Consumption Of Unhealthy Snacks Research Articles

Snacking motivations and behaviour in Australian adults: The role of personality traits

Snacking, namely, consuming food and beverages in-between main meals, especially snacks with a high fat, salt and/or sugar content, is a major contributor to excessive energy intake and long-term weight gain(1). There are many potential drivers of snacking behaviours, including physiological (e.g., hunger) as well as social, psychological, and emotional reasons(2). Individual differences, such as personality traits, have been linked to unhealthy snacking. Nevertheless, it is important to examine the potential explanatory pathways, such as motivations for snacking and habit strength, that may explain this relationship between personality and snacking. This cross-sectional study investigated the associations between personality traits, habit strength, motivations for snacking, and snacking behaviour, including choice and consumption. Participants were n = 230 Australian adults (female: n = 164; 71.3%) aged 18-77 years old (M = 34 years, SD = 13.4) who completed an online survey. The survey included assessments of personality traits (The Big Five Inventory 2), habit strength (the Self-Report Habit Index), motivations for snacking (The Eating Motivation Survey), momentary snack food choice (Snack Preference Task), and habitual snack food consumption (Snack Frequency Questionnaire). Overall, the most frequently selected motivations for snacking were ‘liking’, ‘convenience’, and ‘habit’. Correlation analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between motivations for snacking and snacking behaviour. We found that health motivation for snacking was negatively correlated with momentary choice (r = -.042, p <.01) and habitual consumption (r = -.033, p <.01) of unhealthy snack foods and beverages. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether habit strength and the Big Five personality traits predicted both motivations for snacking and snacking behaviours after controlling for demographic variables. For health motivations for snacking, habit strength (beta = −0.15, p = .025), openness (beta = 0.50, p = .003, and conscientiousness (beta = 0.58, p = .001) were significant predictors. For momentary choice of unhealthy snacks, health motivation (beta = −4.35, p = .004), pleasure (beta = 3.53, p = .029), and visual appeal (beta = 5.29, p <.001) were significant predictors. For habitual consumption of unhealthy snacks, health motivation (beta = −5.39, p = .001), habit strength (beta = 2.89, p = .045) and neuroticism (beta = 5.16, p = .045) were significant predictors. These findings indicate that health motivation for snacking predicts both momentary snack preference and habitual snack food consumption. Moreover, personality traits may be linked with habitual unhealthy snacking behaviour via their association with specific motivations for snacking. Overall, these findings suggest that health promotion messages focusing on health motivation may be important for increasing healthier momentary and habitual snack choices to improve dietary intake and support weight management.

Cardiometabolic Risk and Dietary Behaviors in Middle-School Children Consuming School-Sourced Lunch.

Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue. This study assessed the association between school-sourced lunches and cardiometabolic risk factors in middle-school students. Data from health behavior surveys and physiologic screenings in a Michigan middle-school wellness program between 2005 and 2019 were used to analyze the association of school lunch consumption with cardiometabolic risk factors (overweight/obesity, non-fasting lipids/glucose, blood pressure) and dietary behaviors (fruit/vegetable consumption, intake of sugar-sweetened beverages/foods). Students were divided into three groups based on their responses to the survey item if they 1) always, 2) sometimes, or 3) never consumed school-sourced lunches. Groups were compared using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. Students consuming school-sourced lunches were more likely to have overweight or obesity, without significant differences in total, HDL, or LDL cholesterol. There was no difference in non-fasting glucose levels, blood pressure, or resting heart rate. Students consuming school sourced lunch were more likely to have increased sugary and fatty food or beverage consumption. Students consuming school sourced lunch were more likely to attend school in a low or middle socioeconomic status region. In this large cohort of middle-school children, consuming school-sourced lunches was associated with a greater prevalence of overweight and obesity and consumption of fatty foods and sugary beverages. School-based interventions should target methods to reduce consumption of sugary beverages and unhealthy snacks and promote consumption of fruits and vegetables, particularly among high-risk individuals.

Do British and Chinese adolescents snack for different reasons? A cross-country study using the Theory of Planned Behaviour and eating styles

Snacking is prevalent in adolescents and can have significant health impacts, but there is considerable individual and cross-country variation in determinants on adolescent snacking. The present study examined the role of eating styles (i.e. restrained eating, emotional eating, external eating, mindful eating) and the constructs of an extended Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) (i.e. attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, habit strength) in predicting adolescent snacking, and the moderating effects of country. A survey was completed by adolescents aged 16–19 years from China (N = 182; mean age = 16.13, SD = 0.87) and England (N = 96; mean age = 17.04, SD = 0.74). Compared to British adolescents, Chinese adolescents showed higher restrained eating (p = .009), lower external eating (p = .004), less positive attitudes (p < .001) and subjective norms (p = .007) to, and less strong habit strength (p = .005) for unhealthy snacking. Mindful eating significantly predicted lower consumption of unhealthy snacks (p = .008) and beverages (p = .001), while restrained eating predicted higher consumption of fruit (p < .001) and vegetables (p < .001), regardless of country. Country showed significant moderating effects of TPB constructs on unhealthy beverages (p = .008) and fruit (p < .001) consumption, and effects on unhealthy snack (p = .023) and vegetable (p = .015) consumption approaching significance. Subjective norms predicted unhealthy snacking frequency regardless of country (p = .001). Habit strength predicted consumption of beverages (p < .001) and fruit (p < .001) only in English adolescents. Mindful eating may be a positive intervention approach to help reduce adolescent unhealthy snacking. TPB-based snacking interventions should carefully consider the country context. Acknowledging country-specific determinants of snacking are recommended.

Is the transition from primary to secondary school a risk factor for energy balance-related behaviours? A systematic review.

The substantial changes in the physical and social environment during the transition from primary to secondary school may significantly impact adolescents' energy balance-related behaviours (i.e. dietary behaviour, sedentary behaviour, sleep behaviour, and physical activity). This is the first review systematically summarising evidence on changes in four energy balance-related behaviours of adolescents across the school transition from primary to secondary school. For this systematic review the electronic databases Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus were searched for relevant studies from inception to August 2021. PubMed was searched for relevant studies from inception to September 2022. Inclusion criteria were: i) longitudinal studies reporting ii) one or more energy balance-related behaviours iii) across the school transition i.e. with measurement(s) during both primary and secondary school. Transition from primary to secondary school. Adolescents across the transition from primary to secondary school. Thirty-four studies were eligible. We found strong evidence for an increase in sedentary time, moderate evidence for a decrease in fruit and vegetable consumption, and inconclusive evidence for a change in total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, active transport, screen time, unhealthy snack consumption, and sugar sweetened beverages consumption among adolescents across the school transition. During the transition from primary to secondary school, sedentary time and fruit and vegetable consumption tend to change unfavourably. More high-quality, longitudinal research is needed specifically on changes in energy balance-related behaviour across the school transition, especially regarding sleep behaviour. (Prospero registration: CRD42018084799).

Determinants of length for age Z scores among children aged 6-23 months in Central Java, Indonesia: a path analysis.

Length for Age Z (LAZ) score determinants are complex and vary among different areas, but it is important for designing effective and efficient strategies to decrease stunting prevalence among children under 2 years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of LAZ scores among children under 2 years in Central Java, Indonesia. This study was conducted on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (INSS) dataset, which was a cross-sectional survey. Data on 3,430 children aged 6-23 months from Central Java province were derived from the 2021 INSS data. After missing data elimination, 3,238 subjects were included in the analysis. Determinant factors included direct and indirect factors. Direct factors were the mother's age, birth weight Z score (BWZ), birth length Z score (BLZ), exclusively breastfed history, dietary diversity scores (DDS), empty calorie drink consumption, unhealthy snacks consumption, and infections. Indirect factors were early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and posyandu (integrated health post) utilization. Underlying factors were socioeconomic status (SES) and the mother's education. Bivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted. A path analysis with a hypothesized model based on the UNICEF conceptual framework was also performed. Stunting, wasting and underweight proportions among the subjects were 19.1%, 7.6% and 12.3%, respectively. The mean LAZ scores were -0.95 ± 1.22; the mother's age was 29.7 ± 5.95 years; BWZ was -0.47 ± 0.97; BLZ was -0.55 ± 1.05; and DDS was 4.45 ± 1.51. The infection proportion among the subjects was 28%. BWZ and BLZ were positively correlated to LAZ scores, with r = 0.267 (p < 0.01) and r = 0.260 (p < 0.01), respectively. The mother's age was negatively correlated to LAZ scores with r = -0.041 (p < 0.05). Maternal education was positively correlated to SES but had no direct effect on LAZ scores. LAZ score determinants of BLZ (p < 0.001) and SES (p < 0.001) showed positive direct associations with LAZ scores, but the mother's age (p = 0.039), exclusively breastfed history (p < 0.001), and empty calorie drinks consumption (p < 0.001) had negative associations with LAZ scores. To prevent stunting among children aged 6-23 months in Central Java, Indonesia, intervention programs to increase the nutritional status of women at child-bearing age and nutrition education on child feeding practices should be conducted more efficiently and effectively.

The Effect of Snack Consumption on Body Mass Index and Body Fat Percentage in Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and has been determined as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). As an effort to reduce transmission, the government has announced several policies that encourage working from home, which will increase snack time. This will have an impact on increased calorie intake and risk of obesity. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the effect in young adults that requires balanced nutrition. This study aims to understand whether snacks consumption has an effect on body mass index and body fat percentage in university students.&#x0D; Methods : A total of 76 pre-clinical students from Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia participated in this cross-sectional study, which was conducted during the pandemic. The data was collected using anthropometric measurement, Snacks-Food Frequency Questionnaire, and body fat scale. Chi-square analysis was performed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).&#x0D; Results : 52.9% of the subjects were female, 42.9% had normal body mass index, 48.6% had normal body fat percentage, 52.9% rarely eats healthy snacks, 51.4% often eats unhealthy snacks. According to statistical calculations, there are significant effects on unhealthy snacks consumption with body mass index (p=0.033) and body fat percentage (p=0.013).&#x0D; Conclusions : There are significant effects of snacks consumption on body mass index and body fat percentage in Atma Jaya Pre-clinical Students during COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Young Adult, COVID-19, Snacks Consumptions, Fat Mass, S-FFQ, Body Mass Index

Daily Hassles and Eating Behaviours in Adults: Exploring the Buffering Effects of Daily Uplifts.

Existing research has shown that daily hassles are associated with increases in between-meal snacking, often resulting in the increased consumption of high sweet and high fat foods. However, it is currently unclear whether the presence of daily uplifts may buffer the negative effects of daily hassles on unhealthy eating behaviour. Therefore, the current study explored the main and interactive effects of daily hassles and daily uplifts on snacking behaviours in adults. One hundred and sixty participants (M age: 23.69 years) reported their daily hassles, daily uplifts and snacking behaviours over the preceding 24 hour period. Participants' emotional eating style was also measured. Using moderated regression analysis, the daily hassles x daily uplifts interaction was found to be statistically significant for both total snack and unhealthy snack consumption. Simple slopes analyses showed that the relationship between daily hassles and snacking was weaker and non-significant at higher levels of daily uplifts compared to moderate and lower levels. The current study provides novel evidence that daily uplifts may act as a buffer against the negative impact of daily hassles on food consumption.

Effect of Ending the Nationwide Free School Fruit Scheme on the Intake of Fruits, Vegetables, and Unhealthy Snacks in Norwegian School Children Aged 10-12 Years.

The Norwegian authorities started a nationwide free school fruit program in 2007, implemented in all secondary schools (grades 8-10) and combined schools (grades 1-10) in Norway. The program ended in 2014. This study evaluates the effect of ending the nationwide free school fruit program on the consumption of fruit, vegetables, and unhealthy snacks among Norwegian sixth and seventh graders. The study sample consists of pupils at 18 schools that participated in all data collections in the Fruits and Vegetables Make the Marks project (FVMM), initiated in 2001, with new data collections in 2008 and 2018. Four of the schools were combined schools, therefore children in sixth and seventh grade at these schools received free fruit in 2008 (intervention schools), and fourteen schools did not (control schools). Between 2008 and 2018, pupils at the intervention schools ate a lower proportion of fruits and vegetables per school week, and the consumption of unhealthy snacks increased compared to the control schools. Completion of the free fruit program was not significantly different for boys and girls, or low and high parental education. The results indicate that the end of the free school fruit program resulted in less healthy eating habits among children.

Factors Related to Obesity Prevention Behaviors in Female High School Students in Qom, Iran Based on the Social Cognitive Theory

Background and Objectives: In recent years, obesity has been increased in developing countries, especially among adolescents. Various measures have not been successful to prevent it. The present study aims to investigate the factors related to obesity prevention behaviors in female high school student in Qom, Iran based on the social cognitive theory (SCT). Methods: This descriptive study was conducted on 104 high school girls who were randomly selected from two schools in Qom city. To collect data, a demographic form, the questionnaire based on the SCT constructs, fast food consumption questionnaire, unhealthy snack consumption questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, and the international physical activity questionnaire-short form were used. Data analysis was done using analysis of variance and Pearson correlation test. Results: In terms of the SCT constructs, the mean score of awareness was 13.98 out of 24; the mean score of outcome expectations was 13.05 out of 20 (65.25%); the mean score of outcome evaluation was 47.27 out of 30 (91.56%); the mean score of observational learning was 26.08 out of 30 (55%); the mean score of reinforcement was 3.23 out of 25 (56.96%); the mean score of self-efficacy was 18.52 out of 25 (74.08%); and the mean score of self-control was 13.05 out of 25 (52.2%). The scores of the SCT constructs had a significant relationship with nutritional behaviors and physical activity. The results of analysis of variance showed that the mean scores of the constructs of outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and self-control were significantly related to the physical activity of students. Conclusion: The SCT constructs can be good predictors for obesity prevention behaviors in female high school students. Planning and implementing interventions based on these constructs can be effective in improving their lifestyle and nutritional patterns.

An online diary study testing the role of functional and dysfunctional self-licensing in unhealthy snacking

In the present study, we aimed to investigate how two types of self-licensing (functional and dysfunctional self-licensing) are related to unhealthy snack consumption. Self-licensing refers to the act of using justifications before gratifications and has been associated with higher snack consumption. Previous research has found that while functional self-licensing decreases unhealthy snack consumption, dysfunctional self-licensing increases the number of calories taken from unhealthy snacks. Building upon existing evidence, we addressed functional and dysfunctional self-licensing to investigate how self-licensing behaviors are associated with daily variables (i.e., stress and sleep) and unhealthy snacking habits. Participants (N = 124) were given a battery of measures at the start of the week and asked to send their snack consumption every night for a week via an online questionnaire, along with daily stress and sleep items. The data were analyzed with Hierarchical Linear Modelling. Neither self-licensing measures nor unhealthy snacking habits predicted unhealthy snack consumption. Daily stress was associated with lower unhealthy snack consumption. However, the interaction between daily stress and functional self-licensing was significant, suggesting that on stressful days functional self-licensers consume even fewer unhealthy snacks compared to less stressful days. Functional and dysfunctional self-licensing are rather new constructs which is why examining their effects is important for further research. However, in contrast to the existing evidence, we failed to find an effect of both types of self-licensing on snack consumption, suggesting the effect depends on potential contextual or individual-specific factors. Future research using a dieting sample is warranted for a better understanding of how functional and dysfunctional self-licensing operate.

A qualitative investigation of the health behaviours of young children from refugee families using photo elicitation interviews

ABSTRACT Objectives To explore the experiences and perspectives of refugee parents regarding health behaviour changes among their children (i.e. changes in diet, levels of physical activity) and the impact of these changes on the health of their children aged 2–12 years. Design A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews supported by photo-elicitation. Methods Parents of 2–12 years old children who had relocated to the UK within the past three or more years were recruited from two refugee organisations in the UK. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews and photo-elicitation were used to stimulate face-to-face in-depth discussions with participants. Data were analysed using an inductive and latent thematic analysis approach. Results Twenty-seven parent refugees were recruited. Participants were primarily mothers (85%) and from Syria (70%). Other countries of origin were Sudan, Eritrea, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya and Tunisia. Twenty-six interviews were conducted in Arabic and one in English. The analysis identified three themes: (1) Reflection on acculturation, (2) Changed parental role, and (3) Environmental barriers to being healthy. Participants described facing substantial changes to their lifestyle and personal context, including a restricted living space, restricted neighbourhood/community and inclement weather. These differences in the environment required parents to adjust their roles, and practices around their own and their child’s eating habits. These changes influenced refugee children’s health behaviours. Of particular concern to parents were increased sedentary behaviour and consumption of unhealthy snacks. Conclusions Multiple factors were identified relating to changes in family circumstances and environments that influenced refugee children’s health behaviours. Targeting these behaviours in tailored interventions may help improve refugee children’s health.

The effect of lockdowns and distant learning on the health-related behaviours of school students in the United Arab Emirates

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the world in early 2020. As a preventive measure, schools in the UAE adopted remote learning. This study aimed to assess the effects of the lockdown and remote learning on the health-related behaviours of school students in the UAE.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey comprising 33 questions related to physical activity, eating, sleeping and screen time was answered by the students’ parents. Chi-square tests, paired Student’s t tests and frequency tables were used for analysis.ResultsA total of 27,754 responses were received: 46.3% of the parents indicated a significant decrease in physical activity; 44.6% indicated an increase in unhealthy snack consumption; and 51.9% indicated decreased food ordering from restaurants. The percentage of students who slept more than 9 hours and those who slept less than 6 hours increased. Screen time increased significantly for both educational and entertainment purposes (P value < 0.0001).ConclusionThe study showed changes in the lifestyle and health-related behaviours of school students as indicated by their parents. Risk factors such as a lack of physical activity, increased food consumption, sleeping and screen time were directly affected. Therefore, it is important to further investigate these changes and their effects to help design targeted health education programs and promotion campaigns.

"I Like the One With Minions": The Influence of Marketing on Packages of Ultra-Processed Snacks on Children's Food Choices.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the most consumed school snacks using the free listing and understand how marketing strategies on food labels influenced children's perceptions of snacks via focus groups.DesignThe study design involved free lists and semi-structured focus group interviews.SettingSão Paulo, Brazil.ParticipantsA total of 69 children were involved in this study.Phenomenon of InterestChildren's perceptions of food labels.AnalysisFood groups mentioned on the free lists were analyzed for their frequency and priority of occurrence. The focus groups were analyzed through content analysis.ResultsJuices and chips were the most salient snacks, with availability and flavor as reasons for their consumption. Children found images on labels appealing, which created a desire for the food, although could be deceptive. Snacks perceived as healthy were encouraged by parents, and children could more easily convince them to buy snacks with health claims. Colors and brands were important to catch children's attention and make the snack recognizable. Television commercials and mascots reinforced marketing strategies on labels.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results point to the need for public health strategies to deal with the obesity epidemic through creating and implementing specific legislation to regulate food labels to discourage the consumption of unhealthy snacks and prohibit food marketing targeted at children.

Relationship between Family Racial/Ethnic Backgrounds, Parenting Practices and Styles, and Adolescent Eating Behaviors.

Obesity is more prevalent among racial minority children in the United States, as compared to White children. Parenting practices can impact the development of children’s eating behaviors and habits. In this study, we investigated the relationships among racial/ethnic backgrounds, parenting practices and styles, and eating behaviors in adolescents. Fifty-one parent–adolescent dyads were interviewed to characterize parenting practices and styles, as well as the consumption of dairy, fruits and vegetables, and unhealthy snacks. Height and weight were measured to calculate parent BMI and adolescent BMI-for-age percentiles. Three parenting practice categories—modeling, authoritative, and authoritarian—were found to be related to race/ethnicity. A higher score in authoritarian parenting practices was related to higher BMI percentiles among African American adolescents, whereas a higher score in monitoring practices was related to lower BMI percentiles among non-Hispanic White adolescents. Modeling, reasoning, and monitoring led to higher consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents; however, the consumption of unhealthy snacks was higher with rule-setting and lower with reasoning and authoritative practices. Finally, an analysis of the relationships between environmental factors and snack intake showed that adolescents consumed significantly more unhealthy snacks when performing other activities while eating. In conclusion, the findings from this study suggest that families’ racial heritages are related to their parenting practices, BMI percentiles, and their adolescents’ food consumption and eating behaviors. The results of this study can be used to develop and improve adolescent nutrition education and interventions with consideration of their racial/ethnic backgrounds.

Socioeconomic, intrapersonal and food environmental correlates of unhealthy snack consumption in school-going adolescents in Mumbai

BackgroundUnhealthy snacking habits in adolescents are typically triggered by obesogenic food environments and possibly perpetuated through interactions between socio-environmental factors and personal perceptions, attitudes, and motivations to change eating behaviors. This study attempted to address the knowledge gap regarding the association of intrapersonal, socioeconomic, and food environmental characteristics with unhealthy snack consumption in Indian adolescents, presenting several targets for effective interventions.MethodsA representative sample of 10–12 years old adolescents (n 712) completed a cross-sectional survey including eating habits, characteristics of school and home food environments, and perceptions related to affordability, convenience, and barriers within the food environments. The frequency of unhealthy snack consumption was assessed using a validated qualitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate regression analyses determined the associated factors of unhealthy snack consumption in adolescents attending private and public schools.ResultsThe mean age of adolescents was 10.9 (1.1) years, 48.2% were girls and 53.9% attended private schools. The most frequently consumed unhealthy snacks were biscuits/ cookies (5.2d/wk) followed by wafers (3.4d/wk) and Indian fried snacks- samosa/ vada pav (2.8 d/wk). Among the public-school adolescents, the odds of unhealthy snack consumption were 0.89 times lower when meals were had frequently at the dinner table and 4.97 times higher when the perceived barriers related to the affordability of healthy snacks were greater. Maternal education (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.66–0.82, p < 0.001), family income (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.98–2.32, p < 0.001), availability of unhealthy snacks (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.36–3.46, p < 0.001) and fruits (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.49–0.69, p < 0.001) at home, having evening meals together (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.63–0.81, p 0.031), and perceived parental control during mealtimes (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.62–0.72, p < 0.001) were associated with unhealthy snack consumption in adolescents attending private schools.ConclusionsThe results highlighted a pervasiveness of unhealthy snacks in adolescents’ food environments. Improving provisions and affordability of fruits and healthy snacks at schools, encouraging family mealtimes, and limiting the availability of unhealthy snacks at home whilst addressing the perceived barriers within food environments, and inculcating self-efficacy skills can improve snacking habits in Indian adolescents, irrespective of socioeconomic backgrounds.

What Factors Shape Whether Digital Food Marketing Appeals to Children?

ObjectivesChildren are exposed to large amounts of unhealthy food marketing on digital media. This marketing contains elements that marketing experts consider child-appealing, such as cartoons, bold colors, and childish font styles. Although these elements capture children’s attention, there is still ambiguity regarding which additional factors also play a role. We aimed to examine the effects of child characteristics (sociodemographic, behavioural, and dietary intake factors) and marketing instance features on whether digital food marketing instances appealed to children. MethodsThirty-nine children from Calgary, Alberta, Canada indicated whether 1660 digital food marketing instances (∼130 per child) appealed to them (‘Is this ad for kids like you’; yes vs. no). Each instance was evaluated by three children. Information on children’s sociodemographic characteristics, screen-related behaviours, and dietary intake was also collected. Agreement between children was measured using the Fleiss’ kappa statistic. Text, labels, objects, and logos extracted from the food marketing instances were combined with the variables collected from the children to fit logistic regression, random forest, conditional inference tree, and gradient boosting models to assess which variables were the most important determinants of child appeal. ResultsAgreement between children was low, with an average Fleiss’ kappa of –0.01 (95% CI: –0.09, 0.08). The models indicated that the text contained in the food marketing instances was the most important determinant of child appeal. Besides text, the three most important predictors of child appeal were the household’s highest level of education, children’s vegetable consumption and BMI. The conditional inference tree indicated that children with low consumption of vegetables, high consumption of unhealthy snacks and more time spent using screen devices tended to consider more food marketing instances as child appealing. ConclusionsThere is substantial variability among children in which marketing instances appeal to them; even children with similar characteristics disagreed. However, children with poorer dietary intakes reported that more food marketing instances appealed to them. Funding SourcesCanadian Institutes of Health Research.

Robo from melon seeds and groundnut

Robo is a widely consumed Nigeria snack made from local food ingredients. Snacks are often subjectively classified as junk food, possibly because they naturally have little or no nutritional value, and unhealthy snacks consumption are associated with the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The effects of producing Robo from melon and groundnut seeds at different ratios from 20 to 50% wereevaluated for proximate composition, physicochemical/functional and sensory attributes. The results showed an increase in crude protein (38.56a - 42.8d), crude fiber(15.01±0.014d), fat content (35.20e) and ash content (18.02e), but decreased in moisture content (2.43a - 3.30e). Hardness properties decrease from (240a- 720e). Robo from blends of melon and groundnut seeds have improved sensory attributes in terms of flavour, crispness, taste and overall acceptability, particularly at supplementation of 60% melon and 40% groundnut seeds. Thus, improved Robo will increase consumer’s nutrients intake and prevent health problems associated with snack intake.&#x0D; Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(4), 263-270, 2021

Parenting Practices and Adolescents' Eating Behaviors in African American Families.

Parents play an important role in developing the eating behaviors of their children by adopting specific parenting practices. As the prevalence of obesity is high amongst African American adolescents, investigations into associations of specific parenting practices and adolescents’ eating behaviors are essential. In this exploratory study, 14 African American parent–adolescent dyads were interviewed to characterize the influence of eight different parenting practices on the consumption of three main food categories (dairy, fruits and vegetables, and unhealthy snacks). The results revealed that authoritarian parenting practices were correlated with a higher BMI percentile in adolescents, whereas modeling and monitoring are correlated with a higher parent BMI. In addition, reasoning, monitoring, modeling, and authoritative parenting practices were associated with less unhealthy snack consumption among adolescents. Reasoning and monitoring were the only parenting practices associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption. Finally, a significant correlation was found between eating fruits and vegetables and unhealthy snacks and the location of eating. In conclusion, different parenting practices and environmental factors may impact BMI and food consumption of African American dyads. The results of this study can be used to guide improvement in, and/or development of, nutritional education interventions considering the cultural differences of racial minorities.

PROMOTING HEALTHY SNACKS TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CHILDREN USING ANIMATED CARTOON IN TEBET, SOUTH JAKARTA

Based on elementary school’s environmental observations, there is still much consumption of unhealthy snacks among children, especially in Jakarta. This program aims to increase healthy snacks knowledge for elementary school students at SDN Menteng Dalam 07 Pagi and SDN Menteng Dalam 05 Pagi, Tebet District, South Jakarta. The method used was the provision of education through watching cartoons about eating healthy snacks. The students were excited when watching cartoons for 30 minutes. Students were also measured for height and weighed to determine their nutritional status based on BMI/Age index. Knowledge improvement was evaluated by giving pre and post test questionnaires. The results showed a significant increase in knowledge between before and after watching cartoons. Animated cartoons can be used to promote healthy snacks among primary school students.

The Socialization of Healthy Snack and Management of Pocket Money to Increase the Interest in Saving from Early Age in SDN Dumajah 1 Bangkalan

In Indonesia, the society’s awareness of saving is still low, even though the public saving ratio is an indicator of the level of economic growth. It is important to introduce a culture of saving and investing from early age to foster good habits until the child grows up. The purpose of this community service activity is to increase children's interest in saving from an early age and to educate students about healthy snack.&#x0D; The method used in this activity was through multidisciplinary counseling in the health aspect of healthy snack and in the economic aspect of management of pocket money in order to raise awareness to consume healthy snack and to increase student’s interest in saving because it has reduced consumption of unhealthy snacks. A total of 33 students of SDN Dumajah 1 Bangkalan were targeted in this socialization.&#x0D; The results obtained after the socialization were that knowledge about healthy snacks increased from 9,1% to 36,4%, while students' interest in saving increased sharply from 0% to 87,9%. The follow-up evaluation carried out 6 months after the socialization showed good results where the students previously did not have savings, now even all of them have savings with most of the nominal around Rp. 500,000, - to Rp. 700,000, -. It’s means that multidisciplinary extension activities are effective in increasing children's interest in saving.