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Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (17 April 2023) | Viewed by 35280

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Dr. Mª del Carmen Lozano Estevan

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Guest Editor

VALORNUT Research Group, Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: nutritional coaching; nutrition; diet; public health; dietary habits; food; nutritional status; nutritional education; elderly; children; athletes

Dr. Iván Herrera-Peco

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Co-Guest Editor

Health Sciences Colleague, Alfonso X El Sabio University, 28691 Madrid, Spain
Interests: investigation; innovation; education; health; biology; public health
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Public health today is defined as the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through the organised efforts of society. Nutrition, on the other hand, is the science that studies how the body uses energy from food to maintain and grow, analysing the processes by which it ingests, digests, absorbs, transports, utilises and extracts nutrients essential for life, and their interaction with health and disease.

Therefore, public health nutrition and diet is the science that studies the relationship between diet and health and provides the basis for the design, implementation and evaluation of nutritional interventions at community and population levels to improve the health status of populations.

There is currently a need for up-to-date research linking these two concepts. Research whose results can be applied to public health in the social and geographical context of a community or a group of individuals in order to enhance and improve nutritional status is valuable.

In this sense, we consider a Special Issue "Nutrition, Diet and Public Health. Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups" in the journal IJERPH to be appropriate.

This Issue will incorporate multidisciplinary research, from all points of view, dedicated to nutritional assessment in various population groups, as well as its possible health and public health repercussions.

All types of manuscripts are encouraged, from rigorous randomised clinical trials to pragmatic community-based designs. Therefore, interventions related to diet, dietary habits and their relationship with the nutritional status of a population are acceptable. It is understood that submissions will often use multidisciplinary and collaborative research. Original research papers are welcome, as are systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Dr. Mª del Carmen Lozano Estevan
Dr. Iván Herrera-Peco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

diet
nutrition
dietary habits
nutritional status
athletes, elderly
children
public health
nutrition education
lifestyle

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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14 pages, 360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Descriptive Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Regulatory Authorities, Parents, and School Canteen Owners in the South of Ecuador about the Challenges and Facilities Related to Compliance with the National Regulation for School Canteens

by Belén Cabrera-Ledesma, Victoria Abril-Ulloa, Verónica Pinos-Vélez and Valeria Carpio-Arias

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(7), 5313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075313 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5982

Abstract

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the Ecuadorian school population continues to increase. An important factor in children’s nutrition is the food offered in school canteens. The objective of this study was to explore the perceptions of the challenges faced by and facilities of school canteens in the provinces of southern Ecuador in terms of complying with national regulations. For this qualitative descriptive study, semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2021 with six school canteen owners, six school directors, five health experts, and seven parents of children attending school from three provinces, Cañar, Azuay, and Morona Santiago, in Ecuador. The data were transcribed and subsequently analyzed in ATLAS ti. The participants indicated several challenges to comply with the regulations of school canteens, such as the expenses generated by them, the lack of control of street food vendors in the surroundings of the schools, and the lack of trained personnel. Regarding the facilities, they highlighted that the regulation for cleaning and hygiene are more easily fulfilled. Standards and control of the food stipend in school canteens are required to ensure a supply of healthy food for the children. Multiple challenges and strategies are proposed to improve the eating habits of the school population and to improve the nutrition of schoolchildren. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

18 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Breakfast Quality and Insulin Resistance in Spanish Schoolchildren: A Cross-Sectional Study

by María Dolores Salas-González, María del Carmen Lozano-Estevan, Aránzazu Aparicio, Laura M. Bermejo, Viviana Loria-Kohen, Rosa M. Ortega and Ana M. López-Sobaler

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021181 - 9 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2250

Abstract

Background: Breakfast has traditionally been considered one of the most important meals of the day; however, there is little evidence for the influence of breakfast quality and insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to assess the quality of breakfast in a group of schoolchildren, and its association with IR. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 852 children (8–13 years) was carried out. Fasting plasma glucose, insulin and anthropometric parameters were measured. A three-day dietary record was used to assess their diet and to calculate the Breakfast Quality Index (BQI). The sample was divided into tertiles according to the BQI (tertile 3: better breakfast quality). The homeostatic model was used to assess insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and IR was defined as HOMA-IR > 3.16. Results: The prevalence of IR was 5.2%. The mean BQI score was 4.50 ± 1.25, and boys had lower scores than girls. Children in the BQI tertile 3 had a better global diet quality. In boys, being in the BQI tertile 3 was associated with a lower risk of IR (OR [95% CI]: 0.10 [0.01–0.77], p < 0.05). Conclusions: A higher-quality breakfast was associated with better overall diet quality and a lower risk of IR, especially in boys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

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12 pages, 566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary and Physical Activity Habits as Conditioning Factors of Nutritional Status among Children of GENYAL Study

by Helena Marcos-Pasero, Elena Aguilar-Aguilar, Gonzalo Colmenarejo, Ana Ramírez de Molina, Guillermo Reglero and Viviana Loria-Kohen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 866; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010866 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

Excess weight (EW) in children has become a severe public health problem. The present study aimed to describe the main lifestyle characteristics and their possible association with nutritional status in a group of schoolchildren enrolled in the GENYAL study, where 221 children in the first or second grade of primary education (6–9 years old) were included. Anthropometric (BMI and bioimpedance), dietary intake (twice-repeated 24 h food record), and physical activity (twice-repeated 24 h physical activity questionnaire) data were collected. Logistic and linear regressions, with p-values adjusted for multiple tests by Bonferroni’s method and with sex and age as covariates, were applied. The prevalence of EW was 19%, 25.4%, and 32.2%, according to Orbegozo Foundation, IOFT, and WHO criteria, respectively. The results showed a significant association between schoolchildren’s nutritional status and energy balance, defined as the ratio of estimated energy intake to estimated energy expenditure (%), (β = −1.49 (−1.9–1.07), p < 0.01) and KIDMED Mediterranean Diet Quality Index score (β = −0.19 (95% IC −0.38–0), p = 0.04), and between the availability of TV or other technological devices in their room and the child’s BMI (β = 1.15 (95% IC 0.20–2.10), p = 0.017) and their fat mass (β = 3.28 (95% IC 0.69–5.87), p = 0.013). The number of dairy servings/day had a protective effect against EW (OR = 0.48 (0.29–0.75), p adjusted = 0.05)). Studying lifestyle factors associated with obesity is essential for developing tools and strategies for obesity prevention in children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

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15 pages, 708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire—Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) in Chilean Youth

by Paula Lizana-Calderón, Jesús M. Alvarado, Claudia Cruzat-Mandich, Fernanda Díaz-Castrillón and Sergio Quevedo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010628 - 29 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6151

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the factorial structure of the Multidimensional Body–Self Relations Questionnaire—Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS) to determine the adjustment of the study structure proposed in the Spanish short version in a young, non-clinical Chilean population and to evaluate the possible influence of sex, age, and BMI on body image measurement. The sample consisted of 614 Chilean youth (259 male and 355 female) between 15 and 28 years old (M = 18.81; SE = 2.46), from the Metropolitan Region, and four regions of the coast and south-central zone of the country. The average Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.5 kg/m² (SD = 3.16). The model fit was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis (WLSMV) using the following: a model with a single general factor, a model with the five factors of the original version, a five-factor ESEM model, and a MIMIC model analyzed including sex, age, and BMI. The results show that the MIMIC sex, age, and BMI model presents an acceptable fit, observing that four factors, Appearance Orientation (AO), Body Areas Satisfaction (BAS), Overweight Preoccupation (OP), and Self-Classification Weight (SCW), are affected significantly for the sex variable, one for age, Appearance Evaluation (AE), and four for BMI (AE, BAS, OP, and SCW). In conclusion, MBSRQ-AS replicates the five-dimensional structure in a non-clinical sample of young Chileans; however, their scores are not invariant as they depend on sex, age, and BMI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

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12 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health Literacy and Critical Lecture as Key Elements to Detect and Reply to Nutrition Misinformation on Social Media: Analysis between Spanish Healthcare Professionals

by Sergio Segado-Fernández, María del Carmen Lozano-Estevan, Beatriz Jiménez-Gómez, Carlos Ruiz-Núñez, Pedro Jesús Jiménez Hidalgo, Invención Fernández-Quijano, Liliana González-Rodríguez, Azucena Santillán-García and Ivan Herrera-Peco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010023 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3492

Abstract

Health misinformation about nutrition and other health aspects on social media is a current public health concern. Healthcare professionals play an essential role in efforts to detect and correct it. The present study focuses on analyzing the use of competencies associated with training in methodology, health literacy, and critical lecture in order to detect sources of health misinformation that use scientific articles to support their false information. A qualitative study was conducted between 15 and 30 January 2022, wherein the participants were recruited from active users from a nutrition conversation on Twitter, diets, and cancer and defined themselves as healthcare professionals. This study demonstrates that health literacy and critical lecture competencies allow for the detection of more misinformation messages and are associated with a high rate of responses to users that spread the misinformation messages. Finally, this study proposes the necessity of developing actions to improve health literacy and critical lecture competencies between healthcare professionals. However, in order to achieve this, health authorities must develop strategies to psychologically support those healthcare professionals faced with bullying as a result of their activity on social media debunking health hoaxes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

11 pages, 361 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micronutrients and the Risk of Allergic Diseases in School Children

by Daniela Podlecka, Joanna Jerzyńska, Khadijah Sanad, Kinga Polańska, Monika Bobrowska-Korzeniowska, Iwona Stelmach and Agnieszka Brzozowska

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12187; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912187 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2313

Abstract

Microelements and vitamins are believed to have immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the study was to establish the role of antioxidants (vitamins A, E, D) and microelements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) levels in allergic diseases in schoolchildren. The study uses a cohort of 80 children (40 with and 40 without allergy/asthma diagnosis) aged 9 to 12 years recruited for the Polish Mother and Child Cohort Study. At nine to twelve years old, the children were tested for microelement and vitamin content and health status (including skin-prick test and spirometry, urine cotinine level). Demographic data were collected from mothers by an allergist. The risk of asthma occurrence was found to be significantly related to the levels of Cu and Zn. The level of Cu was also particularly closely associated with allergic rhinitis and was indicated as a significant predictor of food allergy. The levels of Cu and Zn, and poor nutritional status in general, can influence the immune system and may be considered risk factors for developing asthma, allergic rhinitis and food allergy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

16 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Learning about Herbal and Dietary Supplements: Perspectives Using the Theoretical Domains Framework

by Mohd Shahezwan Abd Wahab, Wan Nur Syamimi Wan Ismail, Aida Azlina Ali, Norkasihan Ibrahim, Noordin Othman, Nurul Aqmar Mohd Nor Hazalin, Khang Wen Goh and Long Chiau Ming

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10901; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710901 - 1 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1943

Abstract

Background: Self-learning (SL) is a process in which individuals take the initiative to acquire knowledge with or without the help of others. Knowledge about herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is important for pharmacists. Unfortunately, there is limited coverage of topics relating to HDS in the pharmacy curricula. The present focus group study applies the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to explore pharmacy students’ practices and beliefs regarding SL about HDS (SL-HDS). Methods: Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted between April and May 2019 among a sample of undergraduate pharmacy students at a public university (n = 20). Four FGI sessions were conducted, each lasting about 60 to 75 min, and all the sessions were audio-recorded. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results: Beliefs about SL-HDS were categorised into 12 domains based on the TDF. Students showed positive attitudes towards SL-HDS and agreed that their involvement in SL-HDS was instrumental in improving their knowledge about various aspects of HDS including indications, adverse effects, and HDS-drug interactions. Various facilitators and barriers influencing students’ participation in SL-HDS were uncovered (e.g., access to the internet, time, availability of reference resources). The students demanded to be equipped with critical appraisal skills, as they had limited confidence in assessing literature or information about HDS. Conclusion: This study revealed that the students saw the benefits of SL-HDS. They also perceived that engaging in SL-HDS is compatible with the role of pharmacy students. The findings showed students’ readiness and willingness to conduct SL-HDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

12 pages, 389 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Public Support for the Imposition of a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and the Determinants of Such Support in Spain

by Sara Fernández Sánchez-Escalonilla, Carlos Fernández-Escobar and Miguel Ángel Royo-Bordonada

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 3758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073758 - 22 Mar 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

(1) Background: Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are an effective public health intervention, but can be difficult to implement in the absence of public support. This is the first study to analyze the Spanish population’s support for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. (2) Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (n = 1002), using a computer-aided telephone interview with a questionnaire on nutritional policies. The support for the tax was calculated by the percentage of those who agreed plus those who strongly agreed with the measure. The sociodemographic determinants of support for the tax were analyzed using chi-squared test (χ²) and Poisson multiple regression models with robust variance. (3) Results: Of the participants, 66.9% supported a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Support for the tax was 9.2% higher (70% vs. 64.1%) when responders were first asked about support for tax relief and subsidies for healthy foods (p = 0.049). Support for the tax was 16% and 35% lower among persons reporting center and right-wing political sympathies (p < 0.01), and 16% lower among regular consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages (p = 0.01). (4) Conclusions: A clear majority of the Spanish population is in favor of imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Awareness-raising campaigns and a policy of combining the measure with subsidies or tax cuts on healthy foods could increase the level of support among those currently against the intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

14 pages, 344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Involved in the Food Choices of Diners in a Kibbutz Communal Dining Room Buffet: A Qualitative Study

by Ofira Katz-Shufan, Tzahit Simon-Tuval, Danit R. Shahar and Paula Feder-Bubis

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031885 - 8 Feb 2022

Viewed by 2709

Abstract

Improving nutrition improves health outcomes. Eating in a catering system may provide an environment for promoting healthy dietary choices. To map the factors that shape the food choices of diners who routinely eat in catering systems, we collected and analyzed qualitative data about diners’ perceptions of their food choices in communal dining rooms in three kibbutzim in Israel. From May to July 2014, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 13 diners who ate at least three lunches per week in the kibbutz’s dining room. Data analysis followed thematic analysis principles. Two categories of themes emerged from the interviews. In the personal context category, the themes identified were eating as a task and attempts to control one’s eating. In the contextual aspects of eating in the catering system category, themes identified were eating in the dining room as a default, the characteristics of the food served, routine, and personal versus public aspects. The sub-theme of the diners’ freedom of choice emerged in the two categories of themes. Diners’ wishes of maintaining their freedom of choice may be an important contribution to the debate of whether catering systems should provide only healthy foods, which may jeopardize diners’ freedom of choice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

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24 pages, 1174 KiB

Open AccessStudy Protocol

Study Protocol of “Sustainably Healthy—From Science 2 Highschool & University”—Prevalence of Mixed, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets Linked to Sports & Exercise among Austrian Tertiary Students and Lecturers/Academic Staff

by Katharina C. Wirnitzer, Mohamad Motevalli, Derrick R. Tanous, Gerold Wirnitzer, Karl-Heinz Wagner, Armando Cocca, Manuel Schätzer, Werner Kirschner, Clemens Drenowatz and Gerhard Ruedl

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15313; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215313 - 19 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3551

Abstract

Healthy lifestyle is the major indicator of individual and public health especially in target populations (e.g., during emerging adulthood). Evidence indicates that unhealthy lifestyle behaviors are strongly associated with the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. The dual approach of sustainable health (i.e., physical exercise tied to a healthy diet) is an effective lifestyle strategy to control and manage health-related disorders, including overweight/obesity. Based on the evidence on plant-based diets regarding health and considering the growing prevalence of vegans and vegetarians worldwide, limited data exist on the health-related behaviors of those who follow plant-based vs. mixed diets in young adulthood. This multidisciplinary study is the first to examine the association between diet type (mixed, vegetarian, and vegan diets) and various health-related behaviors (primarily physical activity, sport, & exercise) among college/university students and lecturers/academic staff in Austria nationwide. Following a cross-sectional study design and using online questionnaires, 4510 tertiary students and 1043 lecturers/academic staff provided data on sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, physical exercise habits, and other lifestyle behaviors (sleep, alcohol intake, smoking, etc.) along with information on health status and quality of life. While the data will be analyzed based on differentiated sociodemographic and health-related categories, the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors will also be evaluated. As a study protocol, this article represents comprehensive details of the design, purposes, and associated analytical measures of the present study within the tertiary educational context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition, Diet and Public Health: Assessment in Different Individuals and Groups)

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