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Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs

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A Special Issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643) belonging to the section "Nutritional Policies and Education for Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2026 | Viewed by 6608

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Dr. Beatrice Biasini

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Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
Interests: mediterranean diet; food waste; healthy diets; sustainable diets; public food procurement

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The adoption of correct lifestyles, including a healthy diet, adequate rest, and proper physical activity levels, is crucial for maintaining a normal weight status and reducing the risk for the development of non-communicable diet-related diseases in the future. School-age children and adolescents represent key target populations to root good health practices that persist into adulthood. In this framework, schools, camps, and community programs are relevant for multiple aims, ranging from monitoring food consumption, providing nutrition education, implementing interventions to improve dietary habits and maintaining a good health status, as well as promoting correct lifestyle self-perception during development. The aim of this Special Issue, ‘The Vital Role of Schools, Camps, and Community Programs for Children’s Nutrition’, is to collect evidence about lifestyle from cross-sectional or interventions studies focusing on school-age children and/or adolescents recruited in schools, camps, and community programs.

This Special Issue welcomes contributions related to this topic; reviews, brief reports, and communications are also welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Beatrice Biasini
Guest Editor

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Keywords

food habits
lifestyle
rest
physical activity
school-age children
adolescents
schools
camps
community programs
health status
weight status
food intake
food attitude

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 298 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Frequency-Based Proxy Score for Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Adolescents: Associations with Lifestyle Factors and Tinnitus

by Milena Tomanic, Srđan Milovanović, Olivera Stanojlović, Dušan Mladenović, Dragana Davidović, Milan Dobrić, Milena Vesković, Katarina Djurdjević, Šućro Madžgalj, Dimitrije Zdravković, Aleksandra Jovanović and Maja Lačković

Nutrients 2026, 18(16), 2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162603 - 10 Aug 2026

Viewed by 392

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption is increasingly recognized as part of broader adverse behavioral and health-related patterns in young people, yet evidence integrating dietary, sleep-related, behavioral, and health characteristics within the same adolescent population remains limited. The relationship between UPF-related dietary patterns and tinnitus is particularly understudied. This study examined factors associated with the highest category of a frequency-based proxy UPF score among adolescents in Belgrade, Serbia. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study included 1285 students aged 15–19 years from 12 four-year secondary schools selected using a stratified multistage cluster probability sampling design. A frequency-based proxy UPF score was constructed from seven questionnaire-based food categories broadly consistent with UPF-related consumption patterns in the Serbian context. Participants were grouped into three categories using empirical tertile cut-points, and the highest category was modeled as the binary outcome in univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Lower academic achievement (aOR = 2.10; 95% CI: 1.38–3.21), alcohol consumption (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.04–1.74), and waking tired compared with waking rested (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.06–2.35) were associated with higher odds of being in the highest proxy-score category after adjustment for the measured covariates. Energy drink consumption frequency was also associated with the outcome after adjustment for the measured covariates (overall p < 0.001). Constant tinnitus showed one of the strongest adjusted associations (aOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.77–3.67). Conclusions: Adolescents in the highest category of the frequency-based proxy UPF score exhibited a broader pattern of academic, sleep-related, behavioral, and health characteristics, including a particularly strong association with constant tinnitus. These cross-sectional findings warrant longitudinal research to clarify temporal relationships and underlying determinants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

27 pages, 2277 KB

Open AccessArticle

Designing a Model for Developing Food Literacy Among Youth: Insights from Summer Camps

by Laurence Laberee, Sophie Desroches, Karine Chamberland, Mylène Turcotte and Véronique Provencher

Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2168; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132168 - 3 Jul 2026

Viewed by 450

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Although food literacy is extensively studied in schools, the concept is less explored in the context of summer camps, which are also interesting learning environments. This qualitative study aimed to explore the clarity, usefulness and relevance of an adapted food literacy model for summer camps with camp counselors, camp managers and registered dietitians (RDs). Methods: Six semi-structured focus groups with counselors (n = 28) were conducted at summer camps located in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, Canada. Semi-structured individual interviews were carried out online with camp managers (n = 5) and RDs (n = 6). Through an inductive approach, a thematic content analysis of transcribed verbatim was performed. Using a bottom-up approach, second and third final versions of the adapted food literacy model were developed. Results: Counselors and managers showed their intention to use an easy-to-use food literacy model. To improve their understanding, they proposed clarifying who will use the model and adding pictures. They expressed the need to be supported by incorporating concrete activity ideas and training to enhance the model’s usefulness. RDs highlighted that the model covered essential themes of food literacy. They expressed the need to clarify certain model components to make them easier to understand and more applicable to youth. Conclusions: This study contributed to the co-creation with participants of a clear, useful and relevant food literacy model tailored to the context of summer camps. Such a model will help camp counselors to implement relevant healthy eating actions and multiply opportunities to promote healthy habits among youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

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19 pages, 339 KB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Decision-Related Factors Are Associated with Discretionary Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Among Children and Adolescents Living in the Mediterranean Area

by Francesca Giampieri, Alice Leonardi, Giuseppe Di Costanzo, Tania Abril-Mera, Alice Rosi, Evelyn Frias-Toral, Achraf Ammar, Raynier Zambrano-Villacres, Osama Abdelkarim, Mohamed Aly, Juancho Pons, Laura Vázquez-Araújo, Fernando Maniega Legarda, Alessandro Scuderi, Nunzia Decembrino, Ana Mata, Adrián Chacón, Pablo Busó, Fabio Galvano, Marialaura Bonaccio and Giuseppe Grosso Show full author list Hide full author list

Nutrients 2026, 18(13), 2128; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18132128 - 1 Jul 2026

Viewed by 748

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Nutrition during childhood and adolescence is a key determinant of long-term health, influencing metabolic homeostasis, neurocognitive development, and immune system maturation. Globalization and technological advances have reshaped food production and consumption, increasing the availability of ultra-processed foods (UPF) of low nutritional quality. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between parental factors, namely food literacy, perceived barriers and enablers, dietary attitudes, and healthy eating behaviors, and the consumption of discretionary UPF among children and adolescents living in 5 Mediterranean countries. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a survey completed by 2011 parents of children and adolescents aged 6–17 years from 5 Mediterranean countries, who reported on their children’s dietary and lifestyle habits. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed through the KIDMED index. Parental food literacy was measured using the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ). Perceived barriers and enablers were assessed based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, and parents’ attitudes toward their child’s diet were evaluated using the Healthy-Eating Attitudes Questionnaire (HEAQ). Finally, the Theory of Internet Use Related to Health (TIUH) questionnaire was used to assess parents’ tendencies related to health information use online. Results: Higher perceived barriers and enablers were significantly associated with lower discretionary UPF consumption across all models. Parental food literacy (SFLQ) showed a positive association with discretionary UPF consumption, remaining significant in the fully adjusted model, although with reduced magnitude. Healthy-eating attitudes (HEAQ) were initially positively associated with discretionary UPF intake but lost statistical significance after full adjustment. Regarding health-related internet use (TIUH), the Health Information dimension showed a strong positive association with discretionary UPF consumption, while other dimensions (Consciousness and Beliefs) showed inconsistent and non-significant associations in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: Children’s consumption of discretionary UPF is shaped by several interrelated factors, such as family environment, eating patterns, and parents’ perceptions, rather than solely by knowledge or attitudes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

15 pages, 247 KB

Open AccessArticle

Acceptability and Satisfaction of Eat My ABCs: A Mindful Eating Program for Preschoolers in Low-Income Families

by Hannah Lalonde, Esra’a Sawalmeh, Reese Buhlman, Sophia Tadavich, Yingcen Xie and Jiying Ling

Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071103 - 30 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 923

Abstract

Background: Mindful eating strategies have shown promise in addressing obesity and food insecurity among children. However, limited research has examined the acceptability of mindful eating programs among low-socioeconomic families in rural areas. This study evaluated caregivers’ and teachers’ acceptability and satisfaction with a 14-week, school-based mindful eating program for preschoolers to inform future implementation. The program effectively improved home eating environment, household food insecurity, and child body mass index. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods study design was used to evaluate the 14-week mindful eating intervention among 200 preschoolers from 26 Head Start classrooms in rural Michigan, United States. After intervention completion, acceptability and satisfaction data were collected and assessed from 192 caregivers and 23 classroom teachers via (1) quantitative online survey data analyzed using descriptive statistics, and (2) qualitative data from individual interviews completed with a subset of parents and teachers that were analyzed with thematic analysis. Results: Both quantitative and qualitative data showed high acceptability and satisfaction. Caregivers (survey: 88.9%, interview: 94.1%) and teachers (survey: 87.0%, interview: 100%) were satisfied with the program. Teachers (survey: 82.6%, interview: 87.5%) agreed the program improved children’s eating behaviors. Most surveyed caregivers (81.1%) agreed the completion of child letters sent home after the program session helped caregiver–child communication. Several barriers and suggestions for implementation were also identified by interviewed teachers and caregivers, including the limited availability of specific fruits and vegetables in local areas, concerns about preschoolers’ comprehension of curriculum, and recommendations on improving recruitment strategies. Conclusions: This study highlighted the high acceptability and satisfaction of a mindful eating program among caregivers and classroom teachers. The findings offered implications for future interventions to integrate mindful eating programs into early childcare organizations to help address child obesity and food insecurity. Future research exploring nutrition-related policies to sustain implementation of mindful eating programs is needed. Clinical Trial Registration: The clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05780008) on 27 February 2023. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

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22 pages, 542 KB

Open AccessArticle

Public School Teachers’ Nutrition Knowledge and Perceptions of the School Food Environment in Kazakhstan

by Svetlana Rogova, Olzhas Zhamantayev, Olga Plotnikova, Denis Turchaninov, Zhanna Yesmagambetova, Nurbek Yerdessov and Marat Kalishev

Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1042; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071042 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 880

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Schools, as structured social environments, are important settings for shaping lifelong eating habits, and teachers play a mediating role in nutrition education. This study aimed to assess nutrition knowledge among public school teachers, examine their perceptions of the school food environment, and identify factors associated with knowledge scores. Methods: A stratified cross-sectional survey was conducted among 736 teachers from 12 public schools during the fall of 2025. A structured questionnaire based on the Knowledge–Attitudes–Practice model was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge, teaching practices, perceived school food environment, and teachers’ observations of student food-related behaviors. Group differences were examined using t-tests and ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with low nutrition knowledge. Results: The mean knowledge score was 6.26 ± 2.64 out of 12, with 23.6% of teachers classified as having low knowledge, 59.9% satisfactory, and 16.4% good. Primary school teachers scored significantly higher than subject teachers (7.27 vs. 5.64; p < 0.001). Regular conduct of nutrition classes was associated with lower odds of low knowledge (adjusted OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.05–0.23, p < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis using continuous knowledge scores confirmed this pattern, with the absence of nutrition teaching predicting a 1.40-point reduction in scores (95% CI −1.86 to −0.94, p < 0.001). Teachers rated school meal quality moderately high, and frequently observed student refusal of canteen food and purchase of sweets or fast food outside school. Conclusions: This study found that public school teachers in Karaganda, Kazakhstan showed satisfactory overall nutrition knowledge, with gaps in applied understanding and common dietary myths. Primary teachers and those actively teaching nutrition had higher knowledge scores, indicating an association between pedagogical engagement and content knowledge. To help optimize the school food environment, educational policies would benefit from the development of cross-curricular instructional materials fitted specifically for secondary school subject teachers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

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17 pages, 524 KB

Open AccessArticle

Weight Perception and Lifestyle Awareness in Children and Adolescents: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Study

by Cinzia Franchini, Elena Bertolotti, Beatrice Biasini, Chiara De Panfilis, Susanna Esposito, Alice Rosi and Francesca Scazzina

Nutrients 2026, 18(7), 1017; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18071017 - 24 Mar 2026

Viewed by 705

Abstract

Background: Misperception of body weight has been found to negatively impact both diet and physical activity levels, particularly in youth with overweight and obesity. Objectives: This study assessed consistency between actual and perceived weight status and lifestyle factors in a sample of 455 children and adolescents (55% males, 8–13 years) attending a summer camp in Northern Italy. Methods: Weight status was defined applying Body Mass Index (BMI) cut-offs. Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), physical activity level, sleep duration, and sleep quality were assessed through validated questionnaires. Self-perception was evaluated through 5-point Likert scales, with graphical representations. Results: Comparison between self-perceived and assessed parameters revealed a poor concordance across all types of variables. Approximately half of participants (43–55%) correctly rated their weight status (κ = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.05–0.19), diet quality (κ = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.02–0.15), physical activity level (κ = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.11–0.26), sleep time (κ = 0.10; 95% CI: 0.03–0.17), and sleep quality (κ = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.12–0.24). Participants 12–13 years old were more likely to have a greater weight status perception compared to younger subjects (OR = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.08–4.21). Being in a condition of overweight or obesity significantly decreased the odds of correct weight perception (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.08–0.21). Similarly, subjects with higher adherence to the MD, adequate sleep time, and low sleep quality were more conscious about their diet and sleep patterns. Conclusions: Overall, these findings highlight a certain degree of misclassification, especially in subjects who need to improve their lifestyles, highlighting the potential relevance of fostering accurate self-perception during developmental age. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

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16 pages, 234 KB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives on Universal Free School Meals Among Rural Middle and High School Students: A Mixed-Methods Study

by Ashley Kesack, Michele Polacsek, Alexis Schneider and Juliana F. W. Cohen

Nutrients 2026, 18(3), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18030540 - 6 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1768

Abstract

Background/Objectives: School meals play an important role in ensuring reliable, healthy access to food, but there are many barriers to participation, especially for rural students. This study examined the perceived impact of UFSM policies and the perceptions of school meals among students in rural areas of Maine. Methods: This mixed-methods study included surveys with n = 61 middle and high school students and interviews with n = 11 middle and high school students between 2023 and 2024. The surveys and interviews focused on potential impacts of UFSM policies as well as general barriers and facilitators to participation in school meals. Quantitative surveys were analyzed using logistic regression, adjusting for demographic characteristics. Interviews were analyzed using principles of content analysis. Results: Students reported that UFSM had multiple benefits, and many students perceived that providing free school meals for all helped reduce the stigma associated with school meals, in part through increased participation. Students liked the variety of foods offered, but many did not perceive school meals, especially breakfast, to be “fresh” or “healthy”. Additionally, many students perceived there to be long lunch lines and insufficient time to eat their meals. Conclusions: While students perceived multiple benefits to UFSM, opportunities to further improve the quality of school meals, as well as policies to ensure sufficient lunch period lengths, may be important complements to increase participation and consumption of school meals among rural students. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shaping Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles in Youth: Evidence from Schools, Camps and Community Programs)

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