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Tan S, Yang R, Abdukerima G, Xu Y, Zhu L, Xu B, Shen W, Song L, Ji B, Wang Z, Chen C, Shi J. Unraveling the role of social support in eating behavior among children and adolescents in Shanghai, China: exploring the mediating role of self-efficacy and the moderating influence of BMI and weight concern. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1411097. [PMID: 39045284 PMCID: PMC11265227 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1411097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study explores the intricate relationship between social support and eating behaviors in children and adolescents, considering the mediating role of eating self-efficacy and the moderating effects of body mass index (BMI) and weight concern. Methods Data from 1986 primary and secondary school students aged 8 to 17 in Shanghai, China, were analyzed using moderated mediation analysis. Results The results demonstrate a robust positive association between social support and eating self-efficacy, particularly prominent among individuals with low BMI (effect = 0.506, 95% CI [0.376, 0.636]). Moreover, the study highlights that eating behavior is influenced not only by eating self-control (β = -0.054, 95% CI [-0.062, -0.046]) but also by the interaction term between individuals' perceptions of their body weight (β = -0.0008, 95% CI [-0.0015, -0.0001]). Conclusion Eating self-efficacy serves as a mediator in the relationship between social support and eating behavior, modulated by BMI and weight concern. Importantly, high weight concern significantly strengthens the mediating effect of eating self-efficacy on the relationship between social support and eating behavior, regardless of BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoyuan Tan
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Yang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gulqihra Abdukerima
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Xu
- East China Model High School, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihong Zhu
- Shanghai No.1 Middle School, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Jing’an No.2 Central Primary School, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwei Shen
- Shanghai Jing’an Experimental Primary School, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Song
- Shanghai Jing’an District Jiangning Road Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Ji
- Shanghai Jing’an District Jiangning Road Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoxin Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- School of Management, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Shanghai Jing’an District Jiangning Road Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianwei Shi
- Department of General Practice, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Deng Y, Hwang Y, Campbell S, McCullick BA, Yli-Piipari S. Institutional factors associated with college students' healthy physical activity and body composition: A first semester follow-up. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:1134-1142. [PMID: 34260332 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1922416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The first aim of this study was to examine changes in freshman college students' health-enhancing physical activity (PA) and body composition across the first semester. Secondly, this study aimed to explore the role of socio-ecological variables on these processes. Methods: A sample of 166 participants (108 females, 58 males, Mage = 18.14[.96]) completed self-report pre-and posttest data on vigorous PA (VPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and body mass index (BMI). Results: The results showed a statistically significant increase in BMI, but no statistically significant changes in VPA or MVPA. The findings revealed that our socio-ecological model predicted .71, .39, and .92 percent of the end of the year VPA, MVPA, and BMI, respectively. The findings highlighted the positive role of peer support, positive motivation, and university's Recreational Services on measured healthy behaviors. Conclusions: These findings suggest a need to increase college students' VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Deng
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - YongJu Hwang
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sara Campbell
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Bryan A McCullick
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Sami Yli-Piipari
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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3
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Criterion Validity of a Short Food Frequency Questionnaire for Mexican American Adults. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235075. [PMID: 36501105 PMCID: PMC9740338 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to validate the School Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) for Mexican American adults (SPAN MAA). Methods: A sample of 100 Mexican American adult participants was drawn from the Cameron County Hispanic Cohort (on the Texas−Mexico border). We used Spearman rank order correlation coefficients, kappa statistics, and percent agreement to compare the SPAN MAA questionnaire to a 24 h recall collected on the same day. Results: Of 100 participants, 93 were included in the analyses. One item showed substantial (>0.6), five items moderate (>0.4), five items fair (>0.2) and three items little to no agreement (<0.2). Items with low agreement were those reported in low frequencies by study participants. Conclusions: SPAN MAA FFQ had moderate to fair agreement between instruments across both sexes, making this brief questionnaire a useful tool to quickly assess the dietary intake patterns of Mexican American adults.
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How do social networks, controlling parenting, and interpersonal sensitivity contribute to adolescents' appearance anxiety? CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03839-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Roberts KJ, Hafez SA, Snethen J, Binns HJ, Knafl KA. Perceptions of Weight Management: Interviews with Adolescents with Severe Obesity and Their Mothers. Child Obes 2022; 18:219-227. [PMID: 34762511 DOI: 10.1089/chi.2021.0181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: Adolescence is a challenging time for families, which is intensified when managing a chronic health condition. In adolescents with severe obesity, little is known about how adolescent/mother dyads approach management. Our study aims to (1) explore similarities/differences in adolescent/mother dyads' perceptions of weight management behaviors and (2) describe their experiences with successes and challenges related to weight management. Methods: This was a qualitative descriptive analysis of interviews from 21 adolescent/mother dyads. Conventional content analysis was used to identify themes characterizing dyads' weight management efforts. Results: Two patterns of perceptions were identified across the dyads specific to weight management behaviors: collaborative (dyads agreed) and conflicting (dyads disagreed). Weight management themes with collaborative perceptions were food preferences; food and emotion; the adolescent is active; exercise is not enjoyable; the family is active together; and stopping medications. Weight management themes with conflicting perceptions were responsibility for initiating and maintaining exercise, motivation and willingness to exercise, and responsibility for medications. Dyads had collaborative pattern responses on perceptions of success and challenges. Themes related to successes were weight loss and supportive relationships. Themes related to challenges were inconsistent daily routines and schedules, and unsupportive relationships. Conclusions: Dyads responded with collaborative or conflicting perceptions to weight management behaviors and with collaborative responses to success and challenges. Sustaining healthy habits was difficult from the perspectives of dyads. For youth with severe obesity, providing care that recognizes and addressees issues youth and their families experience may require improved and innovative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn J Roberts
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.,Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Shahad Amr Hafez
- Batterjee Medical College for Sciences and Technology, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Julia Snethen
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Helen J Binns
- Pediatrics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kathleen A Knafl
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Fu J, Liang F, Wang Y, Qiu N, Ding K, Zeng J, Moore JB, Li R. Modeling Parental Influence on Food Consumption among Chinese Adolescents through Self-Efficacy: A Path Analysis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124454. [PMID: 34960008 PMCID: PMC8705551 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the associations between perceived parental control, perceived parental modeling and parent–teen co-decision making, and fruit and vegetable (F&V) and sugar-sweetened beverage and junk food (S&J) consumption among Chinese adolescents, and examine whether self-efficacy mediates the associations. Data were collected in a cross-sectional survey of Chinese adolescents carried out in the fall of 2019. The questionnaires were adapted from the Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) Study. Ordinary least-squares regressions and a path analysis were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations. The final sample included 3595 Chinese adolescents (mean (SD) age, 14.67 (1.73) years; 52.82% (n = 1899) males). Perceived parental control was positively associated with adolescents’ F&V consumption, and was negatively associated with adolescents’ S&J consumption. Perceived parental modeling and parent–teen co-decision making were both positively associated with adolescents’ F&V consumption and negatively associated with their S&J consumption. Adolescents’ self-efficacy was positively associated with F&V consumption and negatively associated with S&J consumption. These results suggest that serving as a positive role model, having adolescents participate in the decision-making process, and increasing adolescents’ self-efficacy can be feasible and efficacious strategies to improve the nutritional quality of Chinese adolescents’ diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Fu
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Fang Liang
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yechuang Wang
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Nan Qiu
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
| | - Justin Brian Moore
- Department of Implementation Science, Division of Public Health Sciences, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA;
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Healthcare Management, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; (J.F.); (F.L.); (Y.W.); (N.Q.); (K.D.); (J.Z.)
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-27-68759901; Fax: +86-27-68758648
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Williams N, Mann G, Cafer A, Evers C, Kaiser K. “Bring back the salad bar”: perceptions of health in rural delta middle school students. JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/19320248.2021.1894298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Williams
- Department Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Georgianna Mann
- Department Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Anne Cafer
- University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677543, Lamar Hall, USA
| | - Charles Evers
- School of Medicine, 1670 University Blvd, University of Alabama, Birmingham, USA
| | - Kimberly Kaiser
- Department of Legal Studies, M302 Mayes, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
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Yerges AL, Snethen JA, Carrel AL. Female adolescents with overweight and obesity share their perspectives on the clinical setting and weight management. Clin Obes 2021; 11:e12415. [PMID: 32945141 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The clinical setting remains a strategic environment for early assessment, identification and treatment of adolescents with obesity. Yet, healthcare providers' (HCPs) efforts have been unsuccessful in improving physical activity, nutritional intake or body mass index in adolescents with obesity. Obesity is a chronic condition that influences how patients interact with HCPs and experience ambulatory healthcare appointments. However, it is unknown how female adolescents with obesity perceive the clinical setting, especially regarding weight management. The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of female adolescents with obesity regarding health and weight management in the clinical setting. Using a qualitative design, 28 English-speaking female adolescents, 13 to 19 years of age, with a body mass index ≥85th percentile for height and weight participated in individual interviews. Results demonstrate that adolescents with obesity desire to be recognized as unique individuals and to be involved in their own health conversations. The participants reported that their health care was inadequate when they received impersonal and vague advice from HCPs on weight loss. Weight-related communication was best received in a kind and empathetic manner, with a focus on improving one's health (instead of losing weight). Adolescents in this study articulated the components of healthy eating and physical exercise, yet were unable to synthesize this knowledge into specific dietary practices and daily physical activities. The insights derived from female adolescents with obesity provide guidance on how HCPs can improve their relationship and engage the adolescent in weight-based discussions. Concrete, actionable recommendations are provided for providers who work with female adolescents who are overweight or obese.
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Affiliation(s)
- April L Yerges
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Julia A Snethen
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aaron L Carrel
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Psychosocial Determinants of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Japanese Adolescents: A School-Based Study in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155550. [PMID: 32751998 PMCID: PMC7432351 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A few studies in Japan have demonstrated positive attitudes, self-efficacy, social support, and perceived barrier were associated with fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake in adults; however, limited evidence addresses the association of psychosocial factors with F&V intake in adolescents. A cross-sectional study through a questionnaire survey was conducted at junior and senior high schools, and 933 students completed the questionnaire. Data were analyzed by X2 test and Student t-test. The findings demonstrated 2.7% of participants were aware of the current recommendations for vegetable and 2.0% for fruit. Only 4% and 8.1% of participants reported they consumed recommended amount of vegetables and fruits. In comparison with males, females showed higher scores of attitude (p < 0.01), responsibility (p < 0.01), and social support (p < 0.01). The barriers to vegetable intake were "I'm eating enough now", "not always available when eating away from home"; the barriers to fruit intake were "don't have a habit of having 100% juice or fruit in the morning", and "cost too much". The findings suggest the change of adolescents' knowledge about what they should eat is needed in boosting F&V consumption. The development of an intervention program for adolescents needs to target socio-environmental factors such as family support, and nutritional education for early healthy habit formation.
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Pengpid S, Peltzer K. Prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents in Laos. Int J Adolesc Med Health 2020; 33:555-560. [PMID: 32549152 DOI: 10.1515/ijamh-2019-0142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among adolescents in the "2015 Laos Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)". The study sample consisted of 3,683 school adolescents with a median age of 16 years from Laos that responded to the 2015 cross-sectional GSHS. The prevalence of inadequate fruit consumption (<2/day) was 74.0%, inadequate vegetable consumption (<3/day) 78.5%, and inadequate FV consumption (<5/day) 83.7%. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, physical inactivity (adjusted odds ratio = AOR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval=CI, 1.061.93) was positively, and being overweight or obese (AOR: 0.65; 95% CI, 0.450.95), soft drink consumption (AOR: 0.55; 95% CI, 0.440.69), fast food consumption (AOR: 0.59; 95% CI, 0.470.74), and peer support (AOR: 0.69; 95% CI, 0.540.88) were negatively associated with inadequate FV consumption. A high proportion of inadequate FV consumption was found and strategies to increase FV consumption in this population may take into account sociodemographic, lifestyle, peer and parental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supa Pengpid
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Department of Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Karl Peltzer
- Department for Management of Science and Technology Development, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Hammons AJ, Hannon BA, Teran-Garcia M, Barragan M, Villegas E, Wiley A, Fiese B. Effects of Culturally Tailored Nutrition Education on Dietary Quality of Hispanic Mothers: A Randomized Control Trial. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 51:1168-1176. [PMID: 31375361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess whether participation in a culturally tailored nutrition education program increases diet quality of Hispanic mothers. DESIGN A randomized controlled trial. SETTING Community centers and universities. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-five mothers (35 in experimental group, 30 in control group) completed pre- and postworkshop surveys. Eligibility criteria included being of Mexican or Puerto Rican descent and having a child between the ages of 6 and 18 years who could participate in the workshops with the parent. INTERVENTION Families in the experimental group participated in a 6-week workshop series that included weekly nutrition education classes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Diet quality was assessed by the Rate Your Plate questionnaire. ANALYSIS Repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences between the experimental and control groups. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was conducted to test for significant shifts in categorization pre- and postprogram. RESULTS There was a significant change in diet quality categorization after participating in the workshops (P < .001, effect size 0.39). No changes were found in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Abriendo Caminos was effective at increasing the diet quality of Hispanic mothers who participated the most in the program. More research is needed in this at-risk population to determine the relationships among nutrition knowledge, diet quality, and achievement of healthy weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber J Hammons
- Department of Child and Family Science, California State University, Fresno, CA.
| | - Bridget A Hannon
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
| | - Margarita Teran-Garcia
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL; Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL; University of Illinois Extension, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL; Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
| | - Maribel Barragan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
| | - Elizabeth Villegas
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
| | - Angela Wiley
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - Barbara Fiese
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL; Family Resiliency Center, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL
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The Relationship between Social Capital within Its Different Contexts and Adherence to a Mediterranean Diet Among Lithuanian Adolescents. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11061332. [PMID: 31197100 PMCID: PMC6627724 DOI: 10.3390/nu11061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The eating habits of adolescents are a serious current public health problem. Scientists call attention to the availability of social resources for enhancing healthy eating behavior. Social capital defines those resources as trust, reciprocity, social participation, integrity, and coherence, and they are supposed to help people achieve their life goals, in general, and health goals, in particular. Our aim is to investigate the relationship between social capital within its different contexts and adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MD) among Lithuanian adolescents. The nationally representative cross-sectional study included 1863 students (906 boys and 957 girls). The KIDMED index questionnaire (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index in children and adolescents) was used to evaluate the adherence to an MD. Family, neighborhood, and school contexts of social capital were assessed using six items indicating family support, neighborhood trust, social control, vertical trust, horizontal trust, and reciprocity at school. Covariates such as gender, physical activity, parental education, and body mass index were also included in the analysis. Descriptive results showed that only 14% of Lithuanian adolescents followed an MD. Linear regression analysis indicated that family support (β = 0.096) and trust in school teachers (β = 0.074) were related to better rates of adherence, especially regarding the consumption of fruits, vegetables, cereals, fish, and the use of olive oil as a main source of fat. More adolescents who perceived family support and trust in their teachers used these products regularly and were less likely to skip breakfast. These findings could be used as a base for further developing nutrition education programs aimed at enhancing support and trust among families and schoolteachers.
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