Sources Of Nutrition Information Research Articles

PRE-CONCEPTION READINESS AMONG PROSPECTIVE BRIDES

Background: Preconception is the best preparation time for the First 1000 Days of Pregnancy. Prospective brides are a group that must receive attention and monitoring regarding health conditions, including nutritional status, to prepare for pregnancy and the birth of a healthy baby. This research aims to determine the preconception nutritional readiness of prospective brides. Method: This type of research was quantitative with a cross-sectional descriptive design. The population in the study was 30 prospective brides and was obtained using a consecutive sampling technique of 20 prospective brides. The variables studied were the bride and groom's sociodemographic data, including age, highest level of education, work status, and sources of nutrition and health information. Other variables studied were body mass index nutritional status, chronic lack of energy status, anemia status, energy, protein, iron, calcium, folic acid intake, ferro supplementation and folic acid supplementation, and preconception nutritional knowledge. The collected data will be entered and processed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS, then analyzed univariately using a descriptive frequency test. Results: The results of this study show that the sociodemographics of the majority of prospective brides are in the early adult age category (55%), have secondary education (75%), are not working (75%), and receive health and nutritional information from health workers (45%). Adequate energy intake level (75%), insufficient protein (55%), insufficient iron (85%), insufficient calcium (95%), insufficient folic acid (100%), no supplementation (85%), nutritional status of each -respectively normal and obese (35%), not CED (60%), not anemic (80%), lacking knowledge (70%), and lacking preconception nutritional readiness (85%). Conclusion: Most prospective brides cannot meet at least half of the preconception nutritional readiness indicators measured.

Examining the Association between Social Media Use and Dietary Habits among College Students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Food culture plays a vital role in societal dynamics, with various factors influencing dietary choices beyond hunger. Among these factors are external eating, triggered by environmental cues, and emotional eating, which are common stress-coping mechanisms among college students. Social media has a significant impact on nutrition by providing access to food-related content, which can lead to restrictive diets or unhealthy eating habits. High social media engagement is associated with an increased risk of chronic diet-related conditions such as metabolic syndrome. This study investigated the association between social media use and dietary habits among college students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The cross-sectional study surveyed 401 participants online. The findings revealed that 74.6% of participants were women, with a mean age of 20.75 years. A significant portion (51.9%) reported spending over four hours daily on social media, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube being the primary sources of nutritional information. Statistical analysis indicated significant differences in dietary scores related to having children, medical conditions, and social media usage time. This study highlights the negative impact of extensive social media use on dietary habits and suggests the need for targeted public health interventions. Recommendations include promoting reliable nutrition-related content on social media, offering affordable healthy food options on campuses, and conducting further research to establish causality between social media use and dietary habits.

The Role of Nutrition in Maintaining the Health and Physical Condition of Sports Volunteers.

Nutrition plays a key role in maintaining health and physical condition, particularly for active individuals, including athletes. It can therefore be assumed that individuals performing physically demanding tasks during the organization of sporting events, such as volunteers, should also pay attention to their nutrition. While the importance of diet for athletes has been widely studied, the impact of nutrition on sports volunteers remains under-researched. Volunteers often have to cope with varying degrees of physical and mental exertion, which may affect their nutritional needs. A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth individual interviews (IDIs) with 17 sports volunteers who had experience in organizing various sporting events. Participants were purposefully selected based on specific inclusion criteria, which included active involvement in sports volunteering (with a minimum of two years of experience in volunteer activities) as well as volunteering experience at sports events of various scales. The interviews aimed to understand the eating habits, dietary awareness, and impact of nutrition on health and physical fitness. The data were transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis, focusing on coding responses and identifying recurring themes. Most participants did not place much importance on their diet, making random food choices due to a busy lifestyle and lack of time. Only a few volunteers consciously adjusted their diet when they had knowledge of the physically demanding tasks they were expected to perform during their volunteer work. The majority of volunteers relied on less reliable sources of nutritional information, such as blogs or social media, rather than credible sources of knowledge. This study revealed that many individuals involved in sports volunteering are unaware of the impact of diet on their fitness and health. There is a need for nutritional education for this group to improve their awareness of the importance of a balanced diet in the context of increased physical activity. It is also advisable to provide better nutritional conditions during sporting events and to promote the use of professional sources of information about healthy eating.

The Impact of Social Media and Socio-Cultural Attitudes toward Body Image on the Risk of Orthorexia among Female Football Players of Different Nationalities.

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging behavioral pattern characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating. Despite its prevalence, ON lacks formal diagnostic criteria in major classification systems like the DSM-5 and the ICD-10. This study aims to investigate the impact of socio-cultural attitudes towards body image and the role of social media on the risk of ON among female football players from Poland, Turkey, and India. This study hypothesizes that socio-cultural pressures and media usage significantly influence the risk of developing ON, particularly in cultures more exposed to Western beauty ideals. The study was conducted from May to August 2024, employing the Computer-Assisted Web Interview method. A total of 142 female football players aged 16-36 from Poland, Turkey, and India participated. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and health metrics, the Socio-Cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire, and the Duesseldorf Orthorexia Scale. Statistical analyses included an ANOVA, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the chi-square test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study found that nearly half of the participants were at risk of or presented with ON, with the highest prevalence being among Indian athletes. Statistically significant relationships were observed between the risk of ON and factors such as age, dietary exclusions, social media usage, and sources of nutritional information. However, no significant correlation was found between socio-cultural attitudes and the risk of ON, suggesting that other factors may play a more critical role. While socio-cultural pressures and media use are contributing factors to the risk of ON, psychological factors and individual behaviors appear to be equally, if not more, significant. This study highlights the importance of targeted educational programs and psychological support for young athletes, with a focus on promoting healthy dietary practices and positive body image perceptions across varying cultural contexts. Additionally, the results suggest the need for further research into the specific psychological and behavioral mechanisms underlying ON.

Abstract B159: Could cultural adaptation of nutrition education improve survivorship outcomes among African American/black women with reproductive cancers?

Abstract Background/Significance: Cancer epidemiological data suggest African American/Black women experience the lowest relative survival rate for reproductive cancers compared to other racial/ethnic groups, despite these cancers being most prevalent among White women. Findings from recent studies suggest contributors to these adverse outcomes include socio-cultural and lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity, and smoking. As an intervention strategy, it has been recommended dietary changes may enhance overall health and survival among AA/B women with reproductive cancers. However, inequalities in access to nutritious foods and culturally and linguistically appropriate nutrition information may serve as an impediment to making healthy food choices. Methods: An environmental scan was conducted by reviewing peer reviewed literature and online nutrition information sources to identify available, easily accessible, culturally adapted nutrition education for AA/B reproductive cancer survivors. Focus groups with breast and endometrial cancer survivors will ensure to inform the development of culturally targeted nutritional programs for cancer survivors. Results: Our literature review reveals a growing body of evidence indicating the potential benefits of culturally adapted dietary modifications post-diagnosis for African American/Black women with reproductive cancers, suggesting improved outcomes. Notably, the review underscores the critical role of culturally relevant nutrition information, disseminated by culturally affiliated individuals, with technology playing a pivotal role in accessibility facilitation. This research study aims to clarify the barriers and facilitators encountered by African American/Black women in accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate information, thereby enhancing understanding of factors influencing cancer survivorship outcomes. Conclusion and Implications/Discussion: Seeking to improve the survivorship of reproductive cancers in AA/B women through enhanced dietary patterns, this study merges insights from a systematic literature review and an environmental scan. Offering a comprehensive understanding of available nutritional information for AA/B women. Recognizing both strengths and gaps in existing resources, our research serves as a foundation for developing or adapting culturally specific nutritional programs to improve survivorship outcomes for reproductive cancers. Anticipating that our findings will contribute to understanding barriers and facilitators in accessing culturally and linguistically appropriate information, we aim to enhance cancer survivorship outcomes for AA/B women. Acknowledgement of Funding: The project described was supported by Award Number CHERC-MSI-21-166-01-CHERC-MSI. from the American Cancer Society (ACS). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the ACS. Citation Format: Desiree Rivers, Zakirah L Abdul-Hameed. Could cultural adaptation of nutrition education improve survivorship outcomes among African American/black women with reproductive cancers? [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B159.

Evaluating the Reliability of Health Portals' Nutrition and Supplementation Advice for Pregnant Women: A Comprehensive Review.

This article evaluates the reliability and consistency of nutrition- and supplementation-related advice for pregnant women provided by ten selected health-related Internet portals. The portals were chosen based on their perceived reliability and prominence in Google searches, with representation from both English and Polish language sources. The evaluation criteria included the adherence of the presented information to official recommendations and its evidence-based character based on specific items representing dietary aspects important in pregnancy. While the overall reliability was deemed acceptable, significant variations existed both among the portals and specific evaluated items. Notably, HealthLine, Medline Plus, and NCEZ emerged as the most evidence-based, while WebMD and Medycyna Praktyczna were identified as less reliable. Despite a number of issues, the analysed portals remain valuable sources of nutritional information for pregnant women, offering user-friendly accessibility superior to alternatives such as social media on the one hand and scientific articles on the other. Improved consistency and attention to detail, especially in relation to vitamin intake and supplementation, would improve the overall quality of health portals.

Survey of Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes, and Preferred Informational Sources among Students at a Southwestern University in the United States: A Brief Report

The purpose of this study was to investigate nutrition perspectives, basic nutrition knowledge, and preferred sources of nutrition information among students at a southwestern university in the US. An original online survey was used to evaluate common sources of nutrition information, factors viewed as comprising a healthy dietary pattern, and attitudes toward nutrition information and recommendations. A total of 316 participants completed the survey. Prioritizing fruits and vegetables was the most common response (97%) for characterizing healthy eating. When asked which factors characterize a non-healthy pattern of eating, eating sweets was the top response (83%). The most common sources of nutrition information reported were word of mouth/friends and family (56%), followed by social media (45%). The majority felt that nutrition recommendations are constantly changing (78%) and that nutrition information is confusing (55%). Our data indicate that most students rely primarily on informal sources of nutrition information. However, our preliminary data also suggest that many students have a fair understanding of basic principles of healthy eating. More research in a broader and more diverse sample is needed to validate these findings.

Cultural food practices and sources of nutrition information among pregnant and postpartum migrant women from low- and middle-income countries residing in high income countries: A systematic review.

Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may engage in a range of cultural food practices during pregnancy, including restricting or avoiding foods high in protein and iron, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals. While research has explored the cultural food practices of pregnant women in LMICs, there is less understanding of the continued cultural food practices of women who migrate to high-income countries and then become pregnant. This systematic review explores the existing research on cultural food practices and sources of nutrition information among pregnant and postpartum migrant women from LMICs, residing in high-income countries. A systematic search was conducted in April 2024 across Global Health, CINAHL, and MEDLINE, published in English, with no date restrictions. Eligible studies included those focused on pregnant and postpartum women who had migrated from LMICs to high-income countries. Studies were excluded if they comprised of non-immigrant women or did not involve LMIC participants. Screened were studies for eligibility, data were extracted, and study quality was assessed. In total, 17 studies comprising qualitative (n = 10) and quantitative (n = 7) approaches were included. In 14 studies participants adhered to cultural food practices, wherein certain nutritious foods were restricted during pregnancy or the postpartum period; three studies noted limited adherence due to support, acculturation, and access to traditional foods. Most studies (n = 10) reported traditional "hot" and "cold" food beliefs during pregnancy and postpartum, aiming to maintain humoral balance for maternal and child health and to prevent miscarriage. Nutrition advice was sought from family members, friends, relatives, healthcare providers, and media sources, with a preference for advice from family members in their home countries. There is a need for culturally appropriate nutrition education resources to guide pregnant migrants through healthy and harmful cultural food practices and overall nutrition during this crucial period. (PROSPERO Registration: CRD42023409990).

Nutritional knowledge of in-school adolescents in Sokoto, North-Western Nigeria

Background: Good nutrition knowledge is a modifiable determinant of dietary behaviours and contributes to strengthen the skills and abilities needed to resist the environmental influences leading to poor dietary habits among adolescents. Objectives were to assess the nutrition knowledge of in-school adolescents in Sokoto, Nigeria and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adolescents selected through multistage random sampling. Data was obtained using pre-tested semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using IBM® SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 389 subjects were recruited with a mean age of 15.46±1.67 SD and most of them 231 (59.4%) were females. Most 300 (77.1%) of the participants were Hausa, 350 (90%) were Muslims, 278 (71.5%) were from the senior class, and majority 360 (92.5%) resided in urban areas. A large proportion 312 (80.2%) of the participants had good knowledge about classes of food. Only 40 (10.3%) had good knowledge of energy rich food. Two hundred and ninety-eight (76.6%) and 89 (22.9%) had knowledge on high protein diet and good fat diet respectively. Only 107 (27.5%) had good knowledge on minerals and vitamins that are good for bone development. Majority 317 (81.5%) and 341 (87.7%) of the respondents knew eating balanced diet is important and could prevent diseases, respectively. Age category (p=0.007) was the only factor that predicted nutrition knowledge. The main source of nutrition information of the adolescents was teachers 336 (86.4%). Conclusions: Respondents had good knowledge of classes of food. There is however, the need to emphasize on teaching adolescents in the study area about specific nutrient providing meals such as energy rich food, good fat, minerals and vitamins.

The Influence of Interpersonal Communication Participants on Child Nutrition Promotion in Kilifi County, Kenya

Purpose: This study analyzed the influence of Interpersonal Communication participants in the promotion of child nutrition in Kilifi County, Kenya.
 Materials and Methods: The study which was guided by the Social Penetration Theory and employed the mixed methods research design. A sample of 10 Health Professionals drawn from Public Healthcare facilities and 247 residents with children aged 5 years and below was drawn from Ganze Constituency in Kilifi County. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Data was presented in tabular form.
 Findings: The study found that multiple sources of child nutrition information existed and influenced the nutrition of a child in different degrees. Such sources included Health Professionals, Family members, Male care givers, opinion leaders and peers. Among these sources Health professionals were identified as the most preferred source of child nutrition information. Additionally, findings indicated that Interpersonal Communication participants largely contributed to the promotion of complementary feeding and an understanding of the effects of malnutrition.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study recommends that mechanisms should be put in place to monitor and evaluate messages emanating from informal sources of child nutrition information in order to negate any false narratives that can counter strides made in the promotion of child nutrition emanating from such sources. This study also recommends that Health Professionals should invest in developing a positive relationship with patients so as to increase the depth and breadth of child nutrition information they can provide.

Effect of nutrition-related infodemics and social media on maternal experience: A nationwide survey in a low/middle income country.

Undernutrition is a crucial cause of morbidity and mortality among children in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs). A better understanding of maternal general healthy nutrition knowledge, as well as misbeliefs, is highly essential, especially in such settings. In the current era of infodemics, it is very strenuous for mothers to select not only the right source for maternal nutrition information but the correct information as well. To assess maternal healthy nutritional knowledge and nutrition-related misbeliefs and misinformation in an LMIC, and to determine the sources of such information and their assessment methods. This cross-sectional analytical observational study enrolled 5148 randomly selected Egyptian mothers who had one or more children less than 15 years old. The data were collected through online questionnaire forms: One was for the general nutrition knowledge assessment, and the other was for the nutritional myth score. Sources of information and ways of evaluating internet sources using the Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose test were additionally analyzed. The mean general nutrition knowledge score was 29 ± 9, with a percent score of 70.8% ± 12.1% (total score: 41). The median myth score was 9 (interquartile range: 6, 12; total score: 18). The primary sources of nutrition knowledge for the enrolled mothers were social media platforms (55%). Half of the mothers managed information for currency and authority, except for considering the author's contact information. More than 60% regularly checked information for accuracy and purpose. The mothers with significant nutrition knowledge checked periodically for the author's contact information (P = 0.012). The nutrition myth score was significantly lower among mothers who periodically checked the evidence of the information (P = 0.016). Mothers dependent on their healthcare providers as the primary source of their general nutritional knowledge were less likely to hold myths by 13% (P = 0.044). However, using social media increased the likelihood of having myths among mothers by approximately 1.2 (P = 0.001). Social media platforms were found to be the primary source of maternal nutrition information in the current era of infodemics. However, healthcare providers were the only source for decreasing the incidence of maternal myths among the surveyed mothers.

Sources and perceived credibility of child nutrition information in relation to maternal health literacy

ObjectiveTo examine sources and perceived credibility of child nutrition information by maternal health literacy. MethodsUS mothers of children (0–12 years) who used social media regularly (N = 340) completed an online survey. Health literacy was assessed using the Newest Vital Sign. Child nutrition information sources and perceived credibility of sources were compared by health literacy using logistic and quantile regression models. ResultsSeventeen percent of mothers had limited health literacy. Compared to mothers with adequate health literacy, those with limited health literacy were more likely to get child nutrition information from siblings, extended family, dietitians, doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants, and government agencies, and less likely to get information from Facebook. Mothers with limited health literacy rated information from parents, friends, Facebook, and Instagram as more credible than mothers with adequate health literacy. While perceived credibility of information from doctors, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants was high overall, mothers with limited health literacy perceived information from these health care providers as less credible. ConclusionsSources of child nutrition information and perceived credibility differ by maternal health literacy. Practice ImplicationsPediatric providers are encouraged to refer parents to engaging resources that provide evidence-based child nutrition information.

Nature of the evidence base and approaches to guide nutrition interventions for individuals: a position paper from the Academy of Nutrition Sciences.

This Position Paper from the Academy of Nutrition Sciences is the third in a series which describe the nature of the scientific evidence and frameworks that underpin nutrition recommendations for health. This paper focuses on evidence which guides the application of dietary recommendations for individuals. In some situations, modified nutrient intake becomes essential to prevent deficiency, optimise development and health, or manage symptoms and disease progression. Disease and its treatment can also affect taste, appetite and ability to access and prepare foods, with associated financial impacts. Therefore, the practice of nutrition and dietetics must integrate and apply the sciences of food, nutrition, biology, physiology, behaviour, management, communication and society to achieve and maintain human health. Thus, there is huge complexity in delivering evidence-based nutrition interventions to individuals. This paper examines available frameworks for appraising the quality and certainty of nutrition research evidence, the development nutrition practice guidelines to support evidence implementation in practice and the influence of other sources of nutrition information and misinformation. The paper also considers major challenges in applying research evidence to an individual and suggests consensus recommendations to begin to address these challenges in the future. Our recommendations target three groups; those who deliver nutrition interventions to individuals, those funding, commissioning or undertaking research aimed at delivering evidence-based nutrition practice, and those disseminating nutritional information to individuals.

Nutrition knowledge and health vulnerability of mothers of pre-school children in north-central, Nigeria.

This study explores the contribution of nutrition knowledge to the health status of pre-school children's mothers in Niger State, North-Central, Nigeria. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional design using a quantitative data collection method. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 450 mothers of pre-school children across Niger state, Nigeria. Chi-square and linear regression were used to test the level of statistical significance (at p < 0.05). Socioeconomic and demographic information, anthropometric indices and nutrition knowledge were obtained using semi-structured questionnaires. Feeding patterns were also assessed using a qualitative 7-day dietary recall. The results showed that the majority (63.8%) of the mothers were within 26-35 years, and more than half (51.6%) of the mothers lacked knowledge of a "balanced diet". Fruits, vegetables, and dairy products were the least consumed food group among the mothers (7.1% and 9.1%, respectively). Place of residence, occupation, and method of waste disposal were significantly associated with maternal minimum dietary diversity adequacy (p<0.05). Over half (57.6%) of the mothers were within the normal BMI range, and the mean waist/hip ratio was 0.82± 0.08. Social media/online was the most (36.4%) explored source of nutrition information among the mothers. This study shows no significant association between nutrition knowledge and adequacy of minimum dietary diversity among the mothers of preschool children (p = 0.09, χ2 = 13.682). Dietary diversity among mothers was associated with the socioeconomic status and BMI of the mothers, which were strong determinants of meal quality and health outcomes in Nigeria and other developing countries experiencing food insecurity.

P757 Patient attitudes, perceptions, and beliefs on the role of diet and nutrition in inflammatory bowel diseases. A scoping review

Abstract Background Despite substantial evidence implicating diet in the development and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we still lack widely agreeable recommendations for dietary therapy. As a result, patients often self-manage their disease symptoms following a range of dietary regimes, including elimination diets and specific nutrient supplementation. The aim of this in-depth scoping review is to characterise the perception of patients in the role of diet in IBD. Methods An extensive literature search was undertaken on PubMed (inception to August ‘23), including MeSH terms ("Inflammatory Bowel Disease" OR IBD OR Crohn's OR Colitis) AND (belief OR perception OR opinion OR views OR attitude) AND (diet OR food OR nutrition). Eligible studies included primary research exploring attitudes, perceptions, or beliefs of adults and children with IBD and/or their carers towards the role of diet in IBD onset, progression or management. We excluded animal, in vitro and non-English articles (Table 1). Results 1,649 records were identified. After full-text review of 162, 42 papers fulfilled eligibility criteria. Another 6 papers were identified after cross-checking reference lists from included papers, resulting in final inclusion of 48 articles. All articles described that diet perceptions relate with behaviour. In 17 studies a significant percentage of participants considered diet an initiating factor for their IBD diagnosis (Median,IQR: 32%,28%-45%). In 39 studies, patients listed foods they perceived to trigger or benefit their symptoms or inflammation. Most of these studies listed foods affecting the disease for IBD in general (n=29), while fewer studies described trigger and beneficial foods for Crohn’s disease (n=13) and ulcerative colitis (n=16), separately. Spicy food, dairy, alcohol, and coffee were the most perceived as disease-trigger foods, whereas rice, chicken, gluten free products and fish were perceived as beneficial (Fig 1A). Interestingly, 23 studies described patients’ most frequent sources of diet and nutrition information for IBD management (Fig 1B). The top-ranked being patient’s own experience with diet(82%), gastroenterologists(40%), other physicians(35%) and internet(35%). Only 25% of participants reported dietitians as their source of information. Conclusion There is a strong belief among patients with IBD that diet is important in disease development and management. It is possible that such beliefs translate to disease management practices, hence increasing restrictive eating, diminish quality or life, including food related quality of life. Until further evidence is produced to pinpoint the exact role of diet in IBD management, it is imperative that HCPs initiate such discussions and advise their patients accordingly.

Qualitative analysis of small animal veterinarian-perceived barriers to nutrition communication.

Nutrition is important in preventing and managing disease. Veterinarians are an important source of nutrition information; however, nutrition communication between veterinarians and pet owners is relatively infrequent. The purpose of this study was to conduct a qualitative review of barriers to nutrition communication and possible solutions, reported by small animal veterinarians. 18 veterinarians from Maryland, Michigan, Virginia, Washington DC, and West Virginia. In a qualitative focus group study, 5 virtual focus groups using the Zoom platform were conducted from February 3, 2021, to April 2, 2021. Each focus group was audio recorded, and transcripts were created using Otter.ai software. Transcripts were analyzed in Atlas.ti qualitative data analysis software using a hybrid of inductive and deductive thematic analysis. The 4 barriers to nutrition communication identified by veterinarians were as follows: (1) time, (2) misinformation and information overload, (3) pet owners' apprehension toward new information, and (4) veterinarians' confidence in nutrition knowledge and communication skills. Potential solutions include (1) improving communication and nutrition education, (2) improving and increasing access to client-friendly resources, and (3) empowering credentialed veterinary technicians and support staff to discuss nutrition. This study provides guidance for how to focus efforts to break down barriers to nutrition communication in small animal veterinary practice.

The Role of Social Factors in Relative Energy Deficiency Risk for Female Collegiate Athletes

BACKGROUND: Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) refers to compromised functioning of one’s metabolism, reproductive system, immune system, cardiovascular system and more due to a relative energy deficiency. Most prevailing RED-S research has focused on its physiological symptoms, yet little data exists regarding the psychological and social aspects that might contribute to its development. The purpose of this study is to determine the role of psychosocial factors in RED-S risk for female collegiate athletes. METHODS: 105 female collegiate athletes under National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) jurisdiction were surveyed representing a variety of varsity sports. All participants were assessed for low energy availability using the Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) through an online survey battery, which also included sources of nutrition information scale (SONI scale), the revised group environment questionnaire (GEQ), and the revised exercise group social provisions scale (EXSPS questionnaire). The participants were sorted into an At Risk (AR) and Not At Risk (NAR) group based on their LEAF-Q scores. One-tailed independent t-tests and chi square tests were used to determine the difference between AR and NAR for dependent measures, and multiple linear regression determined the relationship between risk of LEA and GEQ, EXSPS, and SONI. RESULTS: Overall, 66 participants (62.8%) were at risk for LEA based on LEAF-Q scores. Significant differences were identified between the AR (11.5%; 66.7%) and NAR (40.0%; 37.0%) groups regarding comfort with discussing nutrition with coaches or teammates, respectively (p = 0.034, p = 0.035). However, none of the social measures predicted LEA risk (group cohesion: R = 0.04, p = 0.92; social support: R = 1.85, p = 0.09; SONI: p = 0.136) Awareness of RED-S (using a Yes (1) or No (0) question) was also found to be not significantly different between the AR (0.28 ± 0.45, 29%) and NAR (0.39 ± 0.50, 41%) groups (p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Overall, risk for RED-S is high in female collegiate athletes, however group cohesion, social support, and the athletes’ sources of nutrition information did not predict RED-S incidence.

The nutritional knowledge of nurses working at the medical college hospital in the northern district of Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study

Background: Nutrition significantly impacts disease prevention and patient recovery. As healthcare providers across various health sectors, nurses often have the opportunity to offer dietary guidance to patients. However, there is a dearth of studies in the literature that assess nurses’ nutritional knowledge in Bangladesh. Objective: This study aimed to determine the nutritional knowledge of nurses employed at a tertiary-level medical college hospital in the Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. Methods: An observational descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, with 109 staff nurses completing a self-administered questionnaire. This questionnaire covered demographic characteristics, work-related information, and 20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) aimed at assessing nurses’ nutrition knowledge. Data were collected between April and May 2022. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square (χ2) tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The average score of nutrition knowledge was 63.4% (SD = 13.94) for all nurses, falling within the low to moderate range. Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (22.2%) and 11 - 15 years of work experience (14.7%) demonstrated a very good level of nutrition knowledge. Education level (χ2 = 18.659; p &lt;0.05) and work experience (χ2 = 22.356; p &lt;0.01) significantly influenced knowledge levels. Most nurses sought nutritional advice from less than 25% of patients, with doctors/physicians being the most common source of nutrition information provided by nurses. Conclusion: The average nutritional knowledge score of Bangladeshi nurses was low to moderate. Education level and length of work experience significantly impacted knowledge levels. Therefore, it is recommended that effective ongoing nutrition education programs, nursing curriculum reforms, and in-service training are crucial to enhancing nurses’ nutritional knowledge.

Trust in nutrition information sources used by university students

This study explored university students’ information-seeking behaviours related to nutrition. The focus was on cognitive authority, specifically, the trust given to information sources. Research questions encompassed identifying university students’ nutrition needs, information sources usage, and the levels of trust in those sources. A questionnaire was completed by 138 students, and six students were interviewed. Overall, the Internet is the most used information source on nutrition, followed by family and friends. Trust in the information from the Internet in general and social media is relatively low. However, specific authors on social media are perceived as trustworthy. Interviews revealed that students evaluate specific online sources based on author expertise, systematically organised information, and other cues. Expert sources of information are highly trusted but, on average, not often used. Only students with health problems mostly rely on experts and professional literature. Students engaged in training and weight maintenance primarily follow social media, notably specific authors on YouTube and Instagram. Trust in information sources is correlated to their usage, especially for Instagram and other social media. These insights into university students’ information-seeking behaviours can inform experts involved in educating students on making informed choices based on information gained from trustworthy sources.

Attitudes toward the integration of nutritional assessment and counseling in the framework of physical therapy: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundAs the field of physical therapy increasingly acknowledges the integral role of nutritional assessment and counseling, revisiting this subject is essential due to limited updated information regarding this topic. Furthermore, it is crucial to investigate the factors that may influence physical therapists’ attitudes toward integrating nutritional assessment and counseling into their physical therapy practice. The study’s primary aim was to explore the attitudes of registered physical therapists in Israel toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. We also explored the relation between personal and professional characteristics of physical therapists and their attitudes.MethodsAn anonymous nationwide online self-report survey was conducted. It included three sections: personal and professional background characteristics, self-reported level of nutritional knowledge and sources of nutritional knowledge, and attitudes toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into practice. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all outcome measures. The total score of the attitude statements was compared between different groups of participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict positive attitudes.ResultsThe study included 409 physical therapists. The attitude score was 19.78 (2.53) of 25, indicating a positive attitude. A majority (67%) reported that they did not acquire knowledge regarding nutrition during their entry-level studies or in other formal settings (63%). The three primary sources of nutritional information for the participants reported were the Internet (87.0%), registered dietitian (70.0%), and professional, scientific journals (36.0%). Prior knowledge acquired during entry-level physical therapist studies and clinical experience of ≥ 13 years significantly predicted positive attitudes (β = 0.17, β = −0.13, respectively).ConclusionRegistered physical therapists held a positive attitude toward incorporating nutritional assessment and counseling into their clinical practice. Two background professional characteristics were predictors of positive attitudes. Accordingly, there is need to appropriate formal education regarding nutritional issues. Further studies are required to explore the actual integration of nutrition into the physical therapy framework.