Snacking Frequency Research Articles

Associations between the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and dietary and lifestyle behavior among young Korean adults: a preliminary cross-sectional study

Objectives: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a clinical condition caused by esophageal tissue damage resulting from the reflux of stomach or duodenal contents. An increasing number of GERD cases have been reported recently; however, research on this population, especially young adults, is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the dietary and lifestyle factors associated with GERD symptoms in young Korean adults. Methods: A total of 202 individuals (19–34 years old) living in Gwangju were surveyed using a questionnaire to examine their general characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary behaviors. GERD symptoms were investigated using the gastroesophageal reflux disease questionnaire (GerdQ). The participants were grouped into normal (GerdQ score ≤ 4) and caution (GerdQ score ≥ 5), and their characteristics were analyzed according to the group. Results: The findings suggested 15 participants (7.4%) belonged to the GERD caution group. More non-office workers were in the caution group than in the normal group (P < 0.05). The participants’ smoking, physical activity, sleep duration, and pillow height were not significantly different between the GERD phenotypes; however, the caution group consumed alcohol more frequently than the normal group (P < 0.001). The analyses of the participants’ eating behaviors revealed that the frequency of overeating, late-night snacking and chocolate consumption was significantly higher in the caution group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Lifestyle and dietary behaviors were associated with GERD symptoms in young Korean adults. Further studies with larger cohorts are required to confirm these findings.

Dietary changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Iranian households: are we witnessing a secular trend? A narrative review

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in late 2019, influenced nearly all aspects of human life, including food choices and dietary habits.MethodologyA web-based search was conducted from March to April 2024 in MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for published reports of large-scale surveys of dietary changes during or shortly after the coronavirus pandemic lockdown in Iran. The keywords used were coronavirus OR COVID-19, diet OR nutrition, household, and Iran. Studies that focused on specific areas, subgroups (such as students), or just one city or province were not included. To monitor dietary changes from the years before the lockdown, we used and plotted data from the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), as provided by the Statistical Center of Iran.ResultsThe overall results of the nationwide studies conducted during the lockdown period in Iran revealed that a significant proportion of the households reduced their consumption of milk, yogurt, cheese, red meat, white meat, eggs, and rice/bread. In approximately 47% of the households where weekly consumption of animal protein sources decreased, the consumption of rice and bread increased. Accordingly, 35 and 44% of households reported a decrease in the consumption frequency of fruits and snacks, respectively. Additionally, 21% of those who reduced their fruit consumption completely removed fruits from their food basket. Meanwhile, the use of dietary supplements, especially vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and multivitamins, had increased in households, particularly among those with higher incomes. Decreased income was a common reason for all of these dietary changes, which can have major health consequences in the long term.ConclusionThis review provides evidence that the observed changes had already begun years before the pandemic and presumably have not yet returned to the pre-pandemic situation. Finally, we suggest some strategies for policymakers to overcome the crisis and enhance community the nutrition and health of general population.

Comparison of snack characteristics by diet quality findings from a nationally representative study of Australian adolescents

Snacking is a common dietary behaviour among adolescents contributing to more than one quarter of their total energy intake; however, the relationship between snacks and diet quality remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to examine the characteristics of snacks among adolescents with different levels of diet quality. Dietary data collected from a nationally representative sample of Australian adolescents (12–18 years old, n = 935) using one 24-hour dietary recall in the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey were analysed. Snacks were defined based on participant-identified eating occasions, and diet quality was assessed using the Dietary Guideline Index for Children and Adolescents (DGI-CA). Marginal means and proportion of snack characteristics including snack frequency, snack energy density (ED), and commonly consumed foods at snack from the five food groups and discretionary foods at snack across DGI-CA tertiles (highest tertile indicating high guideline adherence) were estimated for both boys and girls using linear regression and logistic regression. Differences in means were tested using the F-test. The results showed no significant differences in the mean frequency of snacks across tertiles of DGI-CA scores. The mean ED of snacks decreased as DGI-CA scores increased in both boys (lowest tertile = 8.4, 95% CI [7.1, 10.0] kJ/g, highest tertile = 6.3 [5.4, 7.4] kJ/g) and girls (lowest tertile = 9.0 [7.8, 10.3] kJ/g, highest tertile = 5.9 [5.1, 6.9] kJ/g). As diet quality improved, the proportion of adolescents consuming discretionary (i.e., unhealthy) foods and foods from the five food group foods as snacks decreased and increased, respectively. In conclusion, adolescents with higher diet quality consumed snacks with a lower ED while lower proportion of them consume discretionary foods, and higher proportion of them consume from the five food groups. Encouraging the consumption of foods from the five food groups with lower ED as snacks presents an opportunity to enhance adolescent diet quality.

Early Childhood Caries: Expectant Mothers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Willingness to Treatment

Abstract Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most challenging diseases in childhood, which may begin as soon as teeth erupt into the oral cavity. The treatment is invasive, causing physical as well as mental stress not only among children and parents but also among dentists. ECC also places a heavy financial burden on the community. Hence, preventive treatment is considered to be of utmost importance. This study carried out in Kerala aimed to assess expectant mothers’ knowledge, attitude, and willingness to treat early childhood caries. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 expectant mothers visiting the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. A validated 28-item questionnaire was administered to know mothers’ awareness of the importance of primary teeth and their attitude, willingness, and readiness to initiate preventive oral healthcare for their children. Results: The result showed that around 89.3% were unaware of when to begin tooth brushing, around 78% had no idea that sharing utensils and frequent kissing can transmit cariogenic bacteria, and almost 81.3% of mothers were unaware of the fact that frequent snacking increases the probability of caries. About 82.7% preferred pedodontist for treatment. Conclusion: Expectant mothers have inadequate knowledge about oral health. The study showed that employed mothers had better oral hygiene knowledge than unemployed mothers. However, educated mothers were willing to prevent this through early identification and regular checkups. Clinical Significance: Kerala is a state with almost 100% literacy, but expectant mothers still have inadequate knowledge about the importance of oral health. The most common barrier to poor oral health in children is insufficient information among mothers about practices for preventing dental healthcare-associated problems. Awareness about dental health must be started during pregnancy to initiate prevention as early as possible. Healthcare information provided to expectant mothers can effectively prevent ECC, and education programs targeted at them will have a higher chance of success. Steps to include awareness programs among medical care providers who are in regular contact with the expectant mother are of paramount importance.

Updates on Caries Risk Assessment-A Literature Review.

This narrative review aims to provide an update on caries risk assessment (CRA) and the available CRA tools. CRA can be used to monitor the status of oral care, as well as for documentation and research purposes. Caries risk is determined by the interplay of risk and protective factors. Common risk factors include suboptimal oral hygiene practices, previous caries experience, low plaque acidity, frequent snacking, cariogenic diet, enamel defects, reduced salivary flow, polypharmacy, and radiotherapy experience. Caries risk can be reduced through some preventive measures, such as the use of fluoride, gum chewing, dental sealants. The CRA process can be categorized as single or multifactor tools. Single-factor CRA tools include diet analysis questionnaires, cariogenic bacteria testing and saliva testing kits, whereas multifactor CRA tools encompass Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA), Cariogram, and PreViser. Some CRA tools may quantify risk and protective factors to compute caries risk. Additionally, they can generate visual and educational presentations that foster success in oral care. Clinicians consider CRA beneficial for developing personalized care plans. However, the literature fails to reflect this and reveals limited studies supporting its use as evidence-based practice for caries management.

A longitudinal study among female college students' eating behaviors and food group intake based on the change in eating habit stages

Objectives This study aimed to longitudinally determine the eating behavior and food group intake of female students to examine the relationship between eating behaviors and intention to improve eating habits (change in eating habits stages) and help health education use the behavior change theory.Methods This one-year longitudinal study included 130 female students from Japanese colleges. The stage at which eating habits and behaviors (skipping breakfast, eating out, instant food intake, and snacking) and intake of food groups rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats and oils were assessed. The stages were as follows; pre-contemplation or contemplation (lower group), preparation (middle group), and action or maintenance (upper group). A self-assessment questionnaire was administered to evaluate eating behaviors and food group intake frequencies using a 5-point Likert scale. P-values of <.05 were considered statistically significant.Results A cross-sectional comparison of eating behaviors and food group intake scores demonstrated significant differences between the stages only in snacking behavior. The upper group consumed snacks significantly less frequently than the middle and lower groups. After one year, a longitudinal comparison of eating behaviors and food group intake scores revealed significant differences in the intake of food groups rich in vitamins and minerals (green and yellow vegetables), fats and oils in the pre-contemplation stage, intake of food groups rich in vitamins/minerals (green and yellow vegetables) and frequency of skipping breakfast in the preparation stage, and frequency of eating out and snacking in the action stage. Each stage demonstrated a decreasing trend in food intake and an increasing trend in the frequency of skipping breakfast, eating out, and snacking. The percentages of students whose eating habits stage dropped during the second year were 49.0%, 100%, and 77.8% in the preparation, action, and maintenance stages, respectively. This indicates that there are cases in which readiness reverses in stages with improved eating habits.Conclusion In health education on eating habits, it is vital to understand the changes in eating habit stages for each eating behavior and details of actual eating behaviors and habits. Thus, health education should align to the needs of each individual to support them in transforming and maintaining a higher stage of change in their eating habits.

Oral health literacy, knowledge, attitude, and oral health practices among college students at Jenderal Soedirman University

Background: Oral health literacy (OHL) has an important role as a medium for health promotion and efforts to prevent oral diseases through oral health behavior changes. Purpose: This study aims to determine OHL and its correlation with oral health knowledge, attitude, and oral health practice among college students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 583 students of Jenderal Soedirman University in 2020, as the students come from different provinces in Indonesia. The Indonesian Oral Health Literacy Questionnaire was used to assess OHL. A self-designed questionnaire was used to assess oral health knowledge, attitude, and oral health practice. Results: Most students had good OHL, knowledge, and attitude toward oral health (90.7%, 84.6%, and 90.5% respectively). A Pearson correlation test showed a correlation between OHL and oral health knowledge (p = 0.044) and attitude (p = &lt; 0.001). The Fisher exact tests showed a correlation between OHL and snacking frequency, tooth-brushing frequency, tooth-brushing time, and toothbrush changing time. The better the OHL, the better the knowledge and attitude. There was no correlation between OHL and sweet food eating frequency, the use of cleansing aids, dentist visit frequency, and the first action taken when experiencing toothache. Conclusion: OHL has a correlation with oral health knowledge and attitude. However, OHL is only related to some oral health practice indicators. The results of this study are expected to be taken into consideration when formulating strategies to improve oral health within the university.

Nacking Behaviours by Obese and Normal-Weight Male Teenagers in Shah Alam, Selangor

The well-being and health of Malaysian teenagers are significantly influenced by their dietary choices. To promote healthier eating habits, implementing school nutrition guidelines that address the food environment is a crucial step. However, complementing this effort with insights into snack preferences could further enhance this initiative. This study aims to investigate the snacking behaviours among male teenagers in public schools in Shah Alam, Selangor. The respondents, who are male teenagers aged between 13 to 19 years old (n=476), have undergone a BMI test to determine their level of obesity. A chi-square analysis has been utilised to assess the significance of snacking frequency among these male teenagers. The results have indicated that snacking frequency, preferred snack time, and types of snacks are significant factors associated with obesity among the respondents. The respondents have shown a preference for consuming chips, crisps, or crackers, which is largely influenced by media advertising and peer pressure to consume more than necessary. Understanding the snack preferences of obese male teenagers can potentially enhance the adoption of healthier dietary patterns within educational institutions. This has implications for stakeholders responsible for implementing and adhering to national school nutrition guidelines.

Associations between child eating behaviors with eating patterns and diet quality in preschool-aged children

Childhood eating behaviors are associated with weight status and laboratory assessments of dietary intake. However, little is known about how eating behaviors relate to the eating patterns and diet quality of children from marginalized populations when assessed in their natural environments. Therefore, we examined the association of food avoidant (e.g., food fussiness and satiety responsiveness) and food approach (e.g., food responsiveness and enjoyment of food) eating behaviors with children's meal size, eating frequency, and diet quality. We analyzed data from 61 predominately low-income Hispanic/Latinx preschool-aged children. Caregivers completed the Childhood Eating Behavior Questionnaire and two 24-h dietary recalls. From the recalls, we calculated meal size, eating frequency, and modified Diet Quality Index Scores (DQIS), and evaluated associations with eating behaviors using multivariable linear models. We also explored the relationship between eating behaviors and DQIS components. Food-avoidant subscales were associated with smaller meals and satiety responsiveness were associated with decreased snack frequency. Food approach subscales were not associated with meal size or eating frequency. Both food-avoidant and food-approach behaviors were associated with components of diet quality and caloric beverages outside of meal and snacks. These findings can inform future research on the relationship between child eating behaviors and dietary intake so that we can develop more tailored and effective interventions to promote healthy eating habits for low-income, Hispanic/Latinx preschool-aged children.

Underwhelming pleasures: Toward a self-regulatory account of hedonic compensation and overconsumption.

Hedonic overconsumption (e.g., overconsumption of gratifying behaviors, e.g., eating, gaming) is common in daily life and often problematic, pointing to the need for adequate behavioral models. In this article, we develop a self-regulatory framework proposing that when an actual consumption experience falls short of hedonic expectations-such as when being distracted-people will want to consume more to compensate for the shortfall. In a preliminary meta-analysis, a small-scale field experiment on distraction during lunch and subsequent afternoon snacking (Study 1), and a preregistered experience sampling study (Study 2) involving more than 6,000 consumption episodes in everyday life across multiple consumption domains, we investigated the predictions from our hedonic compensation model. There was clear and consistent evidence across studies and analyses for the prediction that distraction during consumption compromises the actual enjoyment of a given consumption experience. Both empirical studies yielded consistent evidence for a positive association between actual enjoyment and consumption satisfaction but inconsistent and weaker evidence for the expected role of actual-expected enjoyment discrepancies for this part of the model. There was also consistent evidence for the expected negative association between consumption satisfaction and the need for further gratification. Finally, there was moderate and inconsistent support linking the need for further gratification to subsequent consumption across Study 1 (amount and frequency of snacking in the afternoon) and Study 2 (shorter duration to subsequent consumption). Taken together, the present framework provides initial support for the proposed link among compromising consumption contexts, consumption enjoyment, and subsequent hedonic compensation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Longitudinal changes in Mediterranean diet adherence and perceived benefits and barriers to its consumption in US university students.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans has recommended consumption of a Mediterranean diet (MD) for overall health and wellbeing, and the US News & World Report has ranked the MD as the top diet overall for the past six consecutive years. However, it is uncertain if university students in the United States (US) have increased their adoption of this dietary approach over these past six years. Longitudinal cross-sectional survey conducted in three cohorts (2018, 2020, 2022) utilizing regression models to assess MD Adherence and other relevant outcomes variables. University in the southern US. Students (n = 761) enrolled in undergraduate introductory nutrition course. Survey respondents were 83% female, 91% white, and 97% ages 18-24. Predictors of MD adherence were older age, female gender, and health-related qualifications. MD adherence was lowest in 2022. The 2022 group perceived less MD health benefits, weight loss, ethical concerns, natural content, and sensory appeal compared to the 2018 group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in eating behavior were examined in the 2020 and 2022 groups. We observed that participants in the 2022 group had a greater frequency of snacking and a lower frequency of eating out compared to 2020 group. MD adherence did not increase over time in US university students. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and education to promote healthier eating habits in university students.

Magnitudes of overweight and obesity among adult and associated factors in jigjiga town, Somali region, Ethiopia

Overweight and obesity are major worldwide health concerns, with serious consequences for mortality and morbidity. Overweight and obesity rates are frighteningly high in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Ethiopia, due to a variety of causes such as urbanization, greater affluence, and bad food habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among people in Jigjiga Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia, as well as to investigate related factors in order to inform treatments and policy. A cross-sectional survey was done among persons aged 20 to 64 working in the government, non-governmental, and commercial sectors. Socio-demographic information, food habits, physical activity, and anthropometric measures were all recorded. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was shown to be 42.4 %, with significant correlations identified with profession and TV viewing habits. Employed people were less likely to be overweight or obese than those in commerce/trade, and those who watched TV for 2–3 h had a reduced risk than those who watched less than 2 h. The study found that khat chewing is significantly associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity, with chewers being 1.56 times more likely to be overweight or obese compared to non-chewers. Additionally, there is an inverse relationship between snacking frequency and overweight/obesity risk; participants who snacked once a day were 2.5 times more likely to be overweight or obese than those who snacked three or more times a day. These findings highlight that khat chewing and snacking patterns are important modifiable risk factors for overweight and obesity in the studied population. These findings highlight the need of focused treatments targeting food choices, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in combating overweight and obesity in Eastern Ethiopia. Collaboration among academics, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community stakeholders is critical for developing successful methods for promoting healthy lifestyles and lowering the region's overweight and obesity burden.

Description of Macro Nutrition Intake, Snack Consumption Habits with Nutritional Status in Elementary School Children at UPT SDN 86 Gresik

The nutritional status of school children can be influenced by food consumption and snacking habits, potentially leading to malnutrition and obesity. This study aims to identify the profile of macro-nutrient intake, snacking habits, and the nutritional status of elementary school children at UPT SDN 86 Gresik. It is descriptive in nature and involves 82 students as respondents. The survey method was utilized, employing questionnaires and interviews for data collection. The research conducted at UPT SDN 86 Gresik revealed that 46.7% of students had an energy deficit, 62.2% had a protein deficit, 64.4% had a fat deficit, and 57.8% had a carbohydrate deficit. Additionally, 42.2% exhibited poor snacking frequency, and 60% consumed unhealthy snacks. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that 4 students (8.9%) had poor nutritional status, 32 students (68.9%) had a normal nutritional status, 2 students (4.4%) had excess nutritional status, and 7 students (15.6%) were obese

The association between dietary meal intake habits and coronary artery stenosis and cardio-metabolic risk factors

Background and objectiveWe are not aware of studies examining the association between dietary meal intake habits (DMIH) and severity of coronary artery stenosis (CAS). This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between DMIH and the severity of CAS as well as cardiometabolic risk factors in adults undergoing coronary angiography.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was done on 720 patients undergoing coronary angiography (aged 35–75 years) who were admitted to Afshar Hospital, a referral hospital for cardiovascular diseases in Yazd, Iran. Data on DMIH were gathered by interview. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Blood pressure, anthropometric indices, and body composition were also evaluated. The relationship between DMIH and the severity of CAS [examined by angiography based on Gensini Score (GS) and Syntax Score (SS)] and cardiometabolic risk factors were assessed using logistic regression and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), respectively, in crude and multivariable adjusted models.ResultsAfter adjustment for all possible confounding variables, the study revealed that people who ate 3 meals/day had a lower risk of severe CAS compared to people who ate 2 or fewer meals (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26, 0.88, P-trend = 0.02). There was an inverse association between the number of snacks /day and the severity of CAS (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.87, P-trend = 0.02). There was also an inverse relationship between breakfast frequency/week and the severity of CAS based on both GS and SS (P < 0.05). Breakfast consumption, meal frequency, lunch consumption, snack frequency, and more food consumption on holidays were also associated with different cardiometabolic markers and anthropometric measures (P < 0.05).ConclusionAccording to the results of the present study, meal frequency and breakfast consumption might be inversely associated with CAS and cardiometabolic risk factors.

The Degree of Emotional Eating Among Female University Students and Its Impact on Their Pattern of Eating Behaviors

Background: The transition from high school often coincides with impact on emotional eating (EE), potentially leading to disruptions in eating patterns. Even though, the impact of EE on patterns of eating behavior among Saudi female university students is not fully investigated. Aim: To assess the impact of EE on patterns of eating behavior among Saudi female University students. Methods: A total of 359 female students (King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia) participated in a cross-sectional study. Data was collected using online questionnaire including general characteristics, Emotional Eating Questionnaire (EEQ) and Eating Behavior Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ). Results: 41.2% of participants were categorized as somewhat emotional eaters with a mean EEQ score of 13.80±6.84. EE was positively associated with eating out, frequent snacking, consumption of sweets and biscuits, and meal skipping (p&lt;0.05). Additionally, EBPQ score was positively correlated with weight/BMI (r=0.28, r=0.29) while negatively correlated with adherence to low-fat diet (r=-0.30, r=-0.26). Significant association between EEQ scores and BMI (p&lt;0.001), with increased emotional eating score among overweight/obese individuals. Conclusion: Female university participants exhibited somewhat emotional eating tendencies, highlighting the complexity of the interaction between different parameters. These findings underscore the importance of addressing EE behaviors and its subsequent impact on dietary patterns; and promoting healthier dietary habits among Saudi female university students.

A cross-sectional study on adult lifestyle habits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 has spread and developed into a pandemic disease, forcing countries to impose challenging protocols and lockdowns. This study assessed shopping, food consumption behavior, and feelings in Jordan and several Arab countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional web-based survey among the Middle East population was conducted using an online questionnaire between July and September 2022. Participants were requested to answer a standardized and validated structured questionnaire. Demographic information, shopping behavior information, and mental health data were requested. A total of 542 respondents were included in the study. During COVID-19 quarantine, participants (68.6%) reported decreased shopping frequency and buying more food than usual (37.5%). Cereals and legumes were the primary food types stored by participants (76.9%). Multiple logistic regression revealed the age of the participant as a significant factor affecting storing of food (being ≤ 25 years old (OR = 0.456, p value = 0.038)). 75.7% of female participants eat less frequently in restaurants than usual. In contrast, among males, 48.5% reported that they eat at restaurants less frequently than usual. The country of residency and gender were the significant factors affecting negative feelings and emotions. Participants in countries other than Jordan had a higher negative feeling score (Beta = 0.086, p value = 0.042). Furthermore, females had a higher negative feeling score (Beta = -0.128, p value = 0.003) as the negative feelings score for females was 3.58 (SD = 5.443). On the other hand, it was 2.10 (SD = 5.091) for males. The COVID-19 pandemic has altered Jordanians' attitudes, shopping, and food consumption habits. Although positive behaviors have improved, such as shopping less frequently, eating home-cooked meals, and dining with family, frequent snacking and food storage have increased. Finally, public awareness of shopping and food consumption habits should be promoted.

Description of Knowledge, Attitudes, Behavior of Snacking Habits and Nutritional Status of Students at MI Darun Najah Kloposepuluh Sukodono Sidoarjo

Street food is food that is sold and served by street vendors on the side of the road and in public places, which can be eaten directly without further processing or preparation. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge, attitudes, behavior, eating habits, and nutritional status of students at MI Darun Najah Klopoten Sukodono Sidoarjo. This research method uses a descriptive method. The total population of this study was 311 students in grades 4, 5, and 6 and a sample of 56 students was taken using Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling. Data collection was carried out through interviews with knowledge questionnaires, attitudes, FFQ forms, and anthropometric measurements. From the results of the study, most of the students had a sufficient category of knowledge (64.3%), good attitude (71.4%), frequent snacking behavior (53.6%), and good nutritional status (55.4%). From this, it can be concluded that most students still have sufficient knowledge and behavior of frequent snacking habits. It is recommended that the school hold outreach to students regarding information on snacks and nutrition and how to eat good and healthy snacks. School canteens are also expected to provide nutritious snacks.

An Assessment of the Nutritional Status and Eating Habits of in-School Adolescents in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Adolescence is a vulnerable stage of life within which there is rapid growth and development and increased nutrients requirement. However, the period of adolescence has been characterized by poor dietary practices that may lead to health problems such as under nutrition and obesity.&#x0D; Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and eating habits of in-school adolescents within Sokoto metropolis.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents selected through multistage random sampling. Data was obtained using pre-tested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Subjects’ body mass index (BMI) was determined using Centre for Disease Control BMI percentiles. Data was analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25.&#x0D; Results: A total of 389 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 15.46 ± 1.67 SD and more than half of them 231(59.4%) were females. The BMI was normal among 276(71.0%) of the respondents, 93(23.9%) were underweight, while 4(1.0%) were obese. Most of the respondents 318(81.7%) reported taking at least 3 meals per day, 257(66.0%) reported breakfast as their heaviest meal. The frequency of skipping meals was 300(77.1%). The main reason for meal skipping was non-availability of food as at meal time by 99(33.0%) of them. Frequent snacking occurred amongst 330(84.8%) subjects. The independent predictors of BMI were age category (p=0.015), gender (p=0.012), tribe (p=0.031), father’s education status (p=0.002), mother’s education status (p=0.003), number of people in the household (p=0.004), social class (p&lt;0.001), and frequent snacking (p=0.034)&#x0D; Conclusion: Two-third of the respondents had normal BMI for age while about a quarter of them were underweight. A high proportion of them engaged in meal skipping and snacking. The BMI was associated with socio-demographics and frequent snacking.

Validating an electronic snacking questionnaire among New Zealand adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes – feasibility study

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by a deficiency in insulin production and consequent hyperglycaemia. A glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value &lt; 53 mmol/mol (&lt; 7%) is recommended to reduce the risk for diabetes-specific complications(1). However, most adolescents and young adults (AYAs) have an HbA1c above the target(2). Dietary behaviours, including a routine meal plan with snacks, play a significant role in self-management(3). Snacks without an insulin bolus, grazing or snacking to cope with stress contribute to out-of-target glucose levels. Although modifying AYAs’ snacking behaviours could be a low-cost, equitable, and effective approach to improving glycaemic control, there is a dearth of evidence to inform effective snacking interventions. Importantly, no brief, validated tool exists to assess snacking behaviour among individuals with T1D. This research explored the acceptability and feasibility of validating a snacking questionnaire adapted for AYAs with T1D; a crucial step before a larger validation study. Twenty-five AYAs (aged 13-20 years) with T1D and receiving diabetes care through Te Whatu Ora Southern were invited to participate in a feasibility study. Purposive sampling was used for maximum variability in participants’ demographic characteristics. All study procedures were completed remotely, with electronic questionnaires administered in the morning via a secure web platform. On days 1 and 8 of the 8-day study, participants completed a 30-item snacking questionnaire that assessed the timing and frequency of snacking and types of food or drinks consumed as a snack in the past seven days. The snacking questionnaire was adapted from questionnaires previously used in population-level surveys. An experienced diabetes dietitian ensured that items reflected foods commonly consumed by AYAs with T1D. Before recruitment, two diabetes dietitians and a young adult with T1D critically reviewed the adapted snacking questionnaire. On days 2-8, participants recalled their snacking behaviour (timing, frequency, food/drink consumed) over the previous day. The proportion of completed snacking questionnaires assessed feasibility, defined as a response rate ≥ 80%. The ease of completing the snacking questionnaires was self-reported on a Likert-type scale (1-completely agree, 5-completely disagree) to assess acceptability, defined as ≤ 20% of participants reporting the questionnaires were not easy to complete. Participants (n = 10) were aged 16.2 ± 1.69 years, 60% male, and 90% self-identified as New Zealand or Other European. All participants completed the proposed validation study. Most (95%) of the snacking questionnaires were completed. All (100%) daily snacking behaviour questionnaires were completed. All participants (100%) agreed that the questionnaires were easy to complete. The snacking behaviours questionnaire validation procedures are feasible and acceptable to New Zealand and Other European AYAs with T1D. Feasibility and acceptability must be explored among ethnically diverse AYAs before conducting a larger rigorous validation study.

Can snacking on almonds displace discretionary foods in the diets of habitual snackers?

Snacking frequency has increased in recent years, with many snack options being nutrient-poor and likely contributing to excessive energy intakes (1,2). At the same time, nut intakes have remained low(3). While almonds, like many other snacks, are high in fat and energy, they are rich in beneficial unsaturated fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. Snacking on almonds may offer substantial health advantages, including improving energy balance and overall diet quality, compared to typical modern snack foods. The healthier diets observed among nut consumers may be partially explained by addition of nuts to the diet leading to displacement of other, less desirable foods. We aimed to compare the effects of consuming a snack of almonds vs sweet biscuits or savoury crackers daily for one year on displacement of discretionary foods and food group patterns. We used a randomised controlled parallel study design involving 136 non-obese habitual discretionary snack consumers aged 18–65. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a snack of either almonds, or biscuits, daily for one year. These isocaloric snacks provided either 10% of participants’ total energy requirements or 1030 kJ (equivalent to 42.5 g almonds), whichever was higher. Dietary intake was measured using three-day weighed diet records record at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Of the participants, 101 (74%) were female, with a mean (SD) age of 35.6 (13.4) years and BMI of 23.7 (3.0) kg/m2. Those assigned to the almond group increased their percentage total energy (%TE) from nuts and seeds from 1.4% (baseline) to 13.8% (12 months), while those assigned to the biscuit group increased %TE from biscuits and crackers from 5.1% to 12.4%. There was a non-statistically significant (p = 0.053) decrease in %TE from discretionary foods to 12-months for almond group compared to the biscuit group. %TE from discretionary foods decreased significantly in the almond group from baseline to 12-months (mean (95% CI) difference: −4.9% (−8.3, −1.5) p = 0.005), with no evidence of a change observed in the biscuit group (−0.0% (−3.6, 3.6) p = 0.994). Regular consumption of nuts as a snack food may improve diet quality by displacing discretionary food intake among regular discretionary snack consumers. However, the observed displacement was incomplete relative to the energy provided by the study snack. Snacking is driven by factors beyond simply satisfying hunger, including flavour, texture, and overall eating experience. We hypothesise that – among this group of discretionary snack consumers – partial displacement, and hence the continued consumption of other snack foods, was likely due to the sensory properties of consuming almonds alone being insufficient to fulfil hedonic satiation. Strategies to improve sensory appeal of almonds to discretionary snack consumers may assuage subsequent snack-seeking behaviour and provide important advantages in terms of both energy balance and diet quality.