Association of dietary patterns with diabetes complications among type 2 diabetes patients in Gaza Strip, Palestine: a cross sectional study

Ultra-processed foods consumption, depression, and the risk of diabetes complications in the CARTaGENE project: a prospective cohort study in Quebec, Canada

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the association between depression, ultra-processed food consumption (UPFs), and the risk of developing diabetes-specific complications in adults with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

Baseline data came from the CARTaGENE study, a health survey of adults (40-69 years) in Quebec, Canada. The incidence of T2D complications was examined in N= 683 participants with T2D without complications at baseline by linking survey data with administrative health data. Food and drink consumption was assessed using the Canadian Diet History Questionnaire and categorized by NOVA classification. Participants were categorized into tertiles of UPFs consumption. Depression was defined as having elevated depressive symptoms based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 or the use of antidepressant medications. Cox regression models were used to estimate the associations between UPFs, depression, and T2D complications.

Results

In total, 105 individuals developed diabetes-related complications over a 7-year period. Participants with high depressive symptoms and high UPFs consumption had the highest risk for diabetes complications (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.07, 95% CI: 0.91 - 4.70), compared to participants with low depressive symptoms and low UPFs consumption. Higher risks for diabetes complications were observed when high depressive symptoms and antidepressant use were combined with high UPFs consumption (aHR 2.59, 95% CI: 1.32 - 5.06).

Conclusion

This study indicates that those with co-occurring depression and high UPFs consumption have a greater risk of diabetes complications. Early management and monitoring of both risk factors might be essential to prevent diabetes complications.

Association of Gestational Hypertension with Sociodemographic and Anthropometric Factors, Perinatal Outcomes, Breastfeeding Practices, and Mediterranean Diet Adherence: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Gestational hypertension has been associated with several pregnancy short-term and long-term complications, affecting both the mother and her infant's health. The present study aims to assess the potential association of gestational hypertension with sociodemographic and anthropometry factors, perinatal outcomes, breastfeeding habits, and Mediterranean diet (MD) compliance. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 5271 mothers that was carried out after delivery. The anthropometry characteristics and perinatal outcomes were retrieved from the mothers' medical records. Sociodemographic characteristics, MD adherence, and breastfeeding habits were assessed via one-to-one interviews of the assigned women with qualified staff. Results: Maternal older age, being employed, family history of gestational hypertension, overweight/obesity before gestation, and abnormal gestational weight gain (GWG) independently increased the risk of developing gestational hypertension. Moreover, gestational hypertension was independently related with a greater incidence of abnormal childbirth body weight and preterm birth, not exclusively breastfeeding, and lower levels of MD adherence. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of informing future mothers about the risk factors of gestational hypertension, underlining also that a healthy lifestyle, which simultaneously includes a healthy nutritional pattern such as MD, may decrease the risk of developing gestational hypertension and the subsequent pregnancy complications.

Association of Maternal Risk Factors with the Prevalence of Caesarean Section Deliveries: A Cross-Sectional Study

In the last few years, there has been a gradually increasing rate of caesarean section deliveries worldwide that negatively affects both mothers' and children's health. The present survey intended to explore the relations of common maternal risk factors with the prevalence of caesarean sections. This is a cross-sectional study including 5182 healthy mothers from geographically diverse regions of Greece, which has applied relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria. An elevated 56.4% incidence of caesarean sections was noted. The prevalence of caesarean section deliveries was estimated to be 51.5% in private hospitals and 48.5% in public hospitals. Maternal age, pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity, excess gestational weight gain, preterm birth, financial status, smoking habits, and private type of birth hospital were considerably associated with a high probability of caesarean section, regardless of several confounders. In conclusion, caesarean section rates are constantly increasing, and various maternal risk factors additively elevate its incidence, which additionally enhances the likelihood of postpartum complications for both the mothers and their infants. Public health procedures and approaches are strongly recommended to notify future mothers of the potential risk factors that may result in adverse pregnancy outcomes of caesarean section delivery, highlighting its use only for emergency medical reasons and also promoting healthier nutritional and lifestyle habits that may reduce the increasing prevalence of caesarean section deliveries.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus among the students of Hail University, Saudi Arabia

Background

Globally, it is estimated that approximately 537 million adults are living with diabetes. Of them, more than 90% have type 2 diabetes (T2DM). In 2023, a previous meta-analysis showed that the prevalence of T2DM among the general adult population in Saudi Arabia was 28%. This study was conducted to assess the risk of developing T2DM among the students at Hail University, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022/2023 among a census sample of 740 students (both genders, aged 17-26 years) studying at nine colleges of Hail University, Saudi Arabia. The diabetes risk score was assessed using the Australian Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool (AUSDRISK). Anthropometric measurements were measured and recorded using standard methods. Socio-demographic variables were also obtained with an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results

A total of 740 students were included in the final analysis. Of them, 274 (37.0%) were male students and 466 (63.0%) were female students. The mean age of the study participants is 19.9 ± 1.6 years. The findings showed that 61.9% of the study participants were at intermediate and high risk of diabetes (59.7 and 2.2%, respectively). The majority 85.7% of male students were at intermediate risk of diabetes, and 5.8% were at high risk of diabetes. In total, 44.4% of female students were at intermediate risk of diabetes, and none of them were at high risk of diabetes. For the following variables (age, gender, college name, area of the university, academic years, weight, height, and BMI), the differences were statistically significant between different categories of diabetes risk scores (P-values < 0.005).

Conclusion

More than half of the students at the Hail University of Saudi Arabia have an intermediate and high risk of T2DM. Male students are at a higher risk compared to female students. The high risk of T2DM among university students should be seriously considered.

Ultraprocessed food consumption is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in participants with type 2 diabetes independent of diet quality: a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Nutritional strategies for prevention and management of type 2 diabetes traditionally emphasize dietary patterns reflecting nutrient goals, but the health implications of ultraprocessed food (UPF) for patients with type 2 diabetes remain unknown.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the association of UPF intake with all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality among participants with type 2 diabetes from the Moli-sani Study in Italy (enrollment 2005-2010).

METHODS

This was a prospective observational cohort study on 1065 individuals with type 2 diabetes at baseline, followed up for 11.6 y (median). Food intake was assessed by a 188-item food-frequency questionnaire. UPF was defined following the Nova classification and calculated as the ratio (weight ratio; %) between UPF (g/d) and total food eaten (g/d). Overall diet quality was assessed through the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality.

RESULTS

The average UPF consumption was 7.4% (±5.0%). In multivariable-adjusted Cox analyses, greater UPF intake (Q4, ≥10.5% and ≥9% of total food eaten for females and males, respectively), as opposed to the lowest (Q1, UPF <4.7% and <3.7% for females and males, respectively), was associated with higher hazards of both all-cause (HR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.25, 2.33) and CVD mortality (HR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.59, 4.40); inclusion of the MDS into the model did not substantially alter the magnitude of these associations (HR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.25 and HR: 2.55; 95% CI: 1.53, 4.24 for all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively). A linear dose-response relationship of UPF intake with both all-cause and CVD mortality was also observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In participants with type 2 diabetes at study entry, higher UPF consumption was associated with reduced survival and higher CVD mortality rate, independent of diet quality. Besides prioritizing the adoption of a diet based on nutritional requirements, dietary guidelines for the management of type 2 diabetes should also recommend limiting UPF.

Adherence to a healthy diet and odds of metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health concern around the world. Dietary factors, including diet quality, play a significant role in its pathophysiology. Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is a tool used as a valid measurement of the individual's diet quality. We aimed at investigating the relationship between diet quality as assessed by HEI-2015 and the risk of MetS and its components in a cross-sectional sample of suburban individuals from PERSIAN Kavar cohort study (PKCS), Fars province, Iran.

METHODS

2225 individuals meeting the eligibility criteria participated in the study. The relevant data were obtained from the baseline phase of PKCS. MetS was defined according to cut-offs presented by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). HEI-2015 was calculated for the included individuals. Odds ratios were estimated. P-values <0.05 were considered as significant.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of MetS was 27.3%. Individuals with lower HEI-2015 scores had higher odds for MetS and its components. We observed that those who were categorized as the top HEI-2015 tertile had 42% (OR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.38-0.90) lower odds of high blood pressure in the overall population. Also, the odds of high serum triacylglycerol was lower (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57-0.90) in those with the highest HEI-2015 scores.

CONCLUSION

We found that higher dietary quality measured by HEI will decrease the risk of developing MetS, hypertension, and hypertriglyceridemia among Iranian adults. However, future interventional studies are required to further elucidate the issue.

Assessment of serum, dietary zinc levels, and other risk factors during the third trimester among pregnant women with and without pregnancy-induced hypertension: a case-control study

Background

This study assessed serum, dietary zinc levels, and other risk factors during the third trimester among pregnant women with and without pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

Methods

This case-control study was conducted in 2022, in the three main Obstetrics and Gynecology departments in Gaza Strip, Palestine. One hundred sixty pregnant women, during the third trimester, aged ≥20 years, were selected using a convenient sampling method. Data were obtained using an interview-based questionnaire, food frequency questionnaire, anthropometric measures, and biochemical tests. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24.

Results

The participants' mean age was 30.7 ± 5.6 years. A total of 47 (58.8%) of cases and 6 (7.5%) of controls were insufficiently active; and the mean of blood pressure (mmHg) was 133.3 ± 11.9/85.11 ± 10.0 for cases and 112.8 ± 9.5/68.02 ± 7.2 for controls with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). The mean serum zinc level (μg/dl) was 67.15 ± 16.5 for cases and 68.45 ± 18.0 for controls without significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.636). For newborns, the mean birth weight (g) was 2,904.6 ± 486 for cases, and 3,128.3 ± 501 for controls, and the mean Apgar score was 8.03 ± 0.62 for cases and 8.30 ± 1.17 for controls, with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). Furthermore, 43 (53.8%) of cases have family history of hypertension; 5 (6.2%) were primiparous; 19 (23.8%) have previous caesarian section; 33 (41.2%) have history of preeclampsia; and 62 (77.5%) have edema, with significant differences between the two groups (P = <0.005). Additionally, the total zinc dietary daily intake (mg/day) was 4.15 ± 2.10 for cases and 4.88 ± 3.02 for controls, with significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.041). After adjustment for confounding variables, participants in the case group have higher odds of having low total zinc dietary intake compared to those in the control group [OR = 1.185, 95% CI = (1.016-1.382), P = 0.030].

Conclusion

The current study showed the main risk factors of PIH among pregnant women in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Furthermore, low maternal dietary zinc intake was associated with a high level of PIH. Moreover, having PIH could increase the risk of low birth weight and low Apgar scores. Therefore, reducing the main risk factors of PIH could reduce the adverse effect on both mother and birth outcomes.

Diet and ideal food pyramid to prevent or support the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts

Many eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and cataracts are preventable and treatable with lifestyle. The objective of this review is to assess the most recent research on the ideal dietary approach to prevent or support the treatment of DR, AMD, and cataracts, as well as to construct a food pyramid that makes it simple for people who are at risk of developing these pathologies to decide what to eat. The food pyramid presented here proposes what should be consumed every day: 3 portions of low glycemic index (GI) grains (for fiber and zinc content), 5 portions (each portion: ≥200 g/day) of fruits and vegetables (spinach, broccoli, zucchini cooked, green leafy vegetables, orange, kiwi, grapefruit for folic acid, vitamin C, and lutein/zeaxanthin content, at least ≥42 μg/day, are to be preferred), extra virgin olive (EVO) oil (almost 20 mg/day for vitamin E and polyphenols content), nuts or oil seeds (20-30 g/day, for zinc content, at least ≥15.8 mg/day); weekly: fish (4 portions, for omega-3 content and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 0.35-1.4 g/day), white meat (3 portions for vitamin B12 content), legumes (2 portions for vegetal proteins), eggs (2 portions for lutein/zeaxanthin content), light cheeses (2 portions for vitamin B6 content), and almost 3-4 times/week microgreen and spices (saffron and curcumin). At the top of the pyramid, there are two pennants: one green, which indicates the need for personalized supplementation (if daily requirements cannot be met through diet, omega-3, and L-methylfolate supplementation), and one red, which indicates that certain foods are prohibited (salt and sugar). Finally, 3-4 times per week, 30-40 min of aerobic and resistance exercises are required.

Association of Eating Patterns and Diabetic Kidney Disease in Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between eating patterns and diabetic kidney disease in patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Outpatients underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation. Dietary information was obtained through a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and eating patterns were identified by cluster analysis. Diabetic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m² and/or persistently elevated urinary albumin concentration (albuminuria ≥ 14 mg/L). Procedures involving patients were approved by the Hospital's Ethics Committee. Patients with type 2 diabetes treated at university hospital and tertiary referral center, southern Brazil.

RESULTS

A total of 329 patients were evaluated: mean age 62 ± 10 years, body mass index 30.9 ± 4.2 kg/m², glycated hemoglobin 8.7% ± 2.0, and 10 (5 to 19) years of diabetes duration. Four eating patterns were identified based on cluster analysis: healthy= dairy products, fruits, and vegetables; snacks= dairy products, whole breads, vegetables, and low-calorie products; processed foods= refined carbohydrates and processed meat, and red meat= red meat. Poisson regression models confirmed that snack eaters (PR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.10, 1.99; P = .010) and red meat eaters (PR = 1.93, 95% CI 1.29, 2.89; P = .001) were associated with diabetic kidney disease.

CONCLUSION

In this sample of outpatients with type 2 diabetes, the patterns of snacks and red meat were associated with diabetic kidney disease as compared to a healthy pattern.

Potato consumption is not associated with cardiometabolic health outcomes in Framingham Offspring Study adults

Some consider potatoes to be unhealthy vegetables that may contribute to adverse cardiometabolic health outcomes. We evaluated the association between potato consumption (including fried and non-fried types) and three key cardiometabolic outcomes among middle-aged and older adults in the Framingham Offspring Study. We included 2523 subjects ≥30 years of age with available dietary data from 3-d food records. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for hypertension, type 2 diabetes or impaired fasting glucose (T2DM/IFG), and elevated triglycerides, adjusting for anthropometric, demographic and lifestyle factors. In the present study, 36 % of potatoes consumed were baked, 28 % fried, 14 % mashed, 9 % boiled and the rest cooked in other ways. Overall, higher total potato intake (≥4 v. <1 cup-equivalents/week) was not associated with risks of T2DM/IFG (HR 0⋅97, 95 % CI 0⋅81, 1⋅15), hypertension (HR 0⋅95; 95 % CI 0⋅80, 1⋅12) or elevated triglycerides (HR 0⋅99, 95 % CI 0⋅86, 1⋅13). Stratified analyses were used to evaluate effect modification by physical activity levels and red meat consumption, and in those analyses, there were no adverse effects of potato intake. However, when combined with higher levels of physical activity, greater consumption of fried potatoes was associated with a 24 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅60, 0⋅96) of T2DM/IFG, and in combination with lower red meat consumption, higher fried potato intake was associated with a 26 % lower risk (95 % CI 0⋅56, 0⋅99) of elevated triglycerides. In this prospective cohort, there was no adverse association between fried or non-fried potato consumption and risks of T2DM/IFG, hypertension or elevated triglycerides.

Association of Household Food Insecurity With Dietary Intakes and Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Among School-Aged Children in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background

The present study aimed to determine the association of household food insecurity with dietary intakes and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among school-aged children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of school-aged children. A total of 380 children and their parents were selected from all Gaza strip governorates, using a random sampling method. The demographic and socioeconomic characteristics; the Radimer/Cornell food security scale; two non-consecutive days of 24-h dietary recall; anthropometric measurements; and the Food and Agriculture Organization KAP-questionnaire (Module 3) were employed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.

Results

About 71.6% of school-aged children were household food-insecure, while 28.4% were household food-secure. Significant associations were found between living area, educational level, household monthly income, weight for age and BMI for age z-scores, underweight, malnutrition status, intakes of protein, iron, vitamin D, and zinc among household food-secure, and household food-insecure. After adjustment for confounding variables, having nutrition-related adequate KAP were associated with lower odds of being food-insecure household [OR = 0.519, 95% (CI = 0.320–0.841)], [OR = 0.510, 95% CI = (0.315–0.827)], and [OR = 0.466, 95% CI = (0.285–0.763), P < 0.05 for all], respectively.

Conclusions

Low socioeconomic status, low anthropometric indices, poor dietary intakes may be associated with a high level of food-insecurity; while having nutrition-related adequate KAP may be protective against food-insecurity among school-aged children.

Households' Food Insecurity and Their Association With Dietary Intakes, Nutrition-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Under-five Children in Gaza Strip, Palestine

The present study aimed to determine the households' food insecurity and their association with dietary intakes, nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among under-five children in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021 among a representative sample of under-five children. A total of 350 children and their proxy were selected from all Gaza strip governorates, using a cluster random sampling method. The Radimer/Cornell food-security scale was used. A 24-h dietary recall was employed for dietary intakes assessment. Nutrition-related KAP for feeding under-five children, anthropometric measurements, and demographic-socioeconomic characteristics were obtained with an interview-based questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The children from food-insecure households had a high prevalence of moderate underweight (30.4%), stunting (32.8%), wasting (9.6%), and acute undernutrition (30.4%). Between food-insecure and food-secure groups there were significant differences in weight, height/length, mid-upper arm circumference, weight-for-age and mid-upper arm circumference z-scores, underweight, acute undernutrition, intakes of protein, fat, vitamin D, zinc, continued breastfeeding, having nutrition-related adequate knowledge, having nutrition-related positive attitudes, and achieved minimum dietary diversity score (P < 0.05 for all). Additionally, about (56.0%) food-insecure households have inadequate nutrition-related knowledge, (77.6%) have nutrition-related negative attitudes, and (95.2%) did not achieve a minimum dietary diversity score. In conclusion, the children from food-insecure households had a high prevalence of moderate underweight, stunting, wasting, and acute undernutrition. Moreover, low economic status, poor dietary intakes, low levels of nutrition-related KAP, and lack of dietary diversity could contribute to the high levels of food insecurity among under-five children.

Interaction between CETP Taq1B polymorphism and HEI, DQI and DPI on metabolic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multidimensional consequence of environmental and genetic factors. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) Taq1B polymorphism has been reported as a main predictor of dyslipidaemia, comprising an important complication in persons with T2DM. However, diet could affect T2DM patients metabolic health.

METHODS

We investigated the combination of gene-diet effects on some metabolic biomarkers. In our cross-sectional study, blood samples of 220 patients were collected. Dietary indices (healthy eating index, dietary quality index and dietary phytochemical index) were obtained from a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. CETP Taq1B polymorphism was genotyped by a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment polymorphism method. Data were analysed by analysis of covariance.

RESULTS

The interaction between the CETP Taq1B polymorphism and dietary indices on low density lipoprotein/high density lipoprotein was significant (p < 0.001 both crude and adjusted models). In addition, the interaction between polymorphism and dietary quality index on total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.004 crude model, p = 0.005 after adjusting) and pentraxin 3 (p = 0.01 both crude and adjusted models) was significant. Also, the interaction between polymorphism and healthy eating index on waist circumference (p = 0.005 both crude and adjusted models) and dietary phytochemical index on interleukin-18 (p = 0.03 crude model) was significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated the effect of CETP Taq1B polymorphism on some inflammatory and anthropometrics markers (total antioxidant capacity, pentraxin 3, interleukin-18, low density lipoprotein/high density lipoprotein and waist circumference) with high and low adherence to dietary incides.

Effects of a Mediterranean diet on the development of diabetic complications: A longitudinal study from the nationwide diabetes report of the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes (NPPCD 2016-2020)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of a Mediterranean dietary pattern on the incidence of macrovascular and microvascular complications of diabetes, namely cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetic foot disorders, diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.

METHODS

This longitudinal study was conducted among 71392 adults with diabetes who attended academic tertiary-care outpatient clinics from February 2016 to March 2020 across Iran using the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes database. Among them, 22187 patients with diabetes (type 1 and type 2) completed 2-11 follow-up visits after baseline registration. The association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and diabetic complications was assessed using pooled logistic regression models. This association was adjusted for potential confounders. The effect of time was assessed using fractional polynomials.

RESULTS

A total of 22187 participants were included in the analysis (30.22% men and 69.78% women) with either type 1 (mean age 50.7 years) or type 2 (mean age 59.9 years) diabetes. After adjustment for confounding variables, there was a negative correlation between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and the incidence of CVD among patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 2 diabetes (T2D) (OR= 0.53, 95% CI: 0.37 - 0.75, p-value <0.001 and OR= 0.61, 95% CI: 0.57 - 0.89, p-value <0.001, respectively). Also, the diet had a statistically significant protective effect against incident symptomatic neuropathy (OR= 0.32, 95% CI: 0.23 - 0.43, p-value <0.001, and OR= 0.68, 95% CI: 0.64 - 0.72, p-value <0.001, respectively), nephropathy (OR= 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30 - 0.58, p-value <0.001, and OR= 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80 - 0.96, p-value= 0.007, respectively), and retinopathy (OR= 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24 - 0.44, p-value <0.001, and OR= 0.68, 95% CI: 0.61 - 0.71, p-value <0.001, respectively) in T1D and T2D.

CONCLUSION

The Mediterranean dietary pattern is associated with a lower incidence of CVD and microvascular complications (i.e. diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy) among a cohort of patients with T1D and T2D in Iran.

Major Dietary Patterns Relationship with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Gaza-Strip, Palestine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

The association of dietary patterns (DPs) linked to the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is little known. Therefore, this study aims to explore the relationship between major DPs and the severity of CAD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among423 newly discovered CAD patients (both genders, aged 35–65 years), who underwent coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was assessed by the Gensini score. All patients were tested using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and other related data through face-to-face interviews. Factor analysis and logistic regression were applied by using SPSS version-24.

Results

By principal component analysis, two major DPs were identified: “Unhealthy” DP that characterized mainly by high intakes of sugar and sweets, soft drinks, salts, cooking oils, and processed meats, and “Healthy” DP that consisting high intakes of fruits, fish, poultry, vegetables, whole grains. After adjustment for confounding variables, the odds of severe CAD was significantly higher in the third (T3) and second (T2) tertile of the unhealthy pattern by 4.79 and 2.48 times more compared to the first tertile (T1) (OR 4.79; 95%CI 2.60, 8.83; P<0.001) and (OR 2.48; 95%CI 1.40, 4.39; P=0.002), respectively. However, the odds of CAD severity in the T3 and T2 of the healthy pattern was lowered by 0.24 and 0.38 times less compared to the T1 (OR 0.24; 95%CI 0.12, 0.47; P=0.002) and (OR 0.38; 95%CI 0.20, 0.73; P=0.006), respectively.

Conclusion

The severity of CAD was significantly increased by the unhealthy dietary pattern, while decreased by adherence to the healthy pattern.

The Association between Changes in Coronary Artery Calcium Scores, Dietary Intake, Physical Activity, and Depression Symptoms among the Population of Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background

This study aimed to identify the association between macronutrient intake, physical activity, and depressive symptoms and changes in coronary artery calcium score among the population of Gaza Strip.

Method

The study sample consisted of 269 individuals who underwent non-enhanced coronary computed tomography using 64-slice MDCT (Siemens, Germany) at Al-Shifa medical complex between September 2017 and January 2018. The study participants were divided into two groups; group one, consisting of coronary calcium calcification scoring (CAC) of greater than zero (CAC score > 0), and group two, CAC less than or equal to zero (CAC score ≤ 0). Data about macronutrient intake, physical activity, and depressive symptoms were collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire. Additionally, the participants' anthropometric characteristics and blood biochemical markers were measured.

Results

Out of 269 participants, 45-recorded CAC score > 0; 72% of them were males with a mean age of 52.6 ± 5.4 years. Significant differences between the two groups in terms of total energy, lipid intake, and carbohydrate were found (P-value of 0.020, 0.012, and 0.034, respectively). No significant differences were recorded in protein intake, physical activity, and depression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis under adjustment for possible confounding factors revealed that macronutrient intake, physical activity, and depressive symptoms were not associated with the development of CAC in two models.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, macronutrient intake, physical activity, and depressive symptoms are not associated with the development of CAC among the population of Gaza.

Major dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome associated with severity of coronary artery disease: A structural equation modeling

BACKGROUND

The association of dietary patterns and metabolic syndrome with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is little known.

AIM

This study aimed to explore the relationship between major dietary patterns and the severity of CAD among newly discovered patients by using structural equation modeling (SEM).

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we included 423 newly diagnosed patients with CAD, aged 35-65 years, who underwent coronary angiography. The severity of CAD was assessed by the Gensini score. All patients were tested by using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, international physical activity questionnaire, perceived stress scale, lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and anthropometric and blood pressure measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS and AMOS version 24.

RESULTS

Two dietary patterns (DPs) were identified by principal components analysis and labeled as "unhealthy DP" and "healthy DP". The results of SEM analysis showed that the unhealthy DP has a significant positive direct association with the severity of CAD (β=0.304, p<0.001), which is indirectly mediated by the presence of metabolic syndrome (β=0.021, p=0.021), adjusted for age and perceived stress scale. However, healthy DP has a significant negative direct association with the Gensini score (β=-0.213, p<0.001), and an indirect association through negative metabolic syndrome (β=-0.019, p=0.022), controlled for gender, physical activity, and perceived stress scale.

CONCLUSIONS

The severity of CAD was directly associated with the unhealthy DP and indirectly mediated by the presence of the metabolic syndrome, while a healthy DP had a direct inverse association with CAD severity and indirectly mediated by the absence of metabolic syndrome.

Barriers of Adherence among Palestinian Healthcare Professionals towards the Protocol of Health Education and Counselling on Healthy Behaviours for Non-Communicable Diseases

BACKGROUND

Despite the huge numbers of the universally produced and employed protocols, the adherence with them is still low to moderate in the healthcare settings. This study was employed to assess the attitudes of Palestinian healthcare professionals in Gaza Strip to health education and counseling on healthy behaviours protocol (WHO-PEN Protocol 2), for patients with non-communicable diseases in the Ministry of Health primary healthcare centers.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted with a census sample of all governmental family physicians and nurses (n=175). The study questionnaire was developed based on Cabana theoretical framework. The Arabic version questionnaire was developed based on the cross-cultural adaptation framework. The psychometric properties of the Arabic version questionnaire was finally evaluated.

RESULTS

The psychometric properties of the Arabic version questionnaire showed good construct validity and internal consistency reliability. The overall adherence level to WHO-PEN Protocol 2 was 70.0, SD=6.9. The main perceived barriers were lack of incentive, patients' factors, and lack of time. In general, most of healthcare professional respondents had a positive attitude toward the protocol, but this attitude was not predictor to protocol adherence.

CONCLUSION

The good validity and reliability of the questionnaire can provide support for the accuracy of the study results. Varied implementation strategies targeting the major barriers derived from the study are extremely required for addressing the lack of incentives, patients' factors and time constraints.

Effects of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and lipid profile among hypertensive patients in the Kurdistan region of Iraq

Objective

This study was employed to assess the effects of Ramadan fasting on anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and lipid profile among hypertensive patients.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample, which was selected using a census survey of hypertensive patients (both gender, aged 25-50 years, on regular antihypertensive drugs (atenolol: 50 mg orally once a day)), during Ramadan month that was falling in April to May 2020. The patients were receiving care at Halabja hospital in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. All patients were assessed in two phase's baseline (a week before Ramadan) and end stage (a week after Ramadan), using anthropometric indices, physical examination, biochemical tests, and a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.

Results

A total of 120 hypertensive patients were included in the study (50% females and 50% males), with a mean age of 37.5 ± 6.6 years. The major finding of our study was the significant decrease in blood pressure (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of the participants decreased after Ramadan fasting in a significant approach (P < 0.001 for all). However, for the lipid profile components, the total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol change persisted not statistically significant (P > 0.05), while only triglyceride decreased drastically after Ramadan fasting (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Ramadan fasting could contribute in the improvement of blood pressure and lowers triglyceride levels, body weight, body mass index, and waist circumference of adult hypertensive patients.

Dietary Pattern and Their Association With Level of Asthma Control Among Patients With Asthma at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background:

This study was conducted to identify major dietary patterns and their association with level of asthma control among patients with asthma in Gaza Strip, Palestine.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among a representative sample of Palestinian patients with asthma (both sex, aged 19-64 years) receiving care in chest department at Al-Shifa Medical Complex. Asthma control level was obtained using asthma control test. Data regarding other variables were obtained using an interview-based questionnaire and a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results:

Two major dietary patterns were identified including (1) Prudent pattern characterized by a high intake of whole grains, beans and legumes, fish and shellfish products, vegetables, tomatoes, fruits, and vegetable oils, and (2) Western pattern characterized by a high intake of refined grains, red meat, poultry, fast foods, eggs, low-fat dairy product, high-fat dairy products, hydrogenated fats, olive, sugar, sweets, desserts, and snacks. After adjustment for confounding variables, patients in the lowest tertile (T1) of Prudent pattern had a lower odds for poorly controlled asthma (odds ratio [OR] = 0.044, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.002-1.316], P value < 0.05), whereas patients in the lowest tertile (T1) of Western pattern had a higher odds for poorly controlled asthma (OR = 2.499, 95% CI = [1.288-4.850], P value < 0.05), compared with those in the highest tertile (T3).

Conclusion:

A Prudent pattern may be associated with a lower prevalence of poorly controlled asthma, whereas a Western pattern may be associated with a higher prevalence of poorly controlled asthma.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation along with endurance physical activity on lipid profile in metabolic syndrome patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to determine the effects of vitamin D supplementation along with endurance physical activity on lipid profile among metabolic syndrome patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a parallel randomized placebo controlled trial, 70 metabolic syndrome patients, were randomly assigned into three groups. Biochemical tests were assessed as baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

The mean vitamin D levels was increased significantly in both vitamin D and vitamin D plus physical activity groups (P value < 0.05). No significant change was observed in the placebo group. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL-C in vitamin D plus physical activity group (P value < 0.05). No significant differences in changes of triglycerides and HDL-C among the three groups (P value > 0.05). While, in vitamin D group a decreased in total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and increase in triglycerides were observed, but did not reach a statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Daily supplementation of vitamin D for 12 weeks, along with moderate endurance physical activity, significantly increase vitamin D concentration and induce a significant reduction in lipid profile in metabolic syndrome patients.

The dual burden of malnutrition in the United States and the role of non-profit organizations

The dual burden of malnutrition (obesity or a non-communicable disease coupled with malnutrition) is prevalent in more than half of all malnourished households that reside in the US. Non-profit organizations should make a conscientious effort to not serve products high in sugar and saturated fat, and low in fiber. Instead, they should diligently serve nutrient-dense foods rich in produce, whole grains and omega 3 fatty acids to minimize health disparities prevalent in LSES households. Nonprofit organizations have the potential to decrease health disparities nationally by feeding health sustaining products such as whole grains, fresh produce and lean proteins. This commentary lists feasible options for organizations to serve healthier options and reduce health disparities such as implementing nutrition policies, capitalizing on donations and securing partnerships.

•

53% of malnourished households in the US have an overweight or obese person.

•

Offering calorically-dense, low nutrient food increases disparities in LSES families.

•

Non-profit organizations should not serve products high in sugar and low in fiber.

•

Non-profit organizations should offer produce, whole grains and omega 3 fatty acids.

•

Improving offerings can minimize health disparities among LSES households.