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Darooghegi Mofrad M, Nosal BM, Avelino DC, Killion K, Puglisi M, Duffy VB, Chun OK. Food Resource Management and Healthy Eating Focus Associates with Diet Quality and Health Behaviors in Low-Income Adults. Nutrients 2024; 16:2043. [PMID: 38999790 PMCID: PMC11243580 DOI: 10.3390/nu16132043] [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] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Nutrition education and food resource management (FRM) can assist food-insecure individuals in acquiring healthy and affordable food. We aimed to assess the relationships between FRM skills and healthy eating focus with diet quality and health-related behaviors in low-income adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of 276 low-income adults living in a low-food-access community in Northeast Connecticut. Through analysis of covariance, adults who usually or always had a meal plan, considered reading nutrition labels important, made a grocery list, were concerned about their food healthiness, and rated their diet quality as very good/excellent reported higher diet quality (frequency-based and liking-based scores) (p < 0.05 for all). Individuals who considered reading food labels very important and reported having a good diet reported less frequent pandemic-related unhealthy behaviors (consumption of candy and snack chips, soda or sugary drinks, weight gain, smoking) (p < 0.001). Furthermore, higher-frequency-based diet quality was associated with lower risk of overweight or obesity (OR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.18, 0.76; p-trend < 0.01). Thus, FRM skills and healthy eating focus were associated with higher diet quality and healthier self-reported changes in diet, weight, and smoking behaviors during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manije Darooghegi Mofrad
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (M.D.M.); (B.M.N.); (M.P.)
| | - Briana M. Nosal
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (M.D.M.); (B.M.N.); (M.P.)
| | - Daniela C. Avelino
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.C.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Kate Killion
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.C.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Michael Puglisi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (M.D.M.); (B.M.N.); (M.P.)
| | - Valerie B. Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (D.C.A.); (K.K.)
| | - Ock K. Chun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; (M.D.M.); (B.M.N.); (M.P.)
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Cheung MM, Hubert PA, Reed DR, Pouget ER, Jiang X, Hwang LD. Understanding the determinants of sweet taste liking in the African and East Asian ancestry groups in the U.S.-A study protocol. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300071. [PMID: 38683826 PMCID: PMC11057733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liking for sweet taste is a powerful driver for consuming added sugars, and therefore, understanding how sweet liking is formed is a critical step in devising strategies to lower added sugars consumption. However, current research on the influence of genetic and environmental factors on sweet liking is mostly based on research conducted with individuals of European ancestry. Whether these results can be generalized to people of other ancestry groups warrants investigation. METHODS We will determine the differences in allele frequencies in sweet-related genetic variants and their effects on sweet liking in 426 adults of either African or East Asian ancestry, who have the highest and lowest average added sugars intake, respectively, among ancestry groups in the U.S. We will collect information on participants' sweet-liking phenotype, added sugars intake (sweetness exposure), anthropometric measures, place-of-birth, and for immigrants, duration of time living in the U.S. and age when immigrated. Ancestry-specific polygenic scores of sweet liking will be computed based on the effect sizes of the sweet-related genetic variants on the sweet-liking phenotype for each ancestry group. The predictive validity of the polygenic scores will be tested using individuals of African and East Asian ancestry from the UK Biobank. We will also compare sweet liking between U.S.-born individuals and immigrants within each ancestry group to test whether differences in environmental sweetness exposure during childhood affect sweet liking in adulthood. DISCUSSION Expanding genetic research on taste to individuals from ancestry groups traditionally underrepresented in such research is consistent with equity goals in sensory and nutrition science. Findings from this study will help in the development of a more personalized nutrition approach for diverse populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION This protocol has been preregistered with the Center for Open Science (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WPR9E).
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Affiliation(s)
- May M. Cheung
- City University of New York, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Patrice A. Hubert
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Danielle R. Reed
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Enrique R. Pouget
- City University of New York, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Xinyin Jiang
- City University of New York, Brooklyn College, Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
| | - Liang-Dar Hwang
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Cheung MM, Hubert PA, Reed DR, Pouget ER, Jiang X, Hwang LD. Understanding the Determinants of Sweet Liking in the African and East Asian Ancestry Groups in the U.S. - A Study Protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3644422. [PMID: 38076869 PMCID: PMC10705709 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3644422/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
Background The liking for sweet taste is a powerful driver for consuming added sugars, and therefore, understanding how sweet liking is formed is a critical step in devising strategies to lower added sugars consumption. However, current research on the influence of genetic and environmental factors on sweet liking is mostly based on research conducted with individuals of European ancestry. Whether these results can be generalized to people of other ancestry groups warrants investigation. Methods We will determine the differences in allele frequencies in sweet-related genetic variants and their effects on sweet liking in 426 adults of either African or East Asian ancestry, who have the highest and lowest average added sugars intake, respectively, among ancestry groups in the U.S. We will collect information on participants' sweet-liking phenotype, added sugars intake (sweetness exposure), anthropometric measures, place-of-birth, and for immigrants, duration of time living in the U.S. and age when immigrated. Ancestry-specific polygenic scores of sweet liking will be computed based on the effect sizes of the sweet-related genetic variants on the sweet-liking phenotype for each ancestry group. The predictive validity of the polygenic scores will be tested using individuals of African and East Asian ancestry from the UK Biobank. We will also compare sweet liking between U.S.-born individuals and immigrants within each ancestry group to test whether differences in environmental sweetness exposure during childhood affect sweet liking in adulthood. Discussion Expanding genetic research on taste to individuals from ancestry groups traditionally underrepresented in such research is consistent with equity goals in sensory and nutrition science. Findings from this study will help in the development of a more personalized nutrition approach for diverse populations. Trial registration This protocol has been preregistered with the Center for Open Science (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WPR9E) and is approved by the City University of New York Human Research Protection Program (IRB#: 2023-0064-Brooklyn).
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Avelino DC, Duffy VB, Puglisi M, Ray S, Lituma-Solis B, Nosal BM, Madore M, Chun OK. Can Ordering Groceries Online Support Diet Quality in Adults Who Live in Low Food Access and Low-Income Environments? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15040862. [PMID: 36839221 PMCID: PMC9964317 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. food assistance programs allowed the use of program benefits to order groceries online. We examined relationships between the food environment, food assistance, online grocery ordering, and diet quality among adults from one low-income, low food access community in Northeastern Connecticut during the pandemic. Via online survey, adults (n = 276) reported their perceived home and store food environments, food assistance participation, whether they ordered groceries online, and consumption frequency and liking of foods/beverages to calculate diet quality indices. Those who ordered groceries online (44.6%) were more likely to participate in food assistance programs and report greater diet quality. Perceived healthiness of store and home food environments was variable, with the ease of obtaining and selecting unhealthy foods in the neighborhood significantly greater than healthy foods. Healthier perceived home food environments were associated with significantly higher diet qualities, especially among individuals who participated in multiple food assistance programs. Ordering groceries online interacted with multiple measures of the food environment to influence diet quality. Generally, the poorest diet quality was observed among individuals who perceived their store and home food environments as least healthy and who did not order groceries online. Thus, ordering groceries online may support higher diet quality among adults who can use their food assistance for purchasing groceries online and who live in low-income, low-access food environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela C. Avelino
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Valerie B. Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Correspondence: (V.B.D.); (O.K.C.); Tel.: +860-486-1997 (V.B.D.); +860-486-6275 (O.K.C.)
| | - Michael Puglisi
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Snehaa Ray
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Brenda Lituma-Solis
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Briana M. Nosal
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Matthew Madore
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ock K. Chun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Correspondence: (V.B.D.); (O.K.C.); Tel.: +860-486-1997 (V.B.D.); +860-486-6275 (O.K.C.)
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Hubert PA, Fiorenti H, Duffy VB. Feasibility of a Theory-Based, Online Tailored Message Program to Motivate Healthier Behaviors in College Women. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194012. [PMID: 36235664 PMCID: PMC9572712 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to test the feasibility of an online survey and tailored message program in young women. Recruited from college campuses, women (n = 189) completed an online survey assessing preference for and behaviors toward diet and physical activity as well as theory-based influencers of these behaviors (knowledge/information, motivation, and confidence). Health messages were tailored to the participant’s survey responses and learning style to address misconceptions and motivate or reinforce healthy physical activity and dietary behaviors. Most women reported the survey as relevant (92%) and useful for reflecting on their health (83%), with survey responses variable in level of nutrition and physical activity knowledge, motivation, and confidence. Each woman received four tailored messages—most reported the messages as relevant (80%) and learning new information (60%). Across all messages, nearly half of the participants (~48%) reported willingness to try or maintain healthier behaviors and confidence in their ability. Body size discrepancy and dietary restraint had small effects message responses of information learned, and the motivation and confidence in trying healthier behaviors. In summary, these data support the feasibility of this online tailored message program. The college women found the tailored message program acceptable and useful to motivate healthier behaviors. The findings provide direction for behaviorally focused interventions to improve dietary and physical activity behaviors.
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Hubert PA, Mahoney M, Huedo-Medina TB, Leahey TM, Duffy VB. Can Assessing Physical Activity Liking Identify Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity Engagement and Healthy Dietary Behaviors? Nutrients 2021; 13:3366. [PMID: 34684366 PMCID: PMC8540570 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Improving our understanding of what physical activities are enjoyed and the factors that are associated with physical activity liking can promote participation in regular physical activity. We aimed to study physical activity (PA) liking in college women by modelling interactions between body size perception and dietary behaviors on PA liking, and by examining discrepancies between PA liking versus engagement on body size perception and dietary behaviors. Women (n = 251; 74% white) utilized an online survey to report their level of liking for PA types (scored into a PA liking index) and frequency of PA participation. They also reported their perceived body size, level of dietary restraint, and frequency of consuming foods (scored into a diet quality index). In multivariate analyses, a greater perceived body size was directly associated with lower PA liking and indirectly through greater dietary restraint but lower diet quality. Healthiest dietary behaviors were reported by women who both liked and engaged in PA. Women who reported high PA liking but low PA participation reported a higher dietary restraint and lower diet quality. These findings support the empowerment of women across all body sizes to identify physical activities that they enjoy. Health promotion efforts should encourage women to couple physical activity liking and engagement with a healthy level of dietary restraint and consumption of a healthy diet.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Valerie B. Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of CT, Storrs, CT 06269-1101, USA; (P.A.H.); (M.M.); (T.B.H.-M.); (T.M.L.)
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A Feasibility and Pilot Study of a Personalized Nutrition Intervention in Mobile Food Pantry Users in Northeastern Connecticut. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13092939. [PMID: 34578817 PMCID: PMC8472804 DOI: 10.3390/nu13092939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This pilot study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of personalized nutrition intervention for mobile food pantry users. Methods: The 8-week intervention recruited 25 participants in the control (n = 13) and in the treatment (n = 12) groups (60% obese). Personalized nutrition and health reports were generated based on baseline dietary intake and health status. The treatment group received weekly phone counseling and nutrition education, while the control group was only contacted to ensure compliance. The primary outcomes were 8-week changes in weight and diet quality score, assessed by the Healthy Eating Index. Results: The acceptability of the intervention was assessed by the eligibility rate, recruitment rate (62.5%), and drop-out rate (36%). Following the intervention, there was a significant decrease in weight (mean ± standard deviation, −2.3% ± 2.4%) among all participants (p < 0.05). Diet-quality improved (4.54% in treatment vs. 0.18% in control), but was ultimately non-significant (p = 0.284). Conclusions and Implications: A personalized nutrition education intervention in mobile food pantry users may be an acceptable and effective intervention to encourage weight loss through dietary improvements.
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