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Alshahrani NZ, Bafaraj AG, Alamri HM. Exploring university students' nutrition literacy in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional survey. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1425650. [PMID: 39171109 PMCID: PMC11335627 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1425650] [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: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Improving individuals' nutrition literacy can be one way to promote healthy dietary behaviors, which lowers the incidence of non-communicable diseases. In Saudi Arabia, there is a limited information regarding nutrition literacy among students. Therefore, the purposes of this study was to investigate university students' nutrition literacy and identify its predictors in Saudi Arabia. Another objective was to assess how nutrition literacy is associated with eating habits among this sample. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out among students attending the University of Jeddah and King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah City) in Saudi Arabia from June 2023 to September 2023. Using a convenience sampling approach, 570 students were enrolled in this study. An online-based structured survey tool including demographic details, a food frequency questionnaire, and a nutrition literacy scale was used to collect the data. Descriptive and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were performed. Results Approximately 40.4% of the participants exhibited poor nutrition literacy. Female students were less likely than male students to have poor nutrition literacy (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 0.62; 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.42, 0.92). Underweight (AOR = 1.73; 95%CI = 1.22, 4.56) and overweight participants (AOR = 3.1; 95%CI = 2.77, 7.23) were at higher risk of having poor level of nutrition literacy as compared to those who had normal weight. Students who did not take any nutrition-related courses had a 1.3 times higher probability of having a poor level of nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts (AOR = 1.3; 95%CI = 1.05, 3.74). Moreover, poor nutrition literacy was associated with higher weekly consumption frequencies of red meat, processed foods, funk foods and sugar-sweetened beverages. Conclusion A higher percentage of university students had poor nutrition literacy, which was associated with gender, self-reported BMI status, nutrition-related courses and unhealthy eating habits. These findings can assist university administrators and policymakers in implementing effective measures to enhance students' nutrition literacy rates in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najim Z. Alshahrani
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Liao LL, Chang LC, Lai IJ. Assessing the Quality of ChatGPT's Dietary Advice for College Students from Dietitians' Perspectives. Nutrients 2024; 16:1939. [PMID: 38931294 PMCID: PMC11206595 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As ChatGPT becomes a primary information source for college students, its performance in providing dietary advice is under scrutiny. This study assessed ChatGPT's performance in providing nutritional guidance to college students. METHODS ChatGPT's performance on dietary advice was evaluated by 30 experienced dietitians and assessed using an objective nutrition literacy (NL) test. The dietitians were recruited to assess the quality of ChatGPT's dietary advice, including its NL achievement and response quality. RESULTS The results indicate that ChatGPT's performance varies across scenarios and is suboptimal for achieving NL with full achievement rates from 7.50% to 37.56%. While the responses excelled in readability, they lacked understandability, practicality, and completeness. In the NL test, ChatGPT showed an 84.38% accuracy rate, surpassing the NL level of Taiwanese college students. The top concern among the dietitians, cited 52 times in 242 feedback entries, was that the "response information lacks thoroughness or rigor, leading to misunderstandings or misuse". Despite the potential of ChatGPT as a supplementary educational tool, significant gaps must be addressed, especially in detailed dietary inquiries. CONCLUSION This study highlights the need for improved AI educational approaches and suggests the potential for developing ChatGPT teaching guides or usage instructions to train college students and support dietitians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ling Liao
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807378, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City 807378, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chun Chang
- School of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Tao-Yuan 333324, Taiwan;
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan 333323, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333423, Taiwan
| | - I-Ju Lai
- Department of Nutrition, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 824005, Taiwan
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Lai IJ, Chang LC, Lee CK, Liao LL. Preliminary evaluation of a scenario-based nutrition literacy online programme for college students: a pilot study. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3190-3201. [PMID: 37927137 PMCID: PMC10755442 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop and evaluate a scenario-based nutrition literacy (NL) online programme for Taiwanese college students. DESIGN A randomised pilot trial design was used in this study. SETTING The study was conducted at a university in Taiwan. The intervention consisted of a five-unit web-based NL programme including videos of real-life scenario-based stories, situational analysis teaching and after-unit quizzes. Theme-related website information and smartphone apps (both iOS and Android systems) were offered for reference in every unit. The NL measure consisted of a self-rated scale, a scenario-based test and a healthy eating behaviour survey. Paired sample t-tests and ANCOVA were performed to test the effects on NL and healthy eating behaviour. PARTICIPANTS Participants were ninety-eight students, with a retention rate of 98 %. The ratio of men to women was 0·2:1. Most students were freshmen (48 %). RESULTS Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant post-intervention improvements in the NL and healthy eating behaviours after controlling for pretest scores. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study offers preliminary evidence of the potential positive effects of implementing a scenario-based NL online programme for college students. It offers a possibly novel strategy to enhance health-promoting behaviours in Taiwanese universities. Further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs is warranted to confirm and build upon these initial findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ju Lai
- Department of Nutrition, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chun Chang
- Department of Nursing, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Gueishan, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Kuei Lee
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ling Liao
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, No.100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, 80708, Taiwan
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Cabezas MF, Nazar G. A scoping review of food and nutrition literacy programs. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad090. [PMID: 37676303 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of food literacy (FL) and nutrition literacy (NL) programs on lifestyles and health is recognized in the literature, yet few studies systematize it. This study aims to deepen the understanding of FL/NL from the characterization of programs in terms of (i) theoretical foundations, conceptualization and measuring instruments; (ii) characterization of the FL/NL programs and results and (iii) limitations and future directions declared. A scoping review of original articles addressing FL/NL programs from the Web of Science, Scopus and PubMed databases published between 2015 and 2023. There was a somewhat restricted view of the construct and the absence of a clear boundary between FL and NL. Half of the studies reported theoretical foundations. The most used model was Social Cognitive Learning Theory. More significant development of programs was observed in Australia, using quasi-experimental designs. Most of the studies informed positive results. Limitations of the studies related to the sampling process, absence of a control group and lack of follow-up. It is suggested that long-term interventions consider economic, social and cultural factors. Despite that theoretical and empirical aspects should be revised, FL/NL programs are a suitable strategy to mitigate the social and health effects of inadequate nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gabriela Nazar
- Departamento de Psicología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Bookari K. What is the level of nutrition literacy of Saudi adolescents? A national wide exploratory cross-sectional study. Front Nutr 2023; 9:1113910. [PMID: 36712527 PMCID: PMC9878316 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1113910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite being a prolific research topic, studies evaluating nutrition literacy in the Arab world are scant and still nonexistent in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Therefore, a national study was launched with the aim to (1) assess nutrition literacy among Saudi adolescents aged 10-19 years old and (2) determine its correlates. Methods A cross-sectional study was launched across all Saudi provinces between 29 April and 6 June 2022, enrolling a convenience sample of 2,115 adolescents (mean age = 16.8 ± 2.5; girls: 48.7%). An online self-administered questionnaire was disseminated to eligible participants to collect relevant data. Results Study findings showed that nearly half of the adolescents (44.6%) had poor nutrition literacy. The male gender doubled the risk of adolescents having poor nutrition literacy (OR = 2.0, CI = 1.5-2.5, p < 0.001). Northern border residents were 14 times more likely to be nutritionally illiterate, in contrast to adolescents residing in Riyadh (OR = 14.0, CI = 7.3-28.0, p < 0.001). Adolescents were more likely to be nutritionally illiterate if they were underweight or overweight (OR = 2.7, CI = 1.6-4.7, p < 0.001; OR = 2.2, CI = 1.7-2.9, p < 0.001). School students had 2 times more risk of having poor nutrition literacy, in contrast to those who were enrolled in universities (OR = 1.8, CI = 1.4-2.4, p < 0.001). Nutrition illiteracy was 4 times higher among adolescents having caregivers else than their parents (OR = 3.9, CI = 2.2-6.9, p < 0.001). Parental education level also contributed to determining adolescents' nutrition literacy status. Conclusions It has become essential to courage the development of supportive school environments in Saudi Arabia to promote nutrition education and improve adolescents' nutrition literacy. Without a doubt, this calls for taking a holistic approach on the part of education and health ministries, nutrition professionals, educators, parents, and, most importantly, the teenagers themselves, who must have the desire and motivation to learn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khlood Bookari
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
- National Nutrition Committee (NNC), Saudi Food and Drug Authority (Saudi FDA), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Ahmadpour M, Omidvar N, Shakibazadeh E, Doustmohammadian A, Rahimiforoushani A. Development and evaluation of an intervention to improve food and nutrition literacy among Iranian Kurdish primary school children: An application of intervention mapping approach. Front Public Health 2023; 10:1059677. [PMID: 36684859 PMCID: PMC9845926 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1059677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Food and nutrition literacy (FNLIT) is a relatively new term that is used to define the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to achieve a healthy diet. Improving food and nutritional literacy in children is a necessary solution to eliminate nutritional disorders in this age group. The purpose of this study was to design, implement and evaluate an intervention to improve food and nutrition literacy in children aged 10-12 years old based on an intervention mapping (IM) approach. Methods This experimental study was performed in three phases. Through the first phase, an intervention was developed using the (IM) approach. In the second phase, the intervention was implemented for 6 months, and in the third phase, the intervention outcomes were evaluated and compared with the control group through a randomized controlled trial among 300 participants (each control and intervention group = 150). Results Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between the control and intervention groups in all subscales of FNLIT. After the intervention, there was a significant difference between the control and intervention groups in all subscales of FNLIT (P < 0/001). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of the FNLIT scores at baseline (P > 0.05). However, after 6 months of intervention, a significant difference was observed between the two groups (intra-group differences) (P < 0.001). Such a difference was not identified in the control group after 6 months also the results show the impact of socioeconomic factors and parental literacy on the average score of students' FNLIT and after the intervention, a significant difference was observed between the scores of control and intervention groups in all subscales of the FNLIT (P < 0.001). Conclusions The school-based intervention developed and evaluated in this study provides a basis for future programs targeting the improvement of FNLIT in children, especially in poor and deprived areas such as Kurdistan province. Clinical trial registration Iranian Clinical Trials Registry (IRCT) Code: 32094.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmadpour
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Nasrin Omidvar
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Shakibazadeh
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Doustmohammadian
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Rahimiforoushani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mohsen H, Sacre Y, Hanna-Wakim L, Hoteit M. Nutrition and Food Literacy in the MENA Region: A Review to Inform Nutrition Research and Policy Makers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10190. [PMID: 36011837 PMCID: PMC9408592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191610190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving food and nutrition literacy is fundamental to tackling the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's enormous challenges, including malnutrition and food insecurity. To direct initiatives, it is crucial to assess the region's food and nutrition literacy. Thus, we aimed to review studies on food/nutrition literacy status in the MENA countries and illuminate the region's research gaps in these areas, in terms of assessment, policy, and program implementation. METHODS PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched between 18 December and 8 May 2022, to identify relevant articles published up to 2022 in the MENA region. RESULTS Twelve studies were included in this review. Lebanon, Palestine, and Iran are the only three MENA countries where nutrition and/or food literacy were assessed. People in these countries mostly had inadequate food and/or nutrition literacy levels, especially in the skills rather than the cognitive domain. Food and/or nutrition literacy showed associations with food habits, food-label use, food-consumption patterns, school performance, food security, dietary diversity, and nutrient adequacy. The MENA countries developed no policies or programs to address food and nutrition literacy. CONCLUSION This review is a wake-up call for researchers and policymakers to develop a robust approach to combat food and nutrition literacy concerns in the MENA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Mohsen
- Doctoral School of Sciences and Technology (DSST), Lebanese University, Hadath 1103, Lebanon
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Yonna Sacre
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Lara Hanna-Wakim
- Department of Agricultural and Food Engineering, School of Engineering, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), P.O. Box 446, Jounieh 1200, Lebanon
| | - Maha Hoteit
- Faculty of Public Health, Section 1, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- PHENOL Research Group (Public HEalth Nutrition prOgram Lebanon), Faculty of Public Health, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
- Lebanese University Nutrition Surveillance Center (LUNSC), Lebanese Food Drugs and Chemical Administrations, Lebanese University, P.O. Box 6573, Beirut 1105, Lebanon
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