1
|
Diamantis DV, Linos A, Hu FB, Veloudaki A, Petralias A, Leung CW. Impact of a school-based food assistance program on household food insecurity in Greece, 2012-2019: a multi-year evaluation of the DIATROFI program. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2024; 44:101004. [PMID: 39139195 PMCID: PMC11321317 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
Background Childhood food insecurity can persist among low socioeconomic areas in high-income countries. Universal Free School Meal (UFSM) programs are designed to respond to this pressing issue. This study aimed to conduct a multi-year evaluation of the DIATROFI Program's impact on household food insecurity in Greece. Methods This study utilized data from 18,716 students (618 kindergarten to high schools), from low socioeconomic areas participating in the school-level UFSM Program DIATROFI between 2012 and 2019. Parents of students completed annual baseline and follow-up paper-based self-completed questionnaires. The primary outcome was household food insecurity, measured using the Food Security Survey Module (FSSM) at both questionnaires, and evaluated through mixed linear and logistic regression models with repeated measurements. Findings Students' median age was 9 years old (Interquartile range (IQR): 6.5, 12.0), 51.6% (n = 9658) were girls, and 82.2% (n = 15,382) lived in low/medium socioeconomic affluence households. Households with food insecurity reduced from 51.5% (n = 9630) to 47.6% (n = 8901) after one school year. Food insecurity score declined steadily for four years of consecutive participation, compared to baseline score (one-year b:-0.26; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):-0.30, -0.22, and four-year -1.28; -1.53, -1.03). The likelihood of retaining food insecure status reduced from 17% after one-year participation (Odds Ratio (OR): 0.83; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.87) to 36% after four-year participation (0.64; 0.49, 0.82). The Program's impact on household food insecurity alleviation was greater among households with low parental education and low socioeconomic affluence. Interpretation The DIATROFI Program effectively improved household food security during and after the Greek socioeconomic crisis. School-level UFSM programs targeting underprivileged students can improve household food insecurity, with a more pronounced effect with increased years of participation, and among economically disadvantaged households. Funding The DIATROFI Program was funded through various national and private organizations, including national prefecture authorities, Greek payment authorities, philanthropic/charitable organizations, and private companies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios V. Diamantis
- Civil Law Non-Profit Organization of Preventive Environmental and Occupational Medicine PROLEPSIS, Athens 15121, Greece
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Athena Linos
- Civil Law Non-Profit Organization of Preventive Environmental and Occupational Medicine PROLEPSIS, Athens 15121, Greece
| | - Frank B. Hu
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Channing Division for Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Afroditi Veloudaki
- Civil Law Non-Profit Organization of Preventive Environmental and Occupational Medicine PROLEPSIS, Athens 15121, Greece
| | - Athanassios Petralias
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens 10434, Greece
| | - Cindy W. Leung
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van der Heijden A, Wiggins S. Interaction as the foundation for eating practices in shared mealtimes. Appetite 2024:107585. [PMID: 38945367 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2024.107585] [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: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Mealtimes shared with other people define how, what, how much, and with whom we eat. On such occasions, whether in private or public spaces, and as formal or informal events, our eating practices are inseparable from our interactions with other people. In this Editorial for the Special Issue on Interactional approaches to eating together and shared mealtimes, we provide an overview of the interdisciplinary field of research on eating together and shared mealtimes to illustrate the breadth and depth of work that has been developed in this area to date. The overview is divided into three broad clusters of research that focus primarily on (1) cultural or societal aspects, (2) individual outcomes, or (3) interactional practices. Commonalities across these clusters are discussed, the need for more research across a greater global and cultural diversity of eating practices is highlighted, and the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration on research on eating together and shared mealtimes across diverse scientific disciplines is explored. The papers in this Special Issue showcase a sample of contemporary work from within the cluster of research on interactional practices, and a brief overview of these papers is discussed. Finally, it is argued that as a common area of interest, social interaction as the foundation of eating practices within shared mealtimes poses considerable potential for interdisciplinary collaboration across scientific disciplines, and between scientists, professionals, and participants from the study populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy van der Heijden
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sally Wiggins
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Division of Psychology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bell Z, Scott S, Visram S, Rankin J, Bambra C, Heslehurst N. Children's nutritional health and wellbeing in food insecure households in Europe: A qualitative meta-ethnography. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292178. [PMID: 37773922 PMCID: PMC10540950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the 2008 global financial crisis, there has been a rise in the number of people experiencing food insecurity. Particularly vulnerable are households with children. This systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies focuses on families' perceptions of food insecurity and how it affects children's nutritional health and wellbeing. Six electronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL and ASSIA), were searched for studies from European high-income countries between January 2008-July 2021, and supplemented by searches of grey literature databases, relevant websites, examination of reference lists and citation searches. We adhered to PRISMA and eMERGe guidelines to improve the completeness and clarity of meta-ethnographic reporting. Methodological quality of the studies were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. We identified 11,596 records; we included 19 publications involving 813 participants in total. Data were synthesised according to Noblit & Hare's seven phases of meta-ethnography. We identified four key themes-food and eating practices, awareness, fragility, and networks of care-comprising five sub-themes. Our meta-ethnography provides a progressive 'storyline' of the children's experiences of food insecurity from both caregivers and children's perspectives. We found that children are aware of their family's limited resources and are often active in trying to help their families cope, and that food insecurity adversely impacts children's physical, psychological, and social experiences. Our analysis highlights gaps in knowledge about how food insecurity impacts children's nutritional health and wellbeing. It suggests that future research should prioritise minoritised ethnic communities, children living in temporary accommodation and caregivers of very young children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Bell
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Steph Scott
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Shelina Visram
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Rankin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Bambra
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Heslehurst
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bel-Serrat S, von der Schulenburg A, Marques-Previ M, Mullee A, Murrin CM. What are the determinants of vegetable intake among adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas? A systematic review of qualitative studies. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:158. [PMID: 36572889 PMCID: PMC9793665 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01396-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence available on the determinants of vegetable intake in young populations is inconsistent. Vegetable intake is particularly low in adolescents from less-affluent backgrounds, yet no systematic review of qualitative studies investigating determinants for vegetable intake specifically has been conducted to date in this group. This systematic review aimed to identify determinants of vegetable intake in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas located in very high-income countries reported in qualitative studies. METHODS Five electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ERIC) were searched until August 2022. The search strategy used combinations of synonyms for vegetable intake, adolescents, and qualitative methodologies. Main inclusion criteria were studies exploring views and experiences of motivators and barriers to vegetable intake in a sample of adolescents aged 12-18 years from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas in very high income countries. Study quality assessment was conducted using criteria established in a previous review. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included out of the 984 screened citations and 63 full texts. The synthesis of findings identified the following determinants of vegetable intake: sensory attributes of vegetables; psychosocial factors (nutrition knowledge, preferences/liking, self-efficacy, motivation); lifestyle factors (cost/price, time, convenience); fast food properties (taste, cost, satiety); home environment and parental influence; friends' influence; school food environment, nutrition education and teachers' support; and availability and accessibility of vegetables in the community and community nutrition practices. Studies attained between 18 and 49 out of 61 quality points, with eleven of 16 studies reaching ≥ 40 points. One main reason for lower scores was lack of data validation. CONCLUSION Multiple determinants of vegetable intake were identified complementing those investigated in quantitative studies. Future large scale quantitative studies should attempt to examine the relative importance of these determinants in order to guide the development of successful interventions in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bel-Serrat
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antje von der Schulenburg
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Marques-Previ
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amy Mullee
- grid.516689.50000 0005 0713 0550Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Celine M Murrin
- grid.7886.10000 0001 0768 2743National Nutrition Surveillance Centre, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Woodview House, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tesikova K, Jurkova L, Dordevic S, Buchtova H, Tremlova B, Dordevic D. Acceptability Analysis of 3D-Printed Food in the Area of the Czech Republic Based on Survey. Foods 2022; 11:3154. [PMID: 37430902 PMCID: PMC9601544 DOI: 10.3390/foods11203154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the research was to observe consumer perceptions of 3D food printing and to highlight possible applications of this production. The questionnaire survey took place in the Czech Republic and was attended by 1156 respondents. The questionnaire was divided into six sections: (1) Socio-Demographic Data; (2) 3D Common Printing Awareness; (3) 3D Food Printing Awareness; (4) 3D Food Printing, Worries and Understanding; (5) Application; (6) Investments. Although awareness of 3D food printing is increasing, a very small fraction of respondents had encountered printed food in person (1.5%; n = 17). Respondents expressed concerns about the health benefits and the reduced prices of novel foods, and they perceived printed foods as ultra-processed foods (56.0%; n = 647). Concerns have also been raised about job losses due to the introduction of new technology. On the contrary, they perceived that quality raw materials would be used to prepare printed foods (52.4%; n = 606). Most respondents believed that printed foods would be visually appealing and would find application in several food industry sectors. Most respondents believed that 3D food printing is the future of the food sector (83.8%; n = 969). The gained results can be helpful for 3D food printer producers, as well as for future experiments dealing with 3D food printing issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Tesikova
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Jurkova
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Dordevic
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Buchtova
- Department of Animal Origin Food and Gastronomic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslava Tremlova
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Dani Dordevic
- Department of Plant Origin Food Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary Sciences, Palackeho Trida 1946/1, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kosti RI, Kanellopoulou A, Notara V, Antonogeorgos G, Rojas-Gil AP, Kornilaki EN, Lagiou A, Panagiotakos DB. Household food spending, parental and childhood's diet quality, in financial crisis: a cross-sectional study in Greece. Eur J Public Health 2021; 31:822-828. [PMID: 33970271 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past decade, the financial crisis has affected harshly the household income of Greek people. This study aimed to investigate whether the effect of the financial crisis on food spending has affected the dietary habits in the family environment. METHODS Under a cross-sectional study conducted during 2014-2016, 1145 children and their parents completed questionnaires examining socio-economic and dietary characteristics. The MedDietScore and the KIDMED Score were used to assess parental and childhood adherence to the Mediterranean diet, respectively. RESULTS The parents who reported that the financial crisis has affected food spending used to consume weekly fewer fruits (3.26 ± 0.94 vs. 3.41 ± 0.90, P = 0.016), carbohydrate foods (3.16 ± 0.57 vs. 2.99 ± 0.55, P < 0.001) and legumes (3.28 ± 0.76 vs. 3.14 ± 0.67, P = 0.001) and more nutrient-poor/energy-dense foods (2.55 ± 0.98 vs. 2.20 ± 0.82, P < 0.001) compared with non-affected parents. Their children showed a decreased weekly consumption of vegetables (2.82 ± 0.90 vs. 2.97 ± 0.98, P = 0.019) and increased weekly consumption of nutrient-poor/energy-dense foods (2.38 ± 0.97 vs. 2.19 ± 0.80, P < 0.001). The affected parents had a lower MedDietScore than non-affected parents (25.76 ± 8.10 vs. 27.03 ± 8.11, P = 0.034). No difference was revealed on the KIDMED Score (P = 0.294). CONCLUSIONS The constrained food spending due to financial crisis has an independent and inverse impact on parent's diet quality while keeping unaffected preadolescent's diet quality. This finding highlights the role of parents as a protective 'wall' against the deterioration of their children's diet quality. The modification on the prices of healthy food and the provision of food aid particularly in economically disadvantaged households is underlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rena I Kosti
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sports and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Kanellopoulou
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Venetia Notara
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - George Antonogeorgos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea Paola Rojas-Gil
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Tripoli, Greece
| | - Ekaterina N Kornilaki
- Department of Preschool Education, School of Education, University of Crete, Rethymnon, Greece
| | - Areti Lagiou
- Department of Public and Community Health, Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
| | - Demosthenes B Panagiotakos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece.,Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Van Stappen V, Latomme J, Cardon G, De Bourdeaudhuij I, Lateva M, Chakarova N, Kivelä J, Lindström J, Androutsos O, González-Gil E, De Miguel-Etayo P, Nánási A, Kolozsvári LR, Manios Y, De Craemer M. Barriers from Multiple Perspectives Towards Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Physical Activity and Dietary Habits When Living in Low Socio-Economic Areas in Europe. The Feel4Diabetes Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15122840. [PMID: 30551570 PMCID: PMC6313803 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15122840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated barriers towards health behaviours (physical activity, limiting sedentary behaviour and healthy dietary habits) experienced by young European families living in vulnerable areas, from multiple perspectives (parents, teachers, local community workers). Focus groups were conducted in six European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Finland, Hungary, Greece and Spain). In each country, three focus groups were conducted with parents, one with teachers and one with local community workers. Data were analysed using a deductive framework approach with a manifest content analysis using the software NVivo. The present study identified barriers on four levels (individual, interpersonal, organisational and macro level) of a socio-ecological model of health behaviour. From parents’ perspectives, both general barriers (e.g., financial limitations and lack of time) and country-specific barriers (e.g., organisational difficulties and inappropriate work environment) were identified. Additional barriers (e.g., lack of parental knowledge and lack of parental skills) were provided by other stakeholders (i.e., teachers and local community workers). The results of this study demonstrate the additional value of including multiple perspectives when developing a lifestyle intervention aiming to prevent type 2 diabetes in vulnerable groups. Future lifestyle interventions are recommended to include multiple components (family, school, and community) and could be implemented across European countries if country-specific adaptations are allowed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Van Stappen
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Julie Latomme
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Greet Cardon
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Mina Lateva
- Clinic of Paediatric Endocrinology, Medical University Varna, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria.
| | - Nevena Chakarova
- Clinical Center of Endocrinology, Medical University of Sofia, 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria.
| | - Jemina Kivelä
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jaana Lindström
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Odysseas Androutsos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 176 76 Athens, Greece.
| | - Esther González-Gil
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development (GENUD), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Pilar De Miguel-Etayo
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development (GENUD), University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Anna Nánási
- Debreceni Egyetem (UoD), University of Debrecen, 4002 Debrecen, Hungary.
| | | | - Yannis Manios
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science & Education, Harokopio University, 176 76 Athens, Greece.
| | - Marieke De Craemer
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Moreno-Maldonado C, Ramos P, Moreno C, Rivera F. How family socioeconomic status, peer behaviors, and school-based intervention on healthy habits influence adolescent eating behaviors. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0143034317749888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Psychologists in schools can play an important role in developing policies and programs to promote healthy eating habits. This study analyses the contributions of family socioeconomic status, peer influence (schoolmates’ food consumption), and school-based nutrition interventions to explain adolescent eating behaviors. Data were obtained from the 2014 Health behaviour in school-aged children survey in Spain, with a sample of 6,851 adolescents (11- to 16-years-old). The results suggest that school-based healthy-eating programs could improve by considering parental education level and by implementing interventions focused on the peer social network. Policies that limit access to unhealthy products in schools – rather than simply offering healthy foods alongside unhealthy products – could be more effective.
Collapse
|
9
|
Zota D, Dalma A, Petralias A, Lykou A, Kastorini CM, Yannakoulia M, Karnaki P, Belogianni K, Veloudaki A, Riza E, Malik R, Linos A. Promotion of healthy nutrition among students participating in a school food aid program: a randomized trial. Int J Public Health 2016; 61:583-92. [PMID: 27022997 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0813-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the potential benefits on students' eating habits, of incorporating healthy nutrition education as part of a school food aid program. METHODS 146 schools participating in the DIATROFI Program in Greece during the 2013-2014 school year were randomly allocated to the environmental intervention (received a healthy daily meal) and the multicomponent intervention (MI) group (in addition to the meal, a healthy nutrition educational program was applied). The analysis, based on 3627 pre-post intervention questionnaire pairs, was stratified for children (ages 4-11 years) and adolescents (ages 12-18 years). RESULTS Children participating in the MI group displayed 25 % higher odds of increasing the weekly consumption of milk/yoghurt and fruits, 61 % higher odds of improving BMI from overweight/obese to normal and 2.5 times higher odds of improving from underweight to normal. For adolescents in the MI group, the odds of increasing the consumption of vegetables were 40 % higher. In both intervention groups, approximately one in four overweight/obese adolescents reached normal weight. CONCLUSIONS Educational programs on healthy nutrition might be considered worth implementing in the framework of school food aid programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Zota
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Archontoula Dalma
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanassios Petralias
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Statistics, Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Lykou
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Maria Kastorini
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Mary Yannakoulia
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Pania Karnaki
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Katerina Belogianni
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
| | - Afroditi Veloudaki
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Elena Riza
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rhea Malik
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Athena Linos
- Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, Maroussi, Greece.
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|