Mean Nutrition Knowledge Score Research Articles

Nutrition knowledge, weight loss practices, and supplement use in senior competition climbers.

Sport climbing has gained increased scientific attention, including studies investigating the dietary habits and nutritional requirements of climbers; however, significant gaps in the literature remain. An assessment of nutritional knowledge, weight loss for competition, and supplement use has not been previously reported in senior competition climbing athletes. Fifty climbers (26 male, 24 female; BMI 21.6 ± 1.9; 23.7 ± 5.2 years) participated in the study. Participants answered a 72-item questionnaire, comprised of demographic data and three main sections to assess general and sports nutrition knowledge, weight loss strategies, and supplement use. The mean nutrition knowledge score was 'average', with considerable individual variation (53.5 ± 11.1 %). There were no significant sex differences in the general (GNK) or sport (SNK) nutrition knowledge scores, or effect of age. Significantly higher knowledge was demonstrated by national vs. international athletes for the GNK scores (11.09 ± 1.58 vs. 9.58 ± 1.75; p = 0.028). Participants scored well in questions concerning protein, carbohydrates, alcohol, and supplements, and conversely, performed poorly in hydration and micronutrient related questions. Less than one-fifth of respondents had access to a dietitian. Forty-six percent of males and 38% of female climbers reported intentional weight loss for competition on at least one occasion. Of those, ~76% reported utilizing concerning practices, including methods that conform with disordered eating and/or eating disorders, dehydration, vomiting, and misuse of laxatives. Approximately 65% of athletes reported using at least one nutritional supplement in the previous 6 months, with 44% reporting multiple supplement use. There was no significant difference in supplement use between sexes or competition level. Due to the established importance of nutritional intake on athlete health and performance, educational support should be employed to improve knowledge in climbers and address shortcomings. Moreover, intentional weight loss for climbing competition is common, with most athletes achieving ~3-8% body weight loss over ≥2 weeks. It is crucial that professionals working with competitive climbers are vigilant in identifying athletes at risk of concerning weight management and establish referral pathways to the appropriate specialist services. High quality intervention trials to assess the efficacy of ergogenic aids in climbing remains inadequate.

Does nutrition knowledge level affect food group preferences and obesity in individuals aged 19 years and older?

Aims: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between nutrition knowledge level, food group preferences, and obesity in individuals who applied to family health centers.
 Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study and was conducted with individuals aged 19 years and over. The nutrition knowledge level of the individuals was determined with the nutrition knowledge test, anthropometric measurements were taken, and nutrition status was evaluated with a food frequency questionnaire and 24 hour-recall food consumption records. The data obtained from the study were analyzed with the SPSS 21.0
 Results: Of the 1797 individuals who participated in the study, 70.5% were female, 22.0% were single, and 22.8% were university graduates. The mean nutrition knowledge score (NKS) was higher in singles (43.39±13.93) (p=0.001), university graduates (46.05±13.69) (p

Fruit and Vegetable Consumption, Attitudes and Knowledge in Preschool Children and Adolescents

Aim: The aim of the study was compared to the daily consumption servings, attitudes, and knowledge of fruit and vegetable consumption in preschool children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: The study sample consists of 906 participants within two groups including preschool children (n=453) and adolescents (n=453) living in Konya, Turkey. A survey model was used in the study and participants were selected randomized. The data were obtained by a questionnaire consisting of four parts. Results: According to results, 30.9% of the preschool children were found to be overweight and 11.7% obese, whereas 16.3% of the adolescents were overweight and 11% obese. The recommended daily consumption serving (RDS) for fruits was found to be high in both children (98.7%) (p>0.05) and adolescents (95.1%) (p=0.000), but in vegetables it was 26.7% (p>0.05) and 74.4%, respectively (p=0.000). The mean nutrition knowledge score of preschool children’s parents and adolescents was found (x̄±SE) 53.8±0.807 and 36.2±0.508 respectively (p=0.000). Conclusion: It was determined that preschool children and adolescents consumed enough for fruit, but in preschool children the vegetable consumption was low. The fruit and vegetable consumption can be increased by developing healthy eating habits in the preschool and adolescence period.

Feasibility of Implementing a Food Skills Intervention

BackgroundFood skills are defined as meal planning, preparation, shopping, budgeting, resourcefulness, and label reading/consumer awareness. To date, food skills have not been tested in intervention-based studies. ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of implementing a food skills intervention. DesignThis was an 8-week prospective food skills intervention. Study measures were completed through questionnaires provided before the start of the intervention and after the intervention was completed. For questionnaires, the web platform REDCap was used. Participants and settingThirty parents (aged 18 years or older) with at least one child (aged 2 to 12 years), attended weekly virtual intervention sessions via Zoom. The intervention took place from August to October 2020 with assessment measures collected within 2 months of the start and end date of the intervention. Participants were from the mid-Atlantic region of the United States InterventionA food skills intervention based on behavior modification strategies from the Social Cognitive Theory was implemented. Intervention goals included meal planning (six of seven dinner meals per week), meal plan implementation (at least four of six planned dinner meals), and always using a grocery list when shopping. Main outcome measuresFeasibility was evaluated based on parent attendance, number of self-monitoring booklets completed, adherence to goals, implementation fidelity, and qualitative responses to interviews. Change in food skills confidence and nutrition knowledge were also assessed. Statistical analysisDescriptive statistics and qualitative responses were used to describe feasibility. Paired t tests were used to evaluate change in food skills confidence and nutrition knowledge from baseline to 8 weeks. ResultsParents attended a mean of 7.6 ± 1.0 (out of eight) sessions and completed a mean of 6.2 ± 1.7 (out of seven) self-monitoring booklets. Parents planned a mean of 6.1 ± 1.5 dinners per week and implemented a mean of 4.7 ± 1.6 of the six planned dinners, achieving the intervention goals. Of the mean 1.2 ± 0.6 trips/week to the grocery store reported, grocery lists were used a mean of 1.1 ± 0.6 times. Mean food skills confidence score increased significantly from baseline to 8 weeks (baseline = 86.5 ± 18.0; 8 weeks = 101.4 ± 15.3; P < 0.001). Mean nutrition knowledge score also significantly increased (baseline = 64.1 ± 7.2; 8 weeks = 69.1 ± 6.6; P < 0.001). Parents reported on a scale of zero (“easy”) to 10 (“difficult”) a mean difficulty rating of 2.4 ± 2.4 for meal planning, a mean of 2.1 ± 2.1 for meal plan implementation, and a mean of 1.0 ± 1.7 for always using a grocery shopping list indicating acceptability of goals. ConclusionsFeasibility of a food skills intervention was demonstrated by high session attendance, high numbers of self-monitoring booklets turned in, high achievement of intervention goals, parent acceptability, and high ratings of implementation fidelity. There was an increase in food skill confidence and nutrition knowledge. Future research should examine the efficacy of changing food skill behaviors on dietary intake.

Effect of nutrition education on nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and consumption of diversified diets among families owning a home garden in northern Ghana

Introduction: Micronutrient deficiencies are widely prevalent, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and this may be addressed by increased consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV). However, the consumption of FV in many households is below the recommended levels. Though home gardens have the potential to increase this, their mere ownership may not be sufficient to ensure an increased consumption of FV. However, home gardens coupled with nutrition education can help in improving household diets. In this study, we evaluated the apparent effect of an ongoing nutrition education intervention on nutrition related knowledge, attitudes, and consumption of diversified diets in households with home gardens in rural areas of Northern Ghana.&#x0D; Methods: A community-based study using a posttest-only nonequivalent groups design was conducted in February 2021 on a sample of 232 rural households that have access to home gardens and with children aged 6 to 36 months. One group of households (n= 110) had been assigned to receive a nutrition education intervention and the other group (n= 122) served as a comparison. Mothers were interviewed regarding their child’s feeding practices while the fathers were interviewed on their knowledge and attitudes towards nutritional and health benefits of fruits and vegetables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between the major independent variable and the outcome variables of interest after adjusting for some of the confounding factors.&#x0D; Results: After the nutrition education intervention had been ongoing for 7 months, the mean nutrition knowledge scores regarding appropriate child feeding practices in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the comparison group (28.33±6.60 versus 25.38±5.22), p = 0.009. Similarly mean nutrition-related attitudes (NRAs) towards childcare and feeding practices were higher in the intervention than the comparison group 31.70±2.32 versus (29.52±2.85), p &lt; 0.001. Members in households owning a home garden and who also received nutrition education were 3.53 times more likely to consume vitamin A- rich fruits and vegetables [AOR = 3.53, (95% CI: 1.68 - 7.43)], compared with their counterparts which had only home gardens.&#x0D; Conclusions: Nutrition education in households possessing home gardens appeared to result in significantly higher over-all nutrition knowledge and attitude scores among fathers. The intervention also improved actual consumption of fruits and vegetables in the households. This study contributes to the already existing evidence that joint nutrition education and home gardening have a positive effect on the consumption of diversified diets including FV in low-income countries.

Nutritional knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of mothers on the nutritional status of school children – A study from south India

Undernutrition is a major serious health concern that contributes to mortality and morbidityamong young children in India. There are few studies on the relationship of mother’s nutritionKnowledge, Attitude and Practice on the nutritional status of school children. It is a cross-sectionalstudy aimed to associate the nutritional Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of mothers and thenutritional status of children. About 100 children and their mothers were selected, according to theinclusion criteria, such as children with the specified age group between 6-12 years. We collected theinformation related to socio demographic profile, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of mother usingthe developed questionnaire adopted from FAO manual. The nutritional status of the children wasassessed through anthropometric measurement. The SPSS 16.0 version was used for the statisticalanalysis. The study results showed that the illiterate mother secured higher mean KAP scores.Although, the socio economic status of the family influenced the nutritional Knowledge, Attitudeand Practice score of the mother, the statistical significance was not found. The higher meannutrition knowledge, attitude and practice score of the mother was associated highly with the highermean height, weight and BMI of the children.

Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge in Female Gaelic Games Players.

Improvements in nutrition knowledge have been associated with increased carbohydrate consumption and greater adherence to dietary recommendations among female athletes. In order to assess whether nutrition knowledge interventions in female Gaelic games players may be beneficial, it is necessary to first of all investigate current levels of nutrition knowledge in this population. Given that many demographic characteristics have been shown to influence nutrition knowledge, it is also important for these to be investigated. The aims of this study were to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of female Gaelic games players, compare knowledge by players’ characteristics and identify players’ preferences for information and support. A validated 35-item questionnaire was completed by 328 female Gaelic games players (Age: 23.7 ± 5.0 years). Players’ mean nutrition knowledge score was 46.0% ± 11.8% and classified as “poor”. Elite players scored greater (+4.5–5.9%, p < 0.05) than subelite players. Players with higher levels of general education, history of formal nutrition education and previous advice from a nutritionist also presented greater nutrition knowledge (+3.7–7.5%, p < 0.05). Future education interventions with female Gaelic games players may lead to beneficial changes in dietary behaviour and would likely benefit from stratifying content based on athletes’ demographic characteristics, given the differences observed.

The Effects of Types of Residence and Nutrition Knowledge on Food Insecurity Status Among Syrian Refugees Residing in the State of Florida

Abstract Objectives As a recently arrived vulnerable population, food insecurity might be associated with types of residence and nutrition knowledge among Syrian refugees residing in the State of Florida. We assessed the relationship between food insecurity status, types of residence and nutrition knowledge among Syrian refugees in Florida. Methods In one-on-one sessions, the assessments of nutrition knowledge and food insecurity were completed in 80 households (n = 80, 43 in rural area, 37 in urban area). The outcome measures included demographics, types of residence, food insecurity status, the levels of food insecurity, and nutrition knowledge. Results Of the 80 households, 20% were food secure while 80% of households experienced food insecurity at different levels. Fisher's exact test showed significant differences between the levels of food insecurity in rural and urban areas, P = 0.02. The mean nutrition knowledge score (42.0 ± 13.6) indicated that Syrian refugees had fair nutrition knowledge. Fisher's exact test showed marginal differences between the levels of food insecurity in households with different nutrition knowledge, P = 0.08. The results of our multivariate logistic regression model showed that types of residence had an inverse significant effect on food security, which remained significant after controlling for nutrition knowledge. Syrian refugees in rural areas had 78.4 greater odds of being food insecure compared with urban areas, odds ratio = 0.216, 95% CI: 0.06–0.777, P = 0.02. Conclusions Food insecurity was experienced by 80% of our participants. It was estimated that Syrian refugees had fair nutrition knowledge. Geographical location, types of residence, is a determinant for food insecurity status; Syrian refugees residing in rural areas are more likely to be food insecure compared with urban areas. Greater nutrition knowledge might increase the likelihood of food security among Syrian refugee households. Increasing sample size may be recommended to support our findings. Funding Sources Personal funding.

Process Evaluation of Nutrition Intervention Strategy in a Local Philippine Setting

Aims: Undernutrition among 0 to 5 years old children remains a public health problem in the Philippines. This process evaluation study documented and examined the implementation of an intervention strategy for young children. Methods: Complementary feeding of 6-month to 2-year-old children was implemented for 120 days by the municipalities of Plaridel and Pulilan in Bulacan, Philippines utilizing local-based food made of rice and mung bean along with nutrition education classes among mothers/caregivers using the developed nutrition modules. A total of 121 mother-/caregiver-child pairs were the program participants of the intervention. Pre-post design were used in the analysis of quantitative data. Qualitative data were encoded verbatim manually using emerging themes. Key informant interviews among community workers and municipal officials and focus group discussions among mothers/caregivers and community workers were conducted to gather the needed data. Results: The municipalities adhered to the program phases of planning, organizing, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. At end-line, the weight of children participants increased in both municipalities and the mean nutrition knowledge scores of mothers/caregivers increased significantly (P < .05). Conclusions: This process evaluation confirmed that the proposed nutrition intervention strategy for young children can be implemented at the local level. The strong support and active cooperation of the local program implementers and mothers/caregivers and adherence to program requirements were the key factors in the efficient implementation of the intervention. For sustainability, the passing of local ordinance for the adoption of intervention and budget support for implementation of the intervention is recommended.

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and self-regulation as predictors of overweight and obesity.

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and eating self-regulation are important determinants of overweight and obesity. Eating self-regulation is the link between eating intention and behavior. However, the extent to which these factors influence overweight and obesity has not been thoroughly studied. The study examined nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and eating self-regulation as predictors of overweight and obesity among adults in a community setting. A total of 313 adults participated in an online survey, which included the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire-Revised, the Nutrition Attitudes Questionnaire, and the Self-Regulation of Eating Behavior Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Kendall's tau tests, and multivariate logistic regression procedures were performed. More than half of the participants were either overweight or obese (56.5%). The mean nutrition knowledge score was 74.1%, and only 28.1% correctly identified the body mass index for obesity. Positive predictors of overweight and obesity included poor eating self-regulation of giving up too easily on eating intentions (odds ratio [OR] = 3.81), male gender (OR = 2.0), and age (OR = 1.03), whereas nutrition attitudes were a negative predictor (OR = 0.74). The odds of overweight or obesity were nearly four times greater for those who gave up too easily on their eating intentions. Nurse practitioners can play a critical role in establishing healthy dietary habits to maintain weight control by promoting good eating self-regulation, despite the current obesogenic environment. After assessing patient readiness and motivation, it is important to help patients make eating self-regulation as manageable as possible to promote long-term weight management.

P116 Factors Associated with Nutrition Knowledge Among Primary School Pupils in Laikipia County, Kenya

Background Nutrition knowledge plays an important role in public health. It is one of the factors that affects the nutrition habits of individuals, families and communities. It provides a good foundation for making proper decisions regarding food choice and nutrition practices. Objective To determine the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with nutrition knowledge among primary school pupils in Laikipia County. Study Design, Settings, Participants A cross sectional study involving a total of 326 pupils aged 12-14 years recruited into the study from three rural primary schools in Laikipia County. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Demographic characteristics, socioeconomic characteristics, nutrition knowledge scores. The nutrition knowledge was assessed using 20-item questionnaire. Chi-square tests, Pearson correlation coefficient and logistic regression were used to determine association between variables. Results The mean age of the pupils was 12.24 ± 1.39. The pupils were in classes 4, 5, and 6. The mean nutrition knowledge score was 10.96 ± 3.76. The nutrition knowledge was categorized into three levels: low (≤ 40%), moderate (41-49%) and high (≥70%). A Pearson correlation test showed that the age of the pupils was not significantly associated with the mean nutrition knowledge score ( P = .051). Ownership of a television set was significantly associated with the level of nutrition knowledge among pupils at a significance level of .05 ( P = .016). The main source of lighting was significantly associated with their level of nutrition knowledge ( P = .008). The class of study was significantly associated with the nutrition knowledge level ( P = .000) at a significance level of 0.01. Class 7 pupils were more likely to have higher nutrition knowledge as compared to class 5 and 6 pupils (OR = 8.34). Class 5 pupils were less likely to have high nutrition knowledge as compared to their class 6 and 7 counterparts (OR = 2.76). Conclusion Ownership of television and source of lighting were significantly associated with the nutrition knowledge of the pupils. The television is an effective tool for delivering health messages to pupils in this age group.

ONLINE BASED NUTRITION EDUCATION: FOOD SAFETY QUIZ FOR ADOLESCENTS

Nowadays, online based nutrition education can be more efficient way in the digital era while the people regularly used mobile sites for updating the information. This program aims to educate adolescent on food safety and balanced nutrition as well as to measure the effectiveness through online based quiz. This program was named "Food Safety Quiz via Online (FOSQO)", which held for four months divided into 8 terms and targeted on teenagers and young-adults (17-35 yrs old). The quiz in each term contained 20 questions regard food safety and balanced nutrition using online forms that available on the website page of Linisehat.com. The results showed that FOSQO had registered 595 adolescents including 303 actual participants. The mean nutrition knowledge score of the eight terms was 58±18 and the mean length of time spent to answer the questions was 215±39 seconds. The mean nutrition knowledge score of the 8 terms for the winners was 85±8 and the mean length of time spent to answer the questions was 194±45seconds. The score of nutrition knowledge among participants who join the quiz repeatedly was rising 21±14. Online based nutrition education of FOSQO could be an effective option to reach more millennial for improving their curiosity on gathering information of food safety and balanced nutrition.

NUTRITION AMBASSADOR COMPETITION AS A METHOD TO IMPROVE NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Indonesia, a developing country, is still facing nutrition problems caused by lack of access to food and nutrition knowledge. Adolescents play an important role in a long term preventing of nutrition problem. Competition and award are ways of increasing adolescent interest and motivation in gaining nutrition knowledge. Therefore, the purpose of this empowerment program is to improve nutrition capacity og high school students (HSS) through a nutrition ambassador competition and award. The selection of nutrition ambassador candidates is carried out through written selection for 2nd grade HSS in 5 high schools (HS) in each selected city oN 8 cities of Indonesia. Five best couples from each HS then follow a second stage written selection at city level. Finally, the five best couple nominated from the second stage were then interviewed to determine the best three couple as nutrition ambassadors for every city. The result showed about 200 HSS involved as the candidates: and they read the balance nutrition guidebook from ministry of health as an online compulsory reading book which was uploaded in the web of PERGIZI PANGAN Indonesia. The mean nutrition knowledge score of the NA was 65.4 ± 12.9 which categorized as moderate level. This activity was appreciated by school principals and by local health district office heads. The nutrition ambassadors helped local health office to educate nutrition to HSS in each city. Now with the assistance from PERGIZI PANGAN Indonesia, they are sharing nutrition information and experience via WhatsApp Group. This implies that nutrition ambassador competition and award could be developed to improve nutrition capacity of HSS.

The barriers that women face when choosing food for their primary school children: A case study in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

Background . Unhealthy food choices made by mothers can impact negatively on child health and may lead to unhealthy eating behaviours that persist into adulthood. Choosing food is a complex process influenced by many factors. Objectives . To determine the factors that influence mothers’ food choices and to investigate barriers to purchasing healthy food. Methods . A cross-sectional, descriptive study, with an analytical component, was conducted. Mothers ( N =476) were recruited from three randomly selected primary schools, from a low, middle and high quintile. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude and practices of mothers. Six focus groups (FG) (two per school) were conducted to investigate the factors that prevent mothers from making healthy dietary decisions. Results . The mean nutrition knowledge score for the group was 68.6%. Nutrition knowledge was significantly lower ( p <0.01) in mothers from the lower quintile school (64.0%). Primary factors influencing food purchases were cost (60%), nutritional value (37%) and time constraints (29%). Primary sources of nutrition information included magazines and health professionals at 62% and 44%, respectively. Time constraints resulted in mothers purchasing convenience foods more often ( p =0.001). The main barriers identified were mixed media messages, the school environments and supermarket layouts. Conclusion . Nutrition education campaigns should include practical advice, e.g. the preparation of economical, wholesome meals. Policymakers should monitor increasing prices of healthy foods. School and supermarket environments, as well as the food industry, can play a pivotal role in facilitating mothers to make healthy food choices

The Relationship Between Nutrition Knowledge and Development of Complications in Type 2 Diabetic Patients

Abstract Background and Aims: Diabetes is increasing rapidly in Turkey as most countries in the world. The prevention of complications which is the main aim in the treatment of diabetes can be accomplished partly with nutrition education. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between nutrition knowledge (NK) and complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and Methods: 280 patients with 8-20 years of diabetes duration who applied to diet outpatient clinic were recruited. The questionnaire was prepared by the investigators to assess the NK. A score was calculated on the scale of 100. The complications were determined based on hospital records and patients’ selfreport. Results: 63.2% of participants were female and 36.8% were male. The most common complications in participants were retinopathy (56.1%) and neuropathy (42.9%). The mean NK score was 80.2±11.7. At least one complication was seen in 85.0% of the participants. There was no significant difference for having any complication in patients with adequate and inadequate NK. However the risk of diabetic foot, and coronary artery disease was significantly higher in women with inadequate NK. Conclusion: NK is quite high in long term diabetic patients. However no effect of the NK on the development of complications could be shown. The difference of effect between men and women could be due to the fact that food is mostly prepared by women thus not much chance of the knowledge of men to be reflected on his eating habits. The knowledge difference among female patients was seen in the results as; in women with inadequate NK, the prevalence of diabetic foot and CAD was significantly higher.

Is a Nutrition Education Intervention Associated with a Higher Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and Improved Nutritional Knowledge among Housewives in Mauritius?

The purpose of the study was to assess the determinants of nutrition behaviors and body mass index and determine the impact of a nutrition education intervention (NEI) among Mauritian housewives. A pretest-posttest design was used assessing Nutrition Knowledge (NK), Nutrition Attitudes, Fruit and Vegetable Intake (FVI), body mass index (BMI). Two hundred Mauritian housewives were recruited. The NEI was in the form of a lecture and lasted for twenty minutes. Statistical tests performed revealed that the mean NK score at baseline was 65.8 ± 6.92 and a significant increase of +17.1 at post-test and +16.1 at follow-up was observed. Determinants of NK were age, presence of elderly people, and BMI. Mean nutrition attitude score at baseline was 2.37 ± 0.22 with significant increase of +0.2 (post-test) and +0.17 at follow-up. Age, level of education, presence of elders, and NK were linked to a positive attitude. FVI was predicted by age, income, presence of elders, NK, and nutrition attitudes. Baseline FVI was 4.77 ± 1.11 which increased significantly (p < 0.001) to 4.98 ± 1.13 at post-test and 5.03 ± 1.20 at follow up. NEI had a positive impact suggesting the benefits of such intervention in the promotion of healthy nutrition behaviors.

Relationships between nutritional knowledge, obesity, and sleep disorder severity.

Obstructive sleep apnea affects 20% of the adult population. Weight control is considered the best non-medical means of managing the condition, therefore improving nutritional knowledge in individuals may be an appropriate strategy. This study aimed to describe the relationship between nutritional knowledge and: (i) sleep disorder severity; (ii) body mass index; and (iii) demographic characteristics in persons suspected of obstructive sleep apnea. Nutrition knowledge scores were also compared with the general population. Consecutive newly-referred patients attending the sleep laboratory for diagnostic polysomnography were invited to participate. Those who consented (n=97) were asked to complete a touchscreen survey. Apnea-hypopnea index to measure sleep disorder severity and anthropometric measurements were obtained from the clinic. A quarter of participants were diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnea; and a majority (88%) were classed as being overweight or obese. The overall mean nutrition knowledge score was 58.4±11.6 (out of 93). Nutrition knowledge was not associated with sleep disorder severity, body mass index or gender. The only significant difference detected was in relation to age, with older (≥35years) participants demonstrating greater knowledge in the 'food choices' domain compared with their younger counterparts (18-34years; P<0.030). Knowledge scores were similar to the general population. The findings suggest that nutrition knowledge alone is not an important target for weight control interventions for people with obstructive sleep apnea. However, given the complexities of sleep disorders, it may complement other strategies.

Nutrition knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers in management of chronic kidney diseases in selected hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; a cross-sectional study

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. All health care professionals need to be knowledgeable and competent in nutrition as it applies to health promotion, prevention and treatment of acute and chronic diseases. Nutrition intervention is an important component in optimizing diet among CKD patients. However, there is limited information on the nutrition knowledge on management of CKD among healthcare workers in Dar es Salaam Tanzania. This study assessed nutrition knowledge, attitudes and current practices of healthcare workers in management of patients with CKD in selected hospitals. This cross sectional study was conducted amongst 133 healthcare workers in renal units in selected hospitals from December 2011 to March 2012. Hospitals were purposively selected based on the availability of renal care services in the facility. Nutrition knowledge and practices were assessed using a standardized questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorised as > 61 % “adequate”41–60 % “moderate” and 1–40 % “low”. Attitudes were measured using a 5 Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi-square was used to test the relationship between categorical variables. A p -value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean nutrition knowledge score among health care workers was 9.8 (SD 3.12). There was a significant difference in the nutrition knowledge among carders (p ≤ 0.001). Medical specialists had a higher mean score (13.75) compared to medical doctors and nurses with mean scores 12.05 and 9.51 respectively. Other cadres had lower mean score of 8.65. Likert scale showed that 94 % had positive attitudes on the role of nutrition in preventing and treating diseases. Most of respondents (92 %) did not use any nutrition guidelines. Nutrition management were discussed occasionally during ward rounds. There were significant relationship between age group (χ 2 = 16.69; p = 0.01), work experience (χ 2 = 18.61; p < 0.01) and nutrition knowledge of participants. Nutrition knowledge among study participants was poor; though their attitude was positive they failed to practice due to poor knowledge. Inadequate nutrition training in medical school, lack of resources and motivation were identified as factors that influence nutrition management of CKD in the study area. Recommendations from the study include: review of medical curriculum to incorporate clinical nutrition topics, continuous nutrition education programs for in-services, improving working conditions and hiring clinical nutritionists in each hospital department would improve nutrition management of CKD patients in hospitals.

Examine the Knowledge of Nutrition and Physical Activity among 3rd‐Graders using Two Different Teaching Methods in Elementary School

As the number of overweight and obese children is counting to rise, an effective nutrition and physical activity education in public schools is becoming extremely important. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed in pre‐ and post‐ nutrition and physical activity test scores of children taught using interactive white boards (IWB) as well as a traditional method. Also to determine if differences existed between post‐test results using IWB compared to the traditional method. Participants were third grade student enrolled in a Elementary School. A total of 47 children age (7 ‐ 9 years) participated in the study, with 24 children receiving lessons using IWB and 23 children receiving lessons using traditional methods. No statistically significant differences were found in post‐test scores between the IBW group and the traditional method group. The IWB group showed a significant increase in the mean nutrition knowledge score from pre‐test (M = 9.29, SD = 2.5) to post‐test (M = 11.29, SD = 2.8); t (23) = ‐5.96, p 蠄 .05 (two tailed). Likewise a significant increases were found in mean score for physical activity knowledge from pre‐test (M = 5.0, SD = 1.4) to post‐test (M = 5.92, SD = 1.28); t (23) = ‐4.84, p 蠄 .05 (two tailed) and in the mean overall score from pre‐test (M = 14.2, SD = 3.44) to post‐test (M = 17.2, SD = 3.7); t (23) = ‐7.6, p 蠄 .05 (two tailed). These results indicate that nutrition and physical activity education classes were effective in improving 3rd graders' knowledge regarding both nutrition and physical activity.

Level of nutrition knowledge and its association with weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women.

To examine influence of nutrition knowledge on weight loss behaviors among low-income reproductive-age women. We conducted a self-administered cross-sectional survey of health behaviors including socio-demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, and weight loss behaviors of 16-40 year old women (n = 1,057) attending reproductive health clinics located in Southeast Texas between July 2010 and February 2011. Multiple linear regression and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify correlates of nutrition knowledge and examine its association with various weight loss behaviors after adjusting for confounders. The mean nutrition knowledge score was low (5.7 ± 2.8) (possible score 0-15). It was significantly lower among African American women than whites (P < .001). Obese women (P = .002), women with high school enrollment/diploma (P = .030), and some college hours/degree (P < .001) had higher nutrition knowledge scores than their counterparts. The higher score of nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with higher odds of engaging in healthy weight loss behaviors: eating less food [odds ratio (OR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.18], switching to foods with fewer calories (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16), exercising (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.16), eating more fruits/vegetables/salads (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06-1.17) and less sugar/candy/sweets (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.04-1.15). However, it was not associated with unhealthy weight loss behaviors, such as using laxatives/diuretics or inducing vomiting. Nutrition knowledge is low among reproductive-age women. An increase in nutrition knowledge may promote healthy weight loss behaviors.