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Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 December 2024) | Viewed by 12744

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Antonio Augusto Ferreira Carioca

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Guest Editor

Department of Nutrition, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza 60811-905, Brazil
Interests: eating behaviors; nutritional epidemiology; social epidemiology

Prof. Dr. Ilana Nogueira Bezerra

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Guest Editor

Postgraduate Program in Nutrition and Health, Ceara State University, Fortaleza 60714-903, Brazil
Interests: dietary surveys; nutritional epidemiology; eating behaviors

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Eating behavior and dietary patterns have been studied by the most important scientists in the field of nutrition and nutritional epidemiology. Much interest has been placed in understanding how eating behaviors and dietary patterns influence health and nutritional status throughout life cycles. Eating behaviors and dietary patterns have multiple causal factors and have numerous implications for health and nutritional status during various life cycles. The use of innovative methods and tools from psychology and statistics has changed our view of the interface and relationship between behaviors and lifestyles on nutritional status. However, there are still many gaps, especially related to measurement tools, analysis methods, and innovative approaches to evaluate the determinants and impacts of these issues. This Special Issue is aimed at understanding causal factors of eating behaviors and dietary patterns and how they are developed throughout individuals’ life, including actions and behaviors guided by thoughts, beliefs, knowledge, values, culture, and environment and how they may be related to the nutritional status of individuals or population groups. Articles addressing the themes: eating behavior, dietary patterns, and nutritional status are invited for this Special Issue, especially those that combine the use of innovative tools in the evaluation of this interface and have an expanded view of nutrition science and nutritional epidemiology.

Prof. Dr. Antonio Augusto Ferreira Carioca
Prof. Dr. Ilana Nogueira Bezerra
Guest Editors

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Keywords

eating behaviors
dietary patterns
food security
nutritional status
nutritional evaluation
population studies in public health
food environment
dietary surveys

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 957 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations of Plant-Based Foods, Animal Products, and Selected Sociodemographic Factors with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Risk

by Ahlam El Shikieri, Zakaria Eltahir, Abdulmannan Aman and Mohamad Alhadramy

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121696 - 19 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1276

Abstract

Background: Diet influences the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Plant-based diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, and nuts may reduce inflammation and improve gut health, while high-fat foods may worsen symptoms. Objective: We examined the association between plant-based and animal-based foods, selected demographic characteristics, and the likelihood of GERD in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study using the GerdQ tool assessed the GERD likelihood among 303 adults. Dietary diversity scores were used to assess the quality of their diet. quality. Results: The participants were predominantly women (68.6%) and had low education levels (88.4%). Cereals were the most consumed plant-based foods, while vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were the least consumed. There was significant variation in the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, and milk and milk products among the GERD groups. The participants with a 50% GERD likelihood had the highest consumption (34.5%), followed by the 89% likelihood group (21.4%) and the 79% likelihood group (14.5%). The lowest consumption of milk and milk products was among those with an 89% GERD likelihood who also consumed more organ meat. In addition, GERD likelihood was inversely associated with age (r = −0.153; p = 0.008). The likelihood of GERD was negatively correlated with the intake of legumes, nuts, and seeds (r = −0.163; p = 0.005). Furthermore, the intake of cereals and tubers (r = 0.114; p = 0.047) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (r = 0.231; p = 0.0001) increased significantly with education. Conclusion: GERD prevention programs should target women, those with a low education level, and individuals consuming fewer plant-based foods and more organ meats. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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13 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Time of Energy Intake: Association with Weight Status, Diet Quality, and Sociodemographic Characteristics in Brazil

by Paulo Rogério Melo Rodrigues, Luana Silva Monteiro, Thaís Meirelles de Vasconcelos, Iuna Arruda Alves, Edna Massae Yokoo, Rosely Sichieri and Rosangela Alves Pereira

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(11), 1403; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111403 - 24 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1358

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the association of time of energy intake with weight status, diet quality, and sociodemographic characteristics in Brazil. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationally representative survey with 44.744 individuals (≥10 years old). Food consumption was assessed by 24 h recall. The evening/morning energy intake ratio was calculated, standardized, and categorized in tertiles. The association between the evening/morning energy intake ratio and weight status was estimated using polynomial logistic regression models, and differences across diet quality and sociodemographic categories were estimated considering the non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Men, adolescents, adults, and individuals in the higher income level had greater evening energy intake. Those with a higher evening-to-morning energy intake ratio were 15% more likely to be obese (OR = 1.15; 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.28), 21% less likely to be underweight (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.64 to 0.98), and reported greater total energy, protein, and lipid intake, as well as higher consumption of low-quality diet markers. Higher evening energy intake relative to morning intake was associated with obesity, low-quality diet markers, and sociodemographic characteristics. The characterization of the time of energy intake can be useful for tailoring and targeting diet promotion actions and for controlling the obesity epidemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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12 pages, 805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Place of Residence Is Associated with Dietary Intake and BMI-SDS in Children and Adolescents: Findings from the DONALD Cohort Study

by Janosch Klemm, Ines Perrar, Christian Borgemeister, Ute Alexy and Ute Nöthlings

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21010046 - 28 Dec 2023

Viewed by 2207

Abstract

We aimed to determine whether place of residence in the German urban food environment is associated with habitual dietary intake (energy, macronutrients, and food groups) and body mass index (standard deviation score of BMI and BMI-SDS). Our hypothesis was that place of residence may explain some variation in dietary intake and nutritional outcomes. For the cross-sectional analyses of DONALD study data, we grouped participants according to their geocoded residence in the north or south of Dortmund. We applied robust multi-level mixed effects regression models using residence as a predictor and (1) BMI-SDS or (2) dietary data (daily intake of energy (kcal), macronutrients (energy percentage), or food groups (g/1000 kcal)) as the outcome. Models were adjusted for age, sex, and household socio-economic status. An analysis was carried out on 1267 anthropometric measurements collected annually from 360 participants aged 6–18 years (935 3-day weighed dietary records from 292 participants) between 2014 and 2019. In the fully adjusted models, residence in the south was associated with a lower BMI-SDS (β = −0.42, p = 0.02), lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (β = −47.00, p = 0.04), and higher intake of vegetables (β = 11.13, p = 0.04). Findings suggest that the place of residence, beyond individuals’ socio-economic statuses, may be a contributing factor to dietary quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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13 pages, 797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Perception and Consumption of Indigenous Foods in Gauteng Region, South Africa

by Hema Kesa, Alex D. Tchuenchieu Kamgain, Mthokozisi Kwazi Zuma and Xikombiso Mbhenyane

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(20), 6961; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20206961 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3107

Abstract

Urbanisation in South Africa has led to a nutritional transition from traditional diets (mainly based on indigenous foods) to a Western diet. Currently, the country is one of the most concerned about the prevalence of associated malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. One should, therefore, question the position of indigenous foods (IFs) in the population’s eating habits since their nutritional and health value is known. This study aimed to collect updated data on South Africans’ true awareness and consumption of indigenous foods, especially in the Gauteng region (the most urbanised province of the country). A quantitative cross-sectional research survey was conducted (n = 746). Among a list of 18 IFs, grain sorghum 32.4% (n = 242), marula 32% (n = 239), pearl millet 21.7% (n = 162), amadumbe 19.3% (n = 144) and cowpea 18.6% (n = 139) were the best known. However, the study noticed a maximum consumption of 19.3% (grain sorghum). Overall, this consumption was seasonal, and its level was significantly defined by race (p < 0.05). Black people consume more IFs compared to coloured people, Indian people and white people. Participants mostly consumed these foods for nutritional and health reasons and pointed out the problem of availability. “Poor image” was rated the lowest by all races (black 5.8%, coloured 4.2%, Indian 7.0% and white 4.1%) regarding the reasons for no or low consumption of IFs. Whatever the race, the desire to increase IF consumption was positive. The promotion of their integration into South African diets should, therefore, be considered as an intervention strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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12 pages, 617 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Adherence to the Brazilian Food Guide in Food Service Workers

by Lia Silveira Adriano, Brena Barreto Barbosa, Maran Atha Rebelo de Campos, Victoria Maria Ferreira Lima and Eliane Mara Viana Henriques

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(18), 6765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186765 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1541

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate factors associated with adherence to the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population (GAPB) among food service workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 421 employees from 43 food service establishments located in a capital of Brazil. Health and lifestyle data were collected, including the continuous use of medication, smoking, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. An instrument based on the GAPB was utilized, covering the domains of planning, household organization, eating habits, and food choices, according to GAPB recommendations. The findings revealed a direct association between the quality of life scores and the total GAPB adherence score (β = 1.17; p < 0.001), as well as the domains of planning (β = 0.53; p < 0.001), household organization (β = 0.22; p = 0.001), and eating habits (β = 0.38; p < 0.001). Adherence to the GAPB among food service workers was strongly linked to their perception of quality of life, in addition to other factors such as gender, age, education, type of work activity, and variables of lifestyle. Therefore, the eating practices of these employees need to be assessed comprehensively, and enhancing their quality of life can encourage proper and healthy eating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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16 pages, 2467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Food Environment and Consumption of Ultra-Processed Foods: Cross-Sectional Data from the Nutritionists’ Health Study—NutriHS

by Brena Barreto Barbosa, Lucca Nielsen, Breno Souza de Aguiar, Marcelo Antunes Failla, Larissa Fortunato Araújo, Larissa Loures Mendes, Soraia Pinheiro Machado and Antonio Augusto Ferreira Carioca

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(18), 6749; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186749 - 13 Sep 2023

Viewed by 2274

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze whether community food environments are associated with individual food consumption among nutrition students and newly graduated nutritionists. This cross-sectional study used data from the Nutritionists’ Health Study cohort, which included 357 undergraduate nutrition students from the city of Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Exposure to the food environment was defined as the proximity and availability of food outlets within a 500 m buffer from the participants’ homes. Food consumption was assessed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire and analyzed according to the NOVA classification. Multi-level linear regression models with fixed effects were used to estimate the presence of food outlets within the buffer and their association with food consumption. The presence of mini-markets in the buffer in the fourth quartile was associated with lower consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPF) when observing socioeconomic and lifestyle conditions (β = −3.29; 95% CI = −6.39 to −0.19). The presence of bakeries and coffee shops was related to lower consumption of ultra-processed foods among participants when observing socioeconomic conditions (β = −3.10; 95% CI = −6.18 to −0.02). There was no clear evidence of an association between the type of food outlet and UPF consumption. The community food environment seemed to influence food consumption among study participants, although clearer and more consistent evidence on this subject is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Behaviors, Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Status in Children, Adults and the Older Generation)

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