National Physical Activity Research Articles

The direct and indirect associations of usual free sugar intake on BMI z-scores of Australian children and adolescents.

This cross-sectional analysis aimed to assess the association between free sugar consumption and the BMI z-score of Australian children and adolescents. Data from the 2007 Australian National Children's Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the direct association between usual free sugar intake and age-and-sex-specific BMI z-score, and the indirect association mediated via energy overconsumption. Weak and statistically non-significant associations were found for the direct (BMI z-score β = -0.02 per 10% change in energy intake from free sugar, p = 0.705) and indirect pathways (BMI z-score β = -0.04 per 10% change in energy intake from free sugar, p = 0.705). We concluded that free sugar intake was not associated with BMI z-score in this cohort. Instead of focusing on a single energy source in the diet, improving the quality of the whole diet may be a better approach in tackling childhood obesity.

Worldwide use of the first set of physical activity Country Cards: The Global Observatory for Physical Activity - GoPA!

BackgroundThe work of The Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! is the first global effort to compile standardized country-level surveillance, policy and research data for physical activity in order to better understand how countries and regions address promoting physical activity. GoPA! developed standardized country-specific physical activity profiles (“Country Cards”) to summarize country-level data through 2013. The aim of this study was to assess use of the Country Cards, identify the factors associated with their use, and develop recommendations for supporting country-level physical activity promotion.MethodsCross sectional internet-based survey conducted between August–October 2016. Target study participants were national physical activity leaders and advocates in academia, government and practice from the GoPA! countries, and members of the International Society of Physical Activity and Health. A Country Card use composite score was created based on the diversity and frequency of use. Statistical analyses on the associations between the composite score and respondent characteristics, country characteristics, barriers and opinions were conducted (including descriptive analyses and a logistic regression with robust standard errors).ResultsOne hundred forty three participants from 68 countries completed the survey. Use of the Country Cards was associated with being part of the GoPA! network, knowing about the Country Cards, and on the stage of country capacity for physical activity promotion. Country Card knowledge varied by country income group, region and the country specific context. More diverse and frequent use of the cards (highest tertile of the composite score for use) was associated with: 1. Being a country contact vs general participant (OR 18.32–95% CI 5.63–59.55, p = 0.002), and 2. Collaborating with a government representative working in NCDs on a monthly or more frequent contact vs less frequent contact (OR 3.39–95% CI 1.00–11.54, P < 0.05).ConclusionsFor the Country Cards to have a broader impact, GoPA! will need to widen its reach beyond the academic sector. With further refinement of the cards, and training in their implementation, they could be an important tool for advancing country capacity for contextually-relevant strategies, actions and timelines for PA promotion.

Abstract P094: Sex Differences in Fitness Outcomes After Participation in a Park-Based After school Program Among Minority Youth

Introduction: Only 18% of high school girls compared with 37% of boys are reported to meet national physical activity guidelines, but much less is known about sex differences in fitness levels during the elementary and middle school years. This study aimed to describe sex differences in longitudinal fitness outcomes after participation in Fit2Play TM , a park-based afterschool health and wellness program targeting high risk youth ages 6-to-14 years old. Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that over time boys would have more improvement in (1) cardiorespiratory fitness via the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) and 400 meter run test; (2) strength via 1-minute timed push-ups and sit-ups; and (3) flexibility via the sit-and-reach test, versus girls. Methods: Youth who participated in Fit2Play TM for either 1, 2 or 3 school years between 2010-2016 (N=2129, mean age 9.1 years, 52% Hispanic, 48% non-Hispanic black, 54% male) participated in a fitness battery at the beginning and end of the school year(s). Effects of length of Fit2Play TM participation on fitness outcomes were assessed via 3-level repeated measures analysis stratified by sex and adjusted for child sociodemographics, weight category, area poverty, and year. Results: Adjusted models showed significant improvements for both boys and girls in the PACER and 400 meter run tests (p&lt;0.001 for both), with greater magnitude of effects and dose-response trends for girls after up to 3 years of participation in Fit2Play TM . Specifically, from baseline to 1, 2 and 3 years of program participation, girls demonstrated 8% (95% CI: 0.87, 0.97), 14% (95% CI: 0.77, 0.96), and 23% (95% CI: 0.65, 0.92) mean improvement in 400 meter run times versus 9% (95% CI: 0.86, 0.96), 9% (95% CI: 0.82, 1.01), and 17% (95% CI: 0.70, 0.98) for boys, respectively (p&lt;0.001 for all). Significant strength improvements were found for both boys and girls for push-ups (p&lt;.01 for both, though 4%, 11% and 12% higher magnitude of effects in girls vs. boys for 1, 2 and 3 years of participation, respectively), and only girls for sit-ups (p&lt;.001). Conclusions: Park-based afterschool physical activity programs have the potential to improve fitness performance in all youth, and particularly girls. Future research should further examine sex differences in the effects of park and other community based programs to ultimately reduce sex disparities in youth fitness, particularly in light of the current youth obesity epidemic that continues to challenge our nation.

National Food, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese General Population (2015-2016): Protocol for Design and Development.

BackgroundThe assessment of food consumption data using harmonized methodologies at the European level is fundamental to support the development of public policies. Portugal is one of the countries with the most outdated information on individual food consumption.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to describe the design and methodology of the National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey, 2015-2016, developed to collect national and regional data on dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and nutritional status, in a representative sample of the Portuguese general population (3 months-84 years).MethodsParticipants were selected by multistage sampling, using the National Heath Registry as the sampling frame. Data collection, during 12 months, was harmonized according to European guidelines (EU-MENU, European Food Safety Authority [EFSA]). Computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) was performed on a specific electronic platform synchronized with nutritional composition data and considering the FoodEx2 classification system. Dietary assessment was performed using 24-hour recalls (two nonconsecutive, 8-15 days apart) or food diaries in the case of children aged <10 years, complemented with a food propensity questionnaire; PA data (International Physical Activity Questionnaire [IPAQ], the Activity Choice Index [ACI], and 4-days PA diaries); sociodemographic data, and other health-related data were also collected.ResultsA sample of 6553 individuals completed the first interview, and 5811 participants completed two dietary assessments. The participation rate among eligible individuals was 33.38% (6553/19,635), considering the first interview, and 29.60% (5811/19,635) for the participants with two completed interviews (about 40% in children and adolescents and 20% in elderly individuals). Results of the survey will be disseminated in national and international scientific journals during 2018-2019.ConclusionsThe survey will assist policy planning and management of national and European health programs on the improvement of nutritional status and risk assessment related to food hazards, and the enhancement of PA. The infrastructures and data driven from this Survey are a solid basis to the development of a future national surveillance system on diet, PA, and other health behaviors reproducible over time.

Prevalence of adolescent physical activity-related injuries in sports, leisure time, and school: the National Physical Activity Behaviour Study for children and Adolescents

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of adolescent physical activity-related injuries in sports club activities, leisure time physical activity and school-based physical activity. The secondary aim was to investigate the differences in the prevalence of physical activity -related injuries between years 2014 and 2016. In addition, we set out to study the associations between age, sex and the frequency of physical activity and injury prevalence.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is based on the National Physical Activity Behaviour Study for Children and Adolescents (LIITU in Finnish) conducted in years 2014 and 2016. The subjects completed an online questionnaire in the classroom during school hours. A total of 8406 subjects participated in the current study. Out of these, 49% were boys and 51% were girls. The proportions of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds were 35%, 34% and 31%, respectively.ResultsIn the combined data for 2014 and 2016, injury prevalence was higher in sports club activities (46%, 95% CI 44.8–47.8) than in leisure time PA (30%, 95% CI, 28.5–30.5) or school-based PA (18%, 95% CI, 17.4–19.1). In leisure time PA, the injury prevalence was higher than in school-based PA. In all the three settings, injury prevalence was higher in 2016 than in 2014. Frequency of PA was associated with a higher risk for PA-related injuries in sports clubs and leisure time.ConclusionsWith half of the subjects reporting at least one PA-related injury during the past year, results indicate that adolescent PA-related injuries are a large-scale problem. There is a worrisome rise in injury prevalence in recent years. From a public health standpoint, there is an urgent need to invest in injury prevention to reverse this trend.

Development of a Logic Model for a Community-Based Walking Program for Mothers

ABSTRACT Despite the evidence demonstrating the importance of physical activity, approximately 50% of US women meet aerobic national physical activity guidelines. There is often a disconnect between successful evidence-based physical activity programs and the translation/dissemination of these programs into community settings; this might be overcome through use of program theory and evaluation. The purpose of this study was to discuss the development of a logic model for a community-based walking program for mothers by providing background on the population and describing program theory, the process of developing the logic model, and logic model components. Participants (N = 86) were mothers (18–64 yr) with a child 26 yr or younger living in her household. Process evaluations, observational, and focus group data were used in a content analysis to determine major themes, informing the logic model. Findings revealed a set of resources needed to complete program activities. These activities led to short- and long-term outcomes. The overarching goal of the program is to improve the overall health status of families and communities. This logic model may have significant public health effect because it can serve as a framework for other communities wanting to develop, implement, and evaluate a walking program for mothers. To the authors' knowledge, this logic model is the first of its kind and may be used by public health practitioners and communities to promote physical activity, specifically walking, in an underserved population.

Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure During an After-School Running Club: Laps Versus Game Play.

After-school programs (ASPs) have the potential to contribute to student physical activity (PA), but there is limited empirical evidence to guide program development and implementation. We used pedometry to assess the overall effectiveness of an elementary school ASP running program relative to national and state PA recommendations and to compare 2 different formats (laps vs games) on PA and energy expenditure. Both running laps and running games contributed substantially to PA accrual and energy expenditure (overall 24.2 minutes of PA and 52.6 kcal during sessions averaging 37 minutes), but the formats provided different outcomes relative to PA intensity and energy expenditure. Overall PA% was higher on lap days, but MVPA% (moderate-to-vigorous PA) was higher on game days. Only game days met the stipulation that ASPs provide activities at an intensity in which MVPA% of PA ≥ 50%. Both running laps and running games in an ASP can contribute to PA accrual. ASP providers should weigh the demands and outcomes of program activities, and especially consider the quality of activities, students' feelings about them, and the implementation demands on instructors.

Inter-individual variation in adaptations to endurance and resistance exercise training: genetic approaches towards understanding a complex phenotype

Exercise training which meets the recommendations set by the National Physical Activity Guidelines ensues a multitude of health benefits towards the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. However, not all individuals respond well to exercise training. That is, some individuals have no response, while others respond poorly. Genetic background is known to contribute to the inter-individual (human) and -strain (e.g., mice, rats) variation with acute exercise and exercise training, though to date, no specific genetic factors have been identified that explain the differential responses to exercise. In this review, we provide an overview of studies in human and animal models that have shown a significant contribution of genetics in acute exercise and exercise training-induced adaptations with standardized endurance and resistance training regimens, and further describe the genetic approaches which have been used to demonstrate such responses. Finally, our current understanding of the role of genetics and exercise is limited primarily to the nuclear genome, while only a limited focus has been given to a potential role of the mitochondrial genome and its interactions with the nuclear genome to predict the exercise training-induced phenotype(s) responses. We therefore discuss the mitochondrial genome and literature that suggests it may play a significant role, particularly through interactions with the nuclear genome, in the inherent ability to respond to exercise.

Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Programming at Overnight Summer Camps

Overnight summer camps have previously been overlooked as settings for healthy eating and physical activity programming; however, recent summer camp research has begun to examine how summer camp programming can help fight childhood obesity. The purpose of this research was to identify and examine the efforts that Wisconsin overnight summer camps are taking to support campers in meeting national dietary and physical activity guidelines. Data were collected through in-person or phone interviews with 13 directors and owners of American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camps and were analyzed using a conventional content analysis and inductive thematic analysis approach. Results indicated that camp directors are trying to provide, or are already providing, healthy food that follows the national dietary recommendations and that campers who attend these overnight summer camps in Wisconsin are meeting or exceeding the national physical activity recommendations. Camp directors reported that their campers were physically active because of the amount of walking each camper had to complete in order to get from one activity to another (often across the camp property), in addition to their participation in a variety of program activities. Overnight summer camps are an ideal setting for the promotion of healthy eating and physical activity for children.

Physical activity profile of Nigeria: implications for research, surveillance and policy.

Appraising the status of physical activity surveillance, research and policy in Nigeria is relevant to national and regional public health actions on physical activity promotion and non-communicable disease control. This study aimed to 1) evaluate the physical activity profile of Nigeria and 2) propose strategies for improving physical activity in the country. The Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! with inputs from local experts systematically collected sociodemographic and physical activity surveillance, national policy and research indicators data for Nigeria in 2014. The Nigerian Country Card highlighting the status of these indicators was developed in 2015 and launched in 2016. Prevalence of physical activity among Nigerian adults was 78% (female=76%, male=79%). There was no physical activity surveillance system and national plan, and no empirical data on the proportion of all deaths directly due to physical inactivity in Nigeria. Few (n=7) articles related to physical activity and public health were published in 2013 and the country occupied the 38th position in the global research ranking, contributing about 0.24% to physical activity research worldwide. Implementing national physical activity plans and multi-sectorial collaborations between government and non-governmental partners are needed to improve physical activity surveillance, research and policy in Nigeria and other African countries with similar physical activity gaps.

Estimating physical activity trends among blacks in the United States through examination of four national surveys.

Physical activity is essential for overall good health and aids in the prevention and reduction of many diseases. In 2008, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans to foster appropriate levels of physical activity at various ages of development. Despite these guidelines and the known benefit to being physically active; physical activity levels are significantly lower in Blacks, contributing to higher prevalence of poor health outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to look at four national datasets [Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), and National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)] to identify any patterns and trends that could be used to improve physical activity behavior within this population. These national datasets were used to estimate the proportion of Black adults and youth meeting national physical activity recommendations overall—stratified by age, gender and other demographic characteristics, to help identify patterns. The proportion of Black youth reporting regular physical activity ranged from 33% to 52%; and of Black adults, 27% to 52%. Physical activity was highest among men, younger age groups, highest education and income groups, and those who were employed or married. Trends were consistent across surveys. Among Black youth, physical activity decline with increasing grade level, and improvements over the past 10 years have been minimal. The percentage of Black adults achieving physical activity guidelines has improved slightly over the last ten years, but physical activity participation is still low and continues to decline with age. Trends identified from examining these national datasets can be used to inform development of physical activity interventions aimed at promoting and maintaining regular physical activity behavior among high risk subgroups across the life span.

A cross-sectional survey of cardiovascular health and lifestyle habits of hospital staff in the UK: Do we look after ourselves?

BackgroundA high prevalence of stress-related disorders is well known among healthcare professionals. We set out to assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and compliance with national dietary and physical activity recommendations in NHS staff in the UK with comparison between clinical and non-clinical staff, and national surveys.DesignA multi-centre cross-sectional study.MethodsA web-based questionnaire was developed to include anonymised data on demographics, job role, cardiovascular risk factors and diseases, dietary habits, physical activity and barriers towards healthy lifestyle. This was distributed to staff in four NHS hospitals via emails.ResultsA total of 1158 staff completed the survey (response rate 13%) with equal distribution between the clinical and non-clinical groups. Most staff were aged 26–60 years and 79% were women. Half of the staff were either overweight or obese (51%) with no difference between the groups (P = 0.176), but there was a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to the general population. The survey revealed a low compliance (17%) with the recommended intake of five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables, and that of moderate or vigorous physical activity (56%), with no difference between the clinical and non-clinical staff (P = 0.6). However, more clinical staff were exceeding the alcohol recommendations (P = 0.02). Lack of fitness facilities and managerial support, coupled with long working hours, were the main reported barriers to a healthy lifestyle.ConclusionsIn this survey of UK NHS staff, half were found to be overweight or obese with a lower prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared to the general population. There was a low compliance with the five-a-day fruit and vegetables recommendation and physical activity guidelines, with no difference between the clinical and non-clinical staff.

Skipping breakfast among Australian children and adolescents; findings from the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

ObjectiveSkipping breakfast has been linked with poor diet quality, higher BMI and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of skipping breakfast among Australian children and adolescents. MethodsA total of 1,592 2–17‐year‐olds completed two 24‐hour recalls, collected via face‐to‐face and telephone interview, in the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Breakfast was an eating occasion of ≥210kJ named as ‘breakfast’ by the participant. Child, household and adult correlates of skipping breakfast were reported. Odds ratios were calculated using ordinal regression. Linear regression was used to examine differences in dietary intake. Survey weights were applied to give nationally representative estimates. ResultsMost (86.8% of boys, 81.4% of girls) ate breakfast on both days, 11.8% of boys and 14.8% girls skipped on one day and 1.4% boys and 3.8% girls skipped on both days. Characteristics associated with skipping breakfast were being female, being older, being underweight or overweight/obese, poorer diet, lower physical activity, inadequate sleep, lower household income, greater socioeconomic disadvantage, and being from a single‐parent home. ConclusionSkipping breakfast was common among Australian adolescents but few consistently skipped. Implications for public healthInterventions to increase breakfast should target adolescents, particularly girls, and low SEP households.

Contribution of Discretionary Foods and Drinks to Australian Children's Intake of Energy, Saturated Fat, Added Sugars and Salt.

Interventions are required to reduce children’s consumption of discretionary foods and drinks. To intervene we need to identify appropriate discretionary choice targets. This study aimed to determine the main discretionary choice contributors to energy and key nutrient intakes in children aged 2–18 years. Secondary analyses were performed with population weighted, single 24 h dietary recall data from the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey. Cakes, muffins, and slices; sweet biscuits; potato crisps and similar snacks; and, processed meats and sugar-sweetened drinks were relatively commonly consumed and were within the top three to five contributors to per capita energy, saturated fat, sodium, and/or added sugars. Per consumer intake identified cereal-based takeaway foods; cakes, muffins and slices; meat pies and other savoury pastries; and, processed meats as top contributors to energy, saturated fat, and sodium across most age groups. Subgroups of sugar-sweetened drinks and cakes, muffins and slices were consistently key contributors to added sugars intake. This study identified optimal targets for interventions to reduce discretionary choices intake, likely to have the biggest impact on moderating energy intake while also reducing intakes of saturated fat, sodium and/or added sugars.

National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese general population

National Food, Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey of the Portuguese general population

Walking - the Silver Bullet to Health and Wellbeing ( breakout presentation )

Background The Get Ireland Walking (GIW) initiative, developed by Sport Ireland in collaboration with numerous national partner organisations, delivers the Active Community Walking Programme (ACWP) in socially and economically disadvantaged communities across the Republic of Ireland. The purpose of this document is to describe a national community walking programme that impacts on the physical, mental and social health of participants, their families and the communities in which they reside. The expansion of this walking program is a specific action within Ireland's National Physical Activity Plan. Description of Program The ACWP aims to help communities develop organised walking groups. The government funded program is delivered through the Local Sports Partnership network. Through training, strategic planning, partnerships and funding mechanisms the program aims to empower communities by providing resources, promoting exercise adherence and supporting sustainable walking communities. In 2017, GIW will support over 100 new walking groups that target persons socially marginalized, persons with physical or intellectual disabilities and persons living in areas of disadvantage. Outcomes Male participation in the ACWP has been low ( Implications A new intervention specifically designed for men has been developed between GIW and the Irish Men’s Shed Association. The outcomes of this intervention will be presented at Walk 21 Calgary. Through participant feedback and partnership input, GIW is continuing to expand it’s programs throughout the Republic of Ireland. GIW has a lead role to play in supporting the Department of Health to achieve an increase in population PA levels as set out in specific actions areas within the National Physical Activity Plan. Through an upstream approach GIW aims to empower communities at a local level with toolkits and resources to support them to achieve their goals.

Trends in prevalence of leisure time physical activity and inactivity: results from Australian National Health Surveys 1989 to 2011

Objective:To examine trends in leisure time physical activity and inactivity in Australians aged 15 years or older from 1989 to 2011. Method:We used data from six Australian National Health Surveys conducted from 1989/90 to 2011/12 in which physical activity was assessed using comparable questions. Analyses examined trends in the prevalence of sufficient physical activity (≥150 minutes/week moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity) and of inactivity (<30 minutes/week moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity). Results:The proportion of sufficiently active adults was 39.2% in 1989 and 40.7% in 2011 with an overall declining trend of 0.2% per year (p=0.012). The prevalence of inactivity was 38.7% in 1989 and 37.3% in 2011; the overall time trend by year was stable (OR=0.999, p=0.242). In women, sufficient physical activity decreased by 0.3% per year from 35.5% in 1989 (p=0.025); inactivity increased from 39.5% by 0.3% per year (p=0.004). In men, sufficient physical activity prevalence was 43.1% in 1989 with a steady trend; inactivity decreased from 37.9% by 0.5% per year (p<0.0001). Conclusions:The prevalence of sufficient physical activity remains low and inactivity high. Women appear to be a key target group for intervention. Public health efforts have been ineffective over two decades for improving physical activity among Australian adults. Implications for public health:This research supports calls for a national physical activity action plan given the multitude of benefits from sufficient physical activity. Maintenance of consistent physical activity questions in future National Health Surveys will facilitate long term tracking of physical activity levels in the Australian population.

Australian Adult Physical Activity Sufficiency Trend Data: Positive, Prevalent, and Persistent Changes 2002–2012

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for several noncommunicable chronic diseases. The World Health Organization stresses the need for national PA trend data to help inform strategies to arrest noncommunicable chronic disease incidence. The Active Australia Survey questionnaire quantifies leisure-time physical activity. Despite being used repeatedly in large population surveys, these data have never been analyzed as a single dataset. This study established temporal trends for aerobic PA sufficiency prevalences in the Australian adult (18-75+ y) population, 2002-2012, based on leisure-time physical activity. Individuals' records from 58 surveys were merged into a master database (N = 443,211) and categorized according to sufficiency of PA (150minutes of PA per week). Data were age/sex standardized to the 2011 Australian population. PA sufficiency trends were determined for the whole sample and sociodemographic subgroups. Sufficient PA prevalences 2002-2012 increased from 55.9% (95% CI, 55.893-55.897) to 61.2% (95% CI, 61.223-61.267). No reported PA prevalences decreased from 16.1% (95% CI, 16.095-16.101) to 13.8% (95% CI, 13.745-13.811). This pattern persisted across most sociodemographic subgroups. Disparities between age groups, male/female, metropolitan/rural, and advantaged/disadvantaged categories, although present, were not diverging further. Levels of adult leisure-time physical activity are slowly increasing, but a substantial proportion of the population is still at increased risk of adverse health outcomes due to insufficient PA.

Cereal fibre intake in Australia: a cross-sectional analysis of the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey

Extensive evidence supports health benefits of cereal fibre, however globally no national intake data exists. This study aimed to determine estimates of intake and food sources of cereal fibre, and relationships to dietary fibre intake in an Australian sample population. A cereal fibre database was applied to dietary intake data from the 2011–12 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (n = 12,153). Usual intake based on 2-day intake data was weighted to infer population results. Median daily cereal fibre intake was 6.4 g/d (9.7 g/10 MJ/d) for adults (19–85 years) and 6.2 g/d (10.2 g/10 MJ/d) for children/adolescents (2–18 years). Individuals with the highest cereal fibre intake were more likely to meet dietary fibre recommendations than those with the lowest intake (males Q4: 17.1% Q1: 3.9%; females Q4: 20.3% Q1: 6.6%). Breakfast cereals, bread and bread rolls provided the most cereal fibre. This study provides first quantification of cereal fibre from all sources in an Australian national sample.

Dietary Supplement Use among Australian Adults: Findings from the 2011-2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey.

(1) Background: Supplement use is prevalent worldwide; however, there are limited studies examining the characteristics of people who take supplements in Australia. This study aimed to investigate the demographics, lifestyle habits and health status of supplement users; (2) Methods: Adults aged >19 years (n = 4895) were included from the 2011–2012 National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey (NNPAS). A supplement user was defined as anyone who took one or more supplements on either of two 24-h dietary recalls. Poisson regression was used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) of supplement use, according to demographics, lifestyle characteristics and health status of participants; (3) Results: Supplement use was reported by 47% of women and 34% of men, and supplement use was higher among older age groups, among those with higher education levels and from areas reflecting the least socioeconomic disadvantaged. An association was found between blood pressure and supplement use; (4) Conclusions: A substantial proportion of Australians take supplements. Further investigation into the social, psychological and economic determinants that motivate the use of supplements is required, to ensure appropriate use of supplements among Australian adults.