.

Educating midwives to provide nutrition advice is essential. Limited research focuses on midwives' nutrition education. This paper explores self-reported nutrition education received by Australian midwives before and after registration. It draws on quantitative and qualitative data from a larger online survey conducted with the members of the Australian College of Midwives (response rate = 6.9%, n = 329). Descriptive and content analyses were used. Of the midwives, 79.3% (n = 261) reported receiving some nutrition education during, before, and/or after registration. However, some described this coverage as limited. It lacked sufficient focus on topics such as weight management, nutrition assessment, and nutrition for vulnerable groups. Continuing education often occurred through personal initiatives, such as the midwife enrolling in external courses or exploring issues on the Internet and with colleagues. The majority of participants indicated a need for increased nutrition education (94.2%, n = 310) and guidelines tailored for them to provide nutrition advice (87.8%, n = 289). Australian midwives may not be receiving adequate nutrition education to provide nutrition advice. Inclusion of evidence-based nutrition components in midwifery education and regular updates for practising midwives focusing on challenging nutrition issues is required to ensure that they are supported in this important role.