Need For Nutrition Education Research Articles

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating.

Project DINE: Addressing Disparities in Nutrition and Maternal Mortality and Morbidity through Nutrition and Father Engagement

Abstract: This study assessed the outcomes of an intervention (Project DINE) that added nutrition and breastfeeding education to Healthy Start programs in Georgia for a sample of Black expecting parents. Using a community-based participatory approach and a 2 × 2 randomized cluster factorial design, three of six Healthy Start sites were intervention sites. Participants completed the Adult Food and Physical Activity Behavior Questionnaire and a breastfeeding education survey pre- and post-intervention. Paired t-tests determined that there was an improvement in overall self-reported diet quality among the expecting couples (n=61; p = .025). Breastfeeding survey data showed that the percentage of correct answers increased from 78% to 84% (n=89; p=.0009) for all participants. Qualitative data were also collected through open-ended responses on the breastfeeding post-test (n=66) and focus groups with fathers (n=10). This project demonstrates the need for nutrition and breastfeeding education for both expecting parents during pregnancy to improve maternal health.

Results of the eating habits program for children from 3 to 12 years based on Nutriplato®

poor dietary habits and lack of physical activity are associated with non-communicable diseases. A healthy diet during childhood is important for the prevention of these diseases in the short and long term. improve eating habits, promote the Mediterranean diet (MD) and prevent and/or reverse overweight and obesity in children aged 3 to 12 years. the program includes 3 to 5 visits with dietitian-nutritionists, 1 telephone control and 1 practical workshop, with a follow-up of 1 year. Anthropometric, body composition and eating habits data are collected, and nutritional education is provided. the program included 1018 participants (51.5 % children; median age 8.5 ± 2.7 years). At baseline, 31 % were overweight or obese and 33.9 % had optimal MD. 696 participants completed the 12-month follow-up, and an increase in the percentage of participants following optimal MD was observed (38.1 % vs. 53.4 %; p < 0.001). Statistically significant improvements were also observed in relation to the consumption of fruits (except for 3 servings/day), vegetables, legumes, nuts and wholegrains cereals. In participants who were overweight or obese, a slight decrease in the mean BMI z-score was observed at the 12-month follow-up (p = 0.039). the results highlight the need for nutritional education in children and show that the Nutriplato® Program is effective in improving eating habits.

Characteristics of the Diet, Food Preferences, and Perceptions of Healthy Eating in 11–12-Year-Old Schoolchildren

Introduction: The issue of healthy eating of schoolchildren as one of the most important factors in maintaining and improving health of the younger generation, as well as preventing non-communicable diseases in the population as a whole, is recognized as a socially significant problem at the international level and in many countries of the world, including Russia. Objective: To establish characteristics of the diet, food preferences, and awareness about the importance of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren in order to determine teaching content promoting healthy eating practices in this age group. Materials and methods: The questionnaire-based survey was conducted from May to August 2023 involving 150 fifth-year schoolchildren from Cherepovets (mean age: 12.3 ± 0.37 years). The questionnaire contained closed-ended questions grouped into three blocks corresponding to the subject of study and the answers were then analyzed using quantitative, qualitative, and generalization methods. Results: Nutritional imbalance in the 11–12-year-old schoolchildren was established. We noted low daily consumption of potable water in 32.0 % of the respondents, the absence of fermented dairy products, cheese or cottage cheese (17.8 % and 18.7 %, respectively), as well as fish (51.3 %), meat (16.7 %), eggs (23.5 %), and porridge (36.2 %) in the diet. At the same time, we observed a high frequency of daily consumption of sausages (28.7 %), mayonnaise or ketchup (19.3 %) accompanied by low daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables (ca. 58.0 %). Preferring sweet carbonated drinks to juices (41.5 %) and fried foods (52.6 %) indicated unhealthy dietary habits. 42.0 % of the teenagers had certain gaps in knowledge about healthy eating. Conclusions: The established dietary habits, food preferences, and perceptions of healthy eating among 11–12-year-old schoolchildren indicate the need for proper nutrition education at school.

The Prevalence of Malnutrition among Children Aged 6-10 Years in Umuahia South, Abia State, Nigeria

The challenges of hunger and inadequate intake of food which hampers the nutritional status of children remains an issue of concern in Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence of malnutrition among children aged 6-10 years in Umuahia South, Abia State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the respondents for the study. Two hundred and twenty three (223) children 6-10 years were randomly selected from three community schools in Umuahia South. Structured and validated questionnaires were used in data collection. Data collection included basic characteristics of children, socio-demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the parents. Food habits of the participants, anthropometric characteristics of the children. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) for Windows Version 20. Descriptive statistics, frequency, percentages, Pearson’s correlation, cross tabulation and chi-square were used to examine the relationship between the variables, significance was accepted at p&lt;0.05. Almost all the children (99.6%) were immunized. About half of the households (57.8%) had a size of 4-6 persons. More than one third of the mothers’ had secondary (46.2%) and tertiary (30.9%) education. Most of the households used tap (70.4%) and borehole water (16.1%) as their major source of water. The households used gas (37.7%) and firewood (22.4%) mainly as cooking fuel. Based on the anthropometric status of the children, about 29.6% of the children were stunted, 5.8% were underweight and 2.6% were thin. There was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) between the mother’s education, source of water supply, mother’s occupation and underweight in the children. In addition, there was a significant relationship (p&lt;0.05) between mothers’ occupation, source of energy, type of toilet, good health facility and stunting in the children. There was a significant relationship (p&lt;0.05) between mother’s education, source of water supply, source of energy, good health facility, type of housing and BMI-for-age in the children. Socio economic characteristics of the mothers was an important factor in the health and nutritional status of children. There is need for school feeding programs and nutrition education to improve on children’s health and feeding habit.

US Navy Sailors Modify Their Eating Behaviors to Pass Cyclic Physical Readiness Tests

ObjectiveInvestigate the influence of physical readiness tests (PRTs) on eating behaviors among US Navy Sailors. DesignFocused ethnography using interviews and military policies. SettingThree US Naval installations. ParticipantsActive-duty enlisted Sailors (n = 32). Phenomenon of InterestEating behaviors. AnalysisAuthors analyzed data iteratively with data collection using domain, taxonomy, and thematic analysis to identify culturally relevant codes, domains, and themes. ResultsFive themes corresponded with PRT timing and Sailors’ perceived ability to meet standards: (1) maintain usual eating habits, (2) get ready and switch it up, (3) make weight—damage control, (4) return to baseline—PRT is over, and (5) eat whatever—PRT is canceled. In contrast to the PRT policy's goal for Sailors to maintain standards and a healthy lifestyle, many Sailors modified their usual eating behaviors to pass the test. Conclusion and ImplicationsChanges in eating behaviors during PRT cycles highlight a culture of getting ready vs staying ready, suggesting many Sailors do not eat a nutrient-dense diet to maintain the minimum physical fitness and body composition standards. There is a need for nutrition education for healthy weight maintenance, weight gain prevention, and healthy weight loss among military personnel.

한국 청소년의 아침 식사 유형에 따른 영양소 섭취 상태 및 아침식사의 질 평가

Objectives This study is to evaluate the quality of breakfast and compare the nutritional intake by breakfast type of Korean adolescents. Methods This study analyzed data from 3,779 adolescents aged 12 to 18 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Survey conducted from 2016 to 2019. Breakfast was classified as ‘rice’, ‘bread’, ‘noodles’, ‘cereal’, and ‘others’ based on the main food consumed. Differences in general characteristics by breakfast type were ana-lyzed, and nutrient intake and nutrient intake ratio relative to daily nutrient intake standards were used for the analysis. Additionally, the study derived the contribution rate and nutrient density of daily nutrient intake from breakfast. Results Regarding the type of breakfast consumed by adolescents, rice ranked first at about 45%, followed by bread, cereal, and noodles. The breakfast skipping rate was higher among female adolescents at 43.03% com-pared to males at 35.57%. Rice and bread tended to account for most of the energy and protein intake, and cereals accounted for the highest daily intake of vitamins and minerals. The contribution rate of breakfast to daily energy intake was about 23-24% for rice and noodles, about 18% for bread, and about 14% for cereal. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that rice is an excellent breakfast diet for Korean adolescents. However, the high rate of breakfast skipping among adolescents suggests the need for efficient and continuous nutritional education about regular breakfast.

The Status of Young Children's Nutrition Security in Rural Area of Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Nutrition security is a vital component of growth and development in a nation. However, dietary diversity and availability of healthy food are serious challenges to many local communities in Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to identify status and determinants of nutrition security of school-age children in Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: Primary data were collected and analyzed using a binary logistic regression model to determine the significance of nutrition security odds ratio of 12 variables. Results: The results revealed that around 55.4% of school-age children were nutritionally insecure and underweight, and 44.6% were stunted. The significant determinants of nutrition security in the study area were milk consumption, healthy eating habit, fruits and vegetables consumption, educational status of the guardian, meat consumption, and the child’s place of residence. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed the need for nutrition education of the children and their guardians, and the need for accessibility of diverse and nutritious food products to help the school-age children with acute wasting and stunting problems they are facing.

Hubungan Citra Tubuh, Pola Konsumsi dan Aktivitas Fisik dengan Status Gizi Siswi SMA di Kota Ende

During During adolescence, major changes occur in terms of body growth and development. Physical growth and development in adolescents increases nutritional needs. Nutritional problems often occur during adolescence. Status where nutrients are needed by the body as a source of energy, growth and maintenance of body tissue and regulator of body processes. Body image, consumption patterns and physical activity can influence the nutritional status of adolescent girls. The aim of this research is to determine the relationship between body image, consumption patterns and physical activity on the nutritional status of female students in Ende City. This type of research is analytical observational with a cross sectional design, a probability sampling technique of 220 people. The results of this research show that there is a relationship between body image and the level of protein consumption (p=0.023) and OR = 1.962, the level of energy consumption (p=0.00) and OR = 35.444, the level of fat consumption (p=0.03) and OR = 1.882 and the level of carbohydrate consumption (p = 0.00) and OR = 5.673 on the nutritional status of female students at SMA Negeri 1 Ende, meanwhile, body image with the level of energy consumption (p = 0640), the level of fat consumption (p = 0.363), the level of Carbohydrate consumption (p=0.451) showed no relationship. The level of protein consumption (p=0.114) and physical activity (p=0.809) also had no relationship to the nutritional status of female students at SMA Negeri 1 Ende. There is a need for nutritional education, monitoring of nutritional status in schools, as well as the need for education for female students to pay more attention to the food they consume.

There and Back Again: A Forty-Year Perspective on Physician Nutrition Education

Medical education faces an urgent need for evidence-based physician nutrition education. Since the publication of the 1985 National Academies report “Nutrition Education in the United States Medical Schools,” little has changed. Although several key efforts sought to increase nutrition content in undergraduate medical education over the past 40 y, most medical schools still fail to include the recommended minimum of 25 h of nutrition training. Without foundational concepts of nutrition in undergraduate medical education, graduate medical education unsurprisingly falls short of meeting patient needs for nutritional guidance in clinical practice. Meanwhile, diet-sensitive chronic diseases continue to escalate, although largely preventable and treatable by nutritional therapies and dietary lifestyle changes. Fortunately, recent recognition and adoption of Food is Medicine programs across the country increasingly connect patients with healthy food resources and nutrition education as core to their medical care, and physicians must be equipped to lead these efforts alongside their dietitian colleagues. Filling the gap in nutrition training will require an innovative and interprofessional approach that pairs nutrition with personal wellness, interprofessional practice, and community service learning. The intersectional benefits of connecting these domains will help prepare future physicians to address the social, behavioral, and lifestyle determinants of health in a way that recognizes nourishing food access as a core part of clinical practice. There are numerous strategies to integrate nutrition into education pathways, including didactic and experiential learning. Culinary medicine, an evidence-based field combining the culinary arts with nutritional science and medicine, is 1 promising educational framework with a hands-on, interprofessional approach that emphasizes community engagement. Advancing the critical need for widespread adoption of nutrition education for physicians will require support and engagement across societal stakeholders, including co-leadership from registered dietitian nutritionists, health system and payor reform, and opportunities for clinical innovation that bring this essential field to frontline patient care.

Bridging Gaps in Oncology Nutrition Education and Teaching: A Comprehensive Analysis of Resident Physicians in China.

Residents are actively involved in patient assessment and all aspects of patient care, and they are critical in providing nutritional support education and treatment for patients with cancer. This study aims to assess the nutritional knowledge and performance of resident physicians, providing insights into existing gaps in awareness and practices related to cancer nutrition. A total of 300 resident physicians undergoing standardized residency training in China participated in this study. An anonymous online questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge, clinical practice, and training requirements was designed and administered through the "Wenjuanxing" platform. Data were collected from June 1, 2023, to July 31, 2023. Among the participants, only 40.00% demonstrated adequate knowledge of cancer nutrition, and merely 32.00% exhibited proficient performance in nutritional care. Socio-demographic analysis revealed that residents without affiliations and those specializing in obstetrics and gynecology had superior knowledge, while surgery specialists showed significantly worse performance. Most participants expressed a lack of exposure to cancer nutrition education during academic and standardized residency training. The study highlights the demand for enhanced education and the preference for case-based teaching methods. The findings underscore an urgent need for comprehensive oncology nutrition education within China's standardized residency training. Targeted interventions and curriculum enhancements are essential to improve medical talent development and enhance patient care outcomes in oncology. The study emphasizes the critical role of practical, case-based teaching methods in addressing identified gaps in nutritional knowledge and practices among resident physicians.

Food Choice and Dietary Perspectives of Young, Urban, Black Pregnant Women: A Focus Group Study.

Black pregnant women in Chicago are disproportionately affected by maternal morbidity and mortality and are more likely to reside in neighborhoods that experience greater economic hardships and food apartheid than any other race/ethnicity. Addressing social determinants of health such as structural inequities, economic environment, and food apartheid issues may provide insights into eliminating Black maternal morbidity and mortality disparities. This study explores food choice determinants and dietary perspectives of young, urban, Black pregnant women. Two audio-recorded focus groups were conducted in Chicago, IL between March 2019 and June 2019 to discuss pregnancy experiences and factors affecting maternal nutrition. Thematic analysis was used to identify the codes, themes, and subthemes of the data. Data analysis was guided by the Social Ecological Model (SEM) as a theoretical framework. Eleven, young, Black women were recruited. Three major themes were discussed across the SEM levels that influenced food choice including food access, stress and family influences on eating, and the need for nutritional education during pregnancy. These choices were primarily rooted in the detrimental effects of food apartheid experienced within the participants' neighborhoods. Therefore, acknowledging, understanding, and addressing food apartheid and its impact on Black maternal health disparities is needed in clinical practice, research, and policy change.

Assessment of Nutritional Status and Nutrition Education for Athletes in Sadakathullah Appa College

Sports Nutrition is important that adolescent athletes understand that their energy needs will be different based on age, growth rate, and level of activity, and it is vital to educate athletes on these increased energy needs to avoid deficiencies sporting events and to avoid illness and injury. Despite the increased need for nutrition education for adolescent athletes, there is still date there is a limited amount of research in this area. So, the survey was conducted and their consent was 30 athletes in different age group of 18 to 25 years were selected from both genders in Sadakathullah Appa college, Rahmath Nager, Tirunelveli district. Anthropometric, Biochemical, Clinical Examination and Dietary Habits of athletes were analyzed. Nutrition Education is conducted to the participants to raise an awareness to combat the nutritional deficiency disorders as well to increase their performance during the event or post the event.

Risk of low energy availability and nutrition knowledge among female team sport athletes.

Nutrition knowledge influences adequate dietary intake in athletes. Inadequate dietary intakes can result in low energy availability (LEA) which can lead to relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). To date, there is little information on the relationship between nutrition knowledge and the risk of LEA in female team sport athletes. This study investigates if general and sports nutrition knowledge are associated with the risk of LEA in female team athletes. A cross-sectional design was used. Female athletes (>16 years) who participate in team sports in New Zealand were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The LEA in Females Questionnaire and the Abridged Sport Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire were included. LEA risk and general/sports nutrition knowledge were assessed. The relationship between LEA risk and knowledge was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test of independent variables and χ2 tests. Among 100 female athletes, 53% were at-risk for LEA, and 70% (N.=67) had poor nutrition knowledge. Athletes who were "at-risk" for LEA and those who were "not at-risk" for LEA did not differ statistically in terms of age (P=0.350) or BMI (P=0.576). Of those "not at risk" 54% had an A-NSK score between 50 and 60% (i.e., average knowledge), whereas 54% of the athletes who were "at risk" for LEA had poor nutrition knowledge. There was no statistical difference between the groups (P=0.273). The poor nutrition knowledge and the high rates of those "at risk" of LEA among team sports athletes indicates the need for more nutrition education in this population.

How Can We Increase the Nutrition-Related Knowledge in Children Aged 7-12 Years: Results of Focus Groups Interviews with Parents-Junior-Edu-Żywienie (JEŻ) Project.

Nutrition education is a long-term process that should cover various population groups. A special focus should be placed on children, adolescents and their parents. The aim of this research was to find out the opinions of parents of primary school pupils aged 7-12 on their expectations towards school education in the areas of food and nutrition, addressed to both pupils and their parents. The research was conducted among 101 parents of primary school pupils with the use of the Focus Group Interview (FGI) method. It demonstrated that what is most needed are hands-on activities relating to basic theoretical issues. While parents see the need for nutrition education for their children, educating pupils in this area is of interest to only some of the respondents for whom nutrition aspects are quite important. All parents would like formal nutrition education at school, but at the same time, they do not want classes to take up too much of their children's time, due to the already excessive number of school subjects. It seems appropriate to include everyone in regard to nutrition education, regardless of their declared interest in this issue. The need for consistent presentation of educational content addressed to teachers and parents is very important, so that they can, in a uniform way, shape the attitudes towards food and nutrition of children and adolescents.

Effect of UNAGI (Nutrition Snakes and Ladders Game) on Knowledge of Balanced Diet and Nutritional Intake in Adolescents in Bekasi

Indonesia still faces the Triple Burden of Malnutrition, which can impact the dietary choices of adolescents to balance their nutritional intake and, simultaneously, emphasize the need for effective nutrition education. This study aimed to determine the effect of nutrition education delivered through the UNAGI game and videos on knowledge and nutritional intake of high school students. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with students from Public Senior High School 12 in Bekasi City, where the participants were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention was provided once a week for two consecutive weeks. Knowledge was measured using a questionnaire, and food intake was assessed through 24-hour food recall. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test for the difference between groups and paired t-test/Wilcoxon for pre-post comparisons, with α significant level of 5%. Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in knowledge and dietary intake between the two groups. Post-intervention, a significant improvement in nutrition knowledge (p-value of 0.000) was noted in the intervention group exposed to the snake and ladder nutrition game. However, there were no significant changes in energy intake (p-value of 0.162), fat intake (p-value of 0.144), sugar consumption (p-value of 0.066), and salt consumption (p-value of 0.944). The findings support the recommendation of utilizing UNAGI games for nutrition education in the digital era as a valuable alternative to visual media, effectively contributing to enhanced nutritional understanding among adolescents.

Assessment of vitamin A levels in breast milk and serum of lactating mothers in Southeast Nigeria

Background: Vitamin A (VA) is an essential micronutrient critical to human health, infants rely on their mother’s breast milk for sufficient supply. This makes the maternal diet a crucial source of VA for infant growth and development. Aims: This study aimed to assess maternal VA status by assessing serum and breast milk retinol concentrations as well as dietary intake in nursing mothers. Subjects and Methods: A clinic-based cross-sectional study, conducted in Awka, south-east Nigeria, was used to assess 127 lactating women at one to 24 months post-partum. Blood and breast milk samples were obtained from each participant in a fasted state while dietary intake was assessed via an interviewer-administered semi-structured food frequency questionnaire. Retinol concentration was analyzed by spectrophotometry. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data while Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine associations between breast milk and serum retinol concentrations and study variables. Results: The mean retinol concentration in the serum of the women was a borderline value of 0.75 ± 0.64 µmol/L while the mean retinol concentration in breast milk was 0.99 ± 0.71 µmol/L. Further, the mean milk fat content was 56.18 ± 32.32 g/L while the mean milk retinol to fat ratio was 0.027 ± 0.044 µmol/g. Maternal diet consisted of a preference for provitamin A foods with low bioavailability. The mean retinol concentration in breast milk increased with time post-partum. There was no statistically significant relationship found between the frequency of consumption of most foods and the concentration of retinol in breast milk. Conclusion: The evidence of VA deficiency highlights the need for screening and nutrition education of breastfeeding mothers during ante- and post-natal visits. Keywords: Human milk, serum, vitamin A, maternal diet.

Investigation of supplement use and knowledge among Japanese elite athletes for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic games and the Beijing 2022 winter Olympic/Paralympic games

Elite athletes frequently invest in the use of supplements to optimize their dietary regimens and enhance their athletic performance. However, unregulated and unplanned use of supplements can lead to adverse consequences, including anti-doping rule violations or health issues. Thus, athletes should verify their diets, consider scientific evidence, and take necessary precautions regarding supplements before use. To date, no study has explored whether athletes check these factors before using supplements. This study aimed to investigate supplement use using a questionnaire administered to 1,392 athletes (including candidate athletes) who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic/Paralympic Games. Participants were categorized as follows: 1,040 participants in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, 83 in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, 239 in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, and 30 in the Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympic Games. We collected data on supplement use and gained further knowledge through interviews with the athletes. Approximately 70% of Tokyo 2020 Olympic/Paralympic and Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic athletes and approximately 50% of Beijing 2022 Winter Paralympians used supplements. Over 50% of athletes had not received a doctor's diagnosis or a dietitian's evaluation before supplement use. Moreover, only 50% of the athletes who used dietary supplements reviewed the scientific evidence for the dietary supplements before using them and justified their choice based on their own investigation, while those who did not use dietary supplements cited either a lack of need or fear of an anti-doping rule violation. Considering the holistic health and performance of athletes, as well as the risk associated with unregulated use, such as overdose and anti-doping rule violations, there is a need for nutritional education on supplement use for athletes and their entourages.

Assessment of Micronutrient Deficiency through Dietary Intake, Food Consumption Practices and Nutritional Status Amongst Women of Reproductive Age in Kongowea, Mombasa County

Micronutrient deficiencies are a public health concern among women of reproductive age (WRA) and children aged below five years in low and middle-income countries. Random sampling in a cross-sectional study was used to assess the nutritional status and dietary diversity of 184 women of reproductive age (15-49 years), estimated by data obtained on food frequency, 24-hour recall and dietary diversity using a structured, validated questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Nutri-survey software and transferred to SPSS version 20 and was analysed using descriptive statistics. The BMI status indicated that 47.6% were normal, 42.9% were overweight and 9.5% were obese. The mean energy intake was 2132.6±626.7, protein 49.6±10.2, iron 12.5±2.02 and zinc 9.13±2.14. The results indicate that the respondents in this study were below optimum in the intake of some vitamins and minerals. The vitamins consumed below the RDA included vitamin A (15.8%), vitamin B2 (49.4% and 31.4%), vitamin C (13.3% and 27.7%) and vitamin D (87.0% and 77.8%). The minerals consumed below the RDA in both age categories were sodium (55.1% and 42.4%), potassium (36.5% and 38.8%), calcium (68.8% and 67.8%) and iron (16.7% and 3.9%). The most consumed foods were starch cereals and the least consumed were meat and fish. There is need for nutrition education aimed at improving proper nutrition and increased micronutrient intake among women of reproductive age.

610-P: Comparison of Dietary Habits among Rural Americans With and Without Diabetes

Introduction: Residents of rural communities face unique geographic challenges in accessing food and healthcare, which may contribute to poor diet quality and increase the risk of diabetes. We compared Alternative Healthy Eating Index (aHEI) scores among residents with and without a history of diabetes from a rural county in New York known to have poor health outcomes. Methods: In 2021, we performed a cross-sectional survey and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) among residents in Sullivan County, NY, a rural county that has the second-worst health outcomes among all counties in New York. We compared overall total aHEI scores and the 11 component scores of the aHEI between 155 rural participants with diabetes and 961 without a history of diagnosed diabetes. Results: We found statistically lower healthy eating scores among rural study participants with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (p=0.01). While the overall magnitude of this difference in total aHEI was not large (54.1 versus 56.7), our analysis of aHEI component scores found that study participants with diabetes had statistically worse eating habits for nuts/legumes, red meat, trans-fats, and alcoholic drinks (p-values of 0.036, 0.001, 0.002 and 0.002 respectively). Notably, one category where rural residents with diabetes had better eating habits than those without diabetes was for sugary beverages/juice. Discussion: Our study found worse eating habits among rural residents with diabetes compared to those without diabetes in a rural county with particularly poor health outcomes. Additionally, this study highlights the potential need for accessible nutritional education in high-risk rural communities. While study participants with diabetes on average, consumed fewer sugary beverages and juice, more attention may need to be focused on reducing other food categories that might increase the risk of poor glycemic control. Disclosure M.Rony: None. C.Quintero arias: None. N.N.Wise: None. A.Prabu: None. K.Doran: None. R.Anthopolos: None. B.Elbel: None. L.Thorpe: None. D.C.Lee: None. Funding National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK124400)