Satter Eating Competence Inventory Research Articles

Eating competence is related to executive function skills in college students

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the relationship between eating competence (EC) and executive function (EF) skills in college students. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was part of a larger study in which an online survey was administered during autumn quarter 2020 to undergraduate students at a northwestern U.S. public university. Sociodemographic data were collected, along with measures of EC (16-item Satter Eating Competence Inventory, ecSI-2.0™) and EF skills (27-item Executive Function Index, EFI). Multiple linear regression was used to examine the ecSI-2.0™ total score and its four domain scores with each of the five EF skills. ResultsOf the 1996 respondents included in the final analyses, 40.2 % were eating competent (total ecSI-2.0™ ≥32). The mean ecSI-2.0™ score among participants was 28.7. Gender distribution was 72.0 % women, 23.3 % men, and 4.7 % trans-and-gender non-conforming (TGNC) or preferred not to answer. EFI scores were higher among women (70.9) than among men (68.2) and TGNC (64.9). Both total ecSI-2.0™ score and the contextual skills domain were significantly associated with four of the EFI subscales. Internal regulation was related to impulse control and motivational drive. Further significant associations were found with other domains of ecSI-2.0™ and specific EFI subscales. ConclusionEF skills are associated with EC in college students, particularly skills related to food management and internal regulation. Since both EF and EC can be developed, this study offers promise for future research in an increasingly gender-diverse and neurodiverse college population during a time of increasing independence and autonomy.

Examination of eating competence in a geo-diverse sample with metabolic syndrome

Eating competence (EatC) is an intra-individual approach to eating attitudes and behaviors associated with greater well-being. EatC research has not included persons with confirmed metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, EatC of persons with MetS was explored to identify unique associations and inform implementation of MetS lifestyle interventions using baseline data from a multisite, randomized trial of a 2-year lifestyle intervention with MetS. EatC, measured with the Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 (ecSI 2.0™), was examined for relationships with bioclinical measures (e.g., blood pressure, lipids), medication use, BMI, waist circumference, fruit/vegetable intake, and psychosocial factors, (e.g., stress, mindfulness). Data were collected in person and video call by trained research personnel. EatC was examined as a continuous score and as a categorical variable with ecSI 2.0™ scores ≥ 32 considered eating competent. Participants (n = 618) were predominantly female (76%), White (74%), college educated (60%). Mean age was 55.5 ± 11 y. Mean ecSI 2.0™ was 29.9 ± 7.4 and 42% were eating competent. EatC was greater for males, persons who were older and food secure. Competent eaters (vs. non-eating competent) had lower waist circumference (112.7 ± 12.5 cm vs.116.8 ± 16.0 cm; P < 0.001) and BMI (35.0 ± 6.1 vs. 37.5 ± 7.3; P < 0.001). Serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and blood pressure did not differ by EatC status. Compared to non-eating competent persons, competent eaters perceived less stress, were more mindful, indicated better physical function, and more habitual vegetable intake (all P < 0.001) and sensory awareness (P < 0.05). EatC in MetS paralleled the non-MetS profile. EatC was associated with a healthier psychosocial profile, waist circumference and BMI. Findings support further research to examine the mediational or moderating influence of EatC in the treatment of MetS.

Eating competence in caregivers of celiac children: A cross-sectional study performed in Brazil

ObjectivesEating competence is an intraindividual approach to eating, behaviors, and attitudes related to eating, with repercussions on the individual and family. In pediatric celiac disease, the family is involved in the gluten-free diet management, the only treatment available. A gluten-free diet might affect eating competence because gluten-free diet compliance requires knowledge about food, meal planning, and attention to food choices. The objective is to access eating competence in caregivers of children with celiac disease and the association between caregivers’ eating competence, children's adherence to a gluten-free diet, and sociodemographic data of participants. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a snowball spread method by applying a questionnaire, including sociodemographic data, data related to health, eating habits, and the Satter Eating Competence Inventory version validated for the Brazilian population. The sample consisted of 220 Brazilian parents or caregivers of celiac disease children. The scores of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory version validated for the Brazilian population were described in terms of means, SDs, medians, and interquartile range. Student's t test and analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc tests were applied, and the association with the variables of interest was analyzed using Pearson χ2 tests. The tests were conducted considering bilateral hypotheses and a 5% significance level. ResultsParticipants’ sex, schooling level, and income did not affect their eating competence. Competent eaters were mostly those with normal weight, following a gluten-free diet, with children complying with a gluten-free diet, and who have meals with family and prepare them at home. Different from vegetable consumption, participants’ eating competence did not differ considering the frequency of children's fruit consumption. ConclusionsThe caregivers of children with celiac disease have greater eating competence scores than general Brazilian adults, and caregivers of children with celiac disease who comply with the gluten-free diet have higher eating competence scores.

Disordered eating and eating competence in members of online irritable bowel syndrome support groups.

This study seeks to evaluate eating competence and disordered eating likelihood among members of online support groups for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and determine whether eating competence and disordered eating likelihood varies according to IBS symptom severity and subtype. This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymous survey conducted from August to September 2021. Adults with IBS (N = 225) were recruited from online and social media IBS support forums. IBS symptom severity was assessed using the validated IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), likelihood of disordered eating was assessed using the validated Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and eating competence was assessed using the validated Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Multiple linear regression was used to predict EAT-26 total score from IBS-SSS score, age, and IBS subtype. ANOVAs were used to examine the relationships between IBS severity level, IBS subtype, and ecSI 2.0™ total score. Eating competence among the sample was low at 17% while 27% was classified as likely or very likely disordered eating. IBS severity was positively associated with EAT-26 score (p = 0.011) and ecSI 2.0™ score was significantly lower in the severe IBS group compared to the moderate IBS group (p = 0.016). No relationship was detected between IBS subtype and EAT-26 or ecSI 2.0™ scores. IBS severity was positively associated with disordered eating likelihood and negatively associated with eating competence. This sheds light on the importance of assessing eating competence and screening for disordered eating prior to selecting therapies for patients with IBS, particularly in females with severe symptoms.

P033 Changes in Eating Habits Among Eating Competent and Non-Eating Competent College Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundRecent quantitative studies have illuminated dietary- and lifestyle-related changes that students experienced during global coronavirus lockdowns. Limited qualitative research on the US undergraduate student population has been published on this topic.ObjectiveThe study aimed to describe eating-related behavior changes reported by US undergraduate students during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a secondary aim, this study described behavior changes among students who were and were not Eating Competent (EC).Study Design, Setting, ParticipantsThis was a secondary analysis of data collected from an online survey administered from October through December 2020 to students at a major northwestern public university. The original survey consisted of previously validated and/or published instruments, including the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Using a direct content analysis approach, this study coded respondents’ answers to the open-ended question “In what ways have your eating habits changed since the US coronavirus outbreak?”Measurable Outcome/AnalysisCodes were written and classified under the four dimensions of Eating Competence: Eating Attitudes, Food Acceptance, Internal Regulation, and Contextual Skills. Other codes were developed to represent responses that did not fit within these dimensions. Respondents were categorized as EC or not EC based on their ecSI 2.0™scores.ResultsResponses from 1,529 participants were analyzed. Preliminary findings indicate that EC university students more frequently reported behavior changes like eating more fruits and vegetables and more home-cooked meals than non-EC students. Non-EC students more often reported eating more takeout, more processed foods, and more sugar compared to EC students. Mental-health-related changes, eating less regularly, disordered eating, and weight concerns were more commonly reported by non-EC students.ConclusionsCompared to non-EC students, EC students reported more health-promoting behavior changes during the pandemic. This study highlights the potential benefit of teaching EC-related strategies to the US undergraduate student population and further elucidates behavior changes among students during the COVID-19 pandemic.FundingNone

Eating Competence in Adults Following Either Intermittent Fasting or Ketogenic Diets

ObjectivesThis study seeks to evaluate the level of Eating Competence (EC) among individuals following either intermittent fasting (IF) or ketogenic diets (KD) and determine whether EC relates to orthorexia or reason for following the diet. MethodsThis cross-sectional study is based on an anonymous survey conducted from August 21st through September 2nd 2021. Adults following IF and KD (N = 93) were recruited from online IF/KD social media communities on Facebook and Reddit. Orthorexia and EC were assessed using the validated ORTO-R survey and the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Associations between likelihood of having EC and orthorexia were done using binomial logistic regression controlling for age, BMI, gender, education, and prior eating disorders. Additional associations between EC and reasons for following the diets were analyzed through binomial regressions analysis. ResultsAmong the sample, 68.8% was classified as having EC. Increasing ORTO-R scores were significantly associated with lower EC likelihood (0.003). While the logistic regression model was statistically significant (p = 0.048), no other predictor variables in the model were significant. The top five most frequent reasons for following either diet (% of sample) included: weight loss (86%), metabolic health (61%), mental clarity (52%), increased energy (47%), and decreased hunger dependence (38%). ConclusionsAdults self-reporting following IF and KD report a high level of eating competence. Within this population, there was an association between eating competence and orthorexia, but not other variables. This data suggests that people following restrictive diets may do so while maintaining eating competence, however, presence of orthorexia attitudes suggest higher risk for lower eating competence. While most participants followed the diet for weight loss, this did not predict eating competence or orthorexia. This study also calls attention to the complexity of eating attitudes among individuals following restrictive diets and a need to consider orthorexia behaviors that might increase risk for poor eating competence. Funding SourcesNone.

Stress and Eating Behaviors of Dietitians Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

ObjectivesTo determine the relationships between stress experienced by registered dietitians, eating competence, and risk for orthorexia nervosa amid the backdrop of COVID-19. MethodsA cross-sectional study was used to compare Perceived Stress Scale, ORTO-15 Questionnaire, and Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 scores computed from participant responses to understand how prevalence of stress, risk for orthorexia nervosa, and eating competence in registered dietitians relate to one another. Independent sample t-tests, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and two-way ANOVA were used to compare scores. A random sample of 5,000 registered dietitians in the United States were invited to complete an online survey; 155 responses were received. ResultsScores for the final sample (N = 83) suggested 63.9% had high stress, 61.4% were at risk for orthorexia nervosa, and 80.7% were eating competent. Statistical analysis revealed a negative association between stress and eating competence, but no relationship between stress and orthorexia nervosa risk. Risk for orthorexia nervosa and eating competence were positively associated. ConclusionsFurther exploration of the relationship between stress and eating competence in registered dietitians may offer insight into addressing stress in the dietetics profession. The positive association between orthorexia nervosa risk and eating competence may imply the presence of healthy orthorexia, or a non-pathological focus on eating healthfully, in registered dietitians. Funding SourcesThis research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Disordered Eating and Eating Competence in Adults With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Based on Symptom Severity

ObjectivesThis study seeks to assess the frequency at which disordered eating impacts patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), evaluate the level of Eating Competence (EC) among patients with IBS, and determine whether EC and eating disorder (ED) risk varies according to IBS symptom severity and IBS subtype.MethodsThis cross-sectional study is based on an anonymous survey conducted from August to September 2021. Adults with IBS (N = 225) were recruited from online and social media IBS support forums. IBS symptom severity was assessed using the validated IBS Severity Scoring System (IBS-SSS), ED risk was assessed using the validated Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), and EC was assessed using the validated Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Multiple linear regression was used to predict EAT-26 total score from IBS-SSS score and age. The regression model was repeated with IBS subtype added as a covariate. One-way and two-way ANOVAs were used to examine the relationships between IBS severity level, IBS subtype, and ecSI 2.0™ total score.ResultsEC among the sample was 17% while 27% was classified as likely or very likely disordered eating. IBS severity was positively associated with ED risk (P < 0.001), and EC was significantly lower in the severe IBS group compared to the moderate IBS group (P = 0.016). No relationship was detected between IBS subtype and ED risk or EC.ConclusionsIBS severity was positively associated with ED risk and negatively associated with EC. This sheds light on the importance of assessing EC and screening for disordered eating and EDs prior to selecting therapies for patients with IBS, particularly when symptom severity is high. This study also calls to attention the relatively low rates of EC in patients with IBS, especially among those with severe IBS.Funding SourcesNone.

College Students Who Identify as Non-Binary and at Risk for Eating Disorders Exhibit the Lowest Eating Competence in the Context of COVID-19

ObjectivesIt has been shown that more males than females are identified as having Eating Competence (EC). EC among college students who do not identify as male or female is not well understood, especially in relation to other health behaviors. We evaluated a sample of undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic and hypothesized that lower EC would be associated with identifying as female or non-binary and having lower fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake, lower physical activity, following a weight control diet, and present or past eating disorder (ED).MethodsAn online survey was administered from October to December 2020 to undergraduate students at a public university. Validated instruments in the questionnaire included the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0TM) and the SCOFF survey for ED risk. Total ecSI 2.0TM scores ranged from 0–48; EC was defined as ≥32. Questions about dietary pattern and ED presence or history were also included. Two-factor ANOVAs evaluated associations between ecSI 2.0TM score with gender identity and F&V intake, physical activity, diet pattern, ED history, and ED risk. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS (v.28.0).ResultsAmong survey completers (N = 1996), 72% identified as female, 23% male, and 4% non-binary. 60% of participants were not EC. Males had the highest mean ecSI 2.0™ score of 32.8 (±0.4) versus females and non-binary students, respectively (27.7 ± 0.3, 25.0 ± 0.8; P < 0.001). Interactions between gender and other factors were not significant. Mean ecSI 2.0™ score among participants with a current ED (19.3 ± 0.6) was significantly lower than those without ED history (31.3 ± 0.3, P < 0.001). Participants with “at-ED-risk” SCOFF scores had significantly lower mean ecSI 2.0™ scores than those not-at-risk for an ED (23.7 ± 0.4 vs. 31.4 ± 0.3, P < 0.001).ConclusionsMean ecSI 2.0™ scores were lowest for students who identified as non-binary and had presence or risk of an ED. Future interventions that focus on EC should consider the disproportionately low EC among non-binary populations and those at risk for ED.Funding SourcesJordyn Fantuzzi and Sarah Haack were supported by the University of Washington Nutritional Sciences Program through the Top Scholar Award. The use of REDCap was made possible through the Institute of Translational Health Science (ITHS) grant support: UL1 TR002319, KL2 TR002317, and TL1 TR002318 from NCATS/NIH.

Eating Competence and Gender Identity Are Associated With Weight- and Body-Related Guilt and Shame, Eating Concerns, and Weight Satisfaction in Undergraduates

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine if Eating Competence in undergraduates is associated with weight- and body-related guilt and shame, weight satisfaction, and eating concerns, and whether these associations differ by gender identity.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was a secondary analysis of data from a 127-item survey sent out to undergraduates at a public university in the U.S. in 2020. Participants were categorized as either “Eating Competent” (EC) or “Not Eating Competent” (non-EC) according to their responses on the validated Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0™). Two-factor ANOVAs tested whether Eating Competence and gender identity were associated with weight- and body-related shame; weight- and body-related guilt; weight satisfaction; and eating concerns. Demographic characteristics were evaluated in relation to gender identity. Body trying categories were compared with gender, body mass index (BMI), and body weight perception categories.ResultsOf the 1996 student participants, 40% were EC. Gender identity was 72% female, 23% male, and 4% non-binary identities. Males’ mean ecSI 2.0™ score was significantly higher than that of females (32.8 vs. 27.6; P < 0.001) and those of non-binary gender identities (32.8 vs. 24.7; P < 0.001). Eating Competence was significantly associated with lower weight- and body-related guilt and shame, greater weight satisfaction, fewer eating concerns, and with not trying to lose body weight (P < 0.001 in all cases). Participants with a non-binary gender identity had mean scores between males and females in the majority of tested variables. The only exceptions were ecSI 2.0™ scores, for which those of a non-binary gender had the lowest scores of the three groups (mean 24.7), and in weight- and body-related shame scores, where those of a non-binary gender had mean scores identical to females scores (mean 11.9).ConclusionsIn every outcome variable tested, those who were EC had more favorable mean scores than those who were non-EC. Male students had more favorable mean scores than female students (in all cases) or those with a non-binary identity (in some cases). These associations demonstrate the emotional components of eating behaviors and body-related perceptions, and may be helpful in future interventions aimed at improving these traits in undergraduates.Funding SourcesNone to report.

O7 Eating Competence Relationship to Biopsychosocial Characteristics in Metabolic Syndrome Replicates the General Population

<h3>Background</h3> Eating Competence (EC) is associated with positive emotional, physical, and psychological features in healthy people, but the Satter EC framework (ecSatter) has not been examined in persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS). <h3>Objective</h3> Identify how ecSatter relates to socio-demographic, physical, and psychological measures in persons with MetS. <h3>Study Design, Setting, Participants</h3> Baseline biomedical measures and online survey of persons with MetS enrolled in a 2-year efficacy trial of a lifestyle intervention. Rigorous inclusion criteria addressed motivation, cognitive abilities, and comorbidity exclusion. <h3>Measurable Outcome/Analysis</h3> Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Cohen perceived stress scale, USDA 10-item Food Security Screener (FS); Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0), SF-36 vitality and mental health scales, socioeconomic and demographic items. Pearson r, independent <i>t</i>-tests, and chi-square compared ecSI 2.0 scores and EC categories with survey findings and biomedical measures. <h3>Results</h3> Participants (n = 132) were mostly female (67%), White (70%), middle-aged (mean 57.0 ± 11.0 y), well-educated (62% college/post-graduate), with a median income of $86,000. ecSI 2.0 score ranged from 10 to 47 with mean of 30.7 ± 7.2. Sixty-two participants (47%) were denoted as EC, (ecSI 2.0 ≥32). EC persons were older (59.2 ± 10.5 vs 55.1 ± 11.1 y; <i>P</i> = 0.03), had a lower BMI (35.4 ± 5.4 vs 38.2 ± 8.9; <i>P</i> = 0.037), greater vitality (63.6 ± 18.0 vs 55.0 ± 19.8; <i>P</i> = 0.01) and mental health (84.2 ± 8.7 vs 78.4 ± 12.3; <i>P</i> = 0.002), less perceived stress (17.0 ± 5.8 vs 19.9 ± 6.6; <i>P</i> = 0.007) and depressive symptoms (1.6 ± 2.0 vs 2.5 ± 2.5; <i>P</i> = 0.035). FS was high for 92% of EC and for 74% of non-EC. Of the 23 with low/very low FS, 22% were EC and 78% not EC (<i>P</i> = 0.008). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The relationships of ecSatter with biomedical and psychosocial determinants of health in well persons were affirmed in persons living with MetS, supporting education focused on ecSatter tenets in this high-risk group.

O6 Depressive Symptoms, not Food Insecurity, Increased During COVID-19 Pandemic in At-Risk Group with Metabolic Syndrome

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a risk factor for COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, thus pandemic-driven policies may more strongly influence the emotional responses of those with MetS.ObjectiveExamine emotional, mental health, and food security impact of COVID-19 pandemic on persons with metabolic syndromeStudy Design, Setting, ParticipantsBaseline, pre-pandemic biomedical measures and online survey of persons enrolled, with minimal or no participation in a 2-year lifestyle intervention trial to reverse metabolic syndrome; repeated online survey during COVID-19 pandemic.Measurable Outcome/AnalysisChange in depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score), perceived stress (Cohen Stress Scale), food security (USDA 10-item Food Security Screener); baseline eating competence (EC; Satter Eating Competence Inventory), health (SF-36), socioeconomic and demographic items. Change in normal and transformed variables was analyzed with paired t-tests, multiple regression, repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsParticipants (n = 132; MetS diagnosis) were mostly female (67%), White (70%), middle-aged (mean 57.0 ± 11.0 y) well-educated (62% college/post-graduate), with a median income of $86,000. Perceived stress was significantly higher at baseline than follow-up (18.5 ± 6.4 vs 14.9 ± 7.2; P < 0.001) even when controlling for confounders (eg, EC, vitality). Food security increased from 83% at baseline to 90% at follow-up (P < 0.001). Migration to or continued food insecurity (n = 13) tended to be associated with being non-White (P = 0.05). Depressive symptoms increased from baseline (2.1 ± 2.3 vs 3.5 ± 3.4; P < 0.001) even when controlling for EC or gender. Depression, which was a study exclusion criterion, was noted at follow-up (n = 10). Movement to depression was not associated with socioeconomic demographics, but was related to lower baseline vitality (44.4 ± 20.7 vs 60.3 ± 18.9; P = 0.012), mental health (71.0 ± 14.3 vs 82 ± 10.4; P = 0.002) and higher follow-up perceived stress (22.6 ± 7.7 vs 14.2 ± 6.8; P < 0.001).ConclusionA high-risk sample for COVID-19, which was highly educated, did not experience increased stress or food insecurity, but demonstrated increased depressive symptoms after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, with some baseline susceptibility noted.

Valid and Reliable Measure of Adherence to Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding

ObjectiveTo examine the validity and psychometrics of sDOR.2-6y, a 12-item measure of adherence to the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding (sDOR). DesignCross-sectional survey. SettingOnline respondents in central Pennsylvania. Participants117 parents (94% female, 77% White, 62% in ≥1 income-based assistance program) of preschoolers aged 2–6 years (28% moderate/high nutrition risk). Main Outcome MeasuresThe sDOR.2-6y and Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler (NutriSTEP), a measure of child nutrition risk and other validated measures of eating behavior and parent feeding practices. AnalysisRelationships were evaluated with Pearson r, t tests, ANOVA, or chi-square. Factor structure was investigated using principal components analysis with varimax rotation. Binary logistic regression and general linear model controlling for low-income status compared with sDOR.2-6y and NutriSTEP scores. Linear regression predicted NutriSTEP and Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0 scores from sDOR.2-6y. ResultsThe sDOR.2-6y ranged from 16–32 (mean, 25.9 ± 3.3; n = 114). Parents of youth at nutrition risk had lower sDOR.2–6y scores (P = 0.004). Each 1 point sDOR.2-6y increase decreased nutrition risk odds by 21% (95% confidence interval, 0.675–0.918; P = 0.002). The sDOR.2-6y scores were higher with less restriction and pressure to eat (both P < 0.001) and were associated with feeding style. Specificity was 87% with sDOR.2-6y cutoff ≥24; sensitivity was 66% with cutoff ≥26. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe sDOR.2-6y accurately and reliably indicated adherence of low-income mothers to sDOR. Larger, diverse samples for future studies are recommended.

Eating Competence among a Select Sample of Brazilian Adults: Translation and Reproducibility Analyses of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory.

This study aimed to translate and validate the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI2.0TM) from English to Brazilian Portuguese. The process included three steps: (i) translation and back-translation of the original ecSI2.0TM to Brazilian Portuguese; (ii) evaluation of its reproducibility; (iii) a pilot study to validate the Brazilian version of the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI2.0TMBR) for a selected sample of the Brazilian adult population (internal consistency and factor validity). The reproducibility (test–retest reliability) was verified using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) obtained by the responses of 32 Brazilian adults. All domains of the ecSI2.0TMBR and the total score showed ICC > 0.8. Considering the entire questionnaire, none of the domains presented significant divergences among the participants’ responses (p < 0.001). In the pilot study with 662 individuals, 74.9% (n= 496) were female, mean age was 40.33 ± 12.55, and they presented a higher level of schooling and income. Analyses revealed Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.869 for the ecSI2.0TMBR total scale, 0.793 for Eating Attitudes, 0.527 for Internal Regulation, 0.728 for Food Acceptance, and 0.822 for Contextual Skills. In general, the ecSI2.0™BR presented good acceptability, showing total floor and ceiling effects of ≤0.6%. Factor validity was examined by confirmatory factor analysis. The four domains presented a good fit in the confirmatory factor analysis: RMSEA = 0.0123 (95% CI: 0–0.0266); CFI = 0.998; χ2 = 75.9; df = 69; p = 0.266. The ecSI2.0TMBR is the first tool designed to measure eating competence (EC) in the Brazilian population, showing good reproducibility and internal consistency. We expect the ecSI2.0TMBR will support innovative research to investigate the association of EC and health outcomes, as well as new strategies based on emerging behavioral theories to enhance nutritional education policy.

Eating Competence Is Associated with Lower Prevalence of Obesity and Better Insulin Sensitivity in Finnish Adults with Increased Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: The StopDia Study.

A healthy diet prevents type 2 diabetes but is often difficult to adhere to. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate whether eating competence is associated with diet or risk factors and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in individuals screened for type 2 diabetes risk. Eating competence is an indicator of food acceptance, positive attitudes, internal regulation and contextual skills related to food and eating. In total, 3147 Finnish adults aged 18–74 at an increased risk for type 2 diabetes identified via online risk screening participated in the baseline examinations of the Stop Diabetes (StopDia) study. The participants filled out the digital questionnaire on food intake, physical activity and sleep, and the Satter Eating Competence Inventory 2.0TM (ecSI 2.0TM). In addition, anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed at primary healthcare centres. Eating competent individuals (37%, classified by ecSI 2.0TM) had a better quality of diet (p < 0.05 for all). Additionally, eating competence was associated with a lower prevalence of previously undiagnosed type 2 diabetes, abdominal obesity, metabolic syndrome and hypertriglyceridaemia, and with better insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05 for all). However, these associations, except for metabolic syndrome, were at least partly mediated by body mass index. Eating competence is associated with a healthy diet and could, thus, in the long term, support the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

The Relationship between Sleep Quality and Eating Competence in A Sample of Canadian Post-Secondary Students

Background: Post-secondary students are at increased risk for sleep problems and poor eating behaviours that overtime may lead to negative health outcomes later in life. However, limited research has examined associations of sleep quality with eating behaviours and eating competence (e.g., being positive, flexible, and comfortable with eating and getting enough enjoyable and nutritious foods) among Canadian post-secondary students. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed an online survey with valid and reliable measures that assessed sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), eating competence (Satter Eating Competence Inventory [ecSI]) and select eating behaviours (i.e., daily fruit and vegetable intake; weekly caffeine and alcohol intake). Participants were dichotomized into poor- and good-quality sleepers using the PSQI cut-off score (>5 = poor-quality sleeper). Independent t-tests examined sociodemographic (e.g., year in college) and health (e.g., Body Mass Index [BMI]) differences by sleep quality group. Binary logistic regression analyses controlling for BMI examined significant differences between quality sleep (good vs. poor) with eating behaviours. Significance level was set at p

Satter Eating Competence Inventory Subscale Restructure After Confirmatory Factor Analysis

ObjectiveTo examine the structural validity of the empirically and theoretically derived Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0). MethodsConfirmatory factor analyses with 3 databases and a merger with 3 additional data sets (n = 2,010) from demographically heterogeneous samples. ResultsFindings supported retaining all 16 items and migration of the item I trust myself to eat enough for me from the Internal Regulation to Eating Attitudes subscales, providing 4 distinct but correlated subscales and an adequately fitting model, χ2(98) = 1,364.27, P < .001, comparative fit index = .91, root mean square error of approximation = .07, 95% confidence interval, 0.07–0.08, standardized root mean square residual = .05. Conclusion and ImplicationsPsychometric integrity of the 16-item ecSI 2.0 was affirmed. Continued examination is recommended with cultural and linguistically diverse samples and network analyses to identify dynamic interactions among items.

Eating Competent Parents of 4th Grade Youth from a Predominantly Non-Hispanic White Sample Demonstrate More Healthful Eating Behaviors than Non-Eating Competent Parents.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the associations between eating competence (EC) and eating behaviors that were found in a USA sample of predominantly Hispanic parents of 4th grade youth could be replicated in a USA sample of predominantly non-Hispanic white parents of 4th graders. Baseline responses from parents (n = 424; 94% white) of youth participating in a year-long educational intervention were collected using an online survey. Validated measures included the Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI 2.0TM), in-home fruit/vegetable (FV) availability, healthful eating behavior modeling, and FV self-efficacy/outcome expectancies (SE/OE). Data were analyzed with general linear modeling and cluster analyses. The findings replicated those from the primarily Hispanic sample. Of the 408 completing all ecSI 2.0TM items, 86% were female, 65% had a 4-year degree or higher, and 53% were EC (ecSI 2.0TM score ≥ 32). Compared with non-EC parents, EC modeled more healthful eating, higher FV SE/OE, and more in-home FV availability. Behaviors clustered into those striving toward more healthful practices (strivers; n = 151) and those achieving them (thrivers; n = 255). Striver ecSI 2.0TM scores were lower than those of thrivers (29.6 ± 7.8 vs. 33.7 ± 7.6; p < 0.001). More EC parents demonstrated eating behaviors associated with childhood obesity prevention than non-EC parents, encouraging education that fosters parent EC, especially in tandem with youth nutrition education.

Teacher Well-Being Attributes Are Positively Associated With Teacher Perceptions of Fuel for Fun Tasting Lessons

This cross-sectional study examined the relationships of fourth-grade teachers' (n = 20) body mass index, cooking attitudes and behaviors, and the Satter eating competence inventory (ecSI 2.0) with their attitudes toward Fuel for Fun classroom tasting lessons. Teachers who liked to cook rated student engagement with the lessons and student application of academic skills higher than teachers who do not like cooking (P &lt; .02, P &lt; .01, respectively). Teacher body mass index was inversely associated with their ratings of student engagement (P &lt; .03). Findings support inclusion of teacher nutrition-related attitudes and behaviors in the evaluations of healthful eating interventions of school-aged children.

Stress and psychological constructs related to eating behavior are associated with anthropometry and body composition in young adults

BackgroundThe transition to college is associated with weight gain, but the relation between eating behavior indicators and anthropometric outcomes during this period remains unclear. ObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate sex differences in stress, emotional eating, tendency to overeat, and restrained eating behavior, and determine whether the psycho-behavioral constructs assessed immediately prior to starting college are associated with anthropometry and adiposity at the start of college, and with first-semester weight gain. MethodsA prospective study administered the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ), Satter Eating Competence Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to 264 participants one month before college. Body composition was assessed via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the start of college, and anthropometry (weight, height, waist circumference [WC]) was collected at the beginning and end of the first semester. Ordinary least squares regression tested the cross-sectional association of baseline psychological and behavioral scales with baseline DXA and anthropometry, and the longitudinal association with change in anthropometry. ResultsAmong 264 participants, 91% (241) had baseline data, and 66% (173) completed follow-up. In sex-adjusted linear regression models, baseline TFEQ disinhibited and emotional (DE; EE) eating sub-scales were positively associated with baseline weight (P = 0.003; DE, P = 0.014; EE), body mass index (BMI, P = 0.002; DE, P = 0.001; EE), WC (P = 0.004; DE, P = 0.006; EE) and DXA fat mass index (P = 0.023; DE, P = 0.014; EE). Baseline PSS was positively associated with subsequent changes in weight and WC among males only (Pinteraction = 0.0268 and 0.0017 for weight and WC, respectively). ConclusionCollege freshmen with questionnaire scores indicating a greater tendency to overeat in response to external cues and emotions tended to have greater weight, BMI, and WC at the start of college. Males with higher perceived stress at college entrance subsequently gained significantly more weight in the first semester, but no such relation was evident in females.