Nutrition Knowledge Scores Research Articles

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE AND AEROBIC FITNESS IN YOUNG GYMNASTS

This study aimed to analyze the nutrition knowledge, nutritional status, body composition, nutrient intake and physical fitness of young gymnasts. The study used a cross-sectional design with 20 subjects comprising rhythmic and artistic gymnasts in Raden Inten, Jakarta. Nutritional status and body composition were measured using anthropometric measurements, macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were measured with 3x24-h food recall, physical fitness was measured using the bleep test (20m shuttle run), and nutrition knowledge was assessed using questionnaires consisting of 30 questions on macronutrients, micronutrients and water. The results indicated that the gymnasts (n=20, 13.7±2.1 y.o, 37.8±8.2 kg and 147.3±10 cm) generally had a fairly good nutrition knowledge score (73.2%); i.e. 10 people in the good nutrition-knowledge group and 10 people in the poor nutrition-knowledge group. The majority of the macronutrient and micronutrient intakes were below the nutritional requirements, in both the good and poor nutrition-knowledge groups. The nutrition knowledge scores were low for hydration-related knowledge (66%), while the scores for macronutrient and micronutrient knowledge were 73.8% and 84.2%, respectively. This study found that nutrition knowledge had a positive correlation with physical fitness (p<0.05). A sports nutrition-related education intervention is needed for those gymnasts that still have poor nutrition knowledge. Sports nutrition knowledge needs to be provided for athletes and coaches so that athletes’ intakes meet their nutritional requirements in order to maximise their performance.

Geographical distribution differences of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults in 2021

To explore the geographical distribution of nutrition and health knowledge among 18-64 years old adults in China. A total of 102 398 residents aged 18-64 from 302 survey sites were selected by multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 98 567 respondents were included in the study. Both mean and rate were calculated by complex sampling weighting. The nutrition and health knowledge score in eastern region(65.5±12.0) was higher than that in central(62.4±11.9) and western(61.4±12.9), and the score in northern region(63.9±11.8) was higher than that in southern(63.1±12.8). In the seven geographical regions, the highest score was in north(65.8±11.4), and the lowest score was in northwest(61.6±12.2). The awareness rate of nutrition and health in eastern region(22.4%) was higher than that in central(14.7%) and western(14.9%), the highest awareness rate among the seven geographic regions was in east(23.2%), followed by north(22.5%) and the lowest was in northwest(13.2%). There were also differences in nutritional health knowledge levels of residents in different regions in the five dimensions(P<0.001). Northwest China had the lowest awareness of food characteristics and nutrition and disease dimensions, South China had the lowest awareness of dietary recommendations and food choices dimensions, and Southwest China had the lowest awareness of food safety dimensions. The level of nutrition and health knowledge of Chinese adults have large geographical differences.

Age distribution of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adults in 2021

To analyze the age distribution of nutrition and health knowledge level of Chinese residents aged 18-64. A total of 102 398 residents aged 18-64 were selected from 302 survey sites in China by multi-stage cluster random sampling method, a total of 98 567 respondents were included in the study. Both mean and rate were calculated by complex sampling weighting. The nutrition and health knowledge score of residents aged 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-64 years old in China were(65.1±11.4) points, (64.6±11.7) points, (64.7±12.0) points, (62.2±12.8) points and(59.5±13.3) points. The nutrition and health knowledge awareness rates were 20.3%, 19.1%, 20.3%, 16.9% and 12.1%, respectively(P<0.001). A decreasing trend in all dimensions and overall nutrition and health knowledge with increasing age was found(β<0, P_(trend)<0.001). This trend was also reflected across gender or regions. While the trend of nutrition and health knowledge level with age varies with different literacy levels. Differences in knowledge points with positive response rates <30% by age groups. The level of nutrition and health knowledge among Chinese adult residents of all ages is relatively low in 2021, but the knowledge shortcomings are different.

Comparison of the Effects of Different Forms of Nutrition Education on Adolescent Male Soccer Players.

The purpose of this study was to compare the educational effects on nutrition knowledge of two teaching methods targeting adolescent male soccer players through learning online from WeChat account articles (WeChat group) or taking classroom courses (classroom group). The study investigates whether such teaching methods can improve self-efficacy and nutrition knowledge for athletes. A total of 41 U15 (age 15) youth male soccer players, 21 in the classroom group and 20 in the WeChat group, participated in the experiment by receiving the same nutrition education separately for 12 weeks. An athlete nutrition KAP questionnaire and self-efficacy questionnaire were conducted before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention. As a result, the nutritional knowledge score and the total score of the athlete nutrition KAP questionnaire in the classroom group increased significantly and were notably higher than those in the WeChat group. Self-efficacy scores improved significantly in both groups. In conclusion, the study showed that the level of nutritional knowledge of U15 male soccer players was mediocre, and both forms of nutrition education can significantly improve the level of nutritional knowledge and self-efficacy of the players. In comparison, the educational effect of classroom teaching is significantly greater and more consistent than that of learning from WeChat public articles.

Effect of School-Based Nutrition and Health Education for Rural Chinese Children.

The nutritional status of rural Chinese children has improved in recent years, but their nutritional knowledge is still relatively lacking. School-based nutrition and health education was conducted for children in three counties of China from 2018 to 2020. The students in the intervention schools were given two-year nutrition and health education courses, while the control schools did not receive any intervention. Students’ nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and dietary behaviors were collected using a questionnaire, and height and weight were measured uniformly. The nutrition knowledge score in the intervention group was increased by 1.01 and 0.64 points in the first and second years. A multilevel model was used to evaluate the intervention effects. Statistically significant interactions between groups and time were observed in nutrition knowledge, the frequency of eating breakfast, and dietary intake, including meat, eggs, milk, and vegetables (p < 0.05), but not in nutritional status. Therefore, the supplementation of school-based nutrition and health education had a positive impact on the nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of rural Chinese children.

A Pilot 6-Week Lifestyle Intervention in Women Aged 50+ in Ireland

<strong>Introduction:</strong> The deleterious effects of ageing and inactivity are compounded by the menopause which typically occurs in females aged 50+. The menopause is associated with unfavourable changes in body composition including decreased skeletal muscle mass, bone density and increased adipose tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week community-based intervention on nutrition knowledge and physical, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of women aged 50+ years. <strong>Methods:</strong> Nineteen participants (57 ± 6 years, 32.4 ± 7.2 kg/m²) completed the intervention consisting of 2 hours of aerobic training (home-based / participant led), 2 hours of concurrent training (instructor led) and one 60-minute health workshop per week. General nutrition knowledge was assessed using an adapted validated questionnaire. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition and waist circumference were measured pre and post intervention. Lower body strength endurance and cardiovascular endurance were assessed using sit-to-stand and 6-minute walk tests respectively. Point-of-care testing determined fasting glucose and lipid profile. <strong>Results:</strong> There were significant reductions in body weight (–2.2 ± 2.0 kg, p &lt; 0.01), BMI (–0.9 ± 0.8 kg/m², p &lt; 0.05), percent body fat (–1.1 ± 0.5%, p &lt; 0.05), waist circumference (–2.4 ± 0.5 cm, p &lt; 0.05) and fasting glucose (–0.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L) post intervention. General nutrition knowledge score (5.8 ± 0.05, p &lt; 0.05), 6-minute walk test (Mdn = 82.5, IQR = 49.5, p &lt; 0.05) and sit-to-stand performance increased (11.5 ± 4.5 repetitions, p &lt; 0.05) significantly. <strong>Discussion:</strong> This intervention successfully improved body weight, BMI, body fat percent, waist circumference, fasting glucose, general nutrition knowledge, cardiovascular fitness, and lower body strength of participants. Metabolic health improved with a trend towards improved cardiovascular health.

Assessment of nutrition knowledge and sources of nutrition information among middle- and long-distance elite athletes in North Rift region of Kenya

Diet influences athletes performance while the foods chosen in training and competition determines how well competitors prepare and compete. Competitors should know about their nourishing objectives and how they can choose an eating technique to meet those objectives. However, there exists paucity of literature expounding on that. Many athletes have limited knowledge on matters of nutrition, and their nutrition practices do not conform to athletes' requirements. The sources of nutrition information among this group are also conflicting. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge and sources of nutrition knowledge among middle (800m-2500km) and long-distance (≤3000km) elite athletes in North Rift Kenya. Using already trained research assistants, a total of 30 athletic camps in Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties were visited allowing a return of 374 questionnaires. Majority of the respondents were males at 74%, results on age revealed that 47 % were between 22-28 years old and most elite athletes (55%) had an experience of 3 years and below. About 62% participated in long-distance running and 72% had attained secondary school level of education. From the nutrition knowledge scores generated, most of the athletes had adequate nutrition knowledge (above 50 %). With regard to specific questions, 51.9% had no knowledge that iron supplements should only be taken when one has iron deficiency. About three quarters (75.4%) had the right knowledge that athletes should not train on an empty stomach. The internet was the major source of nutrition knowledge information and nutritionists were least consulted on matters sports nutrition. There were no differences in knowledge among the athletes at different age groups (p =.510). Therefore, it is recommended that nutrition professionals be incorporated as part of technical team so as to ensure increased awareness among the athletes. Key words: Knowledge, Performance, Sports, Nutrition, Elite, Middle and Long Distance Athlete

Effectiveness of a multifaceted intervention for the improvement of nutritional status and nutrition knowledge of children in poverty-stricken areas in Shaanxi Province, China

ObjectivesCompare the differences between the intervention and control groups in changes of primary outcomes (body mass index [BMI] and waist-to-height ratio [WHtR]) and secondary outcomes (nutrition knowledge of children and parents), from baseline to the 6- and 12-month follow-ups; examine the associations of changes in nutrition knowledge of children and their parents with children's changes in BMI and WHtR. Data sourcesData collected from four schools in two poverty-stricken counties in northern Shaanxi Province in 2020‒2021. MethodsA multifaced intervention program targeted children (promoting healthy diet and nutrition education) and their parents (promoting nutrition knowledge) was conducted in the interventional group. Four schools, with two in each group, were randomly allocated to the intervention or control group, with 814 eligible children aged 7.1 to 12.8 years. The control group conducted myopia promotion. Differences in changes of BMI and WHtR between groups were compared with t-test. Mixed-effects model was used to examine the associations between changes in nutrition knowledge of children and parents with changes in children's BMI and WHtR. ResultsAt the 6-month follow-up, the difference in changes in BMI between the intervention and control groups was 0.4 kg/m 2 (P < 0.001). At the 12-month follow-up, the difference in changes in BMI and WHtR between intervention and control groups was 0.1 kg/m2 (P < 0.001) and 0.01 kg/m2 (P < 0.001). In the intervention group, the nutrition knowledge awareness rate of children increased from 16.9% (69/409) at baseline to 21.3% (87/409) at 6-month, and 22.7% (93/409) at 12-month. The awareness rate of nutrition knowledge of parents also fluctuated, from 5.6% (23/409) to 6.6% (27/409) and 5.4% (22/409). However, the difference in changes in nutrition knowledge between intervention and control groups was non-significant. The 6-month follow-up changes in children's nutrition knowledge scores were negatively associated with changes in BMI in girls (β = −0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.38 to −0.14, P < 0.001), while positively associated with changes in WHtR in boys (β = 0.003, 95% CI: −0.0002 to 0.005, P = 0.035). The 12-month follow-up changes in children's nutrition knowledge scores were positively associated with changes in children's WHtR (β = 0.003, 95% CI: 0.0004 to 0.01, P = 0.018). ConclusionsThe intervention strategies did not reduce the BMI and WHtR of children, and the nutrition knowledge of children and parents increased after the intervention in intervention group. Changes in nutrition knowledge of children and their parents are associated with changes in children's BMI or WHtR. Interventions with a new focus on obesity are needed to help improve children's nutritional status in poverty-stricken areas in Shaanxi Province of China.

Nutrition knowledge of caregivers working in health and education centers for children with special healthcare needs

Background: Children with special healthcare needs are recognized as a high-risk group for malnutrition. Caregivers have a strong influence on the dietary habits of their students, therefore, adequate nutrition knowledge among caregivers and educators has a great potential in improving the health of children. The purpose of this study is to assess the level of nutrition knowledge and demographic influences of knowledge among caregivers working in health and education centers. Methods: a cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted among educators and caregivers working at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services to assess their nutritional knowledge using a modified validated general nutrition knowledge questionnaire. Results: 233 participants completed the survey. The basic recommendations about reducing the intake of sugary, salty, and fatty foods and consuming more water and vegetables were best acknowledged. However, an inadequate level of knowledge was identified regarding specified number portion. For instance, more than half of the participants were aware of the need to consume more vegetables and fruits while only 10% knew the minimum number of servings to consume in a day. The overall nutrition knowledge score was adequate at 46.30 (55.1%). Caregivers with nutrition qualifications and who have four children had a significantly higher knowledge score. Older age was associated with better diet-disease relationship knowledge. Conclusions: The level of nutrition knowledge among caregivers and health workers was insufficient. However, periodic nutrition education reinforcement among health caregivers should be considered.

NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND ANTHROPOMETRIC STATUS OF MARKET WOMEN IN EHIME MBANO, IMO STATE.

Extreme poverty impedes human development in all aspects especially with regards to nutrition and health. Women are particularly vulnerable due to low socio-economic status of majority of them. The cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutrition knowledge, attitude towards nutrition and anthropometric status of 400 women. Questionnaire was used to collect their basic information, nutrition knowledge and attitude to nutrition. Weight, height, waist and hip circumstances were measured and used to calculate their body mass indices and waist hip ratios. They were analyzed using WHO reference while statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics for basic information, nutrition knowledge and attitude. Association between nutrition knowledge and anthropometric status was done using chi-test. Result showed that 37.3% of women were 30-41 years. Level of education showed that 44% had secondary education and 19.5% of them reported monthly income of #28000-32000. Nutrition knowledge scores indicated that 26.8% and 25.8% of the women had fair and good nutrition while 46.8% had poor knowledge. Attitude scores towards nutrition showed that more than half (55.5%) were at low risk while 4.5% were at high risk. Anthropometric status of the women showed that 44.5% were overweight while 18.3% were obese and 79% were at risk of cardiovascular diseases. There was positive association between nutrition knowledge scores and BMI but no association existed between nutrition knowledge and WHR. This shows that good nutrition knowledge along with the right attitude are crucial for right food choices in market places.

Lisans Öğrencilerinin Sürdürülebilir Beslenme Hakkındaki Davranışları ve Bilgi Düzeyleri ile Besin Tercihleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi: Tek Merkezli Çalışma

How to feed a growing population in a resource-limited world is a major challenge. The current food system is responsible for both increasing human-induced greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. For these reasons, sustainable nutrition is getting more and more attention. This study was planned to evaluate the behaviors and knowledge levels of undergraduate students about sustainable nutrition and to examine their relationships on food preferences. In this cross-sectional study, 355 students (268 females, 87 males) aged between 18 and 35 years who continued their undergraduate education between May 2021 and December 2021 were participated. An online questionnaire method was used to obtain the general information of students, the food choice questionnaire, behavior and knowledge levels about sustainable nutrition. It was determined that 49.3 % of the students have heard the term sustainable nutrition before. Sustainable nutrition behavior and knowledge mean scores were 66.1 ± 13.2, and 82.6 ± 8.6, respectively. It was found that as the sustainable nutrition knowledge score increased, the sustainable nutrition behavior score increased. It has been determined that the most important sustainable nutrition behavior of the students is to get as much food as they can consume on their plates. It was found that the students generally behaved towards not creating exxessive use of food source and food waste, and evaluating their leftovers. Sustainable nutrition behavior score was found to be significantly higher in women than in men (p = 0.001), but there was no significant difference between reading department and income levels (p = 0.110). Although the sustainable nutrition knowledge score was higher in women, it was not statistically significant (p = 0.135), and there was no statistically significant difference between departments and income status (p &gt; 0.05).It was found that the sustainable nutrition behavioral score was effective on the sub-dimensions of health, mood, natural content, weight control and ethical concern in food choices, and nutrition knowledge score was effective on the sub-dimensions of convenience, price, and weight control. It has been determined that students' sustainable nutrition behavior and knowledge levels affect their food choices. Studies on sustainable nutrition are needed in larger and diverse populations (athletes, vegetarians, vegans).

The relationships between socioeconomic status, dietary knowledge and patterns, and physical activity with adiposity in urban South African women

Background: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES), dietary knowledge and patterns, and physical activity level with body mass index of urban South African young women. Methods: Data were collected on 160 black South African women (aged 18–24 years) and included household SES, food frequency and nutritional knowledge questionnaires, self-reported physical activity and anthropometry. To assess household SES index, 1–7 assets were categorised as a lower household SES and those with 8–13 assets as a higher household SES. Structural equation modelling analysis was used to determine the direct, indirect and total effects on adiposity of household SES, age, education, nutrition knowledge score, dietary patterns and physical activity. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was similar among women from high SES households compared with their low SES peers (48.4 vs. 44.8%). More than half (53%) of the women had poor dietary knowledge. Women from low SES households spent more time in moderate to vigorous intensity exercise (MVPA) compared with their high SES counterparts. Two distinct dietary patterns (Western and mixed) were identified. SEM results show that a unit increase in adherence to the ‘Mixed’ dietary pattern compared with ‘Western’ was associated with a 0.81 lower BMI kg/m2 (95% CI −1.54; −0.08), while ≥ 150 minutes’ MVPA per week was associated with a 1.94 lower BMI kg/m2 (95% CI −3.48; −0.41). Conclusion: The associations of SES, diet and physical activity on BMI must be taken into account when developing and designing interventions that target improvement in young women’s health.

Engaging the Community Child Care Centers to Achieve Nutritious Menu Plan and Vegetable Intake Promotion for Preschoolers in Ubon Ratchathani

ObjectivesFood and nutrition during childhood plays a crucial role for child’s growth and development. In Thailand, community child care center established by a Local Authority Organization provides early childhood education and growth development support to a rural child. This research aims to develop a nutritious menu for lunch meal served in the community child care centers. MethodsThis research used a Participatory Action Research (PAR) for engaging the community child care centers to achieve nutritious menu plan and vegetable intake promotion for preschoolers in Ubon Ratchathani. There were 105 participants joined the research. The intervention includes increasing nutrition knowledge of the cookers, teachers, and parents of children. The development of 1-moth menu planning by the collaboration group participants was conducted. The statistical analysis involved frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Paired t–test. The selected nutritive value of developed menu was analyzed by Inmucal program Version 3.0. ResultsThe participants agreed to use the developed menu-cycle to serve children in all centers with approval from the local government organization. There were significantly increasing of diet and nutrition knowledge scores of the participants (from 11.56 to 12.61). After the intervention, it was found that creating policy guidelines set by the local administrative can lead to improvement of nutritive value of the developed menu. ConclusionsThe community child care center is suitable for promoting nutrition of preschool children in rural area. This research used the participatory action research to involve of cookers, teachers, and parents in designing nutritious menu cycle served in the child care center. This strategy may helpful for child care providers to ensure quality lunch meal for preschool children. Funding SourcesUbon Ratchathani Rajabhat University (UBRU), Thailand.

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

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

Investigation and Strategy Research on Dietary Nutrition Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior of Athletes

The goal of this paper is to learn more about the nutritional knowledge, attitude, and behavior of teenager trampoline athletes to improve their dietary nutritional levels as well as their sports performance. The questionnaires were designed on athletes’ diet nutrition knowledge, and the questionnaire surveys were conducted on the selected teenager trampoline athletes aged 10–17 as the survey object. Dietary nutrition knowledge, attitude, and behavior are significantly correlated with the total score P &lt; 0.05 ; dietary nutrition knowledge and dietary nutrition behavior are significantly correlated P &lt; 0.05 ; dietary nutrition attitude and dietary nutrition behavior are also significantly correlated P &lt; 0.05 ; dietary nutrition knowledge and dietary nutrition attitude are not strongly correlated P &gt; 0.05 . The average score of dietary nutrition knowledge of teenager trampoline athletes is 6.5 ± 1.7 (failing). The nutritional knowledge of teenager trampoline athletes is not systematic and the quality of nutrition information obtained by teenager trampoline athletes is low. The average score of dietary nutrition attitude of teenager trampoline athletes is 7.1 ± 1.8 (good). The average score of dietary nutrition behavior is 13.4 ± 3.1 (moderate). Teenager trampoline athletes mainly rely on coaches, relatives, and friends to obtain nutritional knowledge. Therefore, the correct eating habits need to be strengthened and their dietary nutrition behaviors need to be reasonably monitored. Suggestions will include providing relevant nutrition courses, increasing athletes’ awareness of the importance of dietary nutrition, and using professional dietitians for dietary nutrition matching and monitoring.

Feasibility of Implementing a Food Skills Intervention

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

Prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among in-school adolescents in Harare, Zimbabwe

Background: Double burden of malnutrition reflects the co-existence of both under nutrition and obesity at individual, household or community levels. Aims: To assess the prevalence and determinants of overweight and obesity among in-school adolescents aged 15 years from Harare, Zimbabwe. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two schools, involving 111 Form three learners. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. Blood glucose and blood pressure levels were determined using a glucometer and sphygmomanometer. Anthropometry indicators were assessed using the WHO standard procedures. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe (MRCZ/B/1876). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 5.4% and short stature (stunting) affected 13.5%. Majority (91.1%) of the learners had adequate nutrition knowledge score. In this study 9.9% learners were pre-diabetic and 51.4% had elevated blood pressure (BP). There was a significant association between overweight and obesity; and waist circumference (P&lt;0.001). Among the learners that were overweight, 83.3% also had higher waist circumference. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity and short stature coexisted among adolescents in this setting, confirming presence of double burden of malnutrition. In addition, girls had central obesity thus at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, at policy and pragmatic levels there is need for a multi-sectoral response to address malnutrition in all its forms in this age group. Keywords: Stunting, nutrition education, central obesity, adolescents, Zimbabwe.

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

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

Associations between level of interest in nutrition, knowledge of nutrition, and prevalence of orthorexia traits among undergraduate students.

Background: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an unhealthy obsession wit "proper", "clean", or "healthful" eating that can potentially lead to serious physical, psychological, and social impairments. Aim: We aimed to examine associations between level of interest in nutrition, knowledge of nutrition, and prevalence of orthorexia traits in a population of college students enrolled in a general education nutrition course. Methods: Of the 579 students enrolled in the class during Spring semester of 2018, 221 (38%) completed an online survey. The survey was completed during weeks 8-9 of the 15-week semester. Results: The average nutrition knowledge score was 8.7 out of 12 (standard deviation (SD) 1.4, range 0-12). The average of the summed 29 orthorexia traits was 63.4 (SD 12.4; range = 41-102); lower scores indicated less agreeance with practicing ON behaviors. The degree of interest in the subject of nutrition was positively associated with prevalence of orthorexia traits (r = 0.43, p < 0.0001), but not nutrition knowledge (p > 0.05). Nutrition knowledge was inversely associated with prevalence of orthorexia traits (r = -0.19, p = 0.005). No associations were found between age, sex, year in school, or BMI and orthorexia traits. Conclusions: Interest in nutrition is associated with increased prevalence of orthorexia traits, however, higher levels of nutrition knowledge are associated with decreased prevalence of orthorexia traits. Additional studies should further examine these associations in prospective studies of nutrition/dietetics students as they progress in their programs and gain additional knowledge of nutrition.

Development and Validity of a General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ) for Chinese Adults.

Nutrition knowledge refers to understanding concepts and processes related to nutrition and health, proven to be an essential determinant of healthy eating. However, partially due to the lack of nutrition knowledge and unhealthy eating patterns, more and more Chinese people face overweight, obesity, and a high risk of suffering from various chronic diseases. This study aimed to develop a general nutritional knowledge questionnaire (GNKQ) in a Chinese context to diagnose and improve nutrition knowledge education for Chinese people. The newly adapted questionnaire was based on the Turkey version of GNKQ, and absorbed dietary recommendations in a Chinese context. It was first validated by four nutrition experts, then tested by eleven volunteers (one public nutritionist, one preventive medicine graduate student, and nine psychology graduate students). Finally, the questionnaire was tested by 278 participants, including 175 adults, to determine internal consistency, content validity, and convergent validity. Moreover, the construct validity was evaluated by comparing the differences between 50 students in nutrition-related majors and 53 students in nutrition-unrelated majors. The final Chinese version of GNKQ kept 32 questions with 68 items after deleting some questions based on item difficulty and discrimination. The data showed that the overall internal consistency coefficient was 0.885, and the test-retest reliability was 0.769, p < 0.001. Students majoring in nutrition had larger scores than in nutrition-unrelated majors. The convergent validity for each demographic variable was consistent with previous studies, such as larger nutrition knowledge scores for females and those with a higher education. Therefore, the revised Chinese version of GNKQ showed good reliability and validity, indicating that it could be an effective tool to assess the nutrition knowledge of Chinese adults.