Meal Skipping Research Articles

A Qualitative Study of Changes in Adolescent Dietary Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic and Improvement Strategies for School-Provided Nutrition Counseling

This study utilized qualitative research to understand the changes taking place in adolescent dietary behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current status of school-provided nutrition counseling. These, along with barriers and strategies for improvement, were derived from focus group interviews with 10 nutrition teachers. Throughout the pandemic, adolescents experienced various dietary problems, including frequent meal skipping, unbalanced diets, increased obesity, and difficulties building positive attitudes towards food. To resolve these dietary problems, nutrition teachers recognized the need for school-provided nutrition counseling. However, nutrition teachers faced various barriers, such as a lack of time for nutrition counseling among students, lack of support from parents, and insufficient space and resources. To revitalize school-provided nutrition counseling, strategies such as home-connected nutrition counseling, the development of standardized guidelines, manuals for school-provided nutrition counseling, software support for nutrition diagnosis, and implementation of nutrition counseling in connection with cooking activities were proposed. This is important as school-provided nutrition counseling can help develop the foundation for healthy dietary behaviors and health promotion in adolescents.

Do nutritional habits and supplement use affect health-related quality of life during social isolation period in the community of North Cyprus?

ABSTRACT The aim of study was to comprehensively investigate the effect of nutritional habits and supplement use on health-related quality of life during social isolation period. This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 418 participants (73.4% were women and 26.6% were men) participated in this study. Participants’ demographic information, nutritional habits, and quality of life were questioned, and anthropometric measurements were obtained. A significant difference was found in the main meal skipping status of individuals by age group. The consumption of milk, yoghurt, ayran, legumes, cereal products other than bread, vegetables, fruits, oilseeds, and snack foods was similar in both periods. Furthermore, frequencies of multivitamins, multiminerals, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, calcium, omega-3, and probiotics were similar during and before the pandemic. A significant difference was found in scores obtained on the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) by age group. There was a significant difference in the quality of life scores by body mass index (BMI) groups. It was concluded that quality of life decreased due to the increase in body weight during pandemic period. The social isolation period did not make a clear difference in the nutritional habits of individuals and the use of nutritional supplements. When the main meal skipping situations were evaluated within the scope of nutritional habits, those who did not skip their main meal received the highest score on the QOLS.

Chrononutrition during Pregnancy and Its Association with Maternal and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ramadan and Non-Ramadan Studies.

Much evidence suggests that food intakes and eating patterns are major determinants of the phase of peripheral circadian clocks, and desynchronization between them is thought to contribute to the development of metabolic disorders. However, much remains to be understood about how different dimensions of chrononutrition during pregnancy affect pregnant women's and their offspring's health outcomes. Therefore, we systematically reviewed and integrated all emerging evidence on chrononutrition during pregnancy (including meal skipping, meal frequency, night eating, and (Ramadan) fasting) and their relationships with maternal and offspring outcomes. The results suggest that meal skipping and night eating during pregnancy were generally associated with adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes, whereas no strong conclusion could be reached for meal frequency. In our meta-analysis, Ramadan fasting did not seem to be related with birth weight or gestational age at birth, but evidence for other mother-offspring outcomes was inconsistent. To further elucidate the effect of chrononutrition factors on maternal and offspring health outcomes, larger and well-conducted prospective cohort and interventional studies are needed. In addition, information on covariates such as physical activity, sleep, diet quality and quantity, fasting days, fasting period per day, and trimester exposure should also be collected and considered during analysis.

Correlates of Meal Skipping in Community Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

In this cross-sectional analysis of 10,071 community dwelling adults aged ≥70 years, we examined factors associated with meal skipping (self-reported) using multivariable logistic regression. Prevalence of meal skipping in this study was 19.5%. The adjusted odds (aOR [95%CI]) of meal skipping were lower in those 85+ years (vs. 70–74.9 years, 0.56 [0.45–0.70]), and in those in regional areas (vs. urban area, 0.81 [0.72–0.92]). Higher odds of meal skipping were observed for those living alone (vs. living with someone, 1.84 [1.64–2.05]), current smokers (vs. non-smokers, 2.07 [1.54–2.80]), consumers of high amounts of alcohol (vs. abstainers 1.93 [1.35–2.75]), those with poor oral health (vs. excellent oral health, 1.71 [1.07–2.73]) diabetes (vs. not 1.26 [1.06–1.50]), or frailty (vs. not, 1.63 [1.09–2.43]). This study identified socio-demographic, social, behavioural and biomedical correlates of meal skipping in later life, which may assist in targeting interventions to address meal skipping.

Iron Deficiency among School-Aged Adolescents in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Predictors, and Effects on Health-Related Quality of Life.

Iron deficiency (ID) is a prevalent nutritional deficiency affecting children/adolescents worldwide. We reported (1) the prevalence of ID and ID with anemia (IDA) among Chinese school-aged adolescents, (2) clinical and dietary predictors of iron status, and (3) its impact on health-related qualities of life (HRQoL). This cross-sectional study recruited 183 boys and 340 girls (mean age = 17.55) from 16 schools in Hong Kong. ID is defined as serum ferritin <15 μg/L. The participants reported their dietary habits, menstrual patterns (girls), and HRQoL using structured questionnaires. The overall prevalence of ID was 11.1%. None of the boys had ID or IDA. Among girls, the rate of ID was 17.1% and IDA was 10.9%. One-third (36.3%) reported a regular habit of skipping ≥1 meal/day. Lower ferritin was found in adolescents who skipped meals (Est = -35.1, p = 0.017). Lower ferritin is correlated with poorer school functioning (Est = 0.81, p = 0.045) and fatigue (Est = 0.92, p = 0.016). Skipping meals is associated with poorer physical (p = 0.0017) and school functioning (p = 0.027). To conclude, 1 in 10 school-aged adolescents in Hong Kong are iron-deficient. The ID rate in girls (17.1%) is similar to that in other industrialized countries (5.2-16.6%). Future work should promote awareness on the potential health consequences of poor dietary habits on ID and the well-being of adolescents.

English

Healthy eating during adolescence is a fundamental prerequisite for optimal physical growth, psychosocial and cognitive development and prevention of diet-related chronic diseases. This study assessed the dietary habit, nutritional status and associated factors among adolescents in Tamale metropolis, Ghana. An analytical cross-sectional survey of 402 adolescents was used in this study. Semi structured questionnaire was used to solicit information on the adolescents&rsquo; socio-demographic characteristics and dietary practices. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to summarize the data and to assess factors associated with the adolescent&rsquo;s dietary habits and nutritional status. Meal skipping (87.8%), particularly breakfast was observed as the main unhealthy eating habit among adolescents in the Tamale metropolis. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity as observed among adolescents were 26.1, 5.2, and 0.7%, respectively. Adolescents whose caregivers/parents are of low socio-economic status were 27% less likely to practice unhealthy dietary habits compared to those whose parents/caregivers are of high socio-economic status (OR=0.73; 95%CI: 0.54-0.99; P=0.04). The risk of adolescents being underweight as against normal in males was 2.46 times higher (RRR=2.46; 95% CI: 1.50-4.04; P=0.001) compared to the risk of being underweight in females whereas the risk of being overweight or obese as against normal was 57% lower (RRR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.14-1.36; P=&lt;0.001) in males compared to the risk of being overweight or obese in females. More than quarter of the adolescents were underweight and factors such as unhealthy dietary habits, average socio-economic status, and adolescents whose mothers were unemployed were predictors of underweight.&nbsp; &nbsp; Key words: Adolescents, dietary habit, nutritional status, overweight, underweight, obesity.

Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Food Market Prices and Food Supply in Urban Markets in Nairobi, Kenya

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented disruption of food systems worldwide, with most governments taking severe containment measures to curb the spread. This resulted in unpredicted negative impacts of the agri-food supply chains coupled with food price inflations. Ultimately, this affected the food security and urban livelihoods for most households, who are dependent on urban markets for food supply. This study examined the implications of the pandemic on food prices and commodities supplies to urban markets conducted through structured interviews. A review of the secondary data was also conducted to show the trends of commodity prices over the last 5 years. The high inflation of commodity prices with a decline in sales volumes was reported by most traders (97%) with decreases in supply quantities. Changes in the consumption behaviour in households was reported by consumers (75%), with 65% experiencing reduced food diversity at home. Households adopted varied coping mechanisms, including reduced food portions (52%), reduced food varieties (44%) and skipping meals (32%). Market prices increased by an average margin of 13.8% for grains and pulses with price decline observed for cabbages (−30.8%) and Irish potatoes (−19.4%). The findings may inform policymakers of additional future shock and pandemic control protocols, whose actions would assure food protection of urban livelihoods.

PS-C23-10: STUDY TO ASSESS THE TYPE OF MEAL SKIPPED AND CHOICE OF FOOD OUTLET (FOOD OUTSIDE HOME) BY COLLEGE GOING GIRLS

Background: Obesity and hypertension are important public health issues. Most of the population does not consume the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It has been shown that after the transition from adolescence to young adulthood, when independency increases, young adults are continuously challenged to make unhealthy food choices. Aim: To assess the type of meal skipped and choice of food outlet (food outside the home) by college-going girls. Material &amp; Method: This study was conducted on 96 college-going girls between the age group of 18–25 years who were selected by a random sampling method. The data was collected with the help of a questionnaire. Results: Results showed that 30% of girls skipped their breakfast while 22% skipped their lunch and 26% were not skipping any of their meals. It was found that 43% of the college-going girls chose to eat food in the canteen during the college hours while 41% chose to eat in the cafeteria/ restaurant. Conclusion: The skipping of meals and consumption of food in food outlets (food outside the home) seem to contribute to reducing the consumption of nutrient dense food because majority of college canteens have few choices of healthy food options. Hence, this can lead to obesity, and the pathway from obesity to hypertension will most likely become one of the major health issues of twenty-first century.

Dietary Diversity and Nutritional Status of Adolescents in Rural Ghana.

The rapid biological and physical changes during adolescence require adequate nutrient intake. This study assessed dietary diversity and nutritional status of adolescents living in selected rural areas in Ghana. In this cross-sectional study, 137 young adolescents, aged 10 to 14 years were recruited. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, household size and food intake practices. A multiple past 24-hour recall was used to estimate the micronutrients intake. Haemoglobin and anthropometry data were assessed. Dietary diversity score was assessed with 10 food groups described by Food and Agricultural Organization. Descriptive, chi-square, binary regression and partial correlation were used in the data analysis. The prevalence of underweight was 5.5%, overweight 5.8% and anaemia 29.9%. The mean dietary diversity score was 3.8 ± 0.8 and about 84.7% of participants had inadequate dietary diversity. Proportions of adolescents who consumed from the different food groups over a 24-hour period were: grains, white roots and tubers, plantain (100%); pulses (10.2%); nuts and seeds (34.1%); dairy (8%); meat, poultry and fish (86.9%); eggs (7.3%); dark green leafy vegetables (29.9%); other vitamin-A rich fruits and vegetables (2.2%); other vegetables (81%); other fruits (7.3%). Dietary diversity scores were positively and significantly correlated with intake of micronutrient, with correlation coefficients of .169, .186, .191, .173 and .175 for vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6, iron and zinc, respectively. Meal skipping (AOR = 12.2, P < .001, 95% CI: 3.6-41.7) and snacking (AOR = 5.0, P = .007, 95% CI:1.6-16.7) increased odds of inadequate dietary diversity. The high prevalence of inadequate dietary diversity was positively related to meal skipping and snacking among adolescents. Dietary diversity score was significantly related to the intake of vitamin A, niacin, vitamin B6, iron and zinc. The prevalence of anaemia among our study participants is of public health concern. Adolescents should be encouraged both at home and school to eat from diverse food groups to promote adequate intake of micronutrients.

Application of digital transformations of dietary microdata and factor analysis to study the nutritional patterns of breakfast and its significance in providing the nutritional value of the diet of adults

Eating disorders with skipping meals are considered as a risk factor for chronic non-communicable diseases. Frequent skipping of meals is associated with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Breakfast is considered to be the most important meal of the day. However, studies on the impact of skipping breakfast on the risk of overweight and obesity are highly controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of skipping the morning breakfast meal and its impact on the actual daily intake of nutrients and energy in the Russian adult population. Material and methods. The data from a sample survey of dietary intake conducted in 2013 by the Russian Federal State Statistics Service have been used. The analysis included adult respondents (19 years and older) in the amount of 163 000 people in 2 stages of the survey (in April and September). The dietary intake of all members of the surveyed households was studied using the 24-hour recall method. Since the survey questionnaires did not contain information about type of meals, therefore, with the help of binning in thзe SPSS program, time intervals of the maximum food energy intake by the respondents were established, which were taken as evidence of the main meals and snacks. Results. Of the main meals, the largest proportion of respondents skipped dinner (23.1%), then breakfast (13.0%), and the smallest proportion skipped lunch (5.7%).The proportion of men and women who skipped breakfast was 12.6 and 13.3%, respectively, a greater frequency of skipping breakfast was observed at a young age (19-30 years, 19.3%) and at an old age (75 years and older, 16.1%). With an increase in the average monthly income of a family, the percentage of those who skip breakfast increases. Adult members of families with many children (3 or more children), whose average per capita income is lower than those in families with 2 children, skip breakfast less frequently. The smallest share of people skipping breakfast was found in the North Caucasian and Southern districts, and the maximum in the Siberian and Far Eastern districts. Adults who skipped breakfast had a higher percentage of malnourished (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) and normal nutritional status (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2). At the same time, the proportion of people who consumed breakfast was significantly higher in overweight people (25.0-29.9 kg/m2), and no differences were found among obese people. It is shown that skipping breakfast is accompanied by a decrease in the energy value of the daily diet by an average of 200 kcal. Despite the increase in the caloric content of the 2nd breakfast, afternoon snack and evening snack in absolute terms (р<0.01), there was no compensation for the loss of energy value in the absence of breakfast. A decrease in the absolute values of nutrient intake associated with a decrease in energy consumption was established. However, skipping breakfast showed a decrease in added sugar intake as a per cent of total calorie intake (12.1±8.6 vs 13.2±9.1%, р<0.01), while the contribution of other macronutrients to energy intake did not change significantly. In connection with the heterogeneity of the actual dietary intake of the population, factor analysis was used to describe the main food models of the breakfast using the principal component method. 6 factors were identified that determine the eating patterns of breakfasts and correlate with 2-4 individual food items of actual dietary intake. Conclusion. The results obtained are consistent in a number of positions with the literature data, in particular, indicating a decrease in daily energy consumption when skipping breakfast.

Perceived Stress and Stressors among Undergraduate Medical Students of a Nigerian Institution.

To identity stressors and measure the intensity of stress perceived by clinical students in a Nigerian institution. This study was a cross-sectional study of fifth and sixth-year medical students using the 40-item Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire (MSSQ). Students marked their responses to each of the 40 questions on a Likert scale ranging from-causing no stress at all (0) to causing severe stress (4). The median stress scores for the six domains were as follows: Academic related stressor (ARS)- 2.1, Teaching and Learning related stress (TLRS)-1.29, Desire related stressors (DRS)- 1.00, Group activities related stressors (GARS)- 1.00, Social related stressor (SRS) - 0.83, and Interpersonal related stressor (IRS)- 0.57. Overall, ARS was perceived to cause high-level stress in 51.6%, and severe stress in 7.8% of students. Specifically, 'Heavy workload' and 'large amount of content to be learnt' caused severe stress in 45.3% and 40.6% of students respectively. Skipping meals was frequent and associated with high stress scores in IRS, SRS and GRS domains. Academic related stressors cause high-severe stress among a considerable proportion of medical students studied, while interpersonal related stress caused mild stress. 'Heavy workload', 'Tests/Examinations', and 'lack of time to review what has been learnt' are some major stressors identified. Universities need to prioritise accessibility to healthy meals, improved students' living environment, provision of psychological support and formal training on time management and other soft skills, to reduce stress and promote better academic performance. There may be a need to review medical students' curriculum to prioritise relevance over breadth of content.

1905. High food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic among secondary school teachers - Tajikistan, 2021

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic’s global disruptions resulted in food insecurity and negative consequences beyond direct health impact. Increased understanding of these consequences can protect critical infrastructure workers, including teachers, in future pandemics and COVID-19 waves. Methods We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from September through October 2021 in Kulyab, Tajikistan. Teachers, systematically recruited from 54 secondary schools, responded to an online structured questionnaire on food security and negative consequences. We defined food insecurity as (1) being very worried about not having food, (2) having run out of food a lot more than before the pandemic, or (3) having to skip meals often because of insufficient money, and high food insecurity if all applied. Multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to identify variables associated with high food insecurity. Results Of 1,575 teachers surveyed, 44% had food insecurity, and 14% had high food insecurity. Negative consequences experienced included, 40% income loss, 7% having to move households, 67% depression/anxiety, and 44% fear of leaving home due to violence. Food insecurity was independently greater among teachers with school age children (15% vs. 9%), that had to quarantine or isolate (18% vs. 9%), and who had COVID-19 (21% vs. 13%). Odds of high food insecurity were higher among teachers with significant income loss (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 3.3, 95% CI: 1.9-5.7), depression/anxiety (AOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0), fear of leaving home due to violence (AOR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.7-4.1), and teleworking vs in-person (AOR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3). Odds were lower among teachers who practiced physical distancing (AOR 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.7) and with household members &amp;gt; 60 years old (AOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8). Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic teachers in our study experienced high food insecurity, income loss, and anxiety or depression. Safety nets could be strengthened and focused for health threats affecting populations access to food. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Evaluation of perceived depression, anxiety, stress levels and emotional eating behaviours and their predictors among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to (1) evaluate the prevalence and predictors of perceived depression, anxiety, stress (DAS) levels and emotional eating behaviours and (2) determine the correlations between DAS levels and emotional eating behaviours during the pandemic. An online cross-sectional study included questions about demographic and anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits, Emotional Appetite Questionnaire (EMAQ) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales. The snowball sampling method was used. Türkiye. The study population was 2002 adults aged ≥18 years. The mean age was 27·1 ± 9·52 years (72·1 % females and 27·9 % males). The prevalence of moderate to severe DAS was reported as 27·8 %, 30·5 % and 30·7 %, respectively. Skipping meals (OR = 1·32, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·49)) was associated with depression. Weight gain (OR = 1·43, 95 % CI (1·19, 1·66); OR = 1·30, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·49); OR = 1·39, 95 % CI (1·14, 1·64)), weight loss (OR = 1·45, 95 % CI (1·20, 1·70); OR = 1·37, 95 % CI (1·11, 1·62); OR = 1·46, 95 % CI (1·20, 1·72)), exercising at least 150 min/week (OR = 0·64, 95 % CI (0·46, 0·83); OR = 0·73, 95 % CI (0·55, 0·92); OR = 0·83, 95 % CI (0·63, 1·02)), and maintaining an adequate and balanced diet (OR = 0·52, 95 % CI (0·33, 0·71); OR = 0·53, 95 % CI (0·34, 0·73); OR = 0·63, 95 % CI (-0·15, 0·35)) were associated with DAS, respectively. BMI (r = 0·169, P < 0·001), weight (r = 0·152, P < 0·001), number of snacks (r = 0·102, P = 0·011), depression (r = 0·060, P = 0·007), anxiety (r = 0·061, P = 0·006) and stress (r = 0·073, P = 0·001) levels were positively correlated with EMAQ-negative scores. Approximately one out of every three participants reported moderate to severe DAS levels. Emotional eating was significantly correlated with perceived DAS. The predictors obtained in the study suggest that a healthy diet and lifestyle behaviours are part of psychological well-being and emotional eating.

Descriptive Study on Dietary Pattern and Health Status of Adolescents from Rural Bengaluru

Background: Changing lifestyle and food consumption patterns have greater impact on the health status of adolescents including rural, urban and peri-urban areas. Adolescents are vulnerable age group and needs special attention to meet the daily recommended nutrient intakes, especially as it lays foundation for the adult life. Thus, this study was planned to document the sociodemographic and food consumption pattern of adolescents residing in rural Bengaluru. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed based on pilot-study to collect data on the anthropometric profile, socioeconomic status and food consumption pattern. The data was calculated for the per cent adequacy for nutrients and food intake. Result: The data suggested that majority (80%) respondents belonged to lower middle class and only 12-16% were from upper lower class. Sixty-eight per cent respondents had normal BMI while still 29 per cent were underweight. Skipping meals was noted more in adolescent girls than boys. The per cent nutrient adequacy was more for macronutrients, while less for micronutrients; however, the calcium adequacy was higher due to regular finger millet consumption.

Anthropometric status of nurses working at a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses in South Africa (SA) is increasing. This is a concern as overweight and obesity increase the risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to determine the anthropometric status of nurses working at a private hospital and to identify the factors related to a high body mass index (BMI). This study was conducted at a private hospital in Pietermaritzburg (PMB), KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Weight, height and waist circumference (WC) measurements were taken, using standardised procedures. A self-administered questionnaire was developed to collect data on factors associated with a high BMI. Most participants were overweight or obese (86.2%; n = 112). The mean BMI of females (33.55 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that of males (28.08 kg/m2) (p = 0.043). Nurses who did not smoke had a significantly higher BMI (33.84 kg/m2) than those who smoked (29.58 kg/m2) (p = 0.030). Nurses who skipped meals had a higher mean BMI (33.75 kg/m2) than those who did not skip meals (29.63 kg/m2) (p = 0.005). Most females had a WC above 88 cm (66.2%; n = 86), indicating a substantially increased risk for metabolic complications. There was a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among the nurses according to BMI. According to WC, most female nurses had an increased risk for metabolic complications. Being female, not smoking and skipping meals were associated with a higher BMI. This study highlights the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity among nurses.

Food, Mood, Context: Examining College Students’ Eating Context and Mental Well-being

Deviant eating behavior such as skipping meals and consuming unhealthy meals has a significant association with mental well-being in college students. However, there is more to what an individual eats. While eating patterns form a critical component of their mental well-being, insights and assessments related to the interplay of eating patterns and mental well-being remain under-explored in theory and practice. To bridge this gap, we use an existing real-time eating detection system that captures context during meals to examine how college students’ eating context associates with their mental well-being, particularly their affect, anxiety, depression, and stress. Our findings suggest that students’ irregularity or skipping meals negatively correlates with their mental well-being, whereas eating with family and friends positively correlates with improved mental well-being. We discuss the implications of our study in designing dietary intervention technologies and guiding student-centric well-being technologies.

A STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF PRE MENSTRUAL SYNDROME, ITS ASSOCIATION WITH DIETARY HABITS AND STRESS LEVELS AMONG ADOLOSCENT GIRLS STUDYING IN GIRLS COLLEGE OF HYDERABAD

Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is a group of physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms that begins 7-14 days before menses and fade once menses begins. PMDD is a psychiatric diagnosis of PMS. The cause of PMS is unknown. Hence studies need to be conducted to know the various lifestyle and dietary habits that increases the risk of PMS. The aim was to study the dietary pattern of adolescent girls aged 17-19 years of Girls college of Hyderabad during the PMS period. The objectives were to study the prevalence, association between lifestyle habits, dietary pattern and stress with PMS in these adolescent girls. Adolescent girls of Girls College, answered a self- constructed, pre tested, standardized questionnaire for the prevalence study. Information on lifestyle and dietary habits, dietary preferences and symptoms observed in PMS period, and the observed stress level was collected. Chi – square test and non- parametric test was done to interpret the data. Among the 300 respondents, 19.3% had PMDD, 46.3% had moderate to severe PMS and 34.3% had mild/no PMS. There was an association between PMS and consuming high calorie foods, herbal teas during PMS period (p is less than 0.05) and also with stress (pis less than0.05) Reducing high calorie foods help to reduce PMS symptoms. Adequate sleep, less screen time and avoiding skipping of meals, consuming less fast food would reduce the prevalence. Having higher level of stress increases the risk of developing PMS or even PMDD.

The Risks and Consequences of Skipping Meals for Low-Income Mothers

The Risks and Consequences of Skipping Meals for Low-Income Mothers

Migraine awareness, prevalence, triggers, and impact on university students: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMigraine is a public health concern, and university students have been found to be particularly susceptible to stress and other factors that trigger migraines. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, awareness, and impact of migraine on University of Sharjah students.A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The diagnosis of migraine was made according to the International Headache Society (IHS) criteria and the impact on life was calculated through the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) score.ResultsThe overall migraine prevalence was 26.35% with 25.3% of migraineurs were unaware of having migraine. The most common reported symptoms during a migraine headache attack were one side headache (82.7%) and pulsating headache (66%). Sleep deprivation (74.7%), stress (58%), and hunger or skipping meals (57.3%), were the most common triggering factors. Almost 60% of the migraineurs had a disability ranging from moderate to severe and hospital admission was needed by 30%.ConclusionsThe prevalence of migraine was high among university students, wherein some students might be unaware of having migraines. Migraine has a deleterious impact on students’ productivity and wellbeing. Well-designed interventions such as screening programs might be needed to help in proper diagnosis and management of migraine attacks as well as special educational programs to raise awareness about migraine.

Qualitative study exploring perceptions, attitudes and practices of adolescent university students in Lagos, Nigeria, towards a healthy lifestyle.

Lifestyle behaviours such as physical activity, dietary habits and sedentary behaviour are developed and established during adolescent years. This study aimed to explore the perceptions, attitudes and practices of adolescent university students in Lagos, Nigeria, towards healthy lifestyle. Three university institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. Qualitative research design was employed. In-depth interviews (IDIs) using an audio-recorder were conducted with 18 adolescent university students recruited through purposive sampling from three university institutions in Lagos, Nigeria. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic content analysis was used to analyse transcribed data. Study participants perceived a healthy lifestyle as balanced diet, regular physical activity and disease prevention. They described their attitudes and practices towards a healthy lifestyle in terms of personal conviction and disposition, regular physical activity and consumption of fruits and vegetables. Meal skipping and junk food consumption were notable unhealthy dietary practices. Home environment, school campus physical environment, peers, secondary school background and concerns about fast food quality were positive influences towards healthy lifestyle, while academic schedules, personal disposition school campus eateries and sociocultural background were negative influences. Computer and Internet activity was the main sedentary activity. Study participants' perception of healthy lifestyles in terms of balanced diet and physical activity aligned with the evidence-based guidelines for healthy lifestyle concepts. Regulatory policies and built environment that promote healthy dietary practices among adolescent university students are recommended.Contribution: Future research is suggested to examine the benefit of study participants' engagement in computer or Internet sedentary activities for academic activity and knowledge seeking towards healthy lifestyles.