Unhealthy Dietary Practices Research Articles

Assessment of Dietary Patterns and its Risk Factors Among Adults of a Rural Population of Chikkaballapur District, Karnataka

Diet and nutrition play an important role in the health and disease of an individual. Familial risk factors can be modifiable if adequate knowledge and practices are inculcated very early in life. Unhealthy dietary practices can cause metabolic syndrome such as raised BMI, high blood pressure, and elevated lipid profile. This study aims to study the dietary risk factors and their effect on clinical and biochemical parameters on 44% (n=2007) of the 4576 rural population above 30 years residing in Kaiwara and Kurubur PHC of Chikaballapura District, Karnataka. The daily intake of various foods and snacks, timings, and frequency of consumption were noted using a questionnaire with four field workers. It was observed that adults in the age group 30-39 years comprised 29.6%, and risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the diet included extra salt (1.4%) fried foods (8.7%), aerated drinks (8.3%) cakes (15.1%), pickle/chutney (51.4%). Though vegetables are consumed by 82.2%, consumption of fruits is negligible. Turmeric with its anti carcinogenic properties is consumed for more than 5 days a week by 36.5%. Fish though not easily available in rural areas is consumed by 116 (2.4). Among 2007 individuals, 1198 (60%) had high BMI, and the waist-hip ratio among males was > 0.9 among 1200 (76.1%) males and > 0.85 among 53% of females. An increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed in 54% of individuals. High blood sugar levels among 341 (17%), total cholesterol (n=382, 19%) was seen in the rural population. This study highlights that dietary patterns are increasing in the rural population adding to the overall burden of non-communicable diseases. Keywords: Dietary, Risk factors, Non­communicable diseases, Clinical, Biochemical

Inhibition of intracellular versus extracellular cathepsin D differentially alters the liver lipidome of mice with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) progressing to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), characterized by hepatic inflammation, has significantly increased in recent years due to unhealthy dietary practices and sedentary lifestyles. Cathepsin D (CTSD), a lysosomal protease involved in lipid homeostasis, is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism and inflammation in MASH. Although primarily intracellular, CTSD can be secreted extracellularly. Our previous proteomics research has shown that inhibition of extracellular CTSD results in more anti-inflammatory effects and fewer potential side effects compared to intracellular CTSD inhibition. However, the correlation between reduced side effects and alterations in the hepatic lipid composition remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the correlation between intra- and extracellular CTSD inhibition and potential alterations in the hepatic lipid composition in MASH. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-) mice were fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks and received subcutaneous injections every 2 days of vehicle, intracellular CTSD inhibitor (GA-12), or extracellular CTSD inhibitor (CTD-002). Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) was used to visualize and compare the lipid composition in liver tissues. Hepatic phosphatidylcholine remodeling was observed with both inhibitors, suggesting their therapeutic potential in treating MASH. Treatment with an intracellular CTSD inhibitor resulted in elevated levels of cardiolipin, reactive oxygen species, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and lipids that are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation, and induced more oxidative stress. The observed modifications in lipid composition demonstrate the clinical advantages of extracellular CTSD inhibition as a potentially beneficial therapeutic approach for MASH.

Lifestyle Patterns among Adolescents in Selected Schools of District Rohtak, Haryana: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: - Adolescence is a period in which an individual undergoes major physical and psychological changes. There is convincing evidence between lifestyle diseases and unhealthy habits which are acquired during adolescence and persist in adulthood. An early investigation of the lifestyles of adolescents will probably prevent their progression into serious diseases. Methods: - The present cross-sectional study recruited 600 adolescents studying 9th to 12th in the selected schools of Rohtak, Haryana, India. The lifestyle-related behavior and practices were assessed based on a structured proforma with the following domains: - home & environment, education, eating habits, and sexuality. Ethical permission was obtained from the concerned authorities. Results: - The mean age of the study subjects was 15.9 (SD-1.4) and most of them were males (61%). More than half of the study subjects (52.7%) were having BMI of 18 to 25 Kg/m2 and 39.8% of them belonged to lower middle socio-economic status. A major proportion of the students felt happy to go to school (64%) and were regular in attending school (90%). The majority of them reported having some spiritual beliefs (88%). A major proportion of the students reported that they own smartphones (83%) and were using various social networking sites (83%). Around 63% of the subjects reported eating fast food on monthly basis. About 11% of the subjects reported the usage of alcohol in the current 3 months. Around 20% of the subjects reported knowledge regarding HIV/STD. Conclusion: - The study documents the presence of unhealthy dietary practices, higher levels of usage of mobile phones along with alcohol use in the school children in this setting. The current study provides some preliminary data for policymakers so that they can modify the current policies and interventions according to the needs of adolescents.

Lifestyle Practices Predictors of Nutritional Status among Basic Public-School Children in Aden, Yemen

Introduction: Since March 2015, children's nutrition in Yemen is increasingly threatened and acute malnutrition is now at serious levels across the country. This study aimed to determine the association between nutritional status and lifestyle practices of basic-public school children in Aden-Yemen. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 on a randomly selected basic public schools’ children aged 6-10 years. Lifestyle practices including breakfast consumption at home, physical activity, screen time and sleeping time were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire filled by the parents. Measurement of Z-score was done for height-for-age, weight-for-age and body-mass-index for-age to define stunting, underweight, thinness, overweight and obesity respectively. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS-25 and World Health Organization’s (WHO) Anthro plus program. Results: The study involved 930 students having the following prevalence: 26.9% for stunting; 32.5% for underweight and 23.1% for thinness. In addition, 1.2% were obese and 3.2% were overweight. According to the binary logistic regression, children aged >8-10 years were more likely to be stunted (AOR=5.269; 95% CI:3.339-8.313), underweight (AOR=9.156; 95% CI: 5.631-14.890) and thin (AOR=3.901; 95% CI: 2.400-6.339) compared to younger age. Male children were more likely to be stunted (AOR= 1.496; 95% CI: 11.091-2.053), underweight (AOR=3.026; 95% CI: 2.195-4.172) and thin (AOR=8.001; 95% CI: 5.313-12.048) compared to female children. Less than daily consumption of breakfast increased the risk of stunting (AOR=1.505; 95% CI:1.109-2.042), underweight (AOR=4.724; 95% CI:3.421-6.524) and thinness (AOR=6.053; 95% CI:4.033-9.084) compared to daily breakfast consumption. Children sleeping < 9 hours was associated with increased risk of stunting (AOR=1.479; 95% CI:1.093-2.001) and thinness (AOR=1.548; 95%CI:1.102-2.176) than sleeping ≥ 9 hours. Additionally, increasing likelihood of overweight (AOR= 50.848 ;95% CI: 6.211-416.301) and obesity (AOR= 8.977;95% CI: 1.098-73.422) was observed among children play outside < 1 hour compared to playing ≥ 1 hour. Furthermore, increasing risk of overweight was associated with children’s screen time ≥ 2 hours compared to < 1 hours (AOR=12.034 ;95% CI: 2.311-62.668). Conclusion: Stunting, underweight and thinness are major nutritional problems among basic public-school children in Aden. Unhealthy dietary and bad lifestyle practices associated with malnutrition indicators. This calls for attention by policymakers to address the challenges of malnutrition and implementing urgent intervention for awareness raising to maintain healthy lifestyle among school children.

Knowledge and lifestyle practices associated with non-communicable diseases risk factors among undergraduate students, Thiruvananthapuram, India: a mixed method study

Background: Behaviors established in youth especially in college, have lifelong implications on themselves and their close family members. We intended to assess the knowledge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors and associated lifestyle practices among undergraduate students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional concurrent mixed method study among undergraduate students (n=486) aged 18-21 years, Kerala, India. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. In-depth interviews of five students were conducted from each college. Physical measurements including height and weight of the students were measured and reported to the participants. Data was collected from January to March 2019. Results: Forty-four percent (n=200) participants’ fathers were laborers or semi-skilled workers. Only 42.8% (n=208) of students had body mass index (BMI) within normal range. Nearly three fifth of students (58%, n=282) had poor knowledge of NCDs and proportion of students with knowledge of balanced breakfast was 11% (n=53). Regarding lifestyle practices, daily fruit intake was low (10%, n=45) and participants consuming vegetables daily was less than 40% (n=191). Lack of infrastructure supporting physical activities and healthy food choices at home and outside are some reasons mentioned by participants for sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary practices. Parental involvement played an important role in practicing healthy dietary practices and performing physical activity for leisure. Conclusions: The knowledge and practices of undergraduate students regarding primary prevention of NCDs was poor. Community level action with involvement of parents will be helpful in the primary prevention of NCDs.

Healthy dietary practices and its' associated factors among adults of Nekemte dwellers, Oromia State, Western Ethiopia.

Appropriate healthy dietary practices are essential for well-being. Adopting of healthy lifestyle remains challenging worldwide. Ethiopia has an unacceptably high burden of malnutrition like other least developed countries. However, healthy dietary practices and their associated factors were not conducted in Nekemte town. Hence, the study was designed to assess healthy dietary practices and associated factors among middle-aged adults in Nekemte town from January 15 to February 30, 2019. A community-based cross-sectional study design was applied in Nekemte town. Primary data were gathered using a questionnaire from 266 adults and checked for normality. In both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses the association and significance were determined at P < 0.05. The Magnitude of dieting practice was 73.31% (unhealthy) and 26.69% (healthy), respectively. Being low-income households (P = 0.001), not married (p = 0.001), had a daily meal frequency [AOR: 1.91, 95% CI: (1.04, 2.71), and had poor knowledge of healthy diet AOR: 3.87, 95% CI: (3.23, 5.65)] were associated with unhealthy diets. The researchers identified unhealthy diet practices were widespread in the study samples of Nekemte populations. Hereafter, community-based lifestyle and Nutrition education through intensive participation of community leaders is highly recommended.

Assessment of Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Practices Among Non-Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Nutrition knowledge and dietary practices play a critical role in maintaining health, yet dietary behaviors among non-medical students often reflect unhealthy patterns influenced by lifestyle, socioeconomic, and cultural factors. Understanding these practices is crucial for designing targeted interventions. Objective: This study aimed to assess the nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and associated barriers among undergraduate non-medical students at Government Brajalal College, Khulna, Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2023 among 160 undergraduate students from various disciplines using purposive sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, nutrition knowledge, dietary practices, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and p-values were used for quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis explored qualitative insights. Results: The study revealed that 67.5% of participants had moderate-to-good nutrition knowledge. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was reported by 60% and 75% of participants, respectively, while 23.8% consumed fast food daily. Significant barriers included academic pressure (63.8%), economic constraints (30.6%), and cultural dietary preferences (51.9%). Social media emerged as the primary source of nutrition information for 63.8% of students. A significant association (p &lt; 0.001) was observed between socioeconomic status and fast-food consumption, with lower SES students consuming fast food more frequently. Self-reported health outcomes included fatigue (55.6%) and weight gain (32.5%). Conclusion: Despite moderate nutrition knowledge, unhealthy dietary practices were prevalent among students, driven by barriers such as lifestyle constraints and socioeconomic factors. Targeted interventions, such as affordable meal planning and credible online nutrition education, are essential to bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior.

Role of incompatible food and regimen in neurological disorders

Introduction: The burden of neurological disorders has gradually increased over last 30 years. Neurological disorders are becoming a leading cause of disability and mortality in worldwide population. Patients presenting with common neurological symptoms like headache, anxiety, behavioural changes, fatigue, unexplained pain, erectile dysfunction, have been increasing, most of which can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle and dietary practices. Ayurveda is one of the oldest systems of medicine, evolved over 3 millennia through constant devotedness of its preachers &amp; learners. Viruddha Ahara is mentioned to cause various metabolic disorders and may even lead to neurological diseases. Food-food interaction is a serious issue requiring much attention. Hence it is of importance to ascertain role of Viruddha Ahara in the manifestation of different neurological disorders. Aim: To study role of incompatible food and regimen in neurological disorders. Material and Methods: This is a conceptual study for which various Ayurveda texts, Modern texts and published Articles are referred. Discussion: Although food combinations in present era are different in nature, principles remain the same and it is required to identify such food incompatibilities that can cause neurological disorders based on basic Ayurvedic principles. Conclusions will be made on basis of mentioned concepts.

Food and Beverage Placement in Child Focused YouTube Channels: A Content Analysis Study

Abstract Background High exposure to food content encourages unhealthy dietary practices among children. Nowadays, children are exposed to many food products through social media, which influence their eating behaviors. Due to the growing social media use, the number of food advertisements via YouTube has increased. Therefore, regulatory agencies worldwide are investigating social media content to implement appropriate restrictions on unhealthy food marketing. Methods This quantitative content analysis descriptive study aimed to analyze all food content in the child-centric channels of Arabic speakers’ vloggers on YouTube in Saudi Arabia. The authors measured the food presentation, promotional techniques, and food product/type by quantifying the appearances of each variable in each video. The variables were analyzed as frequencies and percentages. Results Four of the top subscribed channels in Saudi Arabia were selected; 96 videos were analyzed by watching 17 hours. Food placements appeared in 65 videos (67.7%), with a cumulative duration of 304 minutes. Among videos that featured food and beverages, 87.7% of the vloggers consumed the food that appeared. The most commonly employed persuasive marketing techniques were emotional and taste appeals, with a percentage of 90%. Unhealthy foods comprised 66.8% of the total number of products that appeared in the analyzed videos. Conclusions This study highlights the high prevalence of low-nutrient food products on child-centric YouTube channels in Saudi Arabia, which may negatively impact children's food choices and eating habits. To protect children from harmful content on social media, it is recommended to develop comprehensive policies that consider the different challenges of regulating media content. Parents and caregivers should also actively monitor children's social media use and educate them on making healthy food choices. Key messages • Children might get exposed to a high prevalence of unhealthy food products through social media, which might have a negative impact on their food preferences. • Comprehensive policies are needed to regulate food marketing on social media in order to protect children from harmful content and promote healthy eating habits.

Food Advertised to Children: A Content Analysis Study of Saudi Food and Drug Authority Food Advertisement System

Introduction: Evidence showed that some food advertisements may encourage unhealthy dietary practices among children; therefore, regulatory developments were implemented to overcome this issue. Different countries control or ban unhealthy food advertisements marketed to children, whereas in Saudi Arabia, no regulations exist until now. Thus, identifying and analyzing food advertisements aimed at children is crucial for further implementation. Methods: A content analysis of food advertisements was obtained from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority advertisements electronic registration system (Ealan). The data extracted for this study consist of all Ealan system food advertisements’ requests targeted at children (<12 years) and collected over 16 months (from January 2020 to April 2021). We created a codebook to analyze the advertisements’ persuasive techniques. Results: Forty-one advertisements were analyzed; 58.5% were marketed as posters, whereas the rest (41.5%) were visual advertisements. About 95% of the advertisements were aimed to be marketed through social media, and 35% were aimed to be featured on television. The persuasive techniques used in the analyzed advertisements were children (73.2%), health claims (68.3%), and taste appeals (34.1%). In addition, milk powder products were among the most marketed food type (60.9%). Conclusion: This study found that the primary persuasive techniques used in children’s advertisements were children’s appearance, health claims, and taste appeals. Furthermore, most food companies chose social media to promote their products. We recommend designing preventive policies and restrictions to control children’s exposure to unhealthy food and making modifications to the system before implementing any further restriction.

Impact of COVID-19 confinement on food consumption pattern, physical activity and perceived body size of Nigerian undergraduates

Background and objectives: Unhealthy dietary practices and physical inactivity are major contributors to overweight and obesity which is fast becoming a public health concern among adolescents and young adults globally. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on food consumption pattern, physical activity and perceived body size changes of Nigerian undergraduates.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study used a snowball sampling technique to select 310 respondents. An online questionnaire link was forwarded to eligible respondents to elicit information on their dietary pattern, physical activity levels and perceived body size. Data collection for these indicators followed standard procedures and were compared with standard references.&#x0D; Results: The pattern of fruit, vegetable, legume, and meat/fish consumption significantly increased during the lockdown. Snack, soft-drink and dairy products experienced a decline in consumption (p &lt; 0.05). The physical activity MET (metabolic equivalent) score of respondents reduced from 3378.85 to 3097.02 MET minutes/week. Information on the perceived body size using body silhouette classification reported that lockdown accounted for an elevation in the perceived prevalence of overweight/obese (11.0% to 23.9%). &#x0D; Conclusion: COVID-19 confinement improved some dietary practices of the undergraduates, but significantly contributed to a decline physical activity levels and an elevation in perceived body size. Designing effective approaches such as home-made physical activity routines, and local food production may help avert such outcomes of restricted access to the external environment.

性相近、习相远

Population-wide primary prevention through modifiable risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary practices, has been proposed as a proactive, efficient and cost-effective method for reducing the economic burden of chronic disease worldwide. Identification of a target population’s knowledge, behaviours, and beliefs related to chronic diseases is essential for effective and appropriate chronic disease prevention. This chapter examines the findings from three research projects focusing on the cross-cultural distinction between East Indian-Canadian, Chinese-Canadian, and Mainland Chinese populations on their knowledge, behaviours, and beliefs related to ischemic heart disease or stroke. Cross-sectional descriptive comparative quantitative data analyses reveal that different mechanisms of knowledge acquisition, behaviour change, and belief transformation form the barriers to realize actual changes in those populations when primary prevention educational programs originally designed for European-Canadians were delivered without any change. Confucian teaching on the commonality of human nature and the distinction of their habits, which includes their knowledge, behaviours, and beliefs towards health, illness and disease, is reflected in the conclusion of this chapter.

The Global Diet Quality Score predicts diet quality of women of reproductive age in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Improving diet quality is recognised as a double-duty action that can simultaneously address multiple forms of malnutrition. This study aimed to assess diet quality among non-pregnant non-lactating women of reproductive age (WRA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A 1-d quantitative 24 h recall was conducted among 653 non-pregnant/non-lactating women. Diet quality, assessed using the women dietary diversity score (WDDS), the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS) and the Nova 4 classification reflecting consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF), was compared. The proportion that meets the minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) was estimated. The average MDD-W score was 2·6 (sd 0·9), with only 3 % of women meeting the MDD-W (≥ 5 food groups). Consumption of wholegrain and legumes was high, but UPF were also consumed by 9 % of the women. GDQS was positively associated with WDDS, age and skipping breakfast and was negatively associated with eating out of home and UPF consumption (P < 0·05). The multivariate regression model showed that GDQS (total) was not associated with wealth but was significantly associated with both UPF and WDDS (P < 0·001). Unlike UPF and WDDS alone, GDQS was able to predict both nutrient adequacy and unhealthy dietary practices. The diet quality of WRA in Addis Ababa is low in diversity, possibly exposing them to higher risk of nutrient inadequacy and non-communicable diseases as reflected by the low GDQS. Understanding what drives food and dietary choices in urban settings is urgently needed.

Evolving epidemiology and chemical analysis of urinary stones

Background: Renal stones are a painful urological disorder resulting from the combined influence of epidemiological, biochemical and genetic risk factors. A high recurrence risk has been reported for renal stones, and 0.6%–3.2% cases may progress to end stage renal disease. Modern lifestyle, sedentary habits and unhealthy dietary practices are primary promoters of the stone boom in this millennium. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the percentage of the stone type according to chemical composition and their association with epidemiological factors like sex and age. A retrospective analysis of the chemical composition of the stone samples received was done. Material and Methods: Stones samples were processed by Stone Analysis Set (BIOLABO S A, France). Qualitative chemical analysis was done for calcium, phosphorus, ammonium ion, oxalate, cystine, magnesium, carbonate and uric acid. Results: Type of renal stone and its incidence with age and sex have been evaluated. The total number of patients reporting to the hospital with renal stones was 123. Of these, 69.11% were male and 30.89% were female, with a male to female ratio of 2.23:1. The maximum occurrence was in the third and fourth decade of life. On analysis, 72.35% of total stones comprised calcium oxalate and 23.57% of nonoxalate (phosphate, magnesium, carbonate, ammonium ion) stones, whereas uric acid was positive in 4.06%. Conclusion: The occurrence of renal stones according to epidemiological factors such as age and sex in our study are similar to those reported in studies from developed countries. The data on urinary stones indicate that 98% were located in the upper urinary tract. Oxalate stones represent the main form of urolithiasis, affecting males more than females. The most important cause studied for renal stone formation is metabolic disturbances, but the genetic factors associated with the occurrence and recurrence of stone and mineral homeostasis of ions in kidney of stone formers should be further evaluated.

Dietary practices and physical activity among the school-going adolescents of Bishnupur district, Manipur

ABSTRACT Background: Adolescence is a period during which maximum physical, psychological, and behavioral changes take place. Dietary habits and lifestyle during adolescence are risk factors for several nutrition-related non-communicable diseases in adulthood. Objective: The objective is to assess the dietary practices and physical activity among the school-going adolescents of Bishnupur district. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the school students of standard VIII to X of Bishnupur District. A total of 840 students were selected using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling technique. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. The Chi-square test was used for the comparison of categorical variables. Student’s t-test was used to compare the mean intakes of energy, protein, and fat. A P &lt; 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Overall, the adolescents reported poor dietary intakes; around half (47.7%) of the students reported consumption of fast food on the previous day. Almost half (51.8%) of them had fast foods/junk foods 1–3 times a week. The study also found that 369 (43.9%) participants performed moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. Conclusion: The study found that a considerable proportion of adolescents was adopting unhealthy dietary practices and more than half of them were not engaged in physical activity daily. Hence, it is recommended that addressing these risk factors should be given the highest priority and various strategies of primordial, primary, and secondary prevention should be applied.

Lifestyle practices predisposing adolescents to non communicable diseases in Delhi.

Globally the prevalence of non- communicable diseases is on a rise. Adolescents are vulnerable to such diseases later on in life because of the susceptibility to behavioural risk factors like insufficient physical activity, unhealthy dietary practices and tobacco and alcohol consumption during this transition stage of their life. Adolescents who are from low-income families are also at increased risk of dual states of malnutrition such as underweight and obesity. So, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of such behavioural risk factors among adolescents of low-income urban areas of Delhi. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 264 adolescents (10-19 years) of low-income Urban areas of Delhi. A total of 122 (46.2%) boys and 142 (53.8%) girls were enrolled in the study. The mean age of adolescents were 14.2 ± 2.4 years. The most prevalent NCD risk factor was physical inactivity (98.1% [96.4-99.7])). The screen time for television was significantly higher among boys than girls (p value 0.022). An age stratified analysis of risk factors showed that the intake of carbonated drinks (p value 0.026) and social media utilisation time (p value 0.037) was significantly higher among late adolescent boys (≥15 years) compared to early adolescents. There is high prevalence of physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary behaviours among adolescents which could be a warning sign for prompt actions as they are at risk of NCD in future. Hence healthier practices should be promoted among adolescents at community level.

The Gaps and Opportunities in Primary Care Programs to Address Childhood Obesity in Saudi Arabia: A Comprehensive Review

Childhood obesity is a significant health concern globally, and it is associated with lethal disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and cancers in later years of life. We review the numerous aspects of childhood obesity to identify the gaps and opportunity to combat the increasing prevalence and translation of current knowledge into nutritional practice, doable recommendations, and strategic actions at primary health care settings, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Based upon methodology meetings, knowledge-to-action (KTA) framework, population/patient problem, intervention, comparison and outcome, formulated research questions, and reporting guidelines of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA), the gaps and opportunities are identified in this systematic review. The key findings revealed that the main determinants of childhood obesity are lack of adequate knowledge, nutritional facilities, unhealthy dietary practices or behavioral factors, and rapid urbanization. At present, most countries, including Saudi Arabia, have not implemented childhood obesity prevention and control interventions. Based on the evidence gathered by the practical application of the knowledge translation approach, the community-based multi-sectoral and multicomponent approaches at schools and primary healthcare settings are certainly substantial to confront the increasing burden of childhood obesity.

Understanding Among Academicians Towards Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is fundamental for good wellbeing and nourishment. It safeguards you against numerous persistent noncommunicable sicknesses, like coronary illness, diabetes and disease. Eating different food sources and consuming less salt, sugars and immersed and economically created trans-fats, are fundamental for sound eating regimen. The main objectives of the study to find out knowledge, attitude and practices towards healthy diet among academicians of Gurgaon. The study underscores healthy diet related knowledge, attitude and practice of academicians and found out even if there is knowledge, indifference attitude and the practice of having a healthy diet is meagre. A lot of academicians were overweight. Hence, proper target-oriented interventions were implemented. A booklet was provided having information about healthy diet and its importance and also several healthy recipes were included in it. This study is expected to provide important information to better understand the importance of healthy diet. Thus, the result of this study will contribute to academician’s health by making awareness about the unhealthy or poor dietary practices followed and reduce the risk associated with it.

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

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

Dietary and Nutritional Practices among Jordanian Patients with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Assessment of dietary practices for patients with diabetes is essential and should be conducted in an iterative process. Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the dietary practices of Jordanian patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to assess the effect of socio-demographic characteristics on these practices. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was done using a sample of 310 participants. Data regarding the dietary practices was collected using items that were selected based on literature consensus and empirical works. Eligible patients were screened for inclusion criteria, then invited to participate in the study during their clinic’s visit. Participants were instructed to complete and return filled questionnaires to the RAs. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were done to assess for relationships between the study variables. Results: The majority of the sample did not receive sufficient training (n=181; 60%). 40.6%(n=126) reported following an unhealthy diet more often than a healthy diet. Regression analysis showed that the level of education significantly ((F=33.4; p&lt;0.001) and positively impacted those practices (B=2.2; p&lt;0.01). Females, younger patients and those using traditional therapy tend to do the wrong dietary practices more frequently than their counterparts (B= -7.322; -0.2; -7.8; p &lt;0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Patients should be encouraged to seek proper diabetes training, as this training may boost their adherence to do the right dietary practices. Addressing dietary and nutritional behaviors might be beneficial over measuring a global adherence score, because patient’s practices may vary over time. Implications for Nursing: Nurses should repetitively assess dietary practices, as these practices might not be consistent over time. Further research is needed to explore self-care agency governing decisions and actions that predispose unhealthy dietary practices. Keywords: Diabetes, Diet, Medical nutrition therapy, Practices.