Exploring Food Literacy Domains in an Adult Samoan Population

Adolescent screen time and unhealthy food consumption in the context of the digital development in New Caledonia

OBJECTIVE

For several years, the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have been undergoing digital developments that have had an impact on the time adolescents spend in front of screens. The association between screen time and the overconsumption of unhealthy foods has been observed but little studied in New Caledonia. The twofold aim of this research was to analyze adolescent screen time based on the number of screens at home, gender, place of living, ethnic community and family socio-professional category and determine the link with the consumption of unhealthy food and drinks.

METHODS

Self-report questionnaires on time spent in front of tablets, computers and mobile phones, as well as the consumption of unhealthy food and drinks, were administered between July 2018 and April 2019 to 867 adolescents from 11 to 15 years old during school hours in eight schools across the three provinces of New Caledonia.

RESULTS

Adolescents in rural areas had fewer screens than their urban counterparts, and the number of screens determined the amount of screen time, which was significantly higher among the adolescents living in urban areas (3.05 h/day weekdays vs rural 2.33 h/day). Screen time was not related to gender, socio-professional category or ethnic community, but correlations were found between screen time and consumption of unhealthy food and drinks. Those who consumed less than 1 u/day of unhealthy drinks watched screens for 3.30 h/day, whereas those who consumed more than 1 u/day watched screens for 4.13 h/day. Also, those who consumed less than 1 u/day of unhealthy food watched screens for 2.82 h/day and those consuming more than 1 u/day did so for 3.62 h/day. Melanesians and Polynesians consumed greater quantities of unhealthy food and drinks than Europeans. As the consumption of unhealthy products is linked to screen time in the context of digital development, there is an urgent need to address the excessive consumption of unhealthy foods in Oceanian populations, particularly among young people.

Food literacy in Pacific Island countries: a scoping review protocol

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this scoping review is to identify how food literacy is characterized and measured in the context of the Pacific Islands, and describe food literacy initiatives that may inform future policy, practice, and research.

INTRODUCTION

"Food literacy" is an emerging term used to describe the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required from individuals, households, communities, or nations to make healthy food choices. Given the complexity of changing food systems and the significant health challenges facing Pacific Island communities, understanding the evidence on food literacy in these communities may contribute to ensuring adequate nutrition for this population.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The scoping review will examine all evidence that broadly defines, describes, measures, or explores food literacy and/or its components in residents of Pacific Island countries and territories, of any age or gender. Evidence on initiatives implemented to improve food literacy within this population will also be considered. Countries will be limited to member countries of "the Pacific Community."

METHODS

Key information sources to be searched for publications will include databases CABI, EBSCO, and Scopus, along with Google Scholar and Google for gray literature. Experts from relevant organizations and agencies will be contacted to locate additional sources. Results will be restricted to sources from the previous 30 years, available in English and French. Data will be extracted by two or more independent reviewers using a data extraction tool. Results will be presented with a narrative summary, accompanied by tabulated and/or charted results.