Sources Of Nutrition Information Research Articles

Putting Knowledge into Practice: Low-Income Women Talk about Food Choice Decisions

Insights into barriers and facilitators for healthy eating are needed to improve low-income women’s diets and to decrease disease risk. The study objectives were to explore women’s qualitative perceptions of influences on their food choices such as food security, their knowledge of nutrition-related health risk factors and self-efficacy for diet change, and their dietary intakes in practice. Thirty-six women, aged 19–50, who were eligible to receive income-based assistance were recruited in central Iowa. Focus group discussions on defining healthy foods, influences on food choice, and nutrition information sources were analyzed using a socioecological model framework. Demographics, nutrient intake estimates, food security status, health behaviors, and self-efficacy for nutrition behavior change were collected by survey. Most participants were White (61%), single (69%), food insecure (69%), and living with children (67%). Few women met dietary recommendations. Barriers to healthy eating include cost, convenience/preparation time, family taste preferences, and limitations of federal food assistance programs. Facilitators are high self-efficacy for nutrition change and health knowledge on average. These results challenge the strategy of using nutrition education to improve healthy eating and instead show that intervention messaging should focus on limited, achievable steps to improve dietary choices that fit within cost, convenience, and taste constraints.

A mixed-methods investigation of women\u2019s experiences seeking pregnancy-related online nutrition information

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to describe women’s processes for finding pregnancy-related nutrition information, their experiences seeking this information online and their ideas for improving internet sources of this information.MethodsIn total, 97 pregnant women completed an online quantitative questionnaire and 10 primiparous pregnant women completed semi-structured telephone interviews. Questionnaires and interviews asked participants to describe sources of pregnancy-related nutrition information; time of seeking; processes of searching online; experiences searching online; ideas for improving information found online. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square tests; interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsNearly all (96%) survey participants sought nutrition information online. Information was most commonly sought during the first trimester of pregnancy. Motivators for using the internet included convenience and lack of support from health care providers. Barriers to using online information included lack of trust, difficulty finding information and worry. Women adapted the information they found online to meet their needs and reported making positive changes to their diets.ConclusionsThe internet is a key source of prenatal nutrition information that women report using to make positive dietary changes. Women would benefit from improved access to trustworthy internet sources, increased availability of information on different diets and health conditions, and increased support from health care providers.

Nutrient Profiling Systems, Front of Pack Labeling, and Consumer Behavior.

Guiding consumers toward more healthful food choices may help address the high prevalence of poor dietary quality and diet-related diseases. The use of front-of-package labels (FOPL) on food items is expanding to provide focused nutritional information or representations, often based upon nutrient profiling systems. FOPL provide a source of nutrition and health information that is readily understood by consumers, including those with limited literacy. There is evidence that FOPL can shift consumer behavior toward more nutritious and healthful choices. However, assessments of the effectiveness of FOPL have been restricted in scope and rely largely on simulation models rather than real-world environments. FOPL are a direct source of nutritional guidance at the point-of-purchase and provide an opportunity to convey critical information on ingredients that are associated with health promotion and/or increased risk of non-communicable diseases. However, limited evidence regarding the most effective forms of FOPL to achieve behavior change and challenges from the food industry impedes the establishment of standardized nutrient profiles and algorithms. Future opportunities for FOPL include the potential for integrating nutritional profiles with non-nutrient factors affecting health such as food processing and environmental sustainability.

Serious Games for Nutritional Education: Online Survey on Preferences, Motives, and Behaviors Among Young Adults at University.

BackgroundData on nutritional information and digital gameplay are limited among young adults in Germany.ObjectiveThis survey aimed to gather data on nutritional information sources and digital games for nutritional education (preferences, motives, and behaviors) among young adults at both Munich universities in Germany.MethodsAn online survey was developed by an multidisciplinary research group using EvaSys, an in-house survey software. The questionnaire (47 items) covered questions about baseline characteristics (eg, housing situation and weight), nutrition (eg, nutritional information sources), and digital (nutritional) gameplay (eg, preferences, motives, and behaviors). A feedback field was also provided. This publication is based on a selection of 20 questions (7 baseline characteristics, 2 nutrition, 11 gameplay). Young adults, primarily Munich university students aged from 18 to 24 years, were invited to participate by digital and nondigital communication channels between 2016 and 2017. Statistical analyses were performed using Excel 2013 (Microsoft Corp) and R version 3.1.3 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing).ResultsIn total, 468 young adults (342/468, 73.1% women; 379/468, 81.0% university students) participated. Most of the participants (269/468, 57.5%) were aged 18 to 24 years with a BMI in the normal weight range (346/447, 77.4%). Mean body weight was 65.5 [SD 14.0] kg. Most participants reported getting nutritional information from the internet (372/467, 79.7%) and printed media (298/467, 63.8%), less than 1.0% (2/467, 0.4%) named digital games. Apps (100/461, 21.7%) and university/workplace (146/461, 31.7%) were the most desired sources for additional information about nutrition, while 10.0% (46/461, 10.0%) of participants stated wanting digital games. Almost two-thirds (293/468, 62.6%) of participants played digital games, while one-fifth (97/456, 21.3%) played digital games daily using smartphones or tablets. Finally, most respondents (343/468, 73.3%), mainly women, expressed interest in obtaining nutritional information during digital gameplay. However, significant gender differences were shown for nutritional acquisition behaviors and digital gameplay preferences, motives, and behaviors.ConclusionsOur survey population reported playing digital games (especially men) and wanting nutritional information during digital gameplay (especially women). Furthermore, university or workplace are named as preferred settings for nutritional information. Therefore, a digital game app might have the potential to be a tool for nutritional education among young adults within the university or workplace environment.

Assessment of Dietary Intake, Body Composition and Sports Nutrition Knowledge of NCAA Division I Female Collegiate Volleyball Players

Abstract Objectives To assess nutritional intake, body composition and sports nutrition knowledge of NCAA Division I female volleyball players. Methods Nutritional intake was assessed using three-day food records. Daily average energy, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and specific vitamins and minerals intakes were analyzed using Food Processor 11.1. These values were compared to the recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Sports nutrition knowledge was assessed using an 87-question validated nutrition for sports knowledge questionnaire (NSKQ). Athletes were also asked to state their sources for nutrition knowledge. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Descriptive data (mean ± SD) and Pearson correlation coefficients (r) were calculated using SPSS 26.0 with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results Fourteen female volleyball players (age: 19.6 ± 1.3 y, height: 174.9 ± 8.2 cm, weight: 73.2 ± 8.5 kg, BMI: 24.1 ± 2.5 kg/m2; body fat: 25.2 ± 3.4%) completed the study. Athletes’ mean energy intake was 24.7 ± 6.4 kcal/kg BW/day, while carbohydrate, protein and fat intake were 2.9 ± 0.92, 1.3 ± 0.44, and 0.88 ± 0.28 g/kg BW/day, respectively. Vitamin D intake was 137.1 ± 90.7 IU/day and calcium intake was 673.4 ± 352.5 mg/day. Energy and carbohydrate intake were lower than the ACSM recommendations (37–41 kcal/kg BW/day and 6–10 g/kg BW/day, respectively) while fat intake was higher. Protein intake fell within the recommended ranges (1.2–1.7 g/kg BW/day). Additionally, vitamin D and calcium were lower than the recommendations. The average NSKQ score was 45.4 ± 9.6% and was positively associated with weight (r = .738, P = 0.003) and vitamin D intake (r = .587, P = 0.027). Weight management score (51.8 ± 15.4%) was positively associated with weight (r = .676, P = 0.008). Four athletes included a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) as a source of nutrition information. In contrast, twelve athletes listed athletic trainers as a source. Conclusions The average NSKQ score suggests that NCAA Division I female volleyball players lack adequate sports nutrition knowledge which may be associated with inadequate energy and nutrient intakes. Athletes may benefit from nutrition education and counseling for improved performance and health from RDNs. Funding Sources There are no funding sources.

Low-Income Mothers’ Use of Technology to Find Nutrition Information: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objectives Pregnant and breastfeeding women are motivated to improve their diets for the health of their infants, but have difficulty maintaining changes postpartum or post-breastfeeding. Tailoring nutrition education to the mother-infant dyad versus individually, and providing mothers with information on the continued connection between them and their infants, may be effective at promoting healthful behaviors for both. However, low-income mothers report barriers to in-person education; technology may therefore help reach this audience. The objective of this study was to explore the receptivity of low-income mothers to the use of technology in providing nutrition education for themselves, their infants and families. Methods Women with a child <3 years were recruited through WIC to participate in focus groups. Topics explored were sources of nutrition information for themselves, infants and families, and use of technology to find information. Groups were recorded, transcribed and analyzed with N-Vivo to develop overarching themes. Results African American, Hispanic and White (N = 13) women participated in 4 mixed groups. Overarching themes developed from the data are (1) Prioritization: Women seek health information (from any source) for their infants and family, not themselves; (2) Context: Women accept nutrition information from health professionals, but seek to make it relevant to their lives through social networks, both personal and online; (3) Online Usage: Women seek nutrition information online in the same manner they do with other topics, including the platforms used (social media), at the time information is needed, and valuing resources they consider appropriate to their individual needs and their culture, values and lifestyles. Health professional sources online are not prioritized. Conclusions Online resources are currently used by low-income mothers as support for implementing nutrition information. Making use of this technology to provide education that is relevant, but also-evidence based, is needed. Funding Sources NIFA USDA Hatch Grant.

Nutrition Care Services for Adult Obesity in Primary Health Care: Time to Revisit and Define the Role of Detitian

Abstract Objectives To survey the nutrition care services for adults overweight and obese in primary health care in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia in 2019 with comparison for the surveyed services in 2016. Methods The study is a cross sectional service evaluation survey. The design and conduct survey was exclusively to define and judge nutrition care services those provided to overweight and obese adults at the governmental-operated primary health care (PHC) in 27 centers in 2019 after integration of the registered dietitians (RD) to the services. Services evaluation used no reference to a standard but 18 of the surveyed PHC in 2019 were previously visited in 2016 to assess the provided nutrition care services for patients in PHC, including obese patients. The re-visit survey was to investigate improvements in services achieved in the year 2019. The survey tool was a structured questionnaire. A paired sample T-Test was used to compare results of the 2016 survey with the 2019 re-visit survey with reference to obesity management. Results Results of comparison showed a significant difference in the provided nutrition care services in the 2016 and 2019 re-visit surveys. Although employing of dietitians in the PHC has improved. However, it did not reach a significant different when compared to the situation in 2016 (P = .088). The 2019 re-visit survey showed a high significant changes considering other health professionals as the main source of nutrition information in PHC as dietitians were noticed to be the main source of nutrition information (P value < .000), when compared to the situation in the 2016 survey. Conclusions The nutrition care services and the integration of RDs in the multidisciplinary approach to manage adults obesity was measured using a service evaluation survey approaches. The incorporation of nutrition care services into primary care will enhance a collaborative patient-centred approach to primary care management of obesity and power all involved health practitioners including RDs to tackle the problem in Saudi Arabia. Funding Sources The Deanship of Scientific Research at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

A Comprehensive Review of the Benefits of and the Barriers to the Switch to a Plant-Based Diet

In recent decades, the food industry has been faced with new challenges, and it has had to develop new types of diets and produce new types of foods that can slow down the spread of chronic diseases. The aim of our research was to identify the characteristics of plant-based nutrition, based on international and Hungarian literature. The comprehensive analysis was performed based on the theoretical model called Theory of Planned Behavior, in the course of which the perceived and objective benefits of and barriers to the conversion to a plant-based diet were examined. According to our results, the main benefits of plant-based nutrition are its many factors associated with a reduction in risk of developing numerous chronic diseases. This is followed by benefits of well-being and satisfaction, followed by ethical and environmental benefits. The most commonly reported inhibitory factor of a vegetarian diet is the enjoyment of eating meat and the difficulty in giving up meat consumption. This is followed by health considerations, e.g., lack of various ingredients in foods. Convenience and taste factors are also important disincentives, as well as the irrelevant nature of some plant-based nutrition information sources. Besides, social barriers, negative discrimination, and negative effect on mental health associated with them can also be a hindrance, as can financial barriers. The classification developed during our analysis can serve as a relevant guideline for decision-makers, and also as a basis for further primary qualitative and quantitative research.

Day to Day Eats: Using an Educational Blog to Extend Nutrition Education

An educational blog was created for the purposes of extending learning beyond the reach of organized classes and supplementing the core themes of the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Focus group members reacted to the format, content, visual appeal, and writing style of the blog and addressed their likelihood of reading the blog because of these elements. Their overall acceptance of the blog as a relevant source of nutrition information confirms the usefulness of this mode of social media for expanding the sharing of information beyond in-person interactions.

Using the Internet: Nutrition Information-Seeking Behaviours of Lay People Enrolled in a Massive Online Nutrition Course.

People’s accessibility to nutrition information is now near universal due to internet access, and the information available varies in its scientific integrity and provider expertise. Understanding the information-seeking behaviours of the public is paramount for providing sound nutrition advice. This research aims to identify who learners in a nutrition-focused Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) turn to for nutrition information, and how they discuss the information they find. A multi-methods approach explored the information-seeking and sharing behaviours of MOOC learners. Summative content analysis, and an exploratory, inductive, qualitative approach analysed learners’ posts in MOOC discussion forums. From 476 posts, the majority (58.6%) of nutrition information sources learners reported were from websites. Providers of nutrition information were most commonly (34%) tertiary educated individuals lacking identifiable nutrition qualifications; 19% had no identifiable author information, and only 5% were from nutrition professionals. Qualitative themes identified that learners used nutrition information to learn, teach and share nutrition information. Consistent with connectivist learning theory, learners contributed their own sources of nutrition information to discussions, using their own knowledge networks to teach and share information. Nutrition professionals need to understand the principles of connectivist learning behaviours in order to effectively engage the public.

Revision and Psychometric Validation of a Survey Tool to Measure Critical Nutrition Literacy in Young Adults

ObjectiveTo refine and psychometrically validate the Revised Critical Nutrition Literacy Tool in a young adult sample. MethodsYoung adults recruited from 3 universities completed the 11-item Critical Nutrition Literacy Tool claims scale. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and item response theory were used to validate the Critical Nutrition Literacy Tool. Omega and Cronbach α assessed reliability. ResultsA total of 1,718 participants completed the survey. Results from exploratory factor analysis and CFA analyses suggested that a 2-factor, 7-item instrument showed a reasonable fit to the data based on the comparative fit index and standardized root mean residual values, χ2(13) =161.64, P < .001, comparative fit index = 0.90, root mean square error of approximation = 0.11, standardized root mean residual = 0.07. All items loaded well onto the factors from the CFA and item response theory perspectives. The full measure and both factors showed questionable (>0.60) or acceptable (>0.70) internal consistency. Conclusions and ImplicationsA revised 2-factor instrument capturing (factor 1) critical appraisal of media and (factor 2) evidence-based sources of nutrition information demonstrated sound psychometric characteristics. Further item testing is necessary for different populations, and item development is warranted to capture Internet/social media sources and the relationship among critical nutrition literacy, dietary behaviors, and health outcomes.

Promoting Evidence Based Nutrition Education Across the World in a Competitive Space: Delivering a Massive Open Online Course.

The internet is the fastest growing source of nutrition information for consumers. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provide and avenue for nutrition professionals’ urgent need to respond to consumer demand for low-cost, accessible and engaging information. This research aimed to evaluate learner participation and perceptions in an evidence-based nutrition MOOC and provide recommendations for engaging international online lay audiences. Learners completed pre and post course surveys including quantitative and open-ended questions. Pre-course surveys collected demographic data, prior nutrition knowledge and motivations for doing the course. Post-course surveys evaluated their preferred learning modes and learners’ opinions of the course. Quantitative were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Conventional content analysis was conducted on learners’ responses to open-ended survey questions using an inductive approach. Learners represented 158 countries from a range of educational backgrounds. There were 3799 qualitative comments related to learners’ learning and course content preferences. Qualitative analysis identified key themes related to (1) online interaction, the (2) value of the evidence presented by nutrition experts and (3) the course structure and practical aspects. Divergent opinions were expressed within these themes. Satisfying the needs of large international audiences with diverse backgrounds is challenging in promoting sound evidence-based nutrition messages. MOOCs provide a means for delivering evidence based global nutrition education in the online space crowded with food advertising and nutrition conjecture. Recommendations are made as to how to construct and engage diverse on-line audiences.

Development and validation testing of a weight management nutrition knowledge questionnaire for adults

Background/ObjectivesBecause no validated tool exists to assess nutrition knowledge regarding weight management we developed and tested the Weight Management Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (WMNKQ).Subjects/MethodsThe questionnaire assesses nutrition knowledge in these categories: energy density of food, portion size/serving size, alcohol and sugar sweetened beverages, how food variety affects food intake, and reliable nutrition information sources. In total 60 questions were reviewed by 6 experts for face validity and quantitative analysis was used to assess item difficulty, item discrimination, internal consistency, inter-item-correlation, test-retest reliability, construct validity, criterion validity, and convergent validity.ResultsThe final WMNKQ contained 43 items. Experts removed 3 of the original 60 questions and modified 41. Eighteen items did not meet criteria for item difficulty, item discrimination, and/or inter-item correlation; 4 were retained. The WMNKQ met criteria for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88), reliability (test-retest correlation ρ = 0.90, P < 0.0001), construct validity (known groups comparison) - dietitians scored 16% better (p < 0.0001) than information technology workers, and criterion validity (pre- to post-intervention improvement in knowledge scores = 11.2% (95% CI 9.8–12.5, p < 0.0001)). Participants younger than age 55 scored significantly better than those over age 55 (convergent validity).ConclusionsThe WMNKQ measures how well nutrition principles of weight management are understood.

Anthropometric Measurement and Dietary Pattern of Rural Farmers in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area Abia State, Nigeria

AbstractIntroductionIn Nigeria, up to 70 percent of the populations are employed in the agricultural sector. Majority of the farmers are in the rural area (Khayesi, 2001). Poverty in rural areas is much more widespread than in urban areas. A high proportion of poor households consist of farmers who depend on agriculture as a primary food and livelihood source. Malnutrition is widespread in the entire country and rural areas are especially vulnerable to chronic food shortage, unbalanced nutrition, poor quality and high cost of food (Akinyele, 2009).ObjectivesThe specific objectives were to: (i) obtain information about the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers; (ii) assess the dietary pattern of the rural farmers using food frequency questionnaire. (iii) obtain the anthropometric measurements of the rural farmers; (iv) compare dietary pattern and anthropometric data of the farmers.Materials and MethodsFour hundred and fifty farmers were randomly selected from the list of registered farmers in Osisioma L.G.A. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio economic and dietary pattern of farmers. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using standardized procedures. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis.ResultsResult show that 62.5% were males and 37.5% females. About 62.5% were between 40–50 years while only 1% was less than 30 years. About 12% of the farmers were underweight, 26% were overweight and 3% were obese. Results on dietary practices showed that less than half (45%) of the farmers' source of nutrition information came from the community health workers. Large number of the population (65%) reported a poor feeding practice and 76.4% skipped meals, which is an unhealthy nutritional practice. Majority (84.7%) also indicated not to have enough resources for family feeding. Farming activity revealed majority (86%) practiced crop farming with cassava (48.4%), garden egg (46.8%), maize/Oka (46.8%) and pumpkin/Ugu (37.5%) as the most farm produce of income. Bread, rice and maize were the most consumed cereal. Garri/fufu topped the most consumed root and tuber food produce. Seasonal variation affected fruit consumption with paw-paw (65.7%), orange (48.5%) and mango (55.0%) being the most consumed fruits.ConclusionThis study showed poor participation of youths in farming. Farmers in the study location majorly engaged in crop farming of cassava, maize and vegetables, this led to a high consumption of cassava and maize products.

Patient sources of diet and nutrition information after a cancer diagnosis

AbstractCancer patients experience many diet and nutrition-related problems, which are often under-recognised and under-treated. Research suggests few healthcare professionals discuss dietary information with cancer patients. Consequently, patients may seek information from other sources. It is unknown what these information sources are or what types of advice patients obtain and follow. The aim of this study was to determine the source and type of diet information cancer patients obtain before their first dietetic assessment and the degree to which this is followed. This was a prospective, multi-center, cross-sectional observational study. Ethical approval was obtained for each centre. Consecutive cancer inpatients and outpatients were recruited for six months at seven tertiary centers. Patients were screened for eligibility. Inclusion criteria included solid tumour, over 18 years of age, new dietetic referral and ability to sign consent. Data collection was carried out by a dietitian during initial routine dietetic assessment. Participants were asked four questions about dietary advice since cancer diagnosis. To date, 74 participants (50% female) with a median age 60 (range 23–80) have been recruited. Forty percent reported weight loss of ≥ 5%. The median time from diagnosis to initial dietetic assessment was 3 months (range 0–242). Patients who obtained advice did so from several sources (median 2 sources per patient, range 0–6) prior to dietetic referral. In rank order these were; 1) family or friend (n = 31), 2) health professional (n = 24), 3) online forums or websites (n = 16) and 4) media (n = 14). Twenty-one (28%) had received no dietary advice. The most frequent advice obtained related to avoidance of certain foods; particularly dairy, meat and sugar. Fruit, vegetables, protein, juices and wholegrain were advised. Fifty-one percent followed the advice fully and 4% partially. Seven expressed disappointment at not having a dietetics referral earlier and identified the need for the hospital “to introduce good information early”. In conclusion, the majority of dietary and nutritional advice prior to dietetic referral came from friends, family, media and online forums and websites. Most advice related to the avoidance and/or promotion of particular foods. Cancer patients want dietary advice from dietitians at diagnosis to prevent unnecessary avoidance of certain foods and to reduce the risk of unintentional weight loss.

Cow's milk exclusion in young children: Parents motives, sources of information and perception of their child's eating behaviours

AbstractResearch has assessed the diets of young children that follow a diet that excludes cow's milk. However, there is insufficient information about why parents decide to exclude cow's milk, where they obtain nutritional information, and their child's eating behaviours. This is important as the prevalence of cow's milk allergy is increasingly common in children, alongside a growing preference for plant-based diets. The purpose of this research was firstly to explore why parents exclude cow's milk from their child's diets and if this is due to recommendations from a health care professional. Secondly, to understand where parents source information to enable them to provide a healthy diet for their child. Finally, to explore parent's opinions of their child's eating behaviours.Thirty parents of children aged 1–3 years who exclude cow's milk and 20 parents of children who did not follow a restricted diet completed an online questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised of three blocks of questions. The first asked about the parents, the second pertained to the child. If they excluded cow's milk they were asked why they made this decision and who advised them. Parents were also asked where they source nutrition information for their child. The final block of questions consisted of the Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire.Parents reported excluding cow's milk due to cow's milk allergy (60%), lactose or milk intolerance (10%), suspected allergy or intolerance (27%) or personal choice (3%). When asked “Who advised you to remove cow's milk from your child's diet?” the majority responded that it was their own decision (35%), followed by GP advice (24%). The most common sources of nutrition information for parents of children that exclude cow's milk came from parenting webpages (21%), and social media (19%), whilst those on an unrestricted diet obtained information from health visitors (24%) and parenting webpages (19%). There were no differences in eating behaviours between children that excluded cow's milk and children that did not except for satiety responsiveness (p = 0.014), which was greater in the cow's milk exclusion group.This preliminary data indicates that many parents exclude cow's milk from their child's diets based on their own advice. Where parents of children on an unrestricted diet sourced nutrition information from their health visitor, few parents of children who exclude cow's milk used this source of support (7%).

Nutrition information in pregnancy: Where do women seek advice and has this changed over time?

Nutrition during pregnancy is fundamental to both the health of the mother and her baby. Sources of nutrition-related information are available via many sources but their accuracy is unknown. The present study aimed to (a) identify where women source their nutrition information during pregnancy and (2) assess the accuracy of nutrition information for pregnancy that is available on the internet. A survey instrument that identified the main sources of nutrition information was administered to 68 pregnant women recruited online. Data from this survey were compared to previous similar surveys conducted with pregnant mothers across years 2008, 2011 and 2014. A content analysis of websites was simultaneously conducted to assess the accuracy of available information. The main source of nutrition information for a variety of topics was verbal communication from health professionals (% responses affirmative for that source ranged from 6.6% to 69% across survey years). There was an increasing trend in internet sourced information for most nutrition topics, but this source remained low for iodine across all years (range: 7.3%-15.9%). The internet was the main source of information for listeria/food safety (15.3%-32.4%) and healthy eating (25%-42%). Of the n = 165 websites identified by the content analysis, 82.4% (n = 136) were rated as accurate, with government (96.9%) and business/company (100%) sites having the highest accuracy. Verbal communication from health professionals remains the most important source of nutrition information for pregnancy. The high credibility of websites indicates this to be an additional resource. Further study into health literacy levels among women visiting these sites is needed to assess impact on dietary behaviour.

Restrictive diets in older malnourished cardiac inpatients: A cross-sectional study.

Restrictive diets are commonly prescribed to cardiac patients for therapeutic and preventative reasons. However, these are often contraindicated for malnourished, older patients. The present study aimed to explore dietary behaviours of malnourished older cardiac inpatients and identify sources of nutritional information. A cross-sectional study was conducted over 4 months in a cardiology ward. Data on inpatients' habitual dietary behaviour, duration and reasons for dietary practices, and sources of nutrition advice were obtained during a dietetic assessment. From the reported reasons for dietary practices, diets were categorised by the treating dietitian into 'clinically indicated' (CI) or 'not clinically indicated' (NCI) diets. Sixty-seven malnourished patients were included, with mean age 76.6 ± 8.3 years and BMI 19.5 ± 6.2 kg/m2 . Twenty-six (38.8%) reported at least one dietary restriction, 14 (20.9%) were on a high energy-high protein diet prior to hospitalisation and 27 (40.3%) were on nonrestrictive diets. Five (19.2%) restrictive diets were assessed as CI at the time of admission, while 21 (80.8%) were NCI diets. CI diets were mostly recommended by dietitians (n = 15, 78.9%). Recommendations for NCI restrictive diets came mainly from 'Other' sources (n = 10, 55.6%) including the internet, friends and family. Restrictive diets are common among malnourished cardiac inpatients with the majority no longer clinically indicated. It is important for dietitians to explore current dietary practices of malnourished older inpatients on admission. Inpatients following NCI diets may require additional time for education around nutritional priorities.

Are We Listening to Our Limited-resource Audiences? Engaging Parents and Caregivers with Nutrition Messaging in Extension Programs

Social marketing campaigns can be an effective method for reaching and engaging limited-resource participants in health messages related to nutrition and physical activity. The target audience should be engaged throughout the process of message identification and creation. This study included focus groups with limited-resource caregivers to help identify information sources utilized, nutrition messages most likely to resonate, and preferred communication channels. Nine focus groups with 108 limited-resource caregivers were conducted. Most participants were between the ages of 21 and 44, with a majority receiving SNAP benefits. All participants were female with over half identifying as white. Two researchers coded focus group transcripts and identified themes. Participants expressed interest in nutrition particularly as it impacted children in their care. Nutrition information sources included family, health care professionals, and television celebrities. Participants expressed interest in practical nutrition content delivered through simple messaging. Communication channels frequently utilized included social media, posters in community agencies, and television news. Findings offer insight for nutrition professionals in creating and marketing nutrition messages that are competitive, accessible, and resonate with limited-resource caregivers.

Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Primary Sources of Nutrition Information, Perception of Nutrition for Athletic Performance and Advice Desired from a CSSD: A Survey of Student-Athletes at a DI Institution

Describe the current sports nutrition knowledge, primary sources of nutrition information, perception of nutrition for athletic performance, and the type of advice desired from a CSSD, of DI collegiate student-athletes.