Poor Nutritional Knowledge Research Articles

Nutrition knowledge, dietary practices and nutritional status of non-academic staff at the Tamale campus of University for Development Studies

BackgroundThe significance of nutritional status of individuals have economic effects on national development. Non-communicable diseases have shown to increase due to nutrition transition. This study aimed at determining the influence of nutrition knowledge and dietary practices on the nutritional status of non-academic staff at the Tamale campus of University for Development Studies (UDS). The question was, does poor nutrition knowledge result into poor dietary practices and nutritional status? MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used to take data on 152 non-academic staff of UDS-Tamale campus comprising adults 18–59 years. Non-probability quota sampling was used to collect data. Data processing was done using SPSS version 21. Means and standard deviations were calculated for continuous variables whiles categorical variables were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test was used to determine associations between categorical variables. A p-value < 0.05, in all analysis, was considered statistically significant. Semi-structured questionnaires were used in collecting data. Data was taken between May and June 2017. ResultsThis study involved 93 males and 59 females' non-academic staff of UDS, Tamale campus. Majority (56%) had good nutrition knowledge of which most of the males had a high percentage compared to the females. Majority (81.6%) had a moderate dietary diversity. Only 15.1% had a higher dietary diversity and rest had low dietary diversity. Overweight and obesity together was 43.4%, though it was more prevalent among women. There was no statistically significant association between nutrition knowledge and overweight (p = 0.253) as well as between dietary diversity and nutritional status (p = 0.686). ConclusionThe prevalence of good nutrition knowledge was high among non-academic staff of UDS Tamale campus and most of them also had a moderate dietary diversity. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 43% and nutrition knowledge was not associated with nutritional status. No association was established between dietary diversity and nutritional status.

Analisis Pengetahuan Gizi, Status Gizi, dan Pola Konsumsi Pangan Siswa SD Islam 1 Al Azhar

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;School-age children are a population who are at risk of health. According to the Riskesdas 2018, data for school-age children (5-12 years), the prevalence of underweight was 6,8%, obese 9,2%, and stunting was 16,9%. The purpose of this study was to analyze nutritional knowledge, nutritional status, and consumption patterns of students in SD Islam Al Azhar 1. The design of this study was a cross-sectional study conducted at Al Azhar 1 Islamic Elementary School, Jakarta from March to September 2019. Some students who were involved as respondents in this study were 55 people purposive sampling technique. The results showed that children with obesity were 43.3%, normal was 32.7%, overweight was 20%, and underweight was 3.6%. The number of children with good nutrition knowledge was 33 people (60%), adequate nutrition knowledge was 20 people (36,4%), and poor nutrition knowledge was 2 people (3,6%). Average vegetable consumption was 34.57 grams and is classified as less. While the average fruit consumption was 91.88 grams and is classified as adequate. Chi-Square test results showed no correlation between nutritional status with nutritional knowledge and no correlation between nutritional status with consumption of vegetable and fruit.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keyword –&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;Child, Nutritional Knowledge, Consumption Pattern, &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;Nutritional status&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Nutrition Knowledge among College of Basic Education Students in Kuwait: A Cross-Sectional Study

Lack of nutrition knowledge may contribute to poor dietary practices. Schools are an ideal environment to address this issue and to start the process of nutrition education. Therefore, teachers should be equipped with adequate nutrition knowledge. This study was designed to evaluate the level of general nutrition knowledge and demographic variations in knowledge in a sample of students attending the College of Basic Education in Kuwait. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a modified and validated revised version of the General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (GNKQ-R) for UK adults. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association between various factors and nutrition knowledge score. A total of five hundred and ninety-seven students completed the questionnaire. Most respondents (84.1%) had a poor level of nutrition knowledge using original Bloom's cutoff points. Sex, BMI, cooking habits, and who is responsible for preparing food in the household were the main determinants of nutrition knowledge score at p < 0.05. The mean score of the students was 40.06 ± 9.89 out of 84 points. Females scored significantly higher than males, at 41.10 ± 9.29 and 38.72 ± 10.48, respectively (p = 0.007). Students with a BMI of ≥30 achieved significantly greater scores (mean 42.30 ± 9.41) than those who were underweight, normal, or overweight (p < 0.001). Students who stated that they always cook their own food achieved significantly greater scores (mean 43.69 ± 9.58) than those who did not (p = 0.025). Students who stated that they depend on the housekeeper for food preparation achieved significantly lower scores (mean 38.86 ± 10.13) than those who prepare their own food or depend on their relatives to prepare food (p = 0.042). Poor nutrition knowledge was found among prospective teachers studying in the College of Basic Education. This must be rectified for the effective implementation of nutrition education programs in schools.

University Students with PCOS Demonstrate Limited Nutrition Knowledge

ABSTRACT Background: Dietary modification is critical for the management of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet few women with PCOS report receiving nutrition education. Nutrition knowledge may translate to dietary behaviors and diet quality, but nutrition knowledge among women with PCOS is unknown. Purpose: Using a descriptive design, we assessed nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and eating disorder risk among university students with PCOS. Methods: Following clinical and biochemical analysis, 12 university students with PCOS were admitted to the study. Participants completed validated questionnaires (Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire, Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q 6.0), 3-day food records, and body composition testing. Results: Participants were obese (75%), insulin resistant (58%), and consumed an unbalanced diet (41% carbohydrate, 43% fat). Bread or fruit were avoided by 27.3%. Nutrition knowledge was poor (48% correct) and inversely related to fruit intake (r(9) = −.689, p < .05). Nearly half (41.6%) were at increased risk for eating disorders (EDE-Q score ≥ 4). Discussion: University students with PCOS demonstrate poor nutrition knowledge, consume an unbalanced and limited diet, and exhibit an increased risk for eating disorders. Translation to Health Education Practice: University-health service programs targeting nutrition education and behavior modification are needed to improve the management and mitigation of PCOS-related symptoms in students. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars

Exploration of the dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and barriers to healthy eating in UK post‐partum women

AbstractMaternal nutrition during the post‐partum period (PPP) is important for optimal health. The aim of this study was to explore dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and barriers to healthy eating in post‐partum women. An online survey exploring eating habits, weight status, sleep duration, breastfeeding, nutrition knowledge, physical activity, provision of advice and barriers to healthy eating was completed by 228 women (56.1% were 25–34 years, mean PPP of 5.73 ± 3.31 months). A sub‐sample of 34 women (50% were 35–44 years) completed an optional online multiple‐pass 24‐hour recall. At 6 months post‐partum (n = 60), 72.3% of participants weighed more than their pre‐pregnancy weight (mean 5.56 ± 4.61 kg). In addition, while 60.8% (n = 107) of women had a healthy body mass index (BMI) pre‐pregnancy, this dropped to 46.7% (n = 77) in the PPP. Only 2.2% of women were meeting current UK physical activity guidelines and 73.7% were not meeting the 5 A DAY fruit and vegetable recommendations. Consumption of high calorie snacks and meal skipping were significantly higher during the PPP compared to pre‐pregnancy (P &lt; 0.01). Meal skipping was significantly associated with poor nutrition knowledge (P &lt; 0.05). Women who were breastfeeding had significantly lower BMI than those who were bottle‐feeding after adjusting for age of baby, education, socio‐economic status and BMI pre‐pregnancy (P &lt; 0.05). Fatigue, lack of time and feeling stressed were the most common self‐reported barriers to healthy eating, and these were greater for women with low combined household income and those having ≥3 children (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary analysis showed that women were not meeting the national recommendations for energy, fibre, iron and vitamin D. Diet and lifestyle advice given to post‐partum women needs to be tailored to different sociodemographic characteristics, pre‐pregnancy health status and baseline nutrition knowledge, with a greater focus on those experiencing more barriers to healthy eating.

Nutrition knowledge and dietary patterns in ophthalmic patients

ABSTRACT Clinical significance Ophthalmic nutrition education programs and good dietary patterns are of considerable significance to ocular health outcomes. Background The study aimed at assessing the level of ophthalmic nutrition knowledge and to compare the dietary patterns between different ophthalmic patients. Methods Four hundred and ninety‐two adults (mean age 54.7 ± 19.4-years) receiving care at three eye‐care facilities in Ghana were surveyed: 171 had senile cataract, 162 had open‐angle glaucoma, and 159 had healthy eyes. A modified food frequency questionnaire was administered to elicit ophthalmic nutrition knowledge and dietary intake information of participants over the last 30-days. The results were compared between the three groups. Results More than half of the participants (n = 267; 54.3 per cent) had received some form of education on food sources that are good for the eyes and vision, with healthy participants accounting for 50.6 per cent of this proportion. Television (55.1 per cent; 147/267), radio (49.1 per cent; 131/267) and the eye doctor (34.1 per cent; 91/267) were the most frequent sources of ophthalmic nutritional knowledge. Overall, less than one‐quarter of the participants (n = 108; 22.2 per cent) were able to correctly identify one food source for at least four out of seven selected ophthalmic nutrients. Vitamin C was the most frequently consumed ophthalmic nutrient, whereas lycopene was the least taken across all groups. The average ophthalmic nutrients intake score for those with healthy eyes (59.16 [53.39–64.93]) was significantly greater than for both glaucoma patients (37.73 [32.01–43.44]) and cataract patients (34.81 [29.24–40.37]). Conclusion In addition to poor ophthalmic nutrition awareness and knowledge, both cataract and glaucoma patients, compared to those with healthy eyes, consumed a lesser amount of nutrients considered vital for eye health and vision. Ophthalmic nutrition education is needed to improve eye‐health outcomes.

Nutritional Knowledge and Practices Among Expectant Mothers in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osogbo Osun State

Maternal nutrition before and during pregnancy is an important determinant of birth weight, high rate of low birth weight in developing countries has been attributed to poor maternal nutrition. The study assessed the nutritional knowledge and practices among expectant mothers in Olorunda Local Government Area, Osogbo Osun State. A Cross-Sectional study was conducted among 290 pregnant women between ages 15 to 49. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic characteristics, nutritional knowledge and practices of respondents. Larger percentage (85.9%) of respondents had good nutritional knowledge and 14.1% had poor knowledge. Also, 81.7% had good nutritional practice while 18.3% had poor nutritional practice. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, using chi-square there was no association between nutritional knowledge and age (X2=2.911, p – value=0.573). There was an association between knowledge and level of education (X2=13.713, p – value=0.003) and there was no significant relationship between nutritional knowledge and nutritional practice of expectant mothers (X2=1.195, p-value=0.188). Nutritional knowledge and practice is high among expectant mothers in this study. However, women with no formal education had poor nutritional knowledge and practices and should be the target for nutrition education intervention.

Caregivers' Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Intake of Type 1 Diabetic Children Aged 3-14 Years in Uganda.

PurposeThis study aimed to assess the association between caregiver’s level of type 1 diabetes (T1D) nutrition knowledge with children’s dietary diversity score (DDS), mean intake of macronutrients, nutrient adequacy ratios (NARs) and mean adequacy ratio (MAR).Research Design and MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study design was used. The study was conducted at 6 diabetes clinics in Uganda among 59 caregivers and 61 children. T1D nutrition knowledge survey (NKS) was used to assess the caregiver’s nutrition knowledge, and the 24-hour dietary recall and dietary diversity score (DDS) questionnaires were used to collect data on the child’s dietary intake.ResultsMajority (93.2%) of the caregivers had low T1D nutrition knowledge. Carbohydrate counting was the least performed nutrition knowledge domain. The children’s mean DDS, calorie intake and MAR were 5.7 ± 1.6, 666.7 ± 639.8 kcal and 0.7 ± 0.3, respectively. The mean NARs of carbohydrate, protein, and fat were 0.9 ± 0.3, 0.9 ± 0.4, 0.5 ± 0.5, respectively. There was a significant association between DDS with NARs of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins A, B2, B3, B5, B12, folic acid, zinc and MAR. No formal education was significantly associated with a lower mean NKS score among caregivers (p = 0.039). Caregivers’ T1D nutrition knowledge, age and family size explained 14% of variation in the child’s dietary diversity (p = 0.041).ConclusionDespite poor nutrition knowledge among caregivers especially on carbohydrate counting, dietary diversity among children with T1D remained favorable. Excess carbohydrate intake was observed with inadequate intake of proteins, fats and micronutrients (vitamin A, B vitamins and calcium). Caregivers with low education were more likely to register poor nutrition knowledge; therefore, there is need to develop and tailor nutrition education programmes to enhance comprehensive learning among caregivers for improved outcomes.

Nutritional parameters and lifestyle practices of people who use drugs undergoing treatment for recovery in Lebanon: a descriptive study.

Drug use disorder is a major public health problem. Once people who use drugs (PWUD) are referred to treatment, addressing their lifestyle practices and improving their quality of life improves treatment outcomes. The present study assessed the nutritional status and lifestyle practices among PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery in Lebanon. Furthermore, it explored significant differences in these parameters depending on the offered treatment modality, namely opioid substitution treatment (OST) and rehabilitation. In total, 187 PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery participated in this cross-sectional study. Nutritional status and anthropometrics, dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, food addiction, biochemical parameters, sleep and physical activity were measured using validated tools. Of the participants, 88⋅8 % were well nourished based on the Subjective Global Assessment. In total, 67 % gained weight during treatment placing them in the overweight category. This increase in weight was significantly higher in the rehabilitation group. It came in parallel with higher protein and energy intakes, higher rate of food addiction, and poor nutrition knowledge. Biochemical parameters, including fasting blood sugar, total protein, lipid profile and white blood cell count, were in the normal ranges. Moreover, the majority of participants exhibited poor quality sleep that was accentuated among the participants undergoing rehabilitation, in addition to activity levels that were mainly low in the OST group. PWUD undergoing treatment for recovery in Lebanon are subject to various vulnerability factors creating challenges to treatment. Longitudinal assessments to better understand health problems arising during treatment and to identify the components of a comprehensive health promotion intervention during treatment for recovery are needed.

Effectiveness of a Nutritional Education Intervention Focussed on Iron among School Children in National Capital Region and Mumbai

Introduction: Anaemia is a major health problem in India. Various studies mention poor nutrition knowledge and education as main factors of malnutrition. Aim: This study aims at assessing the effect of nutritional education on iron among school children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional interventional study to improve nutrition literacy in schools was undertaken from April 2018 to February 2019. The outreach platform used was Eat Right School program by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A study tool employed was data collection using self-developed questionnaire for pre and post-intervention knowledge assessment. School children from Delhi NCR and Mumbai participated in this study. Knowledge intervention was done on 5 key elements related to iron including role, sources, iron deficiency anaemia, iron absorption and knowledge of fortification. Chi-squared test (α=0.05) was applied for comparison. Results: It was found that 54% (n=18,626) of school children studied were in the age group 11-14 years. From 27355 participants who reported the gender, 58.1% (n=15899) were boys and 41.9% (n=11456) girls. Comparison of pre and post-intervention assessment revealed that percentage of students knowing importance/role of iron increased from 27.30% to 59.50%, iron deficiency anaemia from 34.03% to 59.85%, sources of iron from 25.20% to 51.70%, iron absorption from 36.00% to 61.2% and knowledge of fortification from 55.4% to 76.9%. Thus, significant shift (p≤0.001) in all the parameters was observed; improvement in scores ranged from 21.5% to 32.20% with highest increase seen in understanding the role of iron. Conclusion: Results of the study reject the null hypothesis leading to acceptance of alternate hypothesis. The alternate hypothesis highlights the role of nutrition education in improving the nutritional literacy of school children in the area of iron and iron deficiency anaemia. Results of the current study increased the knowledge of children on all parameters related to iron education module. Thus, nutritional literacy is imperative in improving nutritional status and adolescent age-group is the window of opportunity to correct it.

Pengetahuan Gizi Ibu dan Praktik Diversifikasi Makanan Keluarga di Kelurahan Purworejo, Kecamatan Margoyoso, Pati

In daily observations the pattern of food consumption in the Purworejo village community is not so diverse, there are still mothers who are not posyandu participants so that knowledge related to food diversification is lacking while family income levels are quite varied.The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between maternal nutritional knowledge, level of family food diversity in Purworejo Village, Margoyoso Pati District.His study is a quantitative analytic study with a cross sectional approach. The sample of this study was housewives in Purworejo Village, Margoyoso Pati District. The number of samples is 88 households which are determined by systematic random sampling. The variables in this study were measured by interviews and questionnaires. The statistical test used in the variables of nutritional knowledge and family income level is Rank Spearman correlation,while the maternal match variable in the posyandu uses Mann Whitney.Found 45.5% of respondents had good nutrition knowledge and 48.9% had poornutrition knowledge. There were 69.3% of respondents did not become Posyandu participants, 52.3% of respondents had poor food diversification. There is a relationship between maternal nutrition knowledge with food diversification practices and there is no difference in Family Food Diversification Practices based on maternal participation in Posyandu.Keywords: nutritional knowledge, Food diversification.

Role of Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications in the Secondary Prevention of Biomarkers of Plaque recurrence in Omani Coronary Revascularized Patients

Objective: To assess the role of various dietary and lifestyle modifications in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients.Methods: Seventy-two patients, from the outpatient cardiology clinic of Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, were included in the study after obtaining an informed consent. In a questionnaire-based study, we collected data about four lifestyle modifications; physical activity, weight reduction, dietary intake and healthy eating patterns and smoking or non-smoking status, in personal interviews. A modified previously validated study questionnaire, which comprised of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, was used to assess the demographic information, eating patterns, diet quality index score, and daily dietary intake of study participants. The data about patient’s baseline characteristics, revascularization information and biochemical laboratory tests was harvested from the SQUH’s electronic record system. The statistical analysis of data was made using R-studio v.7 and Microsoft excel v.7.Results: The males had higher educational level as compared to females and were more active than females. The data indicated that 16% males and females were diabetic, 10% males and 21% females were hypertensive, and 30% males and 42% females had both diabetes and hypertension. Forty eight percent males and 63% females had body mass index (BMI) &gt;30. However, no significant (P &lt; 0.05) differences were observed in the BMI, diabetes and hypertension status in males and females. Both genders had poor nutritional knowledge. Although the LDL-C and HDL-C values in males and females differed, they were within the normal therapeutic limits. The HbA1c and C-reactive protein values were above the normal ranges with no significant (P &lt; 0.05) difference in both males and females. The average daily energy intake in males (2694 kcalories) was significantly higher compared to females (1603 kcalories). The proportionate contribution of energy from macronutrients was within the acceptable macronutrient distribution ranges. Omani diet score for males (75.5) and females (74.6) didn’t differ significantly (P &lt; 0.05), indicating their adherence to healthy dietary patterns.Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary and lifestyle modifications play significant role in the secondary prevention of biomarkers of plaque recurrence in Omani coronary revascularized patients. Behavioral counseling to promote healthy modifications in dietary and lifestyle factors are therefore recommended in the secondary prevention of risk of plaque recurrence.

Exploring nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of adults with spinal cord injury in specialist rehabilitation.

Cross-sectional study. To explore nutrition knowledge and dietary intake in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI centre, Australia. A validated General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire-R (GNKQ-R) evaluated nutrition knowledge to explore correlations with dietary intake. Dietary intake (current and pre-hospitalisation) was compared with national dietary modelling tools and Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for assessing nutritional adequacy. Fifty participants, predominantly male (70%), with a median age of 50 years took part in the study. The mean GNKQ-R score was 59 (13.1)/85 (69%). Participants with a higher level of education scored higher (82%; p < 0.01). The GNKQ-R score was also positively associated with the level of education (r = 0.45; p = < 0.01) with a large effect size (>0.80 Cohen's d). Non-conformance with Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) and failure to meet NRV were also noted. Low calcium intakes were found in 69% (n = 34) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) consumption exceeded both the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) of 10% for adults (n = 32, 65%) and the lower target of 7% recommended for at-risk groups (n = 49, 100%). Lower nutrition knowledge scores were negatively correlated with SFA intake (r = -0.28; p = 0.05, two-tailed) with a large Cohen's d effect size (>0.80). Discordance with the ADG for most food groups was exemplified by high intake of SFA. Individuals with SCI have elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Poor nutrition knowledge correlated with high SFA intake, indicates a need for timely, targeted interventions for CVD prevention in this patient group.

Dietary and lifestyle patterns in UK postpartum women

AbstractIntroductionHealthy dietary and physical activity behaviours during and after pregnancy are important for optimal maternal health. Unhealthy lifestyle habits promote excessive weight gain during pregnancy or weight retention in the postpartum period, which increase the risk of obesity. The aim of this study was to explore dietary habits and associated lifestyle patterns and barriers to healthy eating in UK postpartum women.MethodsCross-sectional study of 228 females (56.1% were 25–34 years old) with a mean postpartum period of 5.73 ± 3.31 months. Participants completed an online survey exploring eating habits, weight status, sleep duration, breastfeeding, nutrition knowledge, physical activity, provision of advice and barriers to healthy eating during the postpartum period. A sub-sample of 34 women (50% of the sample were between 35–44 years old) completed an optional online dietary intake assessment using a multiple-pass 24-hour recall.ResultsIn total, 73.7% were not meeting the five a day fruit and vegetable UK recommendations, 40.4% of women were skipping breakfast and 44.7% were skipping lunch every day. Average weight gain from pre-pregnancy to postpartum was 5.56 ± 4.61 kg (range = 0.8 to 25 kg) with only 2.2% of women meeting current UK physical activity guidelines during the postpartum period. Consumption of high calorie snacks and meal skipping were significantly higher during the postpartum period compared to pre-pregnancy (p &lt; 0.01). Women who were breastfeeding had significantly lower body mass index than those who were bottle feeding (p &lt; 0.05). Fatigue, lack of time and feeling stressed had the most impact on women's ability to eat healthily. Barriers to consume a balanced healthy diet were significantly greater for women with low combined household income and those having three or more children (p &lt; 0.05). Poor nutrition knowledge was significantly associated with increased meal skipping (p &lt; 0.05). The sub-sample dietary analysis (N = 34) showed that women were not meeting the UK Dietary Reference Values for energy, fibre, iron, and vitamin D intakes. Those breastfeeding were not meeting requirements for calcium and zinc.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first study to explore dietary habits and lifestyle patterns in UK postpartum women. Health care professionals should support women to adopt lifestyle behaviours following childbirth, with a greater focus on those likely to be experiencing more barriers. Advice given to women during the postpartum period needs to be tailored to potential differences in sociodemographic characteristics, pre-pregnancy health status and baseline nutrition knowledge and target multiple dietary and lifestyle behaviours.

Health Benefits of Fruit and Vegetables Consumption: Preventive Implications for Non-communicable Diseases in Ethiopia

Globally, the low consumption of fruit and vegetables (FV) below the requirement is contributed to increase the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like obesity, cardio vascular disease, cancers and leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, the objective of this review was to document existing information concerning the health benefits of FV consumption and their potential role for the prevention of NCDs in Ethiopia. Related and published researches have reviewed and discussed critically. In Ethiopia, the total domestic consumption of fresh FV was estimated at 760,000 metric tons however, low FV was consumed (1.5%) compared to other regions of the world. Ethiopia’s per capita consumption of fresh fruits is approximately 7kg/person/year which is far below the recommended minimum level of dietary intake (146kg/person/year). The review also showed that the burden of NCDs in Ethiopia is increasing and estimated to account for 30% of total deaths. Despite the increasing burden of NCDs, health systems and public health policies have been mostly focused on controlling infectious diseases, under nutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. A comprehensive strategic action plan for the prevention and control of NCDs and its associated risk factors was also developed in the country but, there is a need for a better understanding of the burden of dietary risk factors and their contribution to NCDs to achieve the goals of the strategic plan effectively and efficiently. Moreover, this review identified that family income, lower paternal educational, poor nutritional knowledge and practice issues were associated to low FV consumption. However, there are no adequate data at national level in Ethiopia to identify barriers to low FV consumption. Fruit and vegetables intake need to be promoted through mass media, nutrition education intervention and multi-sectorial approaches to prevent noncommunicable diseases.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Vitamin D deficiency among community pharmacists and prescribing doctors in Khartoum city, Sudan, 2020

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble vitamins responsible for intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate. Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has reached an epidemic in both developed and developing countries. Literature review showed that population knowledge, attitude, and practice concerning Vitamin D were poor. Prescribing doctors and pharmacist are an important source of health information. Hence, their knowledge and practices about Vitamin D is essential for their roles and needs to be highlighted. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Vitamin D among community pharmacists and prescribing doctors in Khartoum City, Sudan, 2020. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out from February to April 2020 among 94 community pharmacists and 106 prescribing doctors using a validated electronic delivery self-administered questionnaire in Khartoum locality. Results: About 32.7% and 41.9% from prescribing doctors and pharmacists had poor general knowledge, respectively, regarding VDD, while the significant trend was found regarding the level of knowledge and year of experience (P = 0.022) of all health professionals (pharmacists and doctors). About 39.3% and 44.1% from prescribing doctors and pharmacists, respectively, had poor nutrition knowledge score toward Vitamin D with a significant trend regarding nutrition knowledge score and different gender groups (P = 0.02) of all health professionals in the study. About 49.5% and 47.5% from prescribing doctors and pharmacists, respectively, had poor attitude scores toward Vitamin D with a significant trend regarding nutrition knowledge score and attitude score (P = 0.037) of all health professionals. Conclusion and Recommendations: This survey identified a gap in the general knowledge, nutritional knowledge, and attitude among health-care professionals (prescribing doctors and pharmacists).

Factors associated with dietary practice and nutritional status of pregnant women in Dessie town, northeastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition is highly prevalent in resource-poor settings. Hence, this study was intended to determine factors associated with the dietary practice and nutritional status of pregnant women in Dessie town, northeastern Ethiopia.MethodsCommunity-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Six hundred four (604) pregnant women have participated. A two-stage sampling method was applied to select participants. Socio-demographic and socio-economic data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. The dietary practice was measured using 13 dietary practice questions. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured by standard nonstretchable MUAC tape. Data were entered into Epi-Info 7 and exported to SPSS version 20. Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted. Variables with P < 0.2 in bivariate analysis were entered for multiple logistic regression. At a 95% confidence interval, variable with 푃< 0.05 in multiple logistic regression analysis was considered statistically significant.ResultAbout 54.8% of the pregnant women had poor dietary practice and 19.5% were undernourished. First trimester of pregnancy (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26, 0.80), no history of illness 2 weeks before data collection date (AOR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.80), poor perceived severity (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.15, 2.33), poor perceived benefits (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.14, 2.32) and poor self efficacy (AOR = 4.74; 95% CI: 2.94, 7.65) were significantly associated with poor dietary practice. Not attending antenatal care (ANC) (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.07, 5.78), illness (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.10, 3.5), poor dietary diversity (AOR = 5.92; 95% CI: 3.59, 9.76), poor nutrition knowledge (AOR = 3.03; 95% CI: 1.87, 4.92), poor dietary practice (AOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.91, 5.54) and poor perceived self efficacy (AOR = 5.59; 95% CI: 3.56, 8.79) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with undernutrition.ConclusionThe dietary practice of pregnant women was suboptimal and nutritional status was relatively high. Being in the first trimester of pregnancy and no history illness were negatively associated while poorly perceived severity to malnutrition, poor perceived benefits, and poor self-efficacy were positively associated with the poor dietary practice. Not attending ANC, history of illness, poor dietary diversity, poor nutritional knowledge, poor dietary practice, poorly perceived self-efficacy were positively associated with undernutrition. Government, health extension workers and other concerned bodies should encourage pregnant women to attend ANC, promote health during pregnancy, strength and counsel to improve dietary diversity and practice of good nutrition. They should focus on the perceived belief of dietary behaviors.

Assessment of Need of Antenatal Education by Assessing the Existing Knowledge of Pregnant Women

OBJECTIVE: To assess the antenatal knowledge and preferred information seeking behavior of pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics of Allied Hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University, Rawalpindi.METHODOLOY: This was a multi-centered based cross-sectional design study. This study was conducted in the antenatal care clinics of three allied hospitals of Rawalpindi medical University, Rawalpindi. A total of 400 pregnant women in third trimester of pregnancy, attending antenatal care clinics were included in the study through consecutive sampling. Antenatal knowledge was assessed by a valid (scale-content validity index=1.00) and reliable (Cronbach’s alpha=0.90) questionnaire developed for this purpose. SPSS 22 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Out of 400 pregnant women, majority 148 (37%) were in the age group of 23-27 years. Mean age was 26.5±4.8 years. Mean antenatal knowledge score was 28±6.2. Two hundred and sixty-eight (67%) women had poor (˂70% score), ninety-six (24%) had adequate (70%-80% score) and thirty-six (9%) had good (˃80% score) level of antenatal knowledge. Three hundred and sixty (90%) women had poor nutritional and gestational weight gain knowledge. Antenatal knowledge scores were significantly associated with education, number of antenatal care visits, locality and monthly household income. One to one education was preferred format by most (53%) of women. Doctors were the preferred source of information by 80% of the participants.CONCLUSION: The findings of the study indicate that most of the pregnant women lack the adequate antenatal knowledge while one to one education given by doctors was the preferred mode of health education by the majority of the participants. KEYWORDS: Pregnant women, Antenatal education, Antenatal knowledge

Should We Tax Sugar-Sweetened Beverages? An Overview of Theory and Evidence

Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are growing in popularity and have generated an active public debate. Are they a good idea? If so, how high should they be? Are such taxes regressive? People in the United States and some other countries consume remarkable quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages, and the evidence suggests that this generates significant health costs. Building on recent work, we review the basic economic principles that determine the socially optimal sugar-sweetened beverage tax. The optimal tax depends on (1) externalities, or uninternalized health system costs from diseases caused by sugary drink consumption; (2) internalities, or costs consumers impose on themselves by consuming too many sugary drinks due to poor nutrition knowledge and/or lack of self-control; and (3) regressivity, or how much the financial burden and the internality benefits from the tax fall on the poor. We summarize the empirical evidence about the key parameters that determine how large the tax should be. Our calculations suggest that sugar-sweetened beverage taxes are welfare enhancing and indeed that the optimal sugar-sweetened beverage tax rate may be higher than the 1 cent per ounce rate most commonly used in US cities. We end with seven concrete suggestions for policymakers considering a sugar-sweetened beverage tax.

Nutrition Knowledge of Elderly and Middle-age Urban Population and Its Effects on Diet Quality and Dairy Consumption: A Cross-sectional Study in Eight Cities of China (P10-060-19)

ObjectivesThe main aim of the present study was to investigate the nutrition knowledge and diary knowledge of elderly and middle-aged urban community-dwelling population, and their effects on diet quality and dairy consumption. MethodsData shown in present study was extracted from a cross-sectional survey, the Chinese Urban Adults Diet and Health Study, conducted in eight cities from March to July, 2016. Data were collected from subjects by trained interviewers using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in two parts related to social-demographic factors and knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). For knowledge, seven questions and six questions were used to measure subjects’ knowledge towards nutrition and the health benefits of dairy products, respectively. One-time 24-h dietary recall and the semi-quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (semi-FFQ) for one recent month were used to investigate the food consumption with the help of a standard reference picture book, bowls, plates, and spoons. China Healthy Diet Index (CHDI) and Dietary Diversity Scores (DDS) were used to measure dietary quality. Covariates were determined by questionnaires and interviews. ResultsA total of 1090 individuals aged 62.12 ± 8.62 (range 45–81 years) were included, 60.8% were female. Males, subjects with lower household monthly income and lower education level had significantly lower knowledge scores. Participants with better nutrition knowledge had significantly higher CHDI score (63 vs 54, P < 0.05) and DDS score (6.3 vs 5.7, P < 0.05) when compared to subjects with poor nutrition knowledge. The multivariate logistic regression model in Table 1 illustrated that, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, household income and lactose intolerance symptoms, a significantly increased rate of no dairy consumption was observed among participants with poor nutrition knowledge (OR = 2.5; 95%:1.4 to 4.2) and participants with poor dairy knowledge (OR = 3.1; 95%:1.5 to 6.5). ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicated that knowledge gaps surrounding nutrition and dairy products exist in Chinese elderly and middle-age urban population. Moreover, good command of nutrition knowledge and dairy knowledge has a positive effect of dietary quality and milk consumption rate. Funding SourcesThis study was funded by Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪