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Kelly T, Pavela G. Food Insecurity, MyPlate Recognition, and Meal Preparation Confidence Among College Food Pantry Users. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 56:703-709. [PMID: 39001758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined college students' food security status, Choose MyPlate familiarity, and confidence in preparing healthy meals using food pantry ingredients. METHODS A sample of 354 student users of a college food pantry in the US southeastern region were surveyed before using the food pantry for the first time. RESULTS Of the respondents, 81.3% were food insecure, and 47% of the overall sample experienced very low food security. About one-third (37.3%) recognized MyPlate; of those, 89.4% stated intention to use MyPlate knowledge making pantry selections. Students familiar with MyPlate (P = 0.003) and intending to use MyPlate when making food selections (P = 0.02) exhibited greater confidence. Differences were not observed on the basis of food security status. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that familiarity with simple nutritional guidelines such as MyPlate may improve students' intended food pantry selections and healthy meal selection confidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Kelly
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; Department of Health Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
| | - Greg Pavela
- Office of Student and Academic Services, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Dodge E, Abu Shihab KHN, Aboul-Enein BH, Benajiba N, Faris M. Effectiveness of nutrition interventions targeting university-level student populations across the League of Arab States: a systematic scoping review. Glob Health Promot 2024:17579759241270957. [PMID: 39344916 DOI: 10.1177/17579759241270957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
The university setting is an ideal setting to implement nutrition education interventions. Because the transition to college life often overlaps with young adults' increase in independence in food choice and nutrition related behavior, this is an optimal time to target this population and several models exist to best utilize the college setting to support nutrition education interventions. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of nutrition interventions in university student populations across the League of Arab States. A scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted across 14 databases for relevant publications published through May 2023 to find studies conducted across Arab countries. Quality assessment was conducted using the Effective Public Health Practice Project tool. Seven primary studies were included in this review. Although the interventions and outcome measures were disparate, there were positive impacts of the interventions, including improved nutrition knowledge and nutrition habits, knowledge of nutrient sources, and knowledge about the relationship between diet and disease. Recommendations to maximize the efficacy of nutrition interventions conducted across the League of Arab States include purposeful design of the intervention based on a theoretical framework, the use of a control group in the research design, and follow-up measures to examine post-intervention effects. Consideration should also be given to intervention duration and availability in college-students' schedules. Adaptation of intervention materials, measures and delivery methodologies should emphasize local foods, food culture and dietary practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Dodge
- College of Professional Studies, University of New England, Applied Nutrition Graduate Program, Maine, USA
| | - Katia Hazim N Abu Shihab
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basil H Aboul-Enein
- College of Arts & Sciences, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Health & Society Program, Massachusetts, USA
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, UK
| | - Nada Benajiba
- Ibn Tofail University-CNESTEN, Joint Research Unit in Nutrition and Food, RDC-Nutrition AFRA/IAEA, Kenitra, Morocco
| | - MoezAlIslam Faris
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
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Gray VB, Cuite C, Patton-López M, Richards R, Savoie-Roskos M, Machado S, Heying E, Landry M, Chen S, Hagedorn-Hatfield RL, Mann G, Qamar Z, OoNorasak K, Zigmont VA. Food Insecurity Knowledge and Training Among College Students in Health Majors. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2024:S1499-4046(24)00420-2. [PMID: 39320297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe current food insecurity (FI)-related training among nutrition/dietetics, public health, and social work students. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was used among students (n = 306) enrolled in health-related programs at 12 US universities. Participants reported FI-related course-based and extracurricular experiences and rated confidence to address FI on a scale of 1-3. Open-ended questions investigated perceived definitions of FI and impactful course activities. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS Participants' FI definitions were multifaceted. Most (80.6%) reported FI being covered in at least 1 course. The overall mean confidence to address FI was 2.2 ± 0.48. Participants suggested increasing application-based opportunities and skills training. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Most students have a basic understanding of FI and report high confidence to address it in the future. Impactful FI-related experiences and participants' suggestions guide developing an FI training resource to enhance student FI competency and sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia B Gray
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA.
| | - Cara Cuite
- Department of Human Ecology, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Megan Patton-López
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | - Rickelle Richards
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
| | - Mateja Savoie-Roskos
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT
| | - Stephanie Machado
- Department of Public Health and Health Services Administration, California State University, Chico, CA
| | - Emily Heying
- Department of Nutrition, College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, Saint Joseph, MN
| | - Matthew Landry
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Susan Chen
- Department of Nutrition, Food Science, and Packaging, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA
| | | | - Georgianna Mann
- Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
| | - Zubaida Qamar
- Department of Family, Interiors, Nutrition, and Apparel, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kendra OoNorasak
- Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
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Goldman BJ, Freiria CN, Landry MJ, Arikawa AY, Wright L. Research trends and gaps concerning food insecurity in college students in the United States: a scoping review. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2024:1-40. [PMID: 38870038 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2024.2351420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This scoping review explores the broad body of peer-reviewed research measuring food insecurity in post-secondary students in the U.S. to identify trends and gaps to inform future research. METHODS Three search engines (PubMed, Web of Science, and CINHAL Full Text) were systematically searched for articles reporting on food security status in U.S. college students. RESULTS One-hundred and sixty studies met inclusion criteria. Emerging high-risk student characteristics include gender non-conforming (GNC) and non-binary, financial independence in college, and pregnant and parenting students. Emerging correlates include lack of transportation, anxiety, and eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence data can be used by colleges to advocate for services and programs. Additional multi-institutional cohort, longitudinal and qualitative studies are needed to identify timely interventions and effective solutions. A new "rights-based" approach to food security solutions that includes nutrition and food literacy for all students is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Goldman
- Department of Health Science, Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Landry
- Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Y Arikawa
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of North Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Lauri Wright
- Nutrition Programs, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Slotnick MJ, Ansari S, Parnarouskis L, Gearhardt AN, Wolfson JA, Leung CW. Persistent and Changing Food Insecurity Among Students at a Midwestern University is Associated With Behavioral and Mental Health Outcomes. Am J Health Promot 2024; 38:483-491. [PMID: 38130004 PMCID: PMC11044134 DOI: 10.1177/08901171231224102] [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: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess associations between persistent and changing food insecurity and behavioral and mental health outcomes in college students. DESIGN Online surveys conducted November 2018 and March 2019 (freshman year), and March 2020 (sophomore year) were used to assess food insecurity, which was then used to create 4 food security transitions: persistent food insecurity, emergent food insecurity, emergent food security, and persistent food security. SETTING Large Midwestern university. SAMPLE 593 students completing all 3 surveys. MEASURES Dietary intake and behavioral and mental health outcomes (eating disorders, anxiety, depression, sleep quality) were assessed using validated instruments. ANALYSIS Associations between food security transitions and dietary intake, behavioral, and mental health outcomes were examined using generalized linear models. RESULTS Compared to persistent food security, emergent and persistent food insecurity was associated with lower (7% and 13% respectively) intake of fruits and vegetables combined; persistent food insecurity was associated with 17% lower intake of fruits, 6% lower intake of fiber and 10% higher intake of added sugar from beverages. Compared to persistent food secure students, eating disorder symptom risk was higher for emergent food insecure (OR = 7.61, 95% CI: 3.32, 17.48), and persistent food insecure (OR = 6.60, 95% CI: 2.60, 16.72) students; emergent (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.14, 3.71) and persistent (OR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.34, 4.87) food insecure students had higher odds of poor sleep quality, and persistent food insecure, emergent food insecure, and emergent food secure students had higher odds of anxiety and depression (OR range 2.35-2.85). CONCLUSION Food security transitions were associated with aspects of low diet quality and poorer behavioral and mental health outcomes among college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Slotnick
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Saba Ansari
- Department of Health Management and Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Julia A Wolfson
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cindy W Leung
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Bergquist SH, Wang D, Fall R, Bonnet JP, Morgan KR, Munroe D, Moore MA. Effect of the Emory Healthy Kitchen Collaborative on Employee Health Habits and Body Weight: A 12-Month Workplace Wellness Trial. Nutrients 2024; 16:517. [PMID: 38398841 PMCID: PMC10892851 DOI: 10.3390/nu16040517] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Teaching kitchens are being used to facilitate lifestyle changes with a focus on culinary and nutrition programs to improve health behaviors. Less is known regarding their use as a worksite wellness program and their influence on employees' quality of life, body weight, and adoption of healthy behaviors. We evaluated changes in self-reported healthy behaviors, overall health, and weight during a one-year multidisciplinary teaching kitchen program. METHODS Thirty-eight benefits-eligible employees were recruited, screened based on a priori eligibility criteria that prioritized elevated body mass index (BMI), co-morbid conditions, and high levels of motivation to make lifestyle changes, and consented to participate in The Emory Healthy Kitchen Collaborative. This 12-month program included a 10-week didactic and experiential curriculum followed by continued support and access to health coaching implemented in an academic health system university hospital workplace between 2019 and 2020. Comparative statistics, paired t-test, Mcnemar's tests, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to assess changes at four time points. RESULTS Participants improved diet quality (p ≤ 0.0001), increased confidence in tasting new foods (p = 0.03), and increased mindful eating habits (p = 0.00002). Significant changes were seen in physical activity levels; aerobic activities (p = 0.007), strength resistance activities (p = 0.02), and participation in yoga (p = 0.002). Most participants weighed within 5 lbs. of their starting weight at 3 months (p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS A teaching kitchen intervention is an innovative model for improving employee health behaviors and general health self-perception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danyang Wang
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (J.P.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Rokhaya Fall
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.B.)
| | - Jonathan P. Bonnet
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (J.P.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Krystyna R. Morgan
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Office of Well-Being, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Dominique Munroe
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (J.P.B.); (D.M.)
| | - Miranda A. Moore
- Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.B.)
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA (J.P.B.); (D.M.)
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Radtke MD, Steinberg FM, Scherr RE. Methods for Assessing Health Outcomes Associated with Food Insecurity in the United States College Student Population: A Narrative Review. Adv Nutr 2024; 15:100131. [PMID: 37865221 PMCID: PMC10831897 DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2023.10.004] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States, college students experience disproportionate food insecurity (FI) rates compared to the national prevalence. The experience of acute and chronic FI has been associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes in this population. This narrative review aims to summarize the current methodologies for assessing health outcomes associated with the experience of FI in college students in the United States. To date, assessing the health outcomes of FI has predominately consisted of subjective assessments, such as self-reported measures of dietary intake, perceived health status, stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep behaviors. This review, along with the emergence of FI as an international public health concern, establishes the need for novel, innovative, and objective biomarkers to evaluate the short- and long-term impacts of FI on physical and mental health outcomes in college students. The inclusion of objective biomarkers will further elucidate the relationship between FI and a multitude of health outcomes to better inform strategies for reducing the pervasiveness of FI in the United States college student population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela D Radtke
- Propel Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA 94305
| | | | - Rachel E Scherr
- Family, Interiors, Nutrition & Apparel Department, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA, USA, 94132; Scherr Nutrition Science Consulting, San Francisco, CA, 94115.
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Bruening M, Laska MN. Position of the Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior: Food and Nutrition Insecurity Among College Students. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 55:699-709. [PMID: 37656095 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Meg Bruening
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA.
| | - Melissa N Laska
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Boyce S, Dong HV, Guerrero A, Thang C, Garell C, Carpenter C, Slusser W. Nutrition Education in Medical Schools: What do Medical Students Think? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2023; 10:23821205231207488. [PMID: 37854279 PMCID: PMC10580719 DOI: 10.1177/23821205231207488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Objective To examine medical students' perceptions of the nutrition education received and their ability to apply that knowledge in clinical settings. Methods This is a qualitative study using a structured survey with free responses to solicit the perspective of US medical students regarding their nutrition education. A national online survey was distributed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Section on Pediatric Trainees. An expert committee in nutrition education evaluated and conducted a thematic analysis of the survey responses. Results Twenty-four surveys were completed (10 medical students and 14 pediatric interns). The survey revealed students were not satisfied with the nutrition education they received in several areas including nutritional recommendations for obesity and prediabetes/diabetes; nutritional needs during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescent age-related dietary recommendations; cultural influences on diet and eating habits; and food insecurity. Students also reported a lack of confidence in providing healthful nutrition counseling to adolescent patients and delivering culturally appropriate nutrition advice. Conclusions Survey responses revealed the need for improvements in several areas of nutrition curricula related to health and chronic disease management and suggest broader social determinants of health such as cultural influences on nutrition practices and food insecurity. The results of this survey provide unique insight into the medical student perspective on nutrition education and can inform the development of future medical school nutrition curriculums.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanika Boyce
- Department of Pediatrics, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Huan V Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alma Guerrero
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christine Thang
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cambria Garell
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Wendelin Slusser
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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What's to Eat and Drink on Campus? Public and Planetary Health, Public Higher Education, and the Public Good. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010196. [PMID: 36615855 PMCID: PMC9823634 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Public higher education institutions (PHEIs) have a unique and important role in responding to the public and planetary health crisis-they are centers of research on public and planetary health and of learning for young people, and have a public good mission. Yet, PHEI campus food environments are predominantly unhealthy and environmentally unsustainable, and associated with unhealthy food choices and unhealthy students. PHEIs are addressing high levels of student food insecurity (FI) that disproportionately affect the most vulnerable groups. Yet, because student FI is measured as individual access to adequate quantities of food, campus responses to FI often overlook unhealthy food environments. These environments result from neoliberal PHEI business policies that prioritize short-term revenue and encourage superfluous consumption, and unhealthy, environmentally harmful diets. PHEIs need to move beyond neoliberalism to honor their public good mission, including prioritizing health, the environment, and equity, in decisions about food on campus. My goal in this perspective is to encourage inclusive campus discussion about why this change is required to adequately respond to the crisis of student, public, and planetary health, and about how to begin.
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Frates B, Smith A. Nutrition and behavior change: a review of recent literature. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 2022; 25:407-414. [PMID: 35975962 DOI: 10.1097/mco.0000000000000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current article will highlight recent trends and novel approaches to behavior change strategies in nutrition. Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals play key roles in counseling patients on lifestyle change, which is critical for patients with chronic conditions. Nutrition science continues to advance, and new approaches to behavior change are needed for successful implementation at the individual and population level. RECENT FINDINGS The solutions to obstacles around healthful eating patterns are varied, population-dependent, and require a multipronged approach. One area of focus is the language around behavior change, ensuring it is clear and emphasizes its multifactorial nature. For young adults, the careful use of video games and social media may be essential. For older adults, altering food consistency and ensuring proper nutrient intake are crucial factors. Vulnerable populations remain susceptible to malnutrition and need special attention. Despite significant advances in managing and treating diseases, there are still gaps in nutrition counseling and behavior change efforts. SUMMARY Every age and stage of life needs a focus on healthful foods, and nutrition counseling at each stage has its unique nuances. Careful attention to the language of change and the phrasing used in counseling is vital for educating, connecting with, and empowering patients to change. Changing healthcare operations and provider behavior around nutrition counseling is a part of the solution to the worldwide problem of unhealthy eating patterns and practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Frates
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
| | - Alexis Smith
- Department of Surgery at Mass General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Hagedorn-Hatfield RL, Hood LB, Hege A. A Decade of College Student Hunger: What We Know and Where We Need to Go. Front Public Health 2022; 10:837724. [PMID: 35284399 PMCID: PMC8913502 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.837724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The first article on college food insecurity, published in 2009, sparked conversation on the dark secret many students face while seeking a college degree; they do not have secure access to food. Over 10 years later, numerous investigators around the globe have reported on the heightened prevalence of college food insecurity, the correlates that increase risk, and the detrimental outcomes associated with not having a secure source of food. In this manuscript, we describe the decade of research devoted to college food insecurity and provide direction for research, programs, and policies moving forward. Replicable and valid data collection methods must be utilized, campus-based program evaluation implemented and disseminated, and evidence-based policies supported to achieve realistic goals of warding off hunger and food insecurity on college campuses as well as improve the lives of individuals after post-secondary education. Collectively, stakeholders on college campuses as well as off-campus advocates can be the catalyst to creating a nutritionally secure environment and it is imperative that food insecurity be prevented on college campuses to ensure college students are able to achieve degree attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Hagedorn-Hatfield
- Department of Nutrition, Health, and Human Performance, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Rebecca L. Hagedorn-Hatfield
| | - Lanae B. Hood
- Department of Nutrition, Health, and Human Performance, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Adam Hege
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
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Food Insecurity and Associated Factors in Brazilian Undergraduates during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14020358. [PMID: 35057539 PMCID: PMC8780004 DOI: 10.3390/nu14020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Undergraduates may face challenges to assure food security, related to economic and mental distress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess food insecurity and its associated factors in undergraduates during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2020 to February 2021 with 4775 undergraduates from all Brazilian regions. The questionnaire contained socio-economic variables, the validated Brazilian food insecurity scale, and the ESQUADA scale to assess diet quality. The median age of the students was 22.0 years, and 48.0% reported income decreasing with the pandemic. Food insecurity was present in 38.6% of the students, 4.5% with severe food insecurity and 7.7% moderate. Logistic regressions showed students with brown and black skin color/race presented the highest OR for food insecurity; both income and weight increase or reduction during the pandemic was also associated with a higher OR for food insecurity, and better diet quality was associated with decreased OR for food insecurity. Our study showed a considerable presence of food insecurity in undergraduates. Policy for this population must be directed to the most vulnerable: those with brown and black skin color/race, who changed income during the pandemic, and those presented with difficulties maintaining weight and with poor diet quality.
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