Snacking Behaviour and Its Determinants among College-Going Students in Coastal South India

Evaluation of university students' Mediterranean diet quality and sustainable eating behaviors: a cross-sectional study

The study aimed to evaluate University Students' diet quality and sustainable eating behaviors, with the intention of developing strategies to promote healthy eating habits. We questioned the sociodemographic characteristics and general eating habits of the students. We administered Mediterranean diet quality scale (KIDMED) and Behaviors Scale Towards Sustainable Nutrition (BSTSN) to 300 Turkish students. We found that 163 of the students' diet quality was moderate level. KIDMED score positively correlated with the BSTSN score (r=0.306, p<0.001). When higher night eating habits predicted lower diet quality (β=-0.117, p=0.038), higher main meals and sustainable eating behavior predicted higher diet quality (β=0.145, p=0.009 and β=0.258, p<0.001, respectively). The results indicate that students generally have moderate diet quality, which sustainable eating behaviors can enhance. Night eating habits and dietary patterns impact diet quality, highlighting the importance of meal planning. To promote healthy eating, universities should incorporate sustainability into curricula and provide supportive facilities.

Not Hungry, but Still Snacking: The Association Between Hedonic Hunger and Snacking Behaviour Among Young Adults in Vadodara, Gujarat

BACKGROUND

Hedonic hunger refers to the recurring thoughts, desires, and feelings about food in the absence of energy deprivation. The influence of hedonic hunger on snacking behaviour remains unclear, particularly among young adults in India.

AIM

The present study aimed to understand the association between hedonic hunger and snacking behaviour among young adults aged 15-24 years in Vadodara, Gujarat.

METHODS

The study utilized a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 young adults from Vadodara, Gujarat, were included in the study. Participants were administered a structured questionnaire. Hedonic hunger scores were measured using the Power of Food Scale assessment. Anthropometric assessment was carried out using validated instruments. The associations between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, emotional eating, willpower, exercise, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) were examined.

RESULTS

Results showed that 51.3% of individuals had moderate levels of hedonic hunger, while 23.3% exhibited severe signs, indicating a strong inclination towards consuming appetizing foods rich in salt, sugar, and fat. The study found a significant association between hedonic hunger and consumption of certain snacking items. Furthermore, hedonic hunger scores were related to additional factors such as emotional eating, willpower, and exercise. Interestingly, a positive correlation was observed between hedonic hunger scores and participants' weight (r=0.170; P= 0.039), but no such correlation was found with BMI.  Conclusion: These findings shed light on the relationship between hedonic hunger, snacking behaviour, and related factors, contributing to our understanding of the complex interplay between food cravings and eating habits among adolescents.

Snacking behavior is associated with snack quality, overall diet quality, and body weight among US college students

Snacking behavior may affect snack quality, overall diet quality, and body weight; however, the associations between these variables have not been studied among college students. The objective of this study was to associate snacking behaviors with snack quality, diet quality, and weight status among college students with overweight and obesity. We hypothesized that a higher snacking frequency, accessibility and availability of unhealthy snacks, and lack of knowledge would be associated with lower snack and diet quality, and higher weight. Participants (n = 140) completed a snack behavior questionnaire, three 24-hour dietary recalls to assess diet quality using Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), and snack score using an algorithm based on the US DA Smart Snack guidelines and reported weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI). Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation was used in the analyses. After adjusting for confounders, snack frequency was not associated with snack score, HEI-2015 score, or BMI, but evening snacks had a significantly lower snack score compared with late afternoon snacks (P = .017). Also, those with more accessibility and availability of unhealthy snacks had a lower snack score (P = .001), lower HEI-2015 score (P = .006), and higher BMI (P = .019). Snacking for pleasure was significantly associated with a lower snack score (P = .037). Snack score was positively correlated with HEI-2015 score but not with BMI. In conclusion, late snacking, unhealthy snack environment, and snacking for pleasure were associated with lower snack and diet quality. These findings could be used in future intervention strategies to improve snacking behaviors and the food environment.

Relationship between hedonic hunger and subjectively assessed sleep quality and perceived stress among university students: A cross-sectional study

Purpose

This study examined the relationship between hedonic hunger (HH), sleep quality, and stress levels among university students in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design with participants (N = 565) recruited via convenience sampling. Data were collected with a self-administered, standardized, and validated online questionnaire. HH was assessed with the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS) and Power of Food Scale (PFS), sleep quality and sleep components were assessed with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), stress was evaluated with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and physical activity was examined with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to assess the relationship between HH and sleep quality and perceived stress.

Results

There were positive associations between total PSQI scores and total PEMS (β = 0.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.06-0.25, P = 0.001) and PFS (β = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.45-1.04, P < 0.001). The likelihood of poor sleep quality increased by 8% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08, P = 0.020) and 43% (OR = 1.43, P < 0.001) for each one-unit increase in PEMS and PFS scores, respectively. We also found positive associations between PSS scores and total PEMS (β = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.26-0.63, P < 0.001) and PFS (β = 0.23, 95% CI: 1.04-2.22, P < 0.001) scores.

Conclusion

Reducing HH and stress levels may help to enhance sleep quality among university students. Conversely, improving sleep quality and reducing stress levels could improve HH in this population.

Snacking Behavior and Association with Metabolic Risk Factors in Adults from North and South India

BACKGROUND

Snacks are increasingly contributing to daily diets around the world. Studies from high-income countries have demonstrated the link between snack consumption and metabolic risk factors, but there are very few studies from low- and middle-income countries.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to assess snack behavior and its associations with metabolic risk factors in Indian adults.

METHODS

Adults from the UDAY study (October 2018-February 2019, n = 8762) from rural and urban Sonipat (North) and Vizag (South) India were studied for snack consumption (food frequency questionnaire), demographic factors, including age, sex, etc. and metabolic risk factors, including BMI, waist circumference, fat percentage, plasma glucose, and blood pressure. We compared snack consumption by categories of sociodemographic factors (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test) and studied the likelihood for metabolic risk (logistic regression analysis).

RESULTS

Half of the study participants were women and resided in rural locations. Savory snacks were the most preferred; 50% of the participants consumed them 3-5 times/wk. Participants preferred to purchase out-of-home prepared snacks and eat them at home (86.6%) while watching television (69.4%) or with family/friends (49.3%). The reasons for snacking were hunger, craving, liking, and availability. Snack consumption was higher in Vizag (56.6%) than in Sonipat (43.4%), among women (55.5%) than men (44.5%), and the wealthiest; it was similar in rural-urban locations. Frequent consumers of snacks had 2 times higher likelihood for having obesity (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.51, 3.27) central obesity (OR: 2.35; 95% CI: 1.60, 3.45), and higher fat percentage (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.31, 2.82) and higher fasting glucose levels (r=0.12 (0.07-0.18) than consumers who consumed snacks rarely (all P ≤ 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Snack (savory and sweet) consumption was high among adults from sexes in both urban and rural locations of north and south India. This was associated with higher risk of obesity. There is a need to improve the food environment by promoting policies for ensuring healthier food options to reduce snacking and associated metabolic risk.

Association between the Habitual Snack Consumption at School and the Prevalence of Overweight in Adolescent Students in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia

Background: Worldwide, More than 340 million children and adolescents have overweight problems, and snacking habits are likely contributing factors. However, little is known about habitual snack consumption in school, especially regarding snack types that may lead to overweight.  Purpose: Our study aims to analyse the association between habitual snack consumption and the prevalence of overweight in junior high school students. Methods: An observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia, involving 397 participants from five public junior high schools. The habitual snack consumption included the consumption habits of various types of snacks (sweet-fried snacks, salty-fried snacks, sweet-non-fried snacks, salty-non-fried snacks, fruits, and sugar-sweetened beverages) measured by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and categorised into rarely and often. The overweight status was determined based on the BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) and categorised into not-overweight and overweight. We analysed the data using a logistic regression test.  Results: The habits of often consuming sweet-fried snacks (p<0.001; aOR=5.448; 95% CI=2.303–12.886), salty-fried snacks (p=0.040; aOR=3.662; 95%CI=1.063-12.621), and sugar-sweetened beverages (p=0.026; aOR= 3.100; 95%CI=1.143-8.407) were risk factors associated with overweight. Conclusion: The habit of often consuming sweet-fried snacks was a risk factor for being overweight with the greatest odds. Therefore, education on healthy snacks could be included in school learning materials to prevent overweight in adolescent students.  

Snacking pattern of college students in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Although unhealthy snack foods are commonly consumed by college students, snacking patterns among college students have not been comprehensively examined in Saudi Arabia. In our study, we aimed to investigate snacking patterns among Saudi college students and to assess sociodemographic data that affect adherence to these snacking patterns.

METHODS

Between January 2021 and March 2021 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an online survey was conducted with 662 college students from a Saudi university. The survey included sociodemographic questions and a short food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) regarding the consumption of common snack foods. Snacking patterns were generated from the FFQ using the factor analysis method.

RESULTS

Factor analyses generated seven snacking patterns, which explained 64.5% of the variance in snacking. Students in their early academic years (1-3 years) had a higher score for the convenience snack and fast-food pattern (0.22 ± 0.48 and 0.31 ± 0.52, respectively) than senior students (4-6 years) (P = 0.03 and 0.04, respectively). Healthy snacks patterns were higher among students at higher income levels (P = 0.006) and active students (P < 0.001) than among students at low- or mid-income levels and inactive students. Higher adherence to the beverages pattern was observed among male students (P = 0.03), active students (P = 0.01), and students with obesity than their counterparts (P = 0.02). The dairy products pattern was higher among male students (P = 0.04), students at higher income levels (P = 0.04), and students with obesity (P = 0.03) than their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Most snacking patterns identified among the study participants were considered unhealthy. Adherence to healthy snacks is influenced by physical activity and family income. These findings may be helpful in the future for developing adequate nutrition education programs that promote health by adhering to healthy snack choices in this critical age group. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to investigate snacking patterns among other age groups in Saudi Arabia.

Impact of the Intake of Snacks and Lifestyle Behaviors on Obesity among University Students Living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Unhealthy eating habits increase the risk of obesity. This study investigated the association between obesity and the intake of snacks and lifestyle behaviors among university students in Saudi Arabia. The study included 662 students aged 18–29 years, studying at King Abdulaziz University. An online survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, height, and weight, to calculate body mass index (BMI), lifestyle behaviors, dietary habits, and snack intake. The prevalence of overweight and obese students was 18.6% and 12.7%, respectively. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle behaviors had insignificant effects on obesity. Obese students consumed two meals daily and more cereals during breakfast. Non-obese students consumed more beverages at breakfast and had their daily meals with their families. The frequency of intake of snacks had an insignificant effect on obesity. However, obese students had a significantly higher intake of potato chips, popcorn, and biscuits, while non-obese students had a significantly higher intake of salads compared with obese students. Students consumed significantly less fruit and vegetables, chocolate, biscuits, nuts, and dairy products as snacks when inside the university compared to outside. To reduce obesity among students, universities should ensure access to healthy snacks, and provide health education programs to encourage healthy eating habits and lifestyles.

Measuring university students' beliefs toward healthy snack selection

Objectives: Understanding university students' beliefs toward selecting healthy snacks is important in developing effective programs targeting healthy eating behaviors. The purpose of this research was to assess students' beliefs toward healthy snack selection and consumption. Participants: In November 2017, a convenience sample of 779 undergraduate students living on campus completed an online survey. Methods: A survey was developed to measure students' beliefs about eating healthy snacks. Paired t-tests were used to compare differences in beliefs and their importance. Independent t-tests were used to compare differences in belief responses by gender. Results: Students believed that healthy snacks were good for health and assisting with weight management. However, time management, motivation, preparation needs, and poor taste were reported as barriers to selection and consumption of healthy snacks. Conclusions: Increasing students' awareness of available food preparation facilities, developing food preparation skills, and motivation for consumption of healthy-good tasting snacks may increase healthier snacking.

Eating Behaviors among Online Learning Undergraduates during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has upended education systems. The pandemic switched traditional face-to-face classes to online classes. Poor eating behaviors in undergraduate students' lives may affect the well-being of their later stages of life. This study aimed to investigate the eating behaviors among online learning undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 122 students were recruited. The results revealed more than half of the respondents (52.46%) skipped meals. Breakfast (46.72%) was the most skipped meal. The majority of the respondents (94.26%) snacked between meals. Biscuits (88.52%), bread (84.43%), and fruits (80.33%) were the most common snacked foods. Meal skipping was found to be associated with gender (χ² = 6.83, p < 0.05). In the future, more health interventions program aimed to promote healthy eating behaviors among undergraduates are highly warranted.

Snack Food Consumption across the Pune Transect in India: A Comparison of Dietary Behaviors Based on Consumer Characteristics and Locations

This study examines patterns of snack food consumption (SFC) in the rural-urban-slum transect (RUST) of a large city Pune and its precincts (population 10 million) in India. The transect structure aims to mimic a representative survey for the location capturing differences by age, gender, urbanicity, and socio-economic levels. Dietary data from 1405 individuals were used to describe snacking patterns and other food consumed at different frequencies; extent of physical activity; and Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference of children, adolescents, and adults. Our results indicate high incidence of SFC across all population age groups, gender, socio-economic levels, and locations. A distinctive finding in relation to studies in high income countries is the prevalence of hunger snacking with 70% identifying hunger as the primary reason for SFC. Apart from hunger, particularly for adolescents, peer influence and social interactions played a significant role in SFC. Dietary behaviors of slum dwellers were characterized by three-quarters of them having SFC together with family members at home. SFC supplemented calories for low-income consumers and complemented calorie intake for high income ones. No significant association with BMI is possibly due to obesogenic SFC being likely offset by lower consumption of non-snack food and higher physical activity among poor and slum dwellers. Promoting awareness about diets and lifestyles, improving physical and economic access to healthier snacks and nutrient dense foods can improve diet quality in a large and heterogeneous population such as Pune.

Effect of Almond Consumption on Metabolic Risk Factors-Glucose Metabolism, Hyperinsulinemia, Selected Markers of Inflammation: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Adolescents and Young Adults

A large percentage of the Indian population has diabetes or is at risk of pre-diabetes. Almond consumption has shown benefits on cardiometabolic risk factors in adults. This study explored the effect of almond consumption on determinants of metabolic dysfunction—blood glucose, lipids, insulin and selected inflammatory markers in adolescents and young adults aged 16–25 years from Mumbai city. This randomized controlled trial was conducted for a period of 90 days on individuals with impaired levels of fasting glucose levels between 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) and 2-h post-glucose value 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) and/or fasting insulin (≥15 mIU/ml)/stimulated insulin (≥80 mIU/ml). Of 1,313 individuals screened, 421 met the inclusion criteria, of which 275 consented to participate and 219 completed the trial. The trial was registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI) CTRI/2018/02/011927. The almonds group (n = 107) consumed 56 g almonds daily, the control group (n = 112) was provided an iso-caloric cereal-pulse based snack. At baseline and endline, blood glucose, insulin, HbA₁c, LDL-c, HDL-c, total and ox-cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, adiponectin, leptin were measured and HOMA-IR and FG:FI ratios were calculated. Dietary intakes were assessed. The anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers as well as macronutrient intakes did not differ significantly between the two groups at baseline. Almond consumption significantly decreased HbA₁c, total cholesterol and LDL-c. Stimulated insulin decreased post-intervention in both groups, but the decrease was greater in the almonds group. Fasting glucose was reduced post intervention in the controls with no change in the almonds group. FG:FI ratio decreased in the almonds group. TNF-α and IL-6 decreased in the almonds group, while it increased in the control group. Our results showed that almonds reduced HbA1c, LDL-c and total cholesterol levels in just 12 weeks of consumption in these adolescents and young adults who were at risk for developing diabetes. Almonds can be considered as part of food-based strategies for preventing pre-diabetes.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: CTRI/2018/02/011927.

Mediterranean diet adherence amongst adolescents in North Lebanon: the role of skipping meals, meals with the family, physical activity and physical well-being

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a model of a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. Adherence to the MD has been correlated with a reduction in many metabolic disorders including cancers. The factors associated with adolescents' adherence to the MD in North Lebanon using the KIDMED index have never been explored. Therefore, we thought to examine these factors amongst a sample of them. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Tripoli, North Lebanon. A total of 798 adolescents aged 11-18 years were randomly selected to participate in this study. All participants completed a questionnaire assessing adherence to the MD (KIDMED index), physical activity (physical activity questionnaires for older children and adolescents), health-related quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27 index) and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, grade level and parents' educational status). Anthropometric measurements, including weight, height and waist circumference, were also collected. Adherence to the MD was good amongst only 13·3 % of the adolescents. The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was elevated, affecting 36·9 % of the students. Lower adherence to the MD was significantly correlated with skipping meals (P = 0·001). Meanwhile, adolescents who were engaged in a high level of physical activity, those who consumed more meals with their families and those who benefited from better physical well-being had a better diet quality (P < 0·001). Nutrition intervention programmes, as well as public health policies, would be of interest in order to improve diet quality amongst Lebanese adolescents.

Snacking patterns throughout the life span: potential implications on health

Eating outside the three main meals - in other words, snacking - is a part of the dietary pattern of individuals in all stages of life. The quality and pattern of snacking have an impact on health during the life span. Thus, the aim of this review was to evaluate various patterns and health outcomes of the snacking habits of different demographical groups, from children to the elderly, throughout their life span. We discuss the snacking pattern among children and adolescents, which is characterized by consuming high energy foods with low nutrient value, and which is associated with increased risk of obesity. During university years, study stress and lack of time were obstacles to a healthy dietary pattern involving nutritious snacks, although awareness of the importance of healthy snacks was higher in this group than among younger age groups. Employment status and skipping regular meals were important factors affecting snacking quality and patterns in adulthood. Unhealthy snacks, high in energy, sugar, and salt and low in nutrients, were demonstrated to have a negative impact on individuals' health, such as oral health, blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes. In conclusion, encouraging individuals to consume healthy snacks that are high in nutrients through education to help them plan for their snacks is important to enhance health and reduce disease risk.

Health-Risk Behaviors and Dietary Patterns Among Jordanian College Students: A Pilot Study

Background/Aims: Health promotion and the incorporation of health-protective behaviors in people's lifestyles have a great role in enhancing individuals' overall health and well-being. College students are at increased risk of developing unhealthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors. A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted to assess the health-risk behaviors among undergraduate college students at Jordan University of Science and Technology. Methods: The final sample included 136 students, with a mean age of 21.1 ± 2.37 years, mostly females (69%). A self-reported questionnaire was used for data collection about dietary and lifestyle behaviors among college students. The questionnaire consisted of four parts: sociodemographic characteristics, body weight classifications, lifestyle behaviors, and dietary patterns and intake, and eating behaviors. Results: Most of the students did not meet the daily recommendations for fruit (76%) and vegetable (82%) intake. Males were significantly consuming fast food more frequently (p = 0.019), and smoked cigarettes (p < 0.001) or hookah (p = 0.015) more frequently than did females. Further, the majority met the recommendations for physical activity (81%), but exceeded recommendations for sedentary behavior. Females were more likely to have normal weight or be underweight (OR = 4.865), to have a fear of weight gain (OR = 3.387), and to have the recommended sleeping hours (OR = 7.685) than were males. Conclusion: The results indicate the health-risk behaviors and the gender-related differences among college students.

"Do you think adolescents' food intake is satisfactory?" - Views of Indian parents and teachers

Adolescents develop food habits that affect both their present and future health. Underpinned by the stakeholder theory, this study was designed to explore the perspective of parents and nutrition educators regarding urban Indian adolescents' food habits. Thirty-two educators and 280 parents from five independent, English-speaking, secondary schools in Kolkata, India completed a paper-based instrument consisting of both closed and open-ended measures. Qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis informed by the Template Analysis Technique. Descriptive and cross-tabulation analyses were employed to assess quantitative data. Three quarters (75%) of the respondents were dissatisfied with the ubiquitous consumption of energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods and sugar-sweetened beverages as well as the low intakes of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables among urban Indian adolescents. Six reasons were advanced for such unhealthy consumption including i) Proliferation of fast food retail outlets; ii) Hyper-palatability of fast food; iii) Marketing of fast food on electronic and social media; iv) Diminished household cooking practices; v) Lack of food knowledge; vi) Tendency to seek peer group acceptance. Both parents and educators suggested some healthy eating strategies aimed at improving the food and nutrition situation in Indian secondary schools to foster healthy eating among pupils. These included: i) Restrictions on the sale of unhealthy foods in school canteens; ii) Increased availability of attractive and palatable nutritious foods; iii) Discussion of the advantages of consuming healthy foods and inclusion of food preparation techniques in the school curriculum; iv) Home Economics coursework to be made mandatory for students. The findings suggest that Indian parents and teachers are likely to support changes to the food and nutrition curricula and to school food provision to foster healthy eating among adolescents.

Breakfast Intake and Factors Associated with Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet among Lebanese High School Adolescents

The Mediterranean diet has shown to have positive health impacts on metabolic diseases and cognitive performance. However, Mediterranean countries have witnessed a decreased adherence during the past years and the adoption of a more westernized dietary pattern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Mediterranean diet adherence with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors among Lebanese high school adolescents. Specifically, we aimed to analyse in this group the association between low adherence and breakfast intake. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on randomly selected students (268 boys and 332 girls), aged between 15 and 18 years old, from private and public schools in Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. The Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents was used to assess the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The results showed a high percentage of adolescents having a low adherence (43%), with girls (64.2%) having a significant (p < 0.001) higher adherence than boys (35.8%). Furthermore, the study proved that a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with a higher risk of obesity (15.5%), breakfast skipping (69.4%), and an unhealthy breakfast options (17.4%). Younger adolescents (47.4%), students from public schools (92.6%), and students with the highest grades (25.3%) had a significantly higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet than those from private schools (7.4%) and older adolescents (18.9%). In conclusion, results should plead for an increased awareness in Lebanese schools, supporting students to be more adherent to the Mediterranean diet, in order to prevent a further increase in metabolic diseases later in adulthood.