Increasing Fruit Consumption Research Articles

Correlation between fruit consumption and 10-year all-cause mortality in patients with dyslipidemia.

Consuming fruit provides health benefits. Reportedly, increased fruit consumption reduces the risks of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, existing studies have not clarified the effect of fruit consumption on mortality risk in patients with dyslipidemia. This study aimed to assess the correlation between the consumption of different types of fruits and all-cause mortality in patients with dyslipidemia. A total of 2,184 patients with dyslipidemia were included in this study, and trends in the correlation between the frequency of consumption of different types of fruits and the 10-year all-cause mortality risk in patients with dyslipidemia were analyzed by smoothed curve fitting, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier curve analysis. Subgroup analysis and interaction test were applied to analyze the stability of the effect of apple consumption on 10-year all-cause mortality in patients with dyslipidemia. Smoothed curve fitting and Cox regression analyses revealed a significant reduction in the 10-year all-cause mortality risk in patients with dyslipidemia who consumed apples 3-4 times/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.87, p = 0.007) and in those who consumed bananas 3-4 times/week (HR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52-0.98, p = 0.039), with a more pronounced effect in patients who consumed both apples and bananas (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.30-0.99, p = 0.045). Other fruits did not exhibit similar effects. Consuming apples or bananas 3-4 times/week significantly improved the 10-year survival rate in patients with dyslipidemia, and the effect was even more profound in patients who consumed both fruits.

Health Education Media to Increase Vegetable and Fruit Consumption in School-Aged Children

Background: The lack of regulatory substances from fruits and vegetables is related to individual factors. Aims: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using educational media, lift-the-flap books, and leaflets on increasing knowledge, attitudes, parental support, and consumption of vegetables and fruit in elementary school children. Methods: This type of research was a quasi-experiment with a pre-and post-design approach to see the causal relationship between before and after counseling intervention with lift-the-flap book and leaflet media on increasing knowledge, attitudes, parental support, and consumption of vegetables and fruits in school-age children. Measuring knowledge scores, attitudes, and parental support was done using a Likert scale, and vegetable and fruit consumption using a 2x24-hour recall. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Test correlation test with a 95% confidence level (α = 5%). Results: Based on the research, it can be seen that using the lift-the-flap books and leaflet media can increase knowledge, attitudes, parental support, and consumption of vegetables and fruit compared to before using the media in elementary school children Pontianak. Conclusion: Lift-the-flap books are more effective in increasing knowledge, attitudes, parental support, and consumption of vegetables and fruits than leaflets.

Effectiveness of Participatory Research Interventions on Obesity and Obesity-Related Behaviors in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Adolescence is an optimal period to promote healthy lifestyles because behavior patterns are established in this stage. It has been suggested that engaging youth increases the effectiveness of interventions, but an overview is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of participatory research (PR) interventions, where adolescents (11-18 years old) from high-income countries had a significant role in the intervention development and/or delivery, compared with no (PR) intervention control groups on obesity-related outcomes and healthy lifestyle behaviors (HLBs). Eight databases (Embase, Medline ALL, Web of Science Core Collection, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and Google Scholar were searched from 1990 to 2024 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs (in English). Two researchers independently performed the data extraction and risk-of-bias assessment. Sixteen studies were included and outcomes have been narratively described. Seven studies evaluated youth-led interventions, 3 studies evaluated co-created interventions, and 6 studies evaluated the combination of both. Six studies focused on physical activity (PA), 2 on nutrition, and 8 on a combination of PA, nutrition, and/or obesity-related outcomes. Ten studies presented at least 1 significant effect on PA, nutrition, or obesity-related outcomes in favor of the intervention group. Additionally, 12 studies were pooled in a meta-analysis. Whereas a small desired effect was found for fruit consumption, a small undesired effect was found for vegetable consumption. The pooled analysis found no significant effects on moderate-vigorous PA, total PA, and PA self-efficacy. We found some evidence that youth empowerment in research may have positive effects on obesity-related HLBs, specifically an increased fruit consumption. However, the overall evidence was inconclusive due to limited studies and the heterogeneity of the studies included. This overview may guide future public health interventions that aim to engage and empower adolescents. PROSPERO registration Nº CRD42021254135.

Unveiling the lockdown effects: exploring behavior, dietary habits and weight changes in rural Egypt during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional retrospective study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 lockdown significantly impacted dietary habits and body weights globally, particularly in Egypt, where 57.03% of the population resides in rural areas, despite lack of information. The study examines the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the weight changes of the rural Egyptian population through behavioral, physical, and dietary changes.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey using Microsoft Forms was distributed in Delta regions in Egypt. The questionnaire used a modified version of the validated 14- items PREDIMED MedDiet Adherence Screener (MEDAS). The first part of the questionnaire addressed sociodemographic variables whereas the second one included questions related to dietary, behavioral and weight changes of participants. These changes were statistically tested for significance in relation to BMI, gender, home living, current job and family history of obesity.ResultsA total of 306 participated in the study (70% females, 13% obese, 95% living with family, 56% university students, and 36% with family history of obesity). Obese showed a significant increase in sweet intake whereas underweight and normal weight people displayed a significant decrease in eating desire. Both females and males showed significant increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables with significant decrease in soft drink. However, women showed a significant decrease in sport activity relative to men. Participants living with family showed an increase in sweet intake while those living alone explored an increase in meal frequency. Employers revealed a significant decrease in sport activities and people with family history of obesity reported more sleeping times than those without family history of obesity.ConclusionDuring Covid-19 quarantine, Egyptians’ eating habits improved, but daily routines were disrupted. Raising awareness about obesity and providing guidance on maintaining activity, energy, and mood is crucial for future quarantine situations.

Increased fruit consumption was favorably associated with dietary habits, obesity, sedentary time, and physical fitness among Greek children and adolescents

Increased fruit consumption was favorably associated with dietary habits, obesity, sedentary time, and physical fitness among Greek children and adolescents

The Effects of Diet Intervention on the Gut Microbiota in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

The GI tract hosts a dynamic community known as the gut microbiota, which encompasses thriving bacteria that actively contribute to the physiological functions of the human body. The intricacies of its composition are profoundly influenced by dietary preferences, where the quality, quantity, and frequency of food consumption play a pivotal role in either fostering or impeding specific bacterial strains. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent and deleterious condition that originates from excessive hyperglycemia. Do lifestyle interventions targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs exhibit a significant relationship in altering the composition of the gut microbiome and managing T2DM? This paper aims to evaluate the effects of lifestyle interventions on patients with T2DM and the implications of these changes on disease outcomes and progression. Lifestyle interventions can significantly impact the management of T2DM, especially those targeting dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, physical activity, and weight management programs. The adoption of a high-fiber diet and increased fruit consumption have shown positive impacts on both insulin sensitivity and the composition of the gut microbiota. Additionally, promising outcomes emerge from supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin K2 (MK-7), and transglucosidase, which influence insulin levels, glycemic control, and gut microbiota composition. Personalized diet interventions and the transformative effects of the Mediterranean diet present positive outcomes in metabolic control. The intensity of exercise plays a pivotal role in shaping the composition of the gut microbiota, with moderate-intensity continuous exercise displaying positive effects on anti-inflammatory microbes. Chronic exercise showcases favorable impacts on glycemic control and systemic inflammation. Emphasizing the intricate relationship between dietary habits, gut microbiota, and the risk of T2DM underscores the potential of the gut microbiota as a universal biomarker for assessing diabetes risk. Nutritional supplements and exercise interventions provide potential avenues for the management of T2DM, emphasizing the necessity for tailored strategies. Further research is encouraged to delve into the long-term effects and intricate interplay between lifestyle factors and the gut microbiome, enhancing our understanding of T2DM pathophysiology for targeted therapeutic approaches.

The effects of diet-shifting from invertebrates towards fruit on the condition of autumn-migrant Catharus thrushes.

Migration is an energetically challenging and risky life history stage for many animals, but could be supported by dietary choices en route, which may create opportunities to improve body and physiological condition. However, proposed benefits of diet shifts, such as between seasonally available invertebrates and fruits, have received limited investigation in free-living animals. We quantified diet composition and magnitude of autumn diet shifts over two time periods in two closely-related species of migratory songbirds on stopover in the northeastern U.S. (Swainson's thrush [Catharus ustulatus], long-distance migrant, N = 83; hermit thrush [C. guttatus], short-distance migrant, N = 79) and used piecewise structural equation models to evaluate the relationships among (1) migration timing, (2) dietary behavior, and (3) morphometric and physiological condition indices. Tissue isotope composition indicated that both species shifted towards greater fruit consumption. Larger shifts in recent weeks corresponded to higher body condition in Swainson's, but not hermit thrushes, and condition was more heavily influenced by capture date in Swainson's thrushes. Presence of "high-antioxidant" fruits in fecal samples was unrelated to condition in Swainson's thrushes and negatively related to multiple condition indices in hermit thrushes, possibly indicating the value of fruits during migration is related more to their energy and/or macronutrient content than antioxidant content. Our results suggest that increased frugivory during autumn migration can support condition, but those benefits might depend on migration strategy: a longer-distance, more capital-dependent migration strategy could require stricter regulation of body condition aided by increased fruit consumption.

PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HYPERTENSION IN A RURAL MUNICIPALITY, NEPAL

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health concern globally, as it is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and contributes to high mortality rates. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hypertension and associated risk factors in Gandaki Rural Municipality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to 13, 2022, involving 315 respondents aged 40 years and above. Hypertension and associated factors were assessed using a self-constructed questionnaire, a doctor’s aneroid sphygmomanometer, and a stethoscope. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of hypertension. Results: The majority of respondents (27.3%) were aged between 50 and 59 years, with a mean age of 60.65 years (±12.85). The prevalence of hypertension was 41%. Alcohol consumption was reported by 43.2% of respondents, while 28.3% had a smoking habit, 24.1% used smokeless tobacco, 87.6% consumed red meat, and the majority (60.3%) engaged in moderate-intensity activities. Older age (AOR = 5.4; 95% CI = 2.60–11.06), smoking (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.06-3.19), presence of non-communicable diseases (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.03-3.70), and overweight (AOR = 2.4; 95%CI = 1.32-4.22) or obesity (AOR = 5.8; 95%CI = 2.50–13.68) were identified as significant risk factors for hypertension. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension was found to be almost two-fifths in Gandaki Rural Municipality, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies focusing on modifiable risk factors. These strategies should focus on major risk factors such as promoting physical activity, discouraging tobacco use, increasing fruit consumption, and reducing red meat intake.

Effectiveness of NCD-Related Fiscal Policies: Evidence from the Pacific.

Obesity in Pacific Island countries (PICs) has hit crisis levels, and the consequent high non-communicable disease (NCD) burden is devastating for their developing economies. Nutrition transitions from traditional, plant and seafood diets to a dependence on processed foods are at the core of the obesity and NCD epidemic in PICs. Fiscal policies are widely promoted as an effective mechanism to reduce consumption of unhealthy foods and increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, there are little data to evaluate the effectiveness of these policies as rates of NCDs and obesity in PICs continue to rise. This study used an online survey to recruit 4116 adults from six PICs: Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu. The study measured the consumption of and household access to sugar-sweetened beverages, ultra-processed packaged snacks, fruits and vegetables and attitudes on food prices and unhealthy eating. The study also assessed the relationship between consumption of these foods and drink and (1) household access, (2) price as a food choice motive, and (3) unhealthy eating attitudes. This study provides novel data on food-related behaviours in PICs, offers insights into the potential impact of NCD-related fiscal policies on food consumption and identifies other variables of interest.

The relationship between the intake of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products with hypertension: findings from the STEPS study.

The current research aimed to evaluate the relationship between fruit, vegetable (FV), and dairy consumption with the odds of developing hypertension based on nationwide Stepwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) data in Iran. This cross-sectional study was accomplished by the research center of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Tehran. In total, 29,378 individuals' data were analyzed. Participants were classified into normal, elevated BP, stage I, and stage II hypertension according to systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) examinations. Based on the STEPS questionnaire, the consumption of FVs and dairy products was evaluated. Multinomial logistic regression was applied to assess the relationship between the consumption of FVs and dairy products with hypertension. The findings revealed that only fruit consumption (≥ 2 servings/day) was negatively related to stage I hypertension (odds ratio (OR) = 0.81; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.69-0.95) in two servings per day and OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68-0.96 in > two servings per day) in the adjusted model. There was no significant relationship between consuming vegetables and dairy products with elevated BP and hypertension. Our study showed that increasing fruit consumption was related to reducing hypertension odds. Regarding the consumption of dairy products and vegetables, no significant relationship was found with the odds of hypertension. More studies, especially cohorts, are needed to evaluate the impacts of FV and dairy products on the risk of hypertension.

Association between fresh fruit consumption and the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-related hospitalization and death in Chinese adults: A prospective cohort study.

Existing evidence suggests that fruit consumption is a significant influencing factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but this is unclear in the Chinese population. We examined the association of fresh fruit consumption with the risk of COPD-related hospitalization and death in a nationwide, population-based prospective cohort from China. Between 2004 and 2008, the China Kadoorie Biobank recruited >0.5 million adults aged 30 to 79 years from ten diverse regions across China. After excluding individuals diagnosed with major chronic diseases and prevalent COPD, the prospective analysis included 421,428 participants. Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) for the association between fresh fruit consumption and risk of COPD-related hospitalization and death, with adjustment for established and potential confounders. During a mean follow-up of 10.9 years, 11,292 COPD hospitalization events and deaths were documented, with an overall incidence rate of 2.47/1000 person-years. Participants who consumed fresh fruit daily had a 22% lower risk of COPD-related hospitalization and death compared with non-consumers (HR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.87). The inverse association between fresh fruit consumption and COPD-related hospitalization and death was stronger among non-current smokers and participants with normal body mass index (BMI) (18.5 kg/m 2 ≤ BMI < 24.0 kg/m 2 ); the corresponding HRs for daily fresh fruit consumption were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.89) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.59-0.79) compared with their counterparts, respectively. High-frequency fruit consumption was associated with a lower risk of COPD in Chinese adults. Increasing fruit consumption, together with cigarette cessation and weight control, should be considered in the prevention and management of COPD.

The Assessment of the Microbial and Hygienic Quality of Leafy Vegetables Along with Associated Microbials among Vegetables Purchased from Different Markets in Guyana

Fruits and vegetables are important to human health because they provide nutritional benefits, they are a good source of vitamins and minerals and help to improve the immune system of individuals. It was advised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of Guyana that individuals should consume more fruits and vegetables to boost their immune systems during the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to the increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables, there can also be an increase in cases of food-borne diseases, as evident from studies done in countries such as, the United States, Malaysia, and India. The objectives of this research was to identify the presence of microorganisms on leafy vegetables, Lactuca sativa (lettuce), Brassica oleracea (cabbage), and Amaranthus viridis (callaloo), that were purchased from local markets and to determine if washing with tap water only, will significantly decrease the concentration of microorganisms on the vegetables by performing microbial assessments.&#x0D; It was found that the most common microorganisms present on the leafy vegetables were pathogenic bacteria such as Neisseria spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Paracoccus marcusii, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bordetella pertussis, and Klebsiella pneumonia. The results of a Wilcoxon signed-rank test (p value = 1) revealed that washing with tap water alone did not significantly decrease the quantity of microorganisms present on the leafy vegetables (avg: 3.305x10-2 CFU/ml). Therefore, it is recommended that other hygienic methods such as washing with salt, lemon juice, or vinegar should be utilized in order to significantly reduce the concentration of the microorganisms present on the leafy vegetables.

Impact of Targeted Subsidies Reform on Household Nutrition: Lessons Learned from Iran.

In 2010, Iran became the first major oil-exporting country to reduce substantially implicit energy subsidies by increasing domestic energy and agricultural prices by up to 20 times. The current research aims to evaluate the profound impact of the countywide implementation of this targeted subsidy reform (TSR) on the consumption patterns of households in Iran, specifically in relation to the consumption of healthy food commodities. This study employed a robust approach to examine the impact of the TSR on household food consumption, as a natural experiment, using pooled cross-section data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) spanning the years 1992 to 2019. The analysis was based on a comprehensive interpretation of survey data, which served as the primary source for analysis. The estimation procedure utilized an interrupted time series (ITS) model to capture the parameters associated with food consumption. The findings revealed a substantial increase in household expenditures on food immediately following the policy intervention, with an impressive rise of 823 thousand Rials (equivalent to approximately $6.36 based on the floating exchange rate in 2019). Furthermore, the results strongly indicate a significant annual upward trend in total monthly food expenditures per adult person, surpassing the pre-intervention trend by 441 thousand Rials (approximately $3.40) (P=0.044, CI=[12.86, 1016.81]). Moreover, the implementation of the policy led to an annual per capita increase in fruit consumption by 1.02 grams per day (P=0.225, CI=[-0.68; 2.72]). This study shows that the initial positive effects of the TSR have gradually been eroded by inflation in subsequent years. This experience can serve as a lesson for all countries that TSR should be accompanied by other measures, such as poverty alleviation interventions, in order to achieve desired long-term results.

Can an Authentic Assessment Task Improve the Health Behaviours of Undergraduate Students?

Currently, more than ever, the mental and physical well-being of university students have been identified as priorities, and universities are well placed to address well-being by integrating health promotion into their courses. This study looks at the effectiveness of embedding an authentic assessment task to improve health-seeking behaviours related to sleep, stress, and nutrition into the curricula of undergraduate health-science students. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered both pre- and post-test, and content was qualitatively analysed. The study found that students were willing and able to improve health-seeking behaviours, with a significant increase in fruit consumption. There was no reported change in stress or sleep.

Evaluation of eating habits and practice of physical activity in colorectal cancer patients in the active phase of treatment

Colorectal cancer is one of the most prevalent in men and women, and its development is associated with several risk factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol consumption, and eating habits. This study aimed to present the results of applying the questionnaire on eating habits and physical activity from the Food Guide: how to have a healthy diet in the first chemotherapy session, after signing the consent form, and eight weeks after the first application. All patients with colorectal cancer under active treatment from July to December 2022 were invited to participate in the study. The Ethics Committee approved this project. During the research, patients underwent a new monitoring model that included the use of a chatbot and wearable device for eight weeks. The model aimed to ensure greater patient engagement with their treatment through interactions about symptoms and adverse effects, eating habits, and physical activity practice. As a result, there was a statistical reduction in the consumption of alcoholic beverages and fast foods and a statistical increase in fruit consumption. In addition, the findings indicate that the model contributed to a greater practice of physical activity by patients. For future work, we suggest applying this model to patients with other types of cancer to assess and extend the benefits of the model in different contexts of cancer treatment.

Level of Fruit and Vegetable Intake and Its Relationship with Risk for Malnutrition in China’s Adult Labor Force: China Nutrition and Health Surveillance, 2015–2017

The purpose of this study was to analyze the fruit and vegetable intake status and examine both potential risk and protective action factors in the Chinese labor force population, while investigating the association between fruit and vegetable intake and malnutrition in this population. Data were derived from a population-based cross-sectional survey, the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance, 2015-2017. Sociodemographic information, physical measurements, and dietary intake data were collected. A total of 45,459 survey respondents aged 18-64 years old were included in the analysis. Fruit and vegetable consumption data were assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), and the average daily intake was calculated. In 2015, the daily intake of fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, and combined fruits and vegetables among the Chinese labor force was 64.3 g, 210.0 g, and 330.0 g (median), respectively. Compared with the Dietary Guidelines for Chinese Residents (2022), 79.9% and 53.0% were at risk of inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, while 55.2% were at risk of inadequate intake of combined fruits and vegetables compared with the WHO recommendation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female gender, higher educational level, and higher income were protective factors for adequate fruit intake, while increasing age and living in the southern region were protective factors for adequate vegetable intake. The results confirmed that increasing vegetable intake helped urban labor force maintain normal BMI and control overweight. Increased fruit consumption may reduce the risk of underweight, but no clear negative association with overweight and obesity was observed. In conclusion, the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by the Chinese labor force was inadequate, especially for fruits. Interventions are needed to promote the daily intake of fruits and vegetables in this population. In addition, further in-depth studies in this area are recommended in populations with different health status.

Perception of and Practice in Salt and Fruit Consumption and Their Associations with High Blood Pressure: A Study in a Rural Area in Bangladesh

Background: Minimizing raw salt and increasing fruit consumption are important factors for controlling blood pressure. The study aimed to investigate the following associations: (i) the association between socio-demographic characteristics and awareness of, and attitudes towards, raw salt and fruit consumption and (ii) the association between salt and fruit consumption and blood pressure. Methods: In a cluster-RCT, 307 adults, aged 30 to 75 years, with hypertension were recruited in 2021. Blood pressure was the primary outcome, and knowledge, attitudes and intakes of raw salt and fruit were secondary outcomes. Results: Of the participants, 271 (78.5%) consumed raw salt. More than 80% of the participants knew that reduced raw salt was good for controlling blood pressure and almost everyone knew that fruits and vegetables were good for health. Despite this, 95% of the participants had a habit of eating fruit irregularly. A lower proportion (64%) of the participants having at least a secondary school certificate (SSC) consumed raw salt, compared with those having an education level SSC (82%), p = 0.002. Blood pressure was not significantly different for participants, irrespective of raw salt or fruit consumption. Conclusions: Raw salt consumption among rural people was high and regular fruit consumption was deficient. They intended to reduce raw salt consumption. Appropriate intervention programs should be implemented to reduce salt consumption and increase fruit consumption.

Impact of a Cancer Health Education Curriculum Among Milwaukee Public High School Students.

In Milwaukee and nationwide, cancer incidence, late-stage diagnosis, and mortality are notably higher among some racial/ethnic populations. Cancer education has the potential to impact cancer burden and reduce cancer disparities. In particular, the addition of a service-learning component to academic curriculums has been shown to improve student learning as well as positively impact the surrounding community. This study implemented a cancer health education curriculum (CHEC) at a Milwaukee public high school with the goal of addressing cancer knowledge, fear and fatalism beliefs, and risk behaviors. The curriculum included interactive learning sessions and a service-learning final project. Five-hundred twenty-one students also completed pre- and post-surveys assessing cancer knowledge, fear and fatalism, risk behaviors, cancer-related communication, and a qualitative question asking what they hoped to gain (pre) or did gain (post) from the course. Results indicate (1) a significant improvement in cancer knowledge (p < 0.0001), (2) a decrease in cancer fear and fatalism (p < 0.0001), (3) an increase in fruit consumption (p < 0.0001), (4) a decrease in screen time (p = 0.0004), and (5) an increase in how often students spoke with their family about cancer (p < 0.0001). Qualitative data reflect important gains such as increased interest in sharing their knowledge about cancer with their community. Providing cancer education and leveraging a service-learning requirement led to notable changes in high school students' cancer knowledge, fear and fatalism, and risk behaviors. Students also communicated more with family/friends about cancer. Such efforts could have broader implications for student, family, and community cancer burden.

Understanding Blood versus Blond Orange Consumption: A Cross-Cultural Study in Four Countries.

Understanding consumer perceptions and attitudes to specific fruit is key information for not only increasing fruit consumption, but also for marketing reasons. It may also give clues to breeders to set quality objectives. This study explores different aspects that help to explain blood vs. blond orange consumption: availability and consumption habit, satisfaction attributes, facilitators and consumption barriers, consumption contexts, expectations and purchase intention. The study was conducted in China, Mexico, Spain and Italy, where citrus fruit consumers were invited to respond an online questionnaire. Our results revealed Italy as the country with the highest availability and consumption of blood oranges, followed by China, Mexico and Spain. “Liking” and “healthy properties” were the most important reasons for consumption irrespectively of orange type, but certain differences among countries were detected in secondary reasons. In all the countries, “juicy” was the most relevant attribute for consumer satisfaction, followed by flavour/taste attributes. “Aromatic” and “unfibrous” were substantial requirements for Italians and Chinese, while Spaniards attached importance to the blood oranges colour. Regarding consumption contexts, “eat with salt or chilly powder” was specific for Mexico, while “to improve health”, “as a gift” or “at a restaurant” were contexts mainly cited in China. Despite taste preferences for other fruit being the main consumption barrier in all the countries for both orange types, the relevance of other barriers depended on culture and orange type. Mexican participants seemed to take a more neophobic attitude to blood oranges, while “inconvenient” was reported as a barrier for consuming blond ones in Spain and China. We conclude that blond and blood oranges can co-exist on markets at a high consumption rate, as in Italy. Specific interventions are needed in other countries because consumer attitudes to oranges, mainly blood ones, depend on culture.

Childhood obesity in Mexico: Influencing factors and prevention strategies.

BackgroundOverweight and obesity in school-age children, in Mexico as in other countries around the world, is a rapidly increasing public health problem within recent years, with important consequences for the future health of the population. Various national strategies at the individual and community level have been established to prevent these conditions, but none have yet succeeded.ObjectiveTo describe factors which influence overweight and obesity in school-age children five to 11 years old in Mexico, and national strategies for the prevention and management of these conditions.MethodsThe data herein is derived from six National Health and Nutrition Surveys in Mexico: 2006, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2021. They include a total of 45,216 school-age children with complete anthropometric data (weight/height) distributed over 84 pseudo-panels defined by age, wellbeing condition class (WCC), gender, and type of locality of residence. The indicators calculated were overweight and obesity by body mass index according to World Health Organization guidelines. Predictors are food consumption indicators in five groups.ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity showed a positive linear trend (p < 0.001), with average annual increases of 0.41%. Increases in fruit consumption reduced the prevalence of these conditions by 6.6% (p = 0.01) and vegetable consumption reduced this by 8.3%.ConclusionsOverweight and obesity in school-age children is a growing problem with serious repercussions for future life. New strategies are needed which focus on involving food systems, which translates to healthy and sustainable diets.