Nutrition Knowledge Scores Research Articles

Dietary Habits, Awareness, and Knowledge among Polish Healthcare Providers and Healthcare Students.

Background/Objectives: Nutrition plays a significant role in preventive medicine, as up to 80% of chronic diseases could be avoided by adhering to healthy dietary principles. The aim of our study was to identify dietary habits, awareness, and nutrition knowledge in a random sample of Polish healthcare students and professionals. Methods: Initially, a total screened sample consisted of 1287 respondents, yet the actual response/participation rate was 634/1287. A validated questionnaire for the Polish population, the Dietary Habits and Nutrition Beliefs Questionnaire (KomPAN), was used for the assessment. Results: The majority of respondents were females (84.2% of medical students and 87.2% of healthcare professionals), current non-smokers (79.6% of medical students and 85.2% of healthcare professionals), and had a normal waist circumference (76.3% of medical students and 63.1% of healthcare professionals). Both clinical dieticians and students studying clinical dietetics received significantly different scores of dietary indexes (pro-healthy pHDI-10 and non-healthy nHDI-14) vs. respective groups of respondents. Both healthcare students and professionals who self-reported better nutritional knowledge indeed yielded significantly better results in the dietary indexes as well as nutritional knowledge scores. The nutrition knowledge score was positively correlated with pHDI-10 and negatively correlated with nHDI-14, BMI, age, and waist circumference. Conclusions: Our results illustrate lifestyle trends among Polish healthcare students and professionals, and such results should encourage the development of evidence-based dietary policies targeting healthcare providers. High-quality continuing nutrition education should be obligatorily provided to all healthcare providers to enhance their dietary awareness as well as ensure high quality of care and outcomes achieved by the Polish healthcare system.

Analysis of the diet, weight-loss behavior, and nutritional knowledge of athletes and coaches in weightclass sports: influence of a coach's nutritional knowledge on athletes.

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional knowledge of elite athletes undergoing weight loss and to identify differences in weight-loss strategies according to nutritional knowledge. The participants included 22 coaches and 88 elite athletes registered under the same affiliation. The survey involved translating the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ), and interviews were used to confirm the diet and weight loss patterns of the athletes. The coaches and athletes were divided into high-rank (12 coaches and 57 athletes) and low-rank (10 coaches and 31 athletes) groups based on GNKQ scores. Paired t-tests, correlation analysis, and logistic regression analysis were performed. GNKQ results showed significant differences between high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). Furthermore, a significant difference in nutrition knowledge scores was also noticed between athletes with high-ranking and low-ranking coaches (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between the GNKQ scores of coaches and athletes (r = 0.369; p < 0.001). The nutritional knowledge of coaches was also correlated with weight-loss strategies (weight loss attempt frequency; r = -0.235; p = 0.027; weight loss duration; r = -0.268; p = 0.012). Additionally, differences were observed in the intake of all nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fat) in the diets of athletes (p < 0.001). Our study suggests that the nutritional knowledge of coaches indirectly affects athletes. Coaches have significant influence over athletes and possess experience with diet and weight-loss patterns. This insight should be effectively utilized to enhance the training and performance of athletes and coaches.

Maternal Knowledge of Balanced Nutrition and Maternal Feeding Practices Associated with Stunting in Children Aged 24-60 Months in the Puskesmas Siempat Rube Working Area

Introduction: The prevalence of stunting among children aged 24-60 months is a critical public health concern including in the Puskesmas Siempat Rube working area. Inadequate maternal knowledge about balanced nutrition and inappropriate feeding practices can contribute to the incidence of stunting. Objective: To analyze the relationship between maternal knowledge of balanced nutrition and maternal feeding practice on the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-60 months in the Puskesmas Siempat Rube working area. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023. The research sample consisted of 43 participants selected using purposive sampling. Balanced nutrition knowledge scores were categorized into poor, sufficient, and good; meanwhile, the higher the score for feeding practice, the better the mother's feeding practice was assumed. Height was assessed based on the TB/U indicator and categorized into stunting and not stunting. Hypotheses were analyzed using logistic regression tests, with statistical significance set at p &lt; 0.05. Result: The prevalence of stunting in this study was 69.8%. Most mothers had insufficient knowledge of balanced nutrition (90.7%), and the average feeding practice score was 58.4. Maternal knowledge of balanced nutrition and maternal feeding practice are significantly related to the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-60 months in the Puskesmas Siempat Rube working area (p &lt; 0.05). Maternal knowledge of balanced nutrition and maternal feeding practice act as protective factors against the incidence of stunting. The odds of children aged 24-60 months experiencing stunting were 0.056 times lower if their mothers had sufficient knowledge of balanced nutrition compared to mothers with poor knowledge. Similarly, each 1-point increase in a mother's feeding practice score could reduce the incidence of stunting by 0.910 times compared to mothers with a feeding practice score one point lower. Conclusion: Maternal knowledge of balanced nutrition and maternal feeding practice are significantly associated with the incidence of stunting in children aged 24-60 months in the Puskesmas Siempat Rube working area.

The effects of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in primary school students in Zhongshan city.

Adequate nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary behaviours are essential for promoting rational nutrition for children. However, lack of nutritional knowledge and unhealthy dietary behaviours are common among Chinese children. Therefore, we developed a school-based nutrition education (NE) program to assess its impacts on nutritional knowledge and dietary behaviours in pupils. In this trial, one school was assigned as an intervention group (n = 199) and the other two schools were designated as a control group (n = 140). Children in the intervention group received the NE program in addition to their regular health curriculum, whereas the control group continued with their usual health curriculum without any NE program materials. Concerning nutritional knowledge, the mean difference (follow-up minus baseline) of average knowledge scores in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group (1.99 ± 3.22 vs. 0.66 ± 3.60, p = 0.001). However, subgroup analysis revealed that this difference disappeared among boys and students with malnutrition status. Regarding dietary behaviours, the NE program significantly increased the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of meat and nuts consumption in the intervention group, along with diverse food choice at breakfast. Additionally, it markedly reduced the proportion of children exhibiting high frequencies of sugar-sweetened beverages and fast food consumption. Structural equation modelling analyses indicated a significant direct effect of NE intervention on nutritional knowledge and an indirect effect on dietary behaviours. The NE program effectively enhanced nutritional knowledge scores and further improved dietary behaviours among Chinese primary school students. Future NE programs should pay more attention to boys and children with malnutrition.

Assessment of nutrition knowledge and associated factors among secondary school students in Haramaya district, Oromia region, eastern Ethiopia: implications for health education.

Nutrition knowledge stands as a cornerstone in facilitating informed dietary choices, thereby profoundly impacting overall health and lifestyle outcomes. Malnutrition often correlates with deficient nutritional knowledge, highlighting the critical need for comprehensive understanding in this domain. While Ethiopia has seen considerable research on nutritional status and associated factors, there remains a paucity of studies specifically addressing nutrition knowledge among secondary school students, particularly within the Haramaya District. Therefore, this study aimed to meticulously assess nutrition knowledge and its determinants among secondary school students in Eastern Ethiopia. Employing an institutional-based cross-sectional design, we carefully selected 417 students from secondary schools in Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia, through simple random sampling. Data Research Topic entailed structured interviews, with subsequent entry into Epi Data version 3.1 for meticulous analysis utilizing SPSS version 21 software. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics, while both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to elucidate factors associated with nutritional knowledge, setting statistical significance at p-value <0.05. All 417 selected students participated in the study, yielding a commendable response rate of 100%. The median nutritional knowledge score among students stood at 58, with an interquartile range spanning from 44 to 66. Approximately 46.76% (95% CI: 42-51.59) of students exhibited good nutritional knowledge. Significant determinants of nutrition knowledge included sex [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.03-3.04], being senior secondary students (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.95-5.73), and access to nutrition information (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.60-6.87). Our findings illuminate a notable level of nutritional knowledge among secondary school students in Haramaya District. However, discernible disparities in nutrition knowledge emerged based on gender, educational level, and access to nutrition information. These insights underscore the exigency of targeted interventions aimed at enhancing nutrition literacy among students, thereby fostering holistic health promotion endeavors.

Assessment of Adult Individuals' Fear of COVID-19, Healthy Living Behaviors, and Nutrition Knowledge Levels during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

This study determines the fear of COVID-19, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and nutrition knowledge levels of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted involving 509 people between the ages of 18 and 64 from December 2020 to April 2021. Data were collected online using a descriptive characteristics form, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, the Adult Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II. It was found from the study that women feared COVID-19 more than men (p&lt;0.05). Individuals aged 35–44 scored higher in basic nutrition knowledge, while those aged 18‒24 scored lower in food preference knowledge (p&lt;0.05). It was also found that individuals who were between 55 and 64 years of age, married, highly educated, employed in the public sector, of good economic status, and ill scored higher on the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (p&lt;0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and scores of both food preference knowledge and health responsibility sub-dimensions (r=0.088, r=0.181; p&lt;0.05). A weak positive correlation was also found between the nutrition knowledge score as well as the different sub-dimensions and the total score of the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (r=0.164, r=0.196; p&lt;0.05). It was observed that fear of COVID-19, nutrition knowledge level, and healthy lifestyle behaviors were influenced by various socio-demographic characteristics, and that there was a relationship between these three elements.

Nutrition Knowledge and Food Consumption in Households in the Uvira and Rizizi Health Zones, South Kivu, DR Congo

The aim of this article was to describe the nutritional knowledge of women in charge of household food and household food consumption. A two-stage cross-sectional cluster sample of women (n=780) was carried out in the Uvira territory, examining knowledge of current dietary recommendations, nutrient sources, healthy food choices and diet diseases relationship. Weekly consumption frequency of seven food groups was assessed. The association between food consumption score and independent variables were tested with a 95% confidence interval. The overall nutrition knowledge score was low (45.1%); of its components, the least known was the use of food information to make dietary choices (49.1%); but women appeared to be familiar with current dietary recommendations (60.8%), the relationship between diet and disease (59.9%) and nutrient sources (56.3%). Significant differences were noticed between nutritional knowledge and socio-demographic characteristics such as city living (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.74-3.37) and female education (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14-2.21). Fat and oil; roots and tubers and flesh-based foods were the most frequently consumed food groups. The food consumption score was, however, good, and was associated with nutrition knowledge (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.26); area of residence (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI: 5.80-15.30); knowledge of daily food choices (AOR = 1.7, 95 CI: 1. In this study, households had poor nutritional knowledge and adequate food consumption scores were associated with demographic variables. Nutritional education programs are required to raise awareness.

Effect of nutrition-related infodemics and social media on maternal experience: A nationwide survey in a low/middle income country.

Undernutrition is a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs). A better understanding of maternal general healthy nutrition knowledge, as well as misbeliefs, is highly essential, especially in such settings. In the current era of infodemics, it is very strenuous for mothers to select not only the right source for maternal nutrition information but the correct information as well. To assess maternal healthy nutritional knowledge and nutrition-related misbeliefs and misinformation in an LMIC, and to determine the sources of such information and their assessment methods. This cross-sectional analytical observational study enrolled 5148 randomly selected Egyptian mothers who had one or more children less than 15 years old. The data were collected through online questionnaire forms: One was for the general nutrition knowledge assessment, and the other was for the nutritional myth score. Sources of information and ways of evaluating internet sources using the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose test were additionally analyzed. The mean general nutrition knowledge score was 29 ± 9, with a percent score of 70.8% ± 12.1% (total score: 41). The median myth score was 9 (interquartile range: 6, 12; total score: 18). The primary sources of nutrition knowledge for the enrolled mothers were social media platforms (55%). Half of the mothers managed information for currency and authority, except for considering the author's contact information. More than 60% regularly checked information for accuracy and purpose. The mothers with significant nutrition knowledge checked periodically for the author's contact information (P = 0.012). The nutrition myth score was significantly lower among mothers who periodically checked the evidence of the information (P = 0.016). Mothers dependent on their healthcare providers as the primary source of their general nutritional knowledge were less likely to hold myths by 13% (P = 0.044). However, using social media increased the likelihood of having myths among mothers by approximately 1.2 (P = 0.001). Social media platforms were found to be the primary source of maternal nutrition information in the current era of infodemics. However, healthcare providers were the only source for decreasing the incidence of maternal myths among the surveyed mothers.

Analyzing the Nutritional Awareness, Dietary Practices, Attitudes, and Performance of U-17 Football Players in Ethiopia

Background. Adequate nutrition knowledge is crucial for developing proper eating habits, especially among athletes, as it has a significant impact on sports performance. This underscores the consensus in sports nutrition education among professionals working with athletes. Study purpose. The study aimed to assess the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices of under-17 football club players in Ethiopia. Materials and methods. A descriptive survey research method was used, and standardized questionnaires were randomly distributed to 26 footballers to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and dietary practices regarding nutrition. Data were analyzed using the t-test, Pearson coefficient, and one-way ANOVA (p &lt;0.05). Reliability analysis showed a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.83 for the scales measuring attitudes towards eating habits and nutrition knowledge (0.79 and 0.78, respectively). Results. No statistically significant differences (p &gt;0.5) were observed in the data related to eating habits, age, or nutritional understanding. Significant variations in educational backgrounds were noted (p &lt;0.05). Although gender and source were not recognized as correlates of nutritional knowledge, but age and education were. Conclusions. In summary, the study revealed no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in nutrition knowledge scores for age, education, and source of information. However, a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) was found between male and female athletes. Gender correlated with dietary habits, while age, education, and source of information did not. The key factor is to encourage ongoing future vision within sports organizations, nutritionists, and educational institutions to continuously refine and enhance nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practice programs for U-17 players. It is also important to ensure sustainable relevance and effectiveness in the evolving landscape of sports and nutrition.

Dietary diversity and associated factors among pregnant women in the Southern Province of Rwanda: A facility-based cross-sectional study.

The inadequate dietary diversity of pregnant women in low- and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, is rising and leading to macro and micronutrient deficiencies. The extent of dietary diversity and the factors contributing to it are unknown in Rwanda. This cross-sectional study, with 612 women who attended antenatal care services in Rwanda's Southern Province, identified determinants of dietary diversity among pregnant women. A multistage sampling scheme was used in which four districts were sampled, thereafter one urban and one rural health centre was sampled in each district and finally, a systematic sample of pregnant women was selected in each sampled health centre. Dietary diversity was measured using Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with dietary diversity. Only 44.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) of [40.1%, 48.0%]) of participants had adequate dietary diversity. Approximately 95.4% of participants consumed grains, white roots, and tubers. The food groups that were the least consumed consisted of eggs (n = 99, 16.4%), as well as those consisting of milk and milk products (n = 112, 18.5%). The factors which were positively associated with dietary diversity were owning a radio (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.90 [95% CI 1.27, 2.85]), maternal education (aOR = 1.85 [95% CI 1.28, 2.65]), having a kitchen garden (aOR = 1.69 [95% CI 1.11, 2.57]) and nutrition knowledge score (aOR = 1.45 [95% CI 1.21, 1.74]) for a five-point increase in nutrition knowledge score. The factors negatively associated with dietary diversity include food insecurity, which reduced the odds of dietary diversity (aOR = 0.19 [0.07, 0.50]) per five-unit increase in food insecurity. Furthermore, the odds of adequate dietary diversity were lower among urban residents than rural residents (aOR = 0.69 [0.47, 1.03]). The household size was associated with dietary diversity with the odds of dietary diversity decreasing by 12% for a five-unit increase in household size (aOR = 0.88 [0.79; 0.99]). 23% had poor nutritional status, indicated by their mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC; < 23 cm). Enhanced nutritional education is needed to improve the nutritional knowledge of this population with particular emphasis on the consumption of animal-source foods. Sensitisation activities promoting ownership of kitchen gardens and radios could improve dietary diversity among Rwanda's pregnant women.

Evaluation of a school intervention to improve adherence to the Mediterranean Diet

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a nutrition education programme conducted during health education lessons on students’ adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD) and their body mass index (BMI). Design: Quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test research design: two study conditions (intervention and control groups). Setting: Two urban schools, the 11th and 21st primary schools in Limassol, Cyprus. Method: Two hundred and thirty-five fifth- and sixth-grade students participated in the programme. One hundred and fifteen were in the intervention group school (the 11th primary school), and 120 were in the control group school (the 21st primary school). Students in the intervention school participated in nine 80-minute lessons during the health education class. The curriculum focused on the MD and included cooking activities, food tasting and parental involvement. The primary outcomes were subsequent adherence to the MD, nutritional knowledge, self-efficacy physical activity and BMI. Results: Following the implementation of the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in nutritional knowledge, self-efficacy and adherence to the MD ( p &lt; .001). The intervention group also had significantly higher nutritional knowledge and MD Quality Index scores than the control group ( p &lt; .001). However, no effect was observed on children’s BMI ( p &gt; .05). Conclusion: The intervention successfully improved children’s dietary habits in the intervention group by increasing adherence to the MD, but it did not affect their BMI. The results show some promise for addressing poor nutrition through education.

Enhancing Nutritional Status and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: The Impact of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This study examined the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on the nutritional status and scores from the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Patients in the traditional therapy group received standard health education, whereas those in the experimental group participated in three months of this therapy. Clinical and nutritional indicators, including blood biomarkers and Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire scores, were recorded for both groups before and after the treatment. Post-treatment, the group receiving internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy exhibited higher blood calcium levels, increased upper arm circumference, and reduced levels of potassium and phosphorus. They also showed comparatively lower scores in Nutritional Risk Screening 2000 and Malnutrition Inflammation, along with higher Visual Analog Scale scores (P &lt; 0.05). The internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group exhibited higher albumin and prealbumin levels, reduced transferrin, total cholesterol, creatinine, and urea levels, and modified quantitative subjective global assessment scores than the traditional therapy group (P &lt; 0.05). They also scored higher on the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire (P &lt; 0.05). These results indicate that internetbased cognitive behavioral therapy can improve the nutritional status, Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice questionnaire scores, and overall quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients, highlighting its potential benefit in patient outcomes.

Assessment of osteoporosis knowledge and its determinants among tuberculosis patients in tertiary care hospital Malaysia: A prospective study

ObjectiveOsteoporosis self-care knowledge is essential to encourage the patient’s contribution towards controlling the disease. Osteoporosis incidence with various infectious diseases prompts us to conduct a study on osteoporosis knowledge among Tuberculosis (TB) patients. This study aimed to assess osteoporosis-related knowledge and its influencing factors among TB patients. MethodsA prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the TB clinic of Hospital Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, and an osteoporosis knowledge test (OKT), a structured questionnaire, was used to collect data. TB patients aged 18 years and above with compromised bone health were included in the present study. Overall knowledge scores were dichotomized, calculating the mean score, descriptive statistics, and multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the influence of risk factors on knowledge scores. ResultsOf 337 patients, 129(38.28 %) had good osteoporosis knowledge and 208(61.72 %) had poor knowledge. Among them, 231(68.54 %) were males, and 106(31.45 %) were females, with a mean age of 46.5 ± 17.1 years. The mean ± SD of OKT total score was 10.5 ± 2.0. The mean ± SD of the exercise knowledge score was 5.3 ± 3.4, while the nutrition knowledge score was 5.0 ± 3.2. Male gender (OR 3.86, 95 % CI 1.98–7.53), low-income level (OR 1.92, 95 % CI 1.12–3.30), rural residents (OR 2.49, 95 % CI 1.46–4.27) and participants with no formal education (OR 4.34, 95 % CI 1.11–16.84) or ≤12 years of education (OR 3.63, 95 % CI 1.52–8.65) were significantly responsible for poor OKT score. ConclusionThe results indicated that most TB patients had a poor perception of osteoporosis. More extensive strategies should be developed to enhance the campaign of awareness programs among TB patients to improve preventive measures of osteoporosis, such as calcium intake and exercise.

The Effect of Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Variables on Nutritional Knowledge and Nutrition Literacy.

Nutrition literacy, which is one of the important components of health literacy, includes basic nutritional information and understanding, interpreting and having the ability to make healthy decisions on nutrition-related issues. This study aims to dwell upon the relationship between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and nutritional knowledge and nutrition literacy. A total of 1600 people aged 19-64 years, 934 women and 666 men, voluntarily participated in the research in the capital city of Turkey. The mean age is 28.2 ± 10.9 years. More than half of the participants (57.4%) have a university graduate/postgraduate education level, and 66.2% are unemployed. This cross-sectional study evaluated demographic information, anthropometric measurements, nutritional information and nutrition literacy. Nearly all the respondents (94.6%) were determined to have sufficient nutrition literacy. Body mass index (BMI) and age were negatively associated with nutrition literacy, whilst nutrition knowledge was positively associated. Respondents with nutrition education at school had the highest nutrition knowledge and nutrition literacy scores, and primary school graduates had the lowest. Participants who received nutrition education scored higher in all the subgroups of the GNKQ. Age, gender, marital status, education status, employment status, BMI and nutrition education were significantly associated with nutrition literacy. The results will be useful in developing food and nutrition policies that will pave the way for making decisions on the most useful themes of health and nutrition campaigns.

Increased nutrition knowledge and adherence to the Mediterranean diet are associated with lower body mass index and better self-rated general health among university students

BackgroundNutrition knowledge and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) have been suggested to have beneficial effects on weight status and general health. The scarcity of assessment of these effects on large samples of university students is, however, observed. ObjectiveTo investigate the association of nutrition knowledge and adherence to the MedDiet with body mass index (BMI) and self-rated general health among university students. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study among 1776 university students aged 21.34 ± 2.47 years. Nutrition knowledge and MedDiet adherence scores were assessed using validated questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and general health were self-reported. ResultsThe prevalence of overweight and obesity was 23.1% and 4.0%, respectively. Approximately 52% of students self-rated their general health as fair or poor. MedDiet adherence score was positively correlated with nutrition knowledge scores (P < 0.001) and inversely associated with BMI (P < 0.001). Non-overweight students had significantly higher nutrition knowledge scores and MedDiet adherence scores compared to overweight/obese peers. Similarly, non-smoking students had higher nutrition knowledge scores than their smoking counterparts (P = 0.017). Participants who self-rated their general health as fair or poor showed significantly lower nutrition knowledge and MedDiet adherence scores than other groups. Health science students had significantly lower consumption of fish, legumes, olive oil, unrefined whole grains, fruits, and vegetables compared to other students. ConclusionsElevated levels of nutrition knowledge and adherence to the MedDiet were associated with lower BMI and better self-rated general health. Urgent interventions are needed to promote nutrition knowledge and healthy eating behavior among university students.

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

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

Nutritional Knowledge, Attitudes, and Needs Among Community Residents of Beijing: A Cross Sectional Study.

Community health education is essential in combating obesity and cardiovascular diseases by addressing nutritional knowledge gaps and promoting healthier dietary habits in China. The aim of this study was to investigate the nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and needs of residents at Beijing Fengtai District. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2021 and January 2022, residents from 31 communities of the Fengtai District were given an online questionnaire, which was designed to assess their nutritional knowledge, attitudes, and needs. From 420 distributed surveys, a total of 416 participants were enrolled for an effective recovery rate of 99.05%. Among them, 317 participants (76.20%) scored 80% or higher on the nutritional knowledge questionnaire, participants with higher nutritional knowledge scores were more likely to be aged over 60 years (OR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.06-0.76, p = 0.02), female (OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.73, p < 0.01) and employed (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.04-5.12, p = 0.04). While many community residents expressed a desire to receive guidance on dietary guidance (n = 303, 72.84%) dietary matching (n = 303, 72.84%), and preventive health care (n = 286, 68.75%). Residents were familiar with nutritional care clinics (55.05%) and believed that the nutritional care clinics should be increased (59.86%). In addition, 345 residents (83.41%) wanted nutritional care clinics to provide consultation on nutritious meal planning. Beijing residents need additional access to clinical nutritional resources as their needs are not fulfilled despite a relatively strong knowledge of nutrition.

Body Image, Dietary Intake, and Nutrition Knowledge in Relation to Body Composition in Ballerinas

Body composition in relation to body image, dietary intake, and nutrition knowledge among ballerinas were assessed in this study. This cross-sectional study collected data from ballet schools in Jakarta and Bekasi using anthropometric measurements and interviews. Among participants aged 8‒39 years, more than 50% had normal range body composition, 65.4% had self-perceived negative body image, more than 71% had normal dietary intake; however, 67.3% had low nutrition knowledge score. Overweight ballerinas had significantly higher body fat, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index and muscle mass index, except for total-body-water (p&lt;0.05). There is correlation between body composition and body image among ballerinas resided in Jakarta and Bekasi.

Attitude and Knowledge Towards Fruits and Vegetables Consumption Among Adults in Malaysia

Intake of fruits and vegetables is important for human health because these foods are primary sources of essential nutrients such as fibre, minerals, and vitamins. The presence of many vitamins and other substances in fruits and vegetables provides nutrients to the human body that can prevent major diseases such as noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including certain types of cancer. However, the majority of Malaysian adults were unconcerned about the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption to their health. A global challenge is adults’ low intake of fruits and vegetables. Therefore, this study is conducted to assess the attitude and knowledge of Malaysian adults toward fruit and vegetable intake. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in Malaysia using an online questionnaire. A total of 291 adults were randomly chosen to participate in this study. Based on the attitude findings, more than 40% of the respondents ‘strongly agree’ that they want to consume more vegetables and enjoy eating fruits. Furthermore, more than 40% of respondents "disagree" that eating vegetables can lead to less energy. Knowledge was assessed in the areas of nutrition, protection, and general knowledge. Half of the respondents demonstrated a lack of knowledge about nutrients and protection, including general knowledge. On the mean score of nutrition knowledge of respondents toward fruit and vegetable consumption, there is a significant difference between age groups, with the difference being obvious between the age groups of less than 30 and 30 to 49 years old, as well as 50 and above. Thus, more effort is needed from the government to educate Malaysians on improving and increasing their fruit and vegetable intake. These education programs must consider the trade-off required for families to purchase more fruits and vegetables and consume the recommended number of servings per day.

Parent/caregiver's role in nutrition, physical activity, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida.

This pilot study aimed to determine the parent/caregiver's role in nutrition/eating habits, physical activity behaviors, and food access among children diagnosed with spina bifida (SB). Parents/caregivers of children with SB were asked to participate at a single, outpatient SB clinic. Demographic, biomedical data, parent/caregiver nutrition knowledge, family nutrition and physical activity (FNPA), and food security survey scores were compared. Descriptive, regression, and correlational statistics were conducted for analysis via SPSS 29. Of the 117 parents/caregivers surveyed, completed data suggested most were overweight/obese (average body mass index [BMI] of 30.63 kg/m2±8.40; n = 99) with an average nutrition knowledge score of 71% (17.83±3.33). As FNPA scores decreased, the patient/child's maximum BMI z scores increased (β= -0.043; confidence interval -0.079, -0.007; p = 0.020), suggesting the less active and/or less healthy eating habits, the higher body mass was noted for the child. Forty four percent of children (n = 99) were in the overweight/obese weight range based on maximum BMI z score. These findings suggest there is a need for parental/caregiver nutrition education to assist children with SB with meal and activity planning to achieve optimal health.