Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to vitamin D in young adults in rural Sri Lankan settings.

This review aimed to summarise the nutrition education programs and interventions that have sought to improve maternal health outcomes. Pregnancy is often considered a "teachable moment" when mothers may be motivated to adopt positive behavioural changes, including improving their nutrition habits. Pregnancy nutrition education is the provision of information and guidance on optimal nutritional practices that aim to support a healthy pregnancy. This scoping review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Eight electronic databases were searched (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Global Health, Scopus, PsycARTICLES, SocINDEX, Academic Search Complete) for studies reporting on nutrition education programs and interventions with pregnant women. Studies were included based on PICOS criteria, with no limitations on time and study design. Data were extracted and thematically analysed to identify the scope of diet, nutrition knowledge, and maternal outcomes included. This review includes 169 studies, which included various maternal outcomes, gestational weight gain; gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and anaemia; dietary outcomes; nutritional status; and nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and/or behaviours. Significant positive results were observed for many health and dietary outcomes, with the exception of prevention of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. A range of strategies have been used to deliver nutrition education. This inconsistency makes it challenging to summarize the key components of effective nutrition education and highlights the need for targeted approaches tailored to specific maternal outcomes.

High-Fidelity Simulation Training in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism for Critically Ill Patients: An Educational Evaluation Study.

Implications of Federal Nutrition Policy Changes for Maternal and Child Health.

Healthier diets are associated with fewer mental health symptoms, whereas higher consumption of ultra-processed foods is associated with psychological distress. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of a nutrition education program, using validated measures of dietary intake (ASA24) and mental wellness (Warwick-Edinburgh Scale) before and after the intervention. A longitudinal interventional study was conducted in university students for 3 months, with seminars, healthy snack breaks, a book and cooking techniques class. At baseline, students reported consuming fruit and calcium below the recommendations, while ultra-processed food, saturated fat, and sodium intake were over the limits. Initially, mental wellness was inversely related to sodium. Following the intervention, fruit and calcium intakes increased, whereas sodium and ultra-processed food consumption decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Mental well-being showed positive trends, meanwhile its association with sodium consumption weakened over time (Initial: Pearson=-0.73, r2 = 0.54, p < 0.001 vs. Final: Pearson = 0.24, r2 = 0.05, p > 0.05), suggesting a potential attenuation of unhealthy diet and mental wellness associations following the intervention. The program produced targeted improvements in diet quality, but multi-level strategies are likely required to achieve overall dietary adequacy. Mental well-being improved directionally without significant change, supporting nutrition education as a contributory component of well-being rather than a stand-alone solution.

Impacts of a Gamified Nutrition and Physical Activity Curriculum for High Schoolers from Communities with Low Income: Rev It Up!

Inadequate intake of macro- and micronutrients or low dietary diversity can lead to nutritional problems among adolescents. This study aimed to examine the association between social environment, body image, and dietary diversity among senior high school students in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. This quantitative cross-sectional study involved 223 students selected using simple random sampling from two senior high schools in Pekanbaru. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, social environment, body image, nutritional knowledge, and household food security. Dietary diversity was assessed using a 24-h dietary recall and the Individual Dietary Diversity Score. Data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate (Chi-square), and multivariate (multiple logistic regression) analyses. Overall, 43.5 % of adolescents had low dietary diversity, while 32.7 % were exposed to an unfavorable social environment and 41.3 % reported a negative body image. Multivariate analysis showed that adolescents in a favorable social environment were more than twice as likely to have a diverse diet compared to those in an unfavorable environment (POR=2.08; 95 % CI: 1.15-3.74; p=0.015). Adolescents with a positive body image were 1.72 times more likely to consume a diverse diet than those with a negative body image, indicating a potential association (POR=1.72; 95 % CI: 0.97-3.04; p=0.062). A supportive social environment and a positive body image are essential for promoting dietary diversity among adolescents. Interventions should focus on strengthening family and peer support, promoting positive nutrition messages through social media, and encouraging the consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products through school- and family-based nutrition education programs.

This research aimed to investigate the impact of a structured nutrition education program on the dietary behaviours and mindful eating practices of university students. Given that the university phase is critical for developing healthy lifestyle choices, such initiatives show an important opportunity for public health improvement. A comparative quasi-experimental design was utilized, featuring both experimental and control groups exclusively comprising female students. The experimental group participated in a 14-week structured nutrition education program that integrated interdisciplinary content. The curriculum covered fundamental nutrition concepts, nutritional needs throughout different life stages, physical activity, food science, and principles of healthy eating behaviors. Each session reinforced behavioral awareness through discussions of relevant scientific literature. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted. At the conclusion of the program, the total score on the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ) within the experimental group declined from 2.85 to 2.44; specifically, scores for external eating fell from 2.81 to 2.29, and emotional eating scores decreased from 3.18 to 2.59-each showing statistically significant reductions (p < 0.001). Conversely, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) score improved from 2.75±0.40 to 3.80±0.39 (p < 0.001). In contrast, no notable changes were recorded in either DEBQ or MEQ scores among participants in the control group (p > 0.05). A structured 14-week nutrition education program was associated with improved mindful eating and lower emotional, external, and restrained eating scores among female university students These findings underscore the positive transformations stemming from increased cognitive awareness, particularly regarding external and emotional eating tendencies. Nutrition interventions at universities appear to be an effective strategy for promoting both individual well-being and community health. Furthermore, these results highlight that effective nutrition education empowers individuals to integrate their knowledge into everyday practices. Therefore, it is essential to implement evidence-based methods and resources for nutrition education across all age groups and backgrounds.

Inadequate nutritional knowledge among hemodialysis (HD) patients can lead to poor fluid and dietary adherence, increasing the risk of complications. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a nurse-led, animated video-based nutrition education program on dietary knowledge and fluid-diet adherence in individuals receiving HD. This experimental study employed a pretest-posttest control group design and included 107 HD patients, 48 in the intervention group and 59 in the control group. Data were collected using a patient information form, a nutritional knowledge survey, and the Dialysis Diet and Fluid Non-Adherence Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and initial data entry were conducted using SPSS 24.0. The difference-in-differences (DiD) analysis was performed in Stata 18.0. The intervention group received nurse-led nutrition education supported by a 10-min animated video. Measurements were taken at baseline and 12 weeks after the intervention. There were no significant differences between groups in baseline nutritional knowledge or fluid-diet adherence scores. However, at week 12, the intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in nutritional knowledge and a decrease in fluid-diet nonadherence compared to the control group (p < .05). A DiD analysis revealed that the educational intervention resulted in a 4.4-point increase in knowledge scores, which was statistically significant (p < .05). Nurse-led animated video education significantly improved nutritional knowledge and fluid-diet adherence among HD patients. This approach may be an effective tool for supporting patient education and self-management of chronic kidney disease.

ABSTRACT Background Few school‐based interventions integrate nutrition with physical activity (PA), especially within physical education classes. This study evaluated the effect of a nutrition education program designed for physical educators (PEs) that combined nutrition education with PA. Methods In this cluster‐randomized study, classes were assigned (class level) to a control ( n = 11; 140 students) or an intervention group ( n = 8; 143 students) over 4 months. PEs ( n = 7) and students ( n = 283) completed questionnaires pre‐ and post‐intervention. Primary outcomes included students' nutrition knowledge, attitudes, environments, behaviors, and dietary intake. Additionally, PEs' appreciation, relevance, and use of the program and self‐reported and measured compliance were evaluated. Mixed‐effects models were used for analysis. Results Students in the intervention group showed a greater improvement in nutrition knowledge than those in the control group (adjusted mean change: +3.6 versus +1.3 points, respectively; p &lt; 0.001). No significant changes were observed for other outcomes. Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity Providing PEs with tailored resources enables them to effectively integrate health promotion into physical education classes. Conclusions A nutrition education program for PEs has the potential to improve students' nutrition knowledge and offers a feasible approach to incorporate nutrition education into the physical education curriculum.

Adequate micronutrient intake plays a critical role in supporting physiological adaptation and performance in adolescent athletes who undergo intensive training during periods of rapid growth. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between magnesium and calcium intake and cardiorespiratory endurance among adolescent basketball athletes. A total of 25 athletes aged 13–18 years participated in this observational cross-sectional study. Dietary magnesium and calcium intake were assessed using a validated Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ), reflecting habitual intake over one month. Cardiorespiratory endurance was evaluated through estimated VO₂ Max obtained from the standardized Multistage Fitness Test (bleep test). The results showed that the mean intake of both magnesium and calcium among participants was within recommended adequacy levels. Correlation analysis revealed a strong and statistically significant positive relationship between magnesium intake and VO₂ Max (r = 0.72; p &lt; 0.05), as well as between calcium intake and VO₂ Max (r = 0.75; p &lt; 0.05). These findings indicate that higher mineral intake is associated with better aerobic capacity in adolescent athletes. From a physiological perspective, magnesium plays a key role in ATP synthesis, neuromuscular transmission, and muscle relaxation, while calcium is essential for excitation–contraction coupling, cardiovascular regulation, and metabolic stability during prolonged high-intensity exercise. In conclusion, adequate intake of magnesium and calcium is significantly associated with improved cardiorespiratory endurance in adolescent basketball athletes. These findings highlight the importance of integrating mineral adequacy into athlete development and nutrition education programs, particularly during adolescence, to optimize aerobic performance and support long-term athletic development.

A qualitative exploration of parental decision-making regarding ultra-processed products for children aged 2 to 5 years.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between parental nutrition knowledge levels and the gastrointestinal symptoms and dietary intakes of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 children under the age of 18, diagnosed with ASD, and their parents living in Kütahya, Türkiye. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), the Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (NKLSA), anthropometric measurements, and a 24-hour dietary recall. Among the participating children, 39.2% (n = 47) were girls, with a mean age of 9.04 ± 3.3 years. Most parents (84.2%) reported that their children experienced feeding-related problems. The most frequently reported issues were food refusal (48.3%), neophobia (37.5%), and loss of appetite (28.3%). A statistically significant difference was found between mothers’ NKLSA category and the variables of monthly income, maternal education, the child’s sleep pattern, use of dietary supplements, and food refusal. As maternal nutrition knowledge increased, the child’s GSRS score decreased (p=0.004). In addition, the GSRS subscales of abdominal pain and indigestion showed statistically significant differences according to the mother’s NKLSA category. It was determined that children’s total BAMBI scores did not differ significantly according to the mothers’ level of nutrition knowledge. The findings suggest that health problems co-occurring with autism may complicate the nutritional status of children with ASD. Therefore, developing nutrition education programs for parents could be of paramount importance in supporting the optimal growth, development, and overall well-being of children with ASD.

Fast food consumption is a growing public health concern, particularly among adolescents, due to its association with obesity and chronic diseases. Understanding the behavioral determinants of fast-food avoidance can inform the design of effective interventions targeting male adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of fast-food avoidance behaviors among male high school students in Shiraz, Iran, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 862 male students in grades 1 and 2 of high school in Shiraz in 2025. A multi-stage sampling strategy was applied, whereby 16 high schools were randomly selected from four educational districts. Within selected schools, classes and students were recruited using a convenience-based approach, and all eligible students present in the selected classes were invited to participate. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and a validated TPB-based instrument assessing knowledge, attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), behavioral intention, and fast-food avoidance behavior. Data analysis was performed using JAMOVI (v2.5.6), and SEM was employed to test the hypothesized TPB model. The final TPB model demonstrated excellent fit indices (χ²/df = 2.04, CFI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.05). Attitude (β = 0.58), subjective norms (β = 0.34), and PBC (β = 0.26) significantly predicted behavioral intention (p < .001), which in turn strongly predicted fast-food avoidance behavior (β = 0.49, p < .001). PBC also had a direct effect on behavior (β = 0.31). Knowledge exerted an indirect effect on behavior through attitude and intention. Demographic variables, including parental education, household income, and maternal employment, were associated with TPB constructs. Fast-food avoidance behaviors among male adolescents are primarily influenced by motivational and control beliefs. From a practical and policy perspective, school-based nutrition education programs and adolescent health policies should prioritize strengthening positive attitudes, enhancing perceived behavioral control, and reinforcing supportive social norms to promote healthier dietary behaviors and reduce fast-food consumption among adolescents.

Introduction: Nutrition education related to stunting is one of the strategies to tackle stunting incidence. A soon-to-be married couple is the right target to receive information about stunting, since they will be parents, especially a mother in the future. As it is known, the Religious Affairs Office has a pre-marriage training program, but not include nutritional sciences.Methods: A nutrition intervention consisting of nutrition education for men and women before marriage, to attend a mini lecture. The nutrition education program, including subjects related to marriage, is a pre-marriage education program from the selected religious affairs office in Bekasi. It aimed to increase nutrition knowledge, focusing on stunting prevention through family action. Participants were asked to fulfill nutrient adequacy for mothers as early as possible, before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and the lactating phase, as well as nutrient adequacy for infants during the first thousand days of life. They were also asked to ensure their health by joining the government’s program to visit the primary health service for antenatal care during pregnancy, and the integrated health center for growth monitoring after the baby is born. About 71 participants were recruited to do the pre-test, join the nutrition class, and finish the post-test.Results: Showed a double frequency of participants answering one hundred percent correctly during post-test, also most of the participants had an increased score in the post-test, p=0.000 (Wilcoxon signed-rank test). It showed that this program significantly increased participants’ knowledge about stunting.Conclusion: Nutrition education through simple lectures effectively improved knowledge about stunting. It is recommended to incorporate stunting topics into the pre-marriage education program as a preventive measure to reduce stunting.

Introduction: Sports nutrition is critical for optimising athletes’ performance, recovery, and health. Despite its importance, significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among athletes often lead to suboptimal dietary habits and impaired energy balance. Sports nutrition education interventions have emerged as a promising strategy to address these deficiencies. This scoping review examined effectiveness of sports nutrition education programmes on KAP, eating behaviours, and energy availability among athletes from 2015 to 2024. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus was conducted using relevant keywords. Out of 394 studies initially screened, 12 met inclusion criteria, comprising intervention-based study designs, including randomised-controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and pre-post studies. Studies were considered eligible if they involved athletes, incorporated a nutrition education component, and assessed at least one outcome related to KAP, eating behaviour, or energy availability. Results: Most studies reported significant improvements in nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices, accompanied by positive changes in dietary behaviours. Interventions delivered via classroom instruction, digital platforms, or blended methods demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness. Key findings included increased energy availability, better dietary adherence, and favourable changes in body composition. Variations in duration of intervention programme delivery and participant characteristics led to the wide range of outcomes observed. Conclusion: Sports nutrition education can improve athletes’ nutrition knowledge and encourage healthier dietary practices. These interventions may contribute to better energy management, improved health, and enhanced sports performance, although further research is needed to evaluate their long-term effectiveness across different athlete populations.

Background/Objectives: This exploratory, cross-sectional study examined the relationships between personal factors and the nutrition intentions of participants in Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB), a nutrition education program for limited-resource adults in substance use recovery (SUR). Methods: The study used a single-sample survey design where HCYRB participants (n = 2163) completed a post-participation survey. Linear regression models were tested to assess the effects of personal factors such as nutrition knowledge, cooking skills, self-efficacy beliefs and current nutrition and physical activity practices on participants' nutrition intentions. Variables were measured with a self-reported survey that participants completed after participation in HCRYB. Results: The final model (R2 = 0.39) showed statistically significant effects of self-efficacy beliefs, specifically, food resource management confidence and confidence to choose nutritious foods; current levels of water, soda, and energy drink consumption; physical activity level; and gender on nutrition intentions. Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that nutrition-related self-efficacy and current practices influence nutrition intentions of HCYRB participants. Future programs may focus on building participants' nutrition-related confidence during SUR to enhance intentions and eventual behavior change. Such strategies may include programming activities that promote and affirm participants' current positive nutrition-related behaviors (e.g., adequate consumption of water and involvement in physical activity). As participants master these healthy practices throughout the nutrition education experience, they will be more likely to gain confidence and motivation toward continuing the behavior throughout their recovery journey.

Effectiveness of nutrition education program and omega-3 supplementation on body weight, liver enzyme, lipid profile among non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of nutrition education program in promoting healthy dietary habits in Memphis, Tennessee: a quasi-experimental pilot study.

Adequate maternal nutrition in the postpartum period is crucial for maternal recovery, optimal breast milk composition, and healthy infant development. Nutritional knowledge and culturally influenced dietary practices play a key role in shaping mothers' dietary behaviors. This study aimed to assess nutritional knowledge, practices, and cultural food beliefs among postpartum lactating mothers in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 442 postpartum mothers within 6 months after delivery, recruited using a two-stage cluster random sampling technique from maternal and child health centers in Bisha and Ha'il cities. A standardized interviewer-administered questionnaire encompassing sociodemographic traits, nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and culturally influenced eating habits was used to gather data. To find determinants of adequate dietary practices and strong nutritional awareness, binary logistic regression analysis was used. Overall, 54.8% of mothers were classified as having good nutritional practices, and 50.9% were classified as having good nutritional knowledge. Good nutritional knowledge was significantly associated with older maternal age, higher educational attainment, and employment status. Good nutritional practices were significantly associated with employment, better income status, and planned pregnancy. Regarding cultural beliefs, 65.8% of mothers consumed culturally prepared traditional foods, 63.6% avoided certain foods based on cultural beliefs, and 69.2% participated in celebratory food practices following childbirth. Herbal tea, puerperium nuts, and Moghate were the most commonly consumed traditional foods. Although more than half of postpartum mothers reported good dietary practices, only half demonstrated adequate nutritional knowledge. To improve maternal and infant nutritional outcomes in Saudi Arabia, culturally sensitive, evidence-based nutritional education programs must be integrated into prenatal and postnatal healthcare services.