Junk Food Intake Research Articles

A Study on Association of Stress Related Problems with Gastrointestinal Disorders in University Students

Psychological stress may lead to different physiological problems in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: To study the association of stress with gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders as stress has been found to play a key role in the pathophysiology of the human body. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 300 female students from different departments of Lahore College for Women University, was done. The females were categorized into two groups. Group A (n= 111) comprises females of age between 15 to 20 years. Group B of age group between 21 to 28 years including 189 females (n= 189). Demographic measurements such as weight, height and BMI were taken of all subjects. Stress, bloating, acidity in the stomach, iron supplements and intake of junk food was reported via questionnaire. All the data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age± SD of group A was (18.80± 1.40013) and the mean age ± SD of group B was (22.42 ± 1.447). In group A, 77% of females take stress and in group B, 82% of females take stress out of 111 with (p< 0.001). 16% of females feel bloating in the stomach in group A and 23% of females in group B with (p<0.002). 36% of females feel acidity in group A and 49% in group B with (p<0.002). 70% of females take junk food regularly in group A and 71% in group B with (p<0.001). Conclusions: The percentage of stress and GIT problems was slightly higher in the larger age group.

The Intake of Junk Food as an Etiological Factor of Megaloblastic Anemia in Patients visiting Mayo Hospital, Lahore

Objective: The study was performed to determine role of junk food intake in the development of megaloblastic anemia.
 Methodology: It was a clinical based cross-sectional study conducted at Mayo Hospital Lahore in collaboration with Pathology Department of King Edward Medical University from June 2017 to June 2021. All the patients of age 7 to 70 years including males and non-pregnant females attending the Out Patient Department or admitted in the hospital and having hemoglobin values<12 gm/l, MCV more than 95 fl and bone marrow examination suggestive of a megaloblastic change in the marrow (WHO criteria)were included in our study. The patients who had received blood transfusion or hematinic in less than 6 months before diagnosis and pregnant females were excluded from our study. A total 1333 patients were screened, out of which only 160 patients were diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia who had undergone bone marrow trephine biopsy. Their dietary history was taken in detail and history of depression was noted on validated questionnaires. The obtained data was analyzed on the basis of age groups (7-25 years, 26-50 years, 51-75 years) using SPSS descriptive analysis and results were formulated.
 Results: The study revealed that 160 (12%) of total 1333 patients were diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia on bone marrow trephine biopsy with male to female ratio of 1:1.28. Total 58 (36%) patients belonged to 1-25 years age group 68 (43%) patients to 26-50 years age group and 34 (21%) patients belonged to 51-75 years age group. Junk food consumption was seen (60.3%) in 7-25 years age group as a prevalent etiological factor.
 Conclusion: Junk food consumption is the major cause of megaloblastic anemia in young population and poor diet in middle age group, whereas comorbidities are the major etiological factor in older people.

PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG FEMALE ADOLESCENTS LIVING IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Primary dysmenorrhea is a gynecological problem of women in their reproductive age which adversely affect quality of life. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of dysmenorrhea and associated risk factors for incidence of primary dysmenorrhea among adolescent females. Further this study attempted to determine the factors associated with degree of primary dysmenorrhea. This is a cross sectional questionnaire based study conducted among 1646 adolescent female having age limit 14-19 years. Only unmarried adolescent females were included in the study however, females with gynecological, psychological or other medical problems were excluded from the study. We used Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain rating. Socio-demographic, life style and behavior and menstrual characteristics were obtained through interviews with the help of pretested questionnaire. The descriptive data analysis, chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis was done. The signicance level of the tests were considered at a signicance level of 0.05. Prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 88.94%. Among dysmenorrhea 22.40% was under severe category. There was no signicant difference of prevalence of dysmenorrhea between Hindu and Muslim. Family history of dysmenorrhea strongly increase the risk of dysmenorrhea and its pain intensity. Among lifestyle characteristics skipping breakfast and frequency of junk food intake signicantly increase the risk of dysmenorrhea and degree of menstrual pain. Among reproductive characteristics irregularity of menstrual cycle, bleeding duration and release of clot blood during menstruation are signicantly associated with primary dysmenorrhea. In conclusion the results of our study suggested that primary dysmenorrhea is a signicant for a large proportion of adolescent females. Positive family history of dysmenorrhea, Junk food intake, Skipping breakfast, irregular menstruation, release of clot blood during menstruation and duration of menstrual bleeding are signicantly associated with risk of primary dysmenorrhea and its pain intensity.

Dermatoses in geriatric diabetic patients and its association with socioeconomic condition – A cross-sectional observational study in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India

Background: Diabetes mellitus can have varied cutaneous manifestations. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to explore the plethora of dermatoses among the geriatric diabetic population and evaluate their association with the socioeconomic conditions of the patients. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study carried out on 300 diabetic patients aged 60 and above in department of dermatology of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Data were collected in a pre-designed proforma, and all findings were recorded. Results: Three hundred diabetic patients aged 60 and above were evaluated; 42% were male, 58% were female. About 61.33% belonged to lower socioeconomic status (SES), 24% to middle, and 14.67% to upper SES. Xerosis (66%) and generalized pruritus (44%) were the most common skin manifestations. Among the infective dermatoses, fungal infections (49.3%) were the most common followed by bacterial (29.3%). There was statistically significant correlation of diabetic dermatoses with SES, female gender, obesity, increased intake of junk food, active smokers for more than 10 years, living singly, sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension. Conclusion: An in-depth knowledge of diabetic dermatoses in the elderly and the role of SES and demographic parameters accounting for their increased prevalence has not been sufficiently studied among the Indian population. This study will shed some light on the same and bring in awareness among the doctors and policymakers alike to enhance the health-care needs of the elderly.

Has new rural pension system reduced the intake of junk food among rural older adults? Evidence from China.

At present, China has become one of the fastest growing countries in terms of junk food consumption. However, there has been less previous evidence for the effect of endowment insurance on dietary health. Using the data China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) from 2014, this paper exploits a policy, the New Rural Pension System (NRPS), that only the older adults who have reached 60 years old can receive pensions and conduct a fuzzy regression discontinuity (FRD) to address endogeneity and examine the causal effect of the NRPS on the intake of junk food among rural older adults in China. We find that the NRPS can significantly reduce junk food intake among them, which remains robust after a series of robustness tests. In addition, heterogeneity analysis shows that the female, low-educated, unemployed, and low-income groups are more sensitive to the pension shock from the NRPS. The result of our study provides insights to effectively improve people's dietary quality and related policy formulation.

The Significance of Plant-Based Foods and Intense Physical Activity on the Metabolic Health of Women with PCOS: A Priori Dietary-Lifestyle Patterns Approach

The study aimed to analyse dietary-lifestyle patterns (DLPs) and their relation with visceral obesity and other metabolic parameters in women with PCOS. A total of 140 women were diagnosed with PCOS. The KomPAN® and The ShortIPAQ questionnaires analysed the food frequency intake, health habits, economic situation, and physical activity. The dual-energy-x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) measured the visceral and total adipose tissue. The analysis distinguished three DLPs: western (WDLP), prudent (PDLP) and active (ADLP). The WDLP was characterised by high visceral fat, increased intake of animal foods, sweets and sweetened beverages, white grains, junk and fried foods, and low plant foods. High intakes of plant foods and dairy, high daily meal frequency, and intense exercise characterised PDLP. ADLP was characterised by high visceral fat, intake of plant products, intense exercise, and low intake of junk and fried food. Women with LDL > 135 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP, and with triglycerides >150 mg/dL had high adherence to WDLP [OR 7.73 (CI95% 1.79; 33.2), p < 0.05] and [3.70 (1.03; 13.27); p < 0,05]. In conclusion, plant-based foods related to PDLP and intense physical activity offer a significantly higher chance of improving metabolic health in women with PCOS.

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Eating Behavior among Adults Poles

Background: Due to the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many restrictions and temporary lockdown were carried out. As a result, previous lifestyle, including diet, were disrupted.Objectives: The aim of this review was to assess changes in eating behavior during the COVID-19 compared to the period before pandemic in Poland. Methods: In the review involved original studies concerning adults Poles (aged ≥ 18), including changes in their eating behavior.Results: The COVID-19 pandemic and the social isolation periods had ambiguous influence on diet in Poland. The changes were dependent on many factors e.g. age, sex, education, occupation, or body weight. In general, regular diet pattern was followed. In case of changes, positive and negative eating habits were observed. Improper eating behavior such as the increase of total food and junk food intake was noticed, however improvement of the diet also was observed. Consumption of healthy food, such as vegetables and fruit went up. The significant increase of home cooking also was noticed.Conclusions: The present review indicates the need for future strategies to assess nutrition in cases of alarming situations. Promoting healthy eating behavior appears to be essential, especially during the pandemic.

A STUDY OF PREVALENCE OF OBESITY AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS AND ITS RELATION WITH FOOD HABITS AND EXERCISE

Introduction: Obesity is widely regarded as a major global pandemic as it is associated with numerous comorbidities such as increased cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Increased intake of junk food and a sedentary life has increased the rate of obesity among the youth over the last 20 years. The present study wa Materials and Methods: s conducted at a medical college to check the prevalence of obesity among medical students and its relation with food habits and exercise. Students were given a self-administered questionnaire about obesity which had an information regarding age, sex, food habits, frequency of consumption of junk foods, duration of sleep, exercise, etc. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was 29.2% and 18.8% respective Results: ly. The prevalence of obesity was higher in the 18-21 years (17.2%) than in the 22 -25 years age group (12%). It was found that among obese students, 89% of students skipped their meals and only 11% had their regular meals. The students who tended to skip their breakfast less than three times a week were more obese (45.2%) than those who had never skipped their lunch (22%). It was also found that among obese students, 24.7% of students never did exercise, whereas 43.8% of students used to do exercise for < 1 hour, 28.8%% used to do exercise for 1-2 hours, and 2.7% used to do a regular exercise for >2 hours a day. The students who did not do exercise or exercise for <1 hour a day were more than those who used to do exercise for 1-2 hours and those who used to do regular exercise for >2 hours a day. The study concluded that the obesity Conclusion: and overweight is a serious health issue for medical students as they are future doctors and health leaders in the community

Consumption of Junk Foods and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

According to the estimation of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) 2021, there are 537 million diabetics worldwide. The purpose of the current review is to explore the relationship between consumption of junk food and type 2 diabetes. Junk food is defined as being easily accessible, typically inexpensive, and having low nutritive value. These foods have lesser amounts of iron, calcium, and dietary fiber and are higher in calories, salt, and saturated fat. Unhealthy diet is one of the important lifestyle factors responsible for several health conditions. Junk foods includes deep fried, processed or ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and high sugar containing foodstuffs and beverages such as Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs) are directly linked with higher body mass index (BMI), adiposity and increased insulin resistance (IR). For pertinent databases IDF Atlas reports, PubMed, Springer, Elsevier, Web of Science and BMJ were searched for original and meta-analysis studies published up to March, 2023. In recent decades, consumption of these foods has significantly increased worldwide. The primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes is obesity and consuming junk foods is strongly associated with being obese. Junk food consequences include an increase in type 2 diabetes cases especially among youths and adult women compared to men. Obesity or high BMI indicate a positive energy balance due to junk food intake. As a result, the recurrent consumption of junk food increases the likelihood of developing the type 2 diabetes.

The Lifestyle of Hypertensive People and its Health Effects

Lifestyle changes have brought many problems in people like hypertension, hyperacidity, diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, cancer etc. Therefore, this study has been done to find out the effect of lifestyle on some people with high blood pressure in Kawasoti Nawalpur. This study was conducted using a convenient survey method and using an interview schedule. In this study, a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope were used to find out the blood pressure and a weighing machine and measuring tape were used to find out the body mass index (BMI) of the hypertensive people.A study of 320 people found that 108 people had high blood pressure. After analyzing the data, found that the analyzing main causes of hypertension in hypertensive people are; obesity (38.89%), alcohol consumption (55.56%), smoking (81.48%), more salt and junk food intake (74.07%), and living a sedentary lifestyle (35.19%) etc. The effects of hypertension on hypertensive people are; headache (82.40%), having trouble sleeping (50.92%), Dizziness (49.07%), shortness of breath (13.89%), epistaxis (8.33%), and feel palpitation (33.33%). They have tried to reduce hypertension by losing weight by doing many tasks like fasting once a week (68.51%), yoga or physical exercise (33.33%), reducing alcohol drinking and smoking habits (85.18%) etc. So, after finding out the main causes of hypertension, the researcher wants to suggest to hypertensive people to change their lifestyle including losing weight.

Brushing Characteristics and Dietary Patterns of Orthodontic Patients with Fixed Appliances

Background: Proper brushing practices are required to maintain good oral hygiene. This is of utmost importance in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances as these appliances can facilitate plaque accumulation and make cleaning process difficult. Hence if good oral hygiene is not maintained with these appliances then deterioration of gingival and periodontal health will result. Frequent intake of acidic drinks and sweet food can further harm the teeth. Aim: To determine tooth brushing characteristics of orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. Determine dietary patterns of such patients. Determine other oral hygiene measures used by them. Study Design: Cross sectional study Duration of the study: 6 months Methodology: Questionnaires were conveniently distributed among 104 orthodontic patients who met the inclusion criteria and provided consent to provide the information. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS 2020. Results: Most (70%) of the responding patients brush two times daily. Correct brush type (soft) is in use by 77% of the individuals. Approximately 64-66% of individuals combine vertical and horizontal technique of tooth brushing, use interdental toothbrush and report that they hardly intake fizzy drinks. However, only 55% patients have reported brushing for total duration of 2 minutes. Around 30% of the respondents have frequent intake of junk food and sugary food. Practical Implication: According to our knowledge, this study is the first study to date to evaluate the brushing habits and dietary patterns in Pakistani orthodontic patients with fixed appliances. Conclusions: The present study shows that majority of the patients show good brushing practices but need to improve their total duration of brushing. Frequent intake of junk food, sweets and fizzy drinks are also avoided by most patients. Use of fluoride mouthwashes and floss was seen in lesser proportion of surveyed patients. Keywords: Brushing characteristics, oral hygiene measures, dietary patterns, orthodontic patients with fixed appliances.

Exploring differences in adolescent BMI and obesity-related behaviors by urban, suburban, and rural status

Data from the nationally representative 2014 Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study was examined to identify differences in adolescent Body Mass Index (BMI) and obesity-related behaviors by rurality status (i.e., urban, suburban, rural) while accounting for relevant demographics (i.e., sex, race/ethnicity, household income). This secondary, cross-sectional analysis included 1,353 adolescents. Analyses included descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, Chi-squared tests, and multiple linear regression models (reported significance level p < 0.05). Rurality was not associated with BMI when controlling for demographics. However, relative to rural adolescents, suburban adolescents had significantly higher junk food, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), sugary food (all β=+0.2, p ≤ 0.001), and fruit/vegetable intake (β=+0.1, p ≤ 0.05). Compared to Non-Hispanic White adolescents, Non-Hispanic Black adolescents had significantly higher BMI (β=+4.4, p ≤ 0.05), total sedentary time (β=+4.1, p ≤ 0.001), junk food, SSB, and sugary food intake (all β=+0.2, p ≤ 0.05). Relative to their lower-income household counterparts, adolescents from higher-income households had significantly lower BMI (β = -9.7, p ≤ 0.001), junk food (β = -0.2, p ≤ 0.05), and SSB intake (β = -0.5, p ≤ 0.001). Contrary to literature, rurality was not a significant predictor of adolescent BMI. While suburban status was significantly associated with several diet-related risk factors, it was not in the direction anticipated. Being non-Hispanic Black and from a low-income household had the greatest influence on adolescent BMI. Findings highlight the importance of using a three-category classification for rurality.

Epidemiological correlates of adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment in primary health care setting of Ludhiana, Punjab

Background: There is an increasing burden of hypertension in India. The complications arising from hypertension mainly occur due to non-adherence to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Adherence to pharmacotherapy for hypertension varies from 43-88%. Various socio-demographic factors influence non-adherence. This study determined adherence to treatment among hypertensives and factors associated with non-adherence.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on hypertensive patients visiting OPD of an institutional urban health centre. A predesigned semi-structured questionnaire including socio-demographic profile, treatment-seeking behavior, adherence to medications, and lifestyle risk factors (smoking, intake of alcohol, junk food, and high salt diet) was applied. Reasons for non-adherence were also explored. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 version.Results: A total of 186 individuals: 113 females (60.8%) and 73 males (39.2%), participated in the study. The mean age of participants was 60.9±10.7 years. Adherence to anti-hypertensive treatment was witnessed in 68.3% of patients. The adherence was noticed significantly (p=0.001) more in literate than illiterate subjects. Further, the adherence was lower among smokers (25%) and alcohol consumers (43.75%) as compared to non-users (70.22% and 73.37%, respectively; p&lt;0.01). Discontinuation of medicine on feeling well, forgetfulness, and unawareness were predominant reasons for skipping medications.Conclusions: Non-adherence to the anti-hypertensives significantly adds to the disease burden. A deeper understanding of factors responsible for the non-adherence plays a pivotal role in addressing this issue and improving quality of life. Intensive health education and counseling of the patients is the need of the hour.

Health-Related Lifestyle Among College-Going Youth in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

IntroductionYouth is a period where a number of healthy and unhealthy habits get acquired that last throughout a person's life. Youth health promotion has become a key study focus around the world. Thus this study is undertaken to understand health-related lifestyles affecting college-going youth.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was done in the junior colleges in Bhubaneswar, India, which included college-going youth. The sample size was 636. The sampling technique was a two-stage stratified sampling method. Firstly, one college was selected from each of five administrative regions (east, west, north, south, and central zone) in Bhubaneswar randomly by lottery method to provide a representative sample. From each college, 128 students were selected randomly from the list of students.ResultsIn this study, 237 (37.3%) of the participants ate green leafy vegetables on a daily basis, with 39.3% of females and just 31.2% of males. This difference in preference of green leafy vegetables among males and females was found to be statistically significant with a p-value of 0.019. Out of 180 (28.3%) of the participants who consumed milk products daily, 25% were females, while 38.1% were males (p-value of 0.004). In the present study, out of 247 (38.8%) participants who preferred eating fast food, 37.6% were females, while 42.5% were males. Out of 213 (33.5%) of them who preferred sweets (candy/chocolate), 37.2% were females, while only 22.5% were males. This difference in gender in regards to junk food preference was found to be statistically significant with a p-value of 0.001. In the current study, out of 243 (42%) of the participants who spent 30 minutes to one hour on exercise per day, 43.4% were females, while 37.4% were males. Out of 133 (23%) of them who spent one to two hours on exercise per day, 23.6% were females, while only 20.9% were males (p-value of 0.003). Out of 208 (35.9%) of the participants who preferred walking as the main mode of exercise, 40.2% were females, while 22.3% were males (p-value <0.0001).ConclusionThe main findings of this study demonstrated that the majority of the youth followed proper meal routines and engaged in regular physical exercise. However, when compared to junk food consumption, participants consumed far fewer green leafy vegetables. This would prove to be harmful to their health. Since the youth of today are the future of tomorrow, they should be provided with proper health education regarding the harmful effects of regular intake of junk food.

Macro- and Micronutrient of Junk Food and Preeclampsia on Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia (PE) is still a global public health issue in developed and developing countries. It is a major contributor to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia during pregnancy is unclear, but the WHO reported that PE is higher in developing countries than developed ones due to lifestyle and nutritional status. AIM: This study aimed to describe the influence of macro- and micronutrients of junk food on PE. METHODS: This case–control study was carried out on 148 samples, including pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 74) and normal pregnant women (n = 74) with gestational age &gt; 20 weeks. Data on junk food intake were collected using the SQ-FFQ form and then estimated using the Nutri Survey. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 17 using descriptive statistics. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to observe the correlation between variables with p &lt; 0.05 and 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Binary logistic regression revealed that the intake of fat (p = 0.005), vitamin C (p = 0.002), and sodium (p = 0.036) contained in the junk food were significantly associated with PE. The frequency of consumption of junk food also had a significant effect on the incidence of preeclampsia (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION: Intake of fat, vitamin C, and sodium were associated with PE, and they were risk factors of PE. The frequency of consuming junk food gave more risk to have PE.

Dietary Habits of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-Control Study from Pakistan.

Background: Adults in South Asian countries have high chances of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) as compared to the developed nations. CAD is among the primary non-communicable causes of death in this region. Dyslipidemia, obesity, smoking hypertension, diabetes are considered as important risk factors for CVD. Methods: A case-control study was conducted, with data was collected from the Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore and the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. A total of 500 subjects were selected, of which 250 were coronary artery disease patients and 250 were healthy controls. The CAD patients were selected from the outpatient department (OPD) and emergency unit of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology and the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital. Results: The mean age of CAD patients was 57.83 ± 7.51 years and that of the controls was 55.32 ± 6.40 years. There was a significant difference in the mean values of biochemical parameters among cases and controls except for fasting blood sugar levels while there was a significant difference (p-value: 0.000) in the mean values of systolic blood pressure among cases and controls. Similarly, the values of diastolic blood pressure were also significantly different (p-value: 0.000) among cases and controls. The values of total blood cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides and HDL were also significantly different among cases and controls. There was a significant relationship between consumption of chicken, eggs, beef, yogurt, junk food, fresh vegetables, and fruits, and incidence of CAD. Consuming milk every day, and consuming fish weekly and consuming ghee had no significant association with the risk of coronary artery disease. On the other hand, from the findings of the unadjusted model, there was a significant association between CAD risk and intake of chicken, beef, egg, yogurt, junk food, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Conclusions: Diet is a risk factor for coronary artery disease and can be adjusted to reduce the risk of CAD. A key finding is that consumption of chicken, beef, eggs and junk food are associated with a high risk of CAD whereas consumption of ghee is not associated with the risk of CAD.

The Effects of a Computer Game (Healthy Rat King) on Preschool Children's Nutritional Knowledge and Junk Food Intake Behavior: Nonrandomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundPlaying computer-aided games could enhance children’s interest in learning about nutritional knowledge and eventually promote healthy dietary intake behavior.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a computer game (Healthy Rat King) in improving the knowledge on nutrition and junk food intake among preschool children in Taiwan.MethodsThis was a quasi-experimental study that utilized the computer game Healthy Rat King as the nutrition education tool. We recruited 104 preschool children (aged 5-6 years) from preschools in central Taiwan, who were assigned to either the experimental group (n=56) or the control group (n=48). In the experimental group, a 1-hour computer-based educational game intervention was included in the course for 4 consecutive weeks. The control group did not receive this intervention.ResultsThe level of nutritional knowledge for children in the experimental group was significantly higher than those in the control group after 4 weeks (P=.002). Furthermore, the frequency of consumption of chocolate, candies, and ice cream (high-calorie junk food) was reduced in the experimental group. There was also no significant difference in the consumption of candy and chocolate (P=.54), ice cream and ice pops (P=.21), cake (P=.92), biscuit (P=.98), soft drinks (P=.52), and fruit juice and sugary drinks (P=.31) between the 2 groups in the posttest.ConclusionsTeaching using a computer game could improve children’s nutritional knowledge. However, the intake frequency of junk food among children in the experimental group showed no significant difference from those in the control group.

Prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension in urban and rural children from six Indian states: A multicenter study

ObjectivesAmong urban and rural Indian children ages 9 to 18 y, we aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of primary hypertension (PH), and explore the relationship of fat indices and body composition with hypertension. MethodsData from a multicenter study (2016–2017), representative of children (age 9–18 y) from six states were analyzed (n = 1818; urban n = 895). All anthropometric parameters (Z-scores), blood pressure (BP), body composition, and resting metabolic rate (RMR) were measured. Information from a 2-d 24-h diet recall was collected, nutrient and food group intakes were calculated, and physical activity (PA) was assessed. Children were categorized as normotensive or pre-/hypertensive (>90th percentile), and a regression analysis was carried out for determinants. ResultsUrban children were significantly taller, heavier, more overweight or obese (25% vs. 11%), pre-/hypertensive (18% vs. 10%), adipose, and had lower RMR/weight than rural children. All hypertensive children had higher fat indices, lower muscle mass, and RMR/weight than those who were normotensive (P < 0.05). Rural hypertensive children consumed more junk food, simple carbohydrate (CHO), fat, and sodium than those who were normotensive. RMR (R2 = 33%) was found to be an important predictor of BP in rural children and body mass index (R2 = 46%) in urban children, followed by central and peripheral obesity, PA, and diet. ConclusionsOur study highlights that rural children are also at risk of developing PH, especially those with a higher intake of junk food and carbohydrate. Another interesting finding was the negative association of PH with RMR/weight, increasing PA, as well as a micronutrient-rich diet with calcium and magnesium vital to prevent PH. Health care policies need to focus on the increasing prevalence of obesity and PH, not only in urban, but also rural children where different strategies may have to be applied.

A study on prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia among school going adolescent girls in Chargawan block of Gorakhpur district

Background: Adolescent anaemia is most common nutritional problem affecting the reproductive period, pregnancy and childbirth. Although there are several epidemiological studies to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia among adolescent girls in India, but limited data regarding the prevalence and risk factors associated with anaemia in adolescent girls of Eastern Uttar Pradesh (UP) is available. To estimate the prevalence of anaemia among school going adolescent girls in Chargawan block of Gorakhpur district of UP and to study specific factors like sociodemographic factors, dietary factors and menstrual factors.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the government higher secondary schools of Chargawan block, district Gorakhpur, UP. A total of 430 adolescent females (10-19 years old) were included in this study. The study took place from September 2019 to August 2020. In most of cases Chi-square test was applied as test of significance for comparing. Microsoft excel 2010 and statistical calculator has been used for statistical calculation.Results: The prevalence of anaemia found from this study was 61.39%. The statistically significant risk factors associated with anaemia were age, nuclear family, low socio-economic status, high intake of junk food; low intake of green leafy vegetables, citrus fruit, no iron folic acid intake and menorrhagia.Conclusions: A high prevalence of anaemia among adolescent females was found, which was higher in nuclear family, low socio economic strata; girls who were consuming less citrus fruits, less green leafy vegetables, more junk food and not taking any iron folic acid (IFA) supplement.

Adolescents\u2019 proxy reports on obesity-related parenting practices: factorial validity and reliability across four behavioral domains

BackgroundAdolescents’ energy balance behaviors are precursors to obesity shaped by the practices or strategies that many parents implement. Although key stakeholders to their families, adolescents are rarely considered to report on these obesity-related parenting practices. The aim of this study is to assess the factorial and predictive validity of adolescents’ proxy-report of parents’ obesity-related parenting across four behavioral domains.MethodsThis study used data from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) study. This study tests whether adolescents’ proxy reports about their parents’ obesity-related parenting are significantly associated with parents’ responses on their own obesity-related parenting, as well as whether these reports are significantly associated to parent-adolescent energy balance behaviors. Factorial validity was assessed using linear regression and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), whereas predictive validity was assessed using Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling (APIM).ResultsRegression results indicated that adolescents’ proxy report is significantly associated with parents’ report of their own parenting in all four domains (β = .59—.71; p < 0.05). CFA results indicated a final factor structure that loaded significantly onto hypothesized obesity-related parenting domains (β > .30) in both adolescents and parents. APIM results indicated that both parent- (β = .32; p < 0.05) and adolescent-(β = .21; p < 0.05) reported obesity parenting for fruit and vegetable consumption were associated with their own fruit and vegetable intake. In addition, adolescent-reported physical activity parenting was significantly associated with adolescent physical activity (β = 0.23; p < 0.05). Regarding partner effects, only parent-reported parenting for fruit and vegetable consumption were significantly associated with adolescent intake of fruit and vegetables (β = 0.15, p < 0.05) and adolescent-reported physical activity parenting was significantly associated with parental physical activity (β = 0.16, p < 0.05). Neither adolescent nor parent reported parenting were significantly associated with screen time or junk food intake outcomes. Each final obesity-related parenting scale had good internal consistency (a = .74-.85).ConclusionsWe found that adolescent- and parent-reported obesity-related parenting were significantly associated, while adolescent-reported parenting were more explanatory of fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity than parent-reported parenting. These findings suggest that adolescent proxy reports may be a valid source of information on obesity-related parenting.