Nutrition Practices Research Articles

Prevalence of food-related misbeliefs among postoperative patients at a tertiary care health center: a pilot survey and future directions

Background: Effective postoperative recovery is significantly influenced by nutrition, yet pervasive food-related misbeliefs can impede this process. This is particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of medical misinformation and cultural dietary restrictions. Methods: A survey was conducted with 917 postoperative patients at a tertiary care center in India from July 2019 to December 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to identify prevalent dietary misconceptions and their potential impact on wound healing. Results: The survey revealed that 18.9% of patients harboured detrimental food-related misbeliefs, with the majority avoiding high-protein foods such as meat and dairy due to unfounded fears of adverse effects on wound healing. Conclusions: The findings highlight a critical need for targeted educational interventions to correct these misbeliefs and promote nutritional practices that support recovery. Given the scope of this issue, further research is recommended to explore the broader implications of dietary misconceptions on post-surgical outcomes across different regions and cultures.

Pregnancy and nutrition: a comprehensive review

Nutrition plays a critical role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy and optimizing outcomes for both the mother and the foetus. This review explores key aspects of pregnancy nutrition, including the importance of essential nutrients such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It examines the impact of maternal dietary patterns on fetal development and highlights the role of specific dietary interventions in managing conditions like gestational diabetes. The review also addresses the importance of nutritional supplements and food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, cultural and socioeconomic factors influencing prenatal nutrition are discussed, along with the significance of hydration and the effects of maternal weight on pregnancy outcomes. By integrating current research and guidelines, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how nutrition affects pregnancy and offers insights for improving prenatal care and health outcomes.

Positive Deviance in Nutritional Practices for Two-Year-Olds in Poor Fisherman Families in the Belawan Health Center Area, 2022

The problem of malnutrition is still the main problem faced in human resource development. The problem of growth and development of Baduta is a serious problem because at this age the process of physical and intellectual growth and development is critical. Malnutrition problems mostly occur in poor families but are not caused by poor families who have well-nourished children. The Belawan Community Health Center working area is one of the community health centers with the highest number of cases of malnutrition in Medan City. To overcome this, a program is needed that is believed to be effective and sustainable. One of the existing programs to overcome the problem of malnutrition and malnutrition is positive deviation. This research aims to identify positive behavior in feeding (type of food, processing of food ingredients, mealtimes and method of feeding) of toddlers who are well-nourished in poor fishing families in the Belawan Community Health Center Working Area in 2022. This research method is qualitative research with a narrative approach. Researchers studied individual lives by asking one or several individuals to tell stories about their lives related to positive behavior in feeding well-nourished animals. This information is then retold by the researcher in a narrative chronology. The findings of this research indicate that addressing nutritional challenges in children can be effectively achieved by leveraging the potential and resources within the community. This is done through the identification of positive deviant behaviors, particularly those related to beneficial feeding practices. These practices encompass aspects such as the types of food provided, the methods of food preparation, the timing of meals, and the approach to food administration. Keep up the great work! The way you’re thinking about integrating community strengths is spot-on for creating sustainable solutions.

Overnutrition among the School Students in Dhaka City: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: The study focuses on childhood obesity and its rise due to fast food and reduced physical activity.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the nutritional assessment, knowledge, attitude and practice of English medium School students aged 11-15 years in Dhaka city. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 280 school students with anthropometric measurement and using a semi-structured questionnaire with the permission of the student’s guardian/s. Results: The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity in this study found 51.43% where 11.43% were obese and 40.0% were overweight. The students have eaten pizza, burger and pastry according to 20%, 28% and 15% respectively at their tiffin time. About 68% respondents have not played any outdoor games (only computer games regularly). 61% normal BMI students did physical activity regularly and 91% risk BMI respondents didn’t physical activity regularly. The energy intake in last 24 hours of respondents according to their BMI also is statistically significant (p<0.01); the average energy intake of 49% male of normal BMI respondent was about 1576 kJ and the average energy intake of 48% female of normal BMI respondent was about 1455 kJ. On the other hand, the average energy intake of 51% male of risk BMI respondent was about 1819 kJ and the average energy intake of 52% female of risk BMI respondent was about 1707 kJ. Conclusion: Overweight/obesity is a public-health concern among English medium school students, especially in high-income group in Dhaka. From the key finding of the current study, awareness program regarding overweight or obesity along with prevention measures were particularly focus on the English medium school students from their school as well as their family. Keywords: Obesity, Overweight, BMI, Energy Intake, Food consumption, Nutritional value.

Artificial intelligence in food and nutrition evidence: The challenges and opportunities based on a convening of content experts

Abstract Science-informed decisions are best guided by the objective synthesis of the totality of evidence around a particular question and assessing its trustworthiness through systematic processes. However, there are major barriers and challenges that limit science-informed food and nutrition policy, practice, and guidance. First, insufficient evidence, primarily due to acquisition cost of generating high-quality data, and the complexity of the diet-disease relationship. Furthermore, the sheer number of systematic reviews needed across the entire agriculture and food value chain, and the cost and time required to conduct them, can delay the translation of science to policy. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers the opportunity: 1) to better understand the complex etiology of diet-related chronic diseases; 2) to bring more precision to our understanding of the variation among individuals in the diet-chronic disease relationship; 3) to provide new types of computed data related to the efficacy and effectiveness of nutrition/food interventions in health promotion; and 4) to automate the generation of systematic reviews that support timely decisions. These advances include the acquisition and synthesis of heterogeneous and multimodal datasets. This perspective summarizes findings from a meeting of experts convened at the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the current state and future potential of AI in generating new types of computed data as well as automating the generation of systematic reviews to support evidence-based food and nutrition policy, practice and guidance.

AI Applications for Nutrition and Food Security Research

Data analytics (DA) and artificial intelligence (AI) play increasingly vital roles in food, nutrition, environment, and public health research and practice. With the continued successful development, professionals in these fields could rely on data analytics and AI for tasks such as data collection, decision-making, and policy development. Proficiency in research methods, statistical analysis, and ethical considerations is crucial. As AI applications grow in complexity, it is essential for professionals and the public to embrace and regulate them effectively. This review outlines AI’s diverse applications in nutrition research, including data analysis, prediction, personalized recommendations, and food safety monitoring. Select illustrative examples demonstrate its potential across various domains and highlight common challenges. The narrative underscores the importance of integrating data science and AI competencies into graduate education to equip the modern workforce.

Patterns of use of malnutrition risk screening in pediatric populations: A survey of current practice among pediatric hospitals in North America.

Information on the use of validated malnutrition risk screening tools in pediatric facilities to guide malnutrition identification, diagnosis, and treatment is scarce. Therefore, a survey of pediatric healthcare facilities and practitioners to ascertain malnutrition risk screening practices in North America was conducted. A pediatric nutrition screening practices survey was developed and sent to members of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, the Council for Pediatric Nutrition Professionals and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group. Respondents represented 113 pediatric hospitals in the United States and six in Canada, of which 94 were inpatient and 59 were outpatient. Nutrition risk screening was completed in 90% inpatient settings, and 63% used a validated screening tool. Nurses performed most malnutrition risk screens in the inpatient setting. Nutrition risk screening was reported in 51% of outpatient settings, with a validated screening tool being used in 53%. Measured anthropometrics were used in 78% of inpatient settings, whereas 45% used verbally reported anthropometrics. Measured anthropometrics were used in 97% outpatient settings. Nutrition risk screening was completed in the electronic health record in 80% inpatient settings and 81% outpatient settings. Electronic health record positive screen generated an automatic referral in 80% of inpatient and 45% of outpatient settings. In this sample of pediatric healthcare organizations, the results demonstrate variation in pediatric malnutrition risk screening in North America. These inconsistencies justify the need to standardize pediatric malnutrition risk screening using validated pediatric tools and allocate resources to perform screening.

Технологизация аграрного сектора как основа продовольственной безопасности страны

The article discusses concepts and approaches to the definition of the concept of "food security" in the scientific literature and documents of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Under the influence of these ideas, a research boom began in daily nutrition practices and the study of their role in social health and active longevity of people. The problem of youth nutrition culture as an innovative group of society that determines the future state of the world has become, according to the authors, a trending research area. The analysis of the effectiveness of the use of information technologies and artificial intelligence in agriculture as drivers of industry development and food security is actively studied by domestic and foreign scientists. The dialogue of the scientific community is focused around the most relevant research topics: the problems of changing the nature of agricultural labor in the context of digitalization, robotization and the introduction of artificial intelligence; the impact of the technologization of agricultural enterprises on the specific activities of farmers, the existing risks of unintended destruction of ecosystems as a result of intensification of agriculture. Successful practices of using artificial intelligence in crop production and animal husbandry, the possibility of preserving traditional forms of farming on earth and many other issues are being actively studied. It is concluded that it is important to study the problems of agricultural technologization as a way to improve the efficiency of the industry and a way to ensure the country's food security.

Balancing nutrition and budgets: Socio-ecological impacts on nutritional environments of families with low incomes

BackgroundResearch on childhood nutritional environments, which are predictive of a variety of child and family health and wellbeing outcomes, has primarily focused on parenting behaviors and the home food environment. However, broader social and community factors play an important role in shaping nutritional environments during early childhood. Food security is a key example that is closely linked to nutrition-related health disparities, which can arise from constrained financial resources and material deprivations. Understanding parent and caregiver lived experiences related to social and community components of family nutritional environments in the context of economic constraints could help to support multi-level nutritional practices that are optimal for healthy child development. MethodSemi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted using a narrative approach with parents (n = 21) of pre-school aged children living near or below the poverty line. Participants were recruited from social and community service sites pertinent to maternal and child health in Philadelphia where health disparities are highly concentrated. Analysis was conducted using MAX QDA analytic software following a systematic approach for thematic analysis in narrative research. ResultsThree themes describe the feeding and eating environments in the home and community context: 1) Food Procurement and Meal Planning; 2) Family Togetherness; 3) Creativity, Variety, and Flexibility. Creative decision making and food procurement strategies responsive to child preferences were balanced by shopping to save and visiting multiple stores for the best foods and savings. Logistical (e.g., transportation, childcare) and emotional supports facilitated food shopping habits and routines, while lack of trusted childcare, reliable transportation, and social support barriers challenged feeding and eating decisions. ConclusionStrategies for improving cost and time-efficiencies could help support health-promoting nutritional environments of families with food insecurity. Building social and community capacity and facilitating connections to practical supports that include trustworthy childcare and peer support may be particularly important for this population.

Pediatric oncology nutritional practices in high-income countries: A survey from the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP).

Optimal nutrition in pediatric oncology can influence cancer-related outcomes. To establish an understanding of nutrition practice and perceptions of best practice, we queried nutrition providers practicing in pediatric oncology care centers in high-income countries. An electronic, multidisciplinary, cross-sectional survey of nutrition practices was conducted among pediatric oncology nutrition practitioners. Final analysis included 110 surveys from 71 unique institutions and included practitioners from Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia/New Zealand, South America, and the Middle East/Asia. The majority of institutions (97%) reported having dietitians; 72% had designated oncology dietitians. Approximately half of the practitioners (47%) reported feeling their institutions were inadequately staffed. The majority (78%) of institutions completed nutrition risk screening, but there was no consensus on specific screening practices. Half (50%) of the institutions that screened for nutrition risk did so in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The majority (80%) of institutions completed a nutrition assessment close to the time of diagnosis. Those that did not cite lack of staff and/or lack of time, lack of standardized approach, and consult only level of nutritional care as primary barriers. The most common topic of nutrition education provided to patients/families was nutrition-related symptom management (68%). While most institutions reported having pediatric oncology dietitians, we found a lack of standardized practice and perceived inadequate staffing. In addition, what providers perceived to be best practice did not always align with day-to-day clinical practice. Ongoing efforts are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines, including staffing recommendations, to support specialized care in this population.

Nutritional practice and adherence to nutritional guidelines in a consecutive cohort of emergency laparotomy patients

Nutritional practice and adherence to nutritional guidelines in a consecutive cohort of emergency laparotomy patients

Secondary Analysis Assesses Dietary Diversity Changes among Maya Guatemalan Women Post-Nutrition Interventions.

This study aimed to evaluate the change in the Dietary Diversity (DD) Index of Maya women of reproductive age living in rural areas of the Western Highlands of Guatemala after nutrition, health, and agroecology interventions. This is a secondary analysis study on DD from two matched groups from three villages in the Lake Atitlan area in the department of Sololá. The first cohort was recruited in 2017 (sample of n = 77). The second cohort was recruited in 2020 (sample of n = 61). Both were followed until 2021. The program provided various resources for assistance for food production and home improvements (sessions from 2018 to 2022). Agroecology sessions were conducted in the test farm. Due to the COVID-19, adjustments were made to continue the education and training sessions. Both cohort samples had a statistically significant increase in participants who consumed at least 15g from five groups of foods (2017: p = .00002; 2020: p = .045). There was a statistically significant increase in mean food groups consumed daily (2017: p < .00001; 2020: p = .005). Implementing interventions that include nutrition, health, and agroecology practices in the long term has demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the Dietary Diversity Index of Maya women in their reproductive years living in rural villages in the Western Highlands.

Validating the use of body mass index with computed tomography in a racially and ethnically diverse cohort of patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2.

Body mass index (BMI) is criticized for being unjust and biased in relatively healthy racial and ethnic groups. Therefore, the current analysis examines if BMI predicts body composition, specifically adiposity, in a racially and ethnically diverse acutely ill patient population. Patients admitted with SARS-CoV-2 having an evaluable diagnostic chest, abdomen, and/or pelvic computed tomography (CT) study (within 5 days of admission) were included in this retrospective cohort. Cross-sectional areas (centimeters squared) of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) were quantified. Total adipose tissue (TAT) was calculated as sum of these areas. Admission height and weight were applied to calculate BMI, and self-reported race and ethnicity were used for classification. General linear regression models were conducted to estimate correlations and assess differences between groups. On average, patients (n = 134) were aged 58.2 (SD = 19.1) years, 60% male, and racially and ethnically diverse (33% non-Hispanic White [NHW], 33% non-Hispanic Black [NHB], 34% Hispanic). Correlations between BMI and SAT and BMI and TAT were strongest revealing estimates of 0.707 (0.585, 0.829) and 0.633 (0.534, 0.792), respectively. When examining the various adiposity compartments across race and ethnicity, correlations were similar and significant differences were not detected for TAT with SAT, VAT, or IMAT (all P ≥ 0.05). These findings support the routine use of applying BMI as a proxy measure of total adiposity for acutely ill patients identifying as NHW, NHB, and Hispanic. Our results inform the validity and utility of this tool in clinical nutrition practice.

Peracute Enterotoxemia in Saanen and Alpine Goat Herd

Background: Enterotoxemia" or "overeating disease" is considered a common and often fatal disease affecting the economy of small ruminant breeding systems. This study presents findings on the occurrence of a peracute form of enterotoxemia in a herd of Saanen and Alpine, including an examination of the clinical signs, post-mortem findings, and methods for diagnosis. examination of the clinical signs, post-mortem findings, and methods for diagnosis. Methods: In a herd of goats a distressing situation occurred where the goats displayed signs (Sudden death and high fever) of peracute enterotoxemia (125 kids). It is noteworthy that these goats had previously been vaccinated against enterotoxemia. The onset of the condition seemed to be linked to three instances of interruption and reconnection of concentrate feed. To obtain a definitive diagnosis, the findings from postmortem examinations and ELISA were utilized. Results: In total, 60 Alpine and 65 Saanen succumbed to this peracute form. These losses occurred over three days but were successfully stopped by re-vaccination after two days. Clinical signs, postmortem observations, bacterial analysis, and ELISA results all provided confirmation of enterotoxemia. Notable findings included high fever (90%), duodenum hyperemia (89%), pulmonary edema (82%), convulsions (43%), and hemorrhage in the pericardium and endocardium (58%). Conclusion: Frequent and consecutive changes in goats' diet or discontinuation of concentrate supply by breeders can disrupt the vaccine-induced immune barrier, increasing the likelihood of enterotoxemia, and leading to casualties and economic losses. Consistent and stable nutrition practices are essential for maintaining vaccination efficacy and preventing enterotoxemia in goats, particularly kids.

Diabetes-related Nutrition Practices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Living in the Mainland of the United States: A Qualitative Analysis

Diabetes-related Nutrition Practices of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Living in the Mainland of the United States: A Qualitative Analysis

Effect of Nutrition Health Education Module through design of Website on nutritional knowledge and practice of Deaf Students in Mansoura City

Effect of Nutrition Health Education Module through design of Website on nutritional knowledge and practice of Deaf Students in Mansoura City

Community service initiative: Empowering Mothers in Wongsorejo, Banyuwangi, East Java to Prevent Stunting Through Education and Complementary Feeding Circle Demonstrations

The challenge of stunting in Indonesia remains critical, with the National Basic Health Research of 2018 indicating a high prevalence rate of 30.8%. Addressing stunting effectively requires targeted interventions and behavior change strategies. This community service project aimed to tackle stunting in Wongsorejo, Banyuwangi, East Java, through a comprehensive approach focused on nutrition and complementary feeding practices. The initiative was structured around three main activities: a seminar on stunting, counseling on complementary feeding, and a cooking demonstration. The seminar aimed to enhance understanding of stunting, including its causes, consequences, and preventive measures, with a specific focus on the role of mothers. The counseling sessions were designed to educate mothers about the implementation of complementary feeding circles to ensure their infants receive adequate nutrition. The cooking demonstration provided practical guidance on preparing nutritious complementary foods using local ingredients. This community service project targeted mothers in the Wongsorejo area, along with representatives from local health centers and community leaders. The objective was to improve knowledge and practices related to stunting prevention, nutrition, and healthy feeding habits. Methods included educational seminars, interactive counseling, and practical demonstrations. Overall, this project seeks to empower mothers with the necessary knowledge and skills to combat stunting, thereby contributing to improved child health and nutrition in the Wongsorejo community. The effectiveness of these activities was evaluated through pre- and post-intervention assessments.

Impact of high-protein enteral nutrition on muscle preservation in mechanically ventilated patients with severe pneumonia: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to assess the effects of enteral nutrition with different protein concentrations on muscle mass in severe pneumonia patients, providing insights for enteral nutrition practice in intensive care units (ICUs). A total of 120 severe pneumonia patients admitted to Dazhou Central Hospital's ICU between June 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023, meeting inclusion criteria, were randomly assigned to either a high-protein group (n = 60, 1.8g/kg/d) or a standard-protein group (n = 60, 1.2g/kg/d). Changes in relevant indicators were monitored on days 1, 5, and 10 of ICU admission, including quadriceps and diaphragm thickness, nutritional status (prealbumin and albumin), and adverse events such as diarrhea and constipation. Autoregressive of order 1 model (AR(1)) analysis revealed a decrease in both quadriceps and diaphragm thickness over time in both groups. A significant group × time interaction was observed in quadriceps thickness. By day 10, compared to baseline, quadriceps thickness decreased in the high-protein (-0.315cm [95% CI, -0.340 to -0.289]) and standard-protein (-0.429cm [95% CI, -0.455 to -0.404]) groups. The high-protein group exhibited a lower quadriceps atrophy rate (13.97 ± 2.43%) compared to the standard-protein group (18.96 ± 2.61%), showing a significant difference (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in diaphragmatic thickness between groups and over time. By day 10, both groups exhibited decreased diaphragmatic muscle thickness compared to baseline. The high-protein group (33.76 ± 5.09%) had a slightly lower phrenic atrophy rate compared to the standard-protein group (33.41 ± 4.53%). Both groups experienced enteral nutritional intolerance manifested as diarrhea, constipation, and other adverse events. High-protein enteral nutrition significantly improved quadriceps thickness and demonstrated good safety in severe pneumonia patients, suggesting its suitability for widespread clinical application.

Nutritional risk, nutrition impact symptoms, and dietary intake after four or more days of admission: A cross-sectional study on hospitalised patients

BackgroundRegular audits on nutrition screening, therapy, and dietary intake monitoring are essential for ensuring optimal nutrition practice. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of nutritional risk, nutritional coverage, and nutrition impact symptoms (NIS) in hospitalized patients. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted, including adult patients admitted for ≥5 days on November 1, 2023. Data were collected from medical records to estimate the prevalence of nutritional risk using the NRS-2002 score. Additionally, data on dietary intake and NIS were collected through interviews with patients identified as being at nutritional risk. ResultsA total of 104 patients (48% females) were included in the study, with 51% identified as being at nutritional risk. Patients at nutritional risk and those not at risk differed significantly in terms of length of admission (median 9 (IQR: 7-17) vs. 7 days (6-11), p=0.015) and BMI (median 22.3 (IQR: 20.3-27.7) vs. 25.9 (22.9-29.7), p=0.015). Patients at nutritional risk had a median energy coverage of 60% (IQR: 38-87) and a median protein coverage of 45% (IQR: 36-82). However, only 42% of them achieved an energy intake of ≥75% of the estimated requirement, while 28% met the same level for protein intake. The most prevalent NIS affecting dietary intake was 'diarrhea, constipation, or discomfort from the stomach', reported by 50% of patients. ConclusionThis study highlights the significant prevalence of nutritional risk among hospitalised patients, with one in every two patients identified as being at risk. Despite efforts, nutritional needs were not adequately met, particularly regarding protein intake. Regular audits and interdisciplinary collaboration are necessary for improving nutritional care and outcomes in hospital settings.

Modelling the interrelationships between potential risk factors and childhood Co-morbidity of Malaria, Anaemia, and stunting in children less than five years in Burundi

BackgroundAnaemia, malaria, and stunting remain health problems, especially in children younger than five years, and those conditions are linked to morbidity and mortality. The main objective was to assess the relationships between anaemia, malaria, and stunting. Also, the current study aimed to understand the complex interrelationships between explanatory factors, and their direct or indirect relationship with childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting in Burundi. MethodsThe study used secondary data from the Demographic and Health Survey in Burundi (BDHS) conducted on the March 7, 2017, with a weighted sample size of 13611 children younger than five years. A multivariate structural equation model (SEM) was used to evaluate the interrelationships between dependent variables and their direct or indirect relationship with childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting. SEMs diverge from other techniques, as they look at the effects on hypothesised relationships from both direct and indirect perspectives (Takele et al., 2023) [1]. The variables with statistical significance were set at a p-value <0.05. ResultsThe findings from this study indicated an association between anaemia, malaria, and stunting (p < 0.001). The environmental and household factors were statistically significant (p < 0.038 and p < 0.001 respectively) and positively impacted childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting. The results also indicated that the household factors were statistically significant (p < 0.001) predictors of childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting. Furthermore, the findings from this study revealed that geophysical factors have a positive significant (p < 0.001) impact on childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting via the mediating of the household factors. Contrastingly, with the environmental factors as a mediator, we observe a negative significant (p < 0.001) impact on childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting. Lastly, the results showed that demographic factors had a negative significant (p = 0.004) effect on childhood anaemia, malaria, and stunting via the mediating of household factors. ConclusionThe findings from this study revealed an association between malaria, anaemia, and stunting, which imply that these conditions could contribute to collaborative improvements in child well-being. In addition, child demographic, household, environmental, and geographic factors were direct and indirect important drivers of childhood malaria, anaemia, and stunting. Therefore, improving sanitation, access to clean water, nutrition practices, and health care, especially for children from rural areas, and uneducated mothers with poor backgrounds could help to control and eliminate stunting, anemia, and malaria in children younger than five years in Burundi.