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Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of...
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Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 April 2025) | Viewed by 8700

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Fatheema Begum Subhan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Interests: community-based participatory research; health promotion; nutrition education; diet quality; health disparities; diabetes management; pregnancy; gestational weight gain
Prof. Dr. Bonny Burns-Whitmore

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Huntley College of Agriculture, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA 91768, USA
Interests: nutrition interventions; mentoring; nutrition education; diversity; equity; inclusion; body composition; metabolism; clinical trials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dietary practices are shaped by a diverse cultural tapestry; however, most dietary recommendations overlook the significance of socio-cultural factors, favoring guidance based on mainstream dietary habits. Indigenous and multi-ethnic communities often face health disparities due to limited access to culturally appropriate nutrition and healthcare support, leading to higher rates of chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy. It is crucial to address these gaps not only because health equity is inherently valuable, but also to foster inclusivity and support a better quality of life for all. Studying and developing evidence-based interventions in this specific context will ensure that health policies and practices are tailored to the unique needs of these populations, promoting overall well-being and resilience within diverse communities.

The aim of this Special Issue is to showcase the latest knowledge related to evidence-based nutritional interventions tailored to indigenous and multi-ethnic populations, contributing to the development of targeted strategies that promote health and well-being in these communities. We are seeking submissions of original research and high-quality reviews to further broaden the knowledge in this critical area.

Dr. Fatheema Begum Subhan
Prof. Dr. Bonny Burns-Whitmore
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nutrition intervention
  • cultural dietary practices
  • well-being
  • health equity
  • multi-ethnic communities
  • indigenous populations

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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27 pages, 9220 KiB  
Article
Dietary Habits and Their Correlation with Socio-Demographic Variables Among the Ethnic Hungarian Population of Romania
by Francisc-Andrei Boda, Béla Kovács, Bernadett Molnar, Boglárka Kovács-Deák and Lavinia Berța
Nutrients 2025, 17(5), 756; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17050756 - 21 Feb 2025
Viewed by 673
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. To reduce the prevalence of NCDs, the World Health Organization issued guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, which have been adopted in various countries. Our study aimed to evaluate [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. To reduce the prevalence of NCDs, the World Health Organization issued guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, which have been adopted in various countries. Our study aimed to evaluate the dietary habits of the ethnic Hungarian population of Romania, allowing us to identify potential differences in nutritional behavior compared to the country’s general population. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, questionnaire-based study was conducted to collect information on eating behavior, food purchasing habits, and dietary patterns among ethnic Hungarians, the largest minority group in Romania. The obtained data were interpreted using multivariate data analysis (MVDA), including principal component analysis models (PCA-X) to establish pattern recognition and data clustering, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models to examine class differences between the identified clusters. Results: A total of 247 valid questionnaires were evaluated; the most represented groups were females (67.2%), young adults aged 18 to 30 (56.3%), individuals with normal body mass index (54.7%), and those with a higher education level (45.7%). Health-conscious purchasing and eating behaviors were more characteristic of middle-aged and older adults, females, and those with a higher education level. Young adults appear to have a more varied diet, but overconsumption of unhealthy food products and a lack of interest in healthy dietary habits is evident. Conclusions: Appropriate nutritional education is necessary for all age groups; however, programs targeting young adult Hungarians are especially important, as most expressed little interest in healthy eating habits. Further research examining the underlying relationship between dietary habits and cultural factors as well as socio-economic factors could offer new opportunities to promote a healthy lifestyle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations)
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15 pages, 413 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support Programs in Hispanic Church Settings: A Cluster-Randomized Trial Comparing Faith-Based and Faith-Placed Approaches
by Summer R. Wilmoth, Leah L. Carrillo-McCracken, Bradley Wilhite, Meixia Pan, Deborah Parra-Medina, Erica T. Sosa, Ramon Reyes and Meizi He
Nutrients 2025, 17(1), 69; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17010069 - 28 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1837
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to adapt evidence-based diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a faith-based (FB) context for Hispanic communities and compare its effectiveness to a faith-placed (FP) approach using the church as a venue for DSMES delivery. Methods: A cluster-randomized trial [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study aimed to adapt evidence-based diabetes self-management education and support (DSMES) into a faith-based (FB) context for Hispanic communities and compare its effectiveness to a faith-placed (FP) approach using the church as a venue for DSMES delivery. Methods: A cluster-randomized trial was conducted among adults with type 2 diabetes from predominantly Hispanic churches. The churches were assigned to either the FB Group (nine churches, n = 146) or the FP Group (seven churches, n = 125). The FB Group, led by trained lay health leaders, received a health sermon, a six-session DSMES program, and a seven-session Healthy Bible Study. The FP Group, led by outside health professionals, received the same six-session DSMES and a seven-session partial attention control curriculum. Key outcomes, including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), waist circumference (WC), diabetes distress, self-care activities, and self-efficacy, were assessed at baseline, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: The FB Group had lower HbA1c levels than the FP Group at 6 months (−0.3%, p < 0.01), with no within-group differences post-intervention. No significant between-group differences were found for other outcomes. Within-group comparisons from baseline showed that both groups reduced WC at 9 and 12 months. Both groups showed reductions in diabetes distress and increased self-efficacy at all time points post-intervention (p < 0.05). The FB Group increased self-care scores at all time points post-intervention, while the FP Group increased at 9 and 12 months. Conclusions: DSMES can be effectively delivered in church settings by trained lay leaders or health professionals in Hispanic communities. Adding a spiritual dimension to DSMES may enhance outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations)
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15 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Health Literacy Experiences and Practices of Australian-Resettled Myanmar Refugees: Relevance for Nutrition and Dietetics Practice
by Carrie K. Wong, Annie-Claude Lassemillante, Carolynne White and Regina Belski
Nutrients 2024, 16(18), 3109; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16183109 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Refugees typically experience poorer health compared with people from non-refugee backgrounds, and health literacy may play a part in this discrepancy. Using the WHO’s revised health literacy definitions as a framework, this qualitative study sought to examine the health literacy experiences and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Refugees typically experience poorer health compared with people from non-refugee backgrounds, and health literacy may play a part in this discrepancy. Using the WHO’s revised health literacy definitions as a framework, this qualitative study sought to examine the health literacy experiences and practices of Australian resettled refugees from Myanmar from refugee and service provider perspectives. Methods: Four refugee participant focus groups (n = 27) along with one focus group and four interviews with service providers (n = 7) were conducted in Melbourne, Australia, and analysed using deductive content analysis. Results: Our study found that in addition to individual health literacy, community literacy was practiced by Myanmar refugees, thus highlighting the relevance of social support to health literacy. Furthermore, our study found gaps in healthcare service provision and resourcing related to health literacy development and responsiveness by the healthcare system. Conclusions: Our study confirms the relevance of WHO’s revised health literacy definitions to Myanmar refugees while also discussing, in the context of nutrition and dietetics practice, the importance of understanding the different aspects of health literacy and how this relates to working with those who are most marginalised to improve their health and wellbeing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations)
24 pages, 3254 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Nutrients on Subjective Accomplishment at Work: Results from a Health Survey and a Single-Arm Dietary Intervention Study
by Takayuki Kawai, Hiroyo Kagami-Katsuyama, Koji Satoh, Takashi Futami, Hiromi Kimoto-Nira, Jun Nishihira, Katsuhisa Tanaka, Takashi Matsumoto, Hajime Shimazaki, Satoshi Yagi, Kohei Sase, Kenji Tanigawa and Mari Maeda-Yamamoto
Nutrients 2024, 16(10), 1410; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101410 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1870
Abstract
In Japan, many workers are exposed to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional imbalance. They tend still to go to work when ill, leading to decreased work performance and productivity, which has become a major social problem. We conducted a human entry study [...] Read more.
In Japan, many workers are exposed to chronic stress, sleep deprivation, and nutritional imbalance. They tend still to go to work when ill, leading to decreased work performance and productivity, which has become a major social problem. We conducted a human entry study with the aim of finding a link between these two factors and proposing an optimized diet, believing that a review of diet may lead to an improvement in labor productivity. In this study, we used subjective accomplishment (SA) as a measure of productivity. First, we compared nutrient intake between groups with high and low SA using data from a health survey of 1564 healthy male and female adults. Significant differences were found in the intake of 13 nutrients in males and 15 nutrients in females, including potassium, vitamin A, insoluble fiber, and biotin. Recommended daily intake of these nutrients was determined from survey data. Next, we designed test meals containing sufficient amounts of 17 nutrients and conducted a single-arm intervention study (registration code UMIN000047054) in Kameyama City, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Healthy working adults (males and females aged 20–79 years) were recruited and supplied with test meals, which were eaten once a day 5 days a week for 8 weeks. SA was significantly higher and daytime sleepiness (DS) was significantly lower after lunch on workdays in younger participants (under 60 years) when they ate the test meals as breakfast or lunch. Our results suggest that SA and DS, which change daily, are strongly influenced by the meal eaten before work, and that taking the 17 nutrients may help prevent presenteeism and improve labor productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations)
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Review

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13 pages, 258 KiB  
Review
Strategies for Restructuring Dietetics Education Programs to Improve Nutrition Equity in Indigenous Populations: A Narrative Review
by Pamela N. Klassen and Catherine B. Chan
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4136; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234136 - 29 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Particularly in racially and ethnically diverse countries, the necessity of providing individualized care to people seeking diet advice is increasingly recognized and embedded in practice guidelines. Some jurisdictions have a history of colonization with subjugation and marginalization of the Indigenous population, which [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Particularly in racially and ethnically diverse countries, the necessity of providing individualized care to people seeking diet advice is increasingly recognized and embedded in practice guidelines. Some jurisdictions have a history of colonization with subjugation and marginalization of the Indigenous population, which has led to serious health inequities. One overarching strategy to reduce health inequities is to provide education through a decolonizing lens, so that graduate healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, have a better understanding of how to mitigate colonial attitudes, racism, stereotyping and other behaviours, thereby improving health equity. This review aims to summarize and evaluate educational strategies to decolonize dietetics training programs. Methods: A narrative review was conducted. Results: Professional dietetics organizations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand have incorporated Indigenous-specific outcomes into their standards of practice. Six primary research studies were reviewed, two each from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The strategies developed include reviewing curriculum content, providing experiential learning opportunities and identifying barriers to the participation of Indigenous students in dietetics programs. Lack of engagement of Indigenous persons in curriculum development, planning and evaluation of efforts is a gap that needs to be addressed. Conclusions: Meeting practice standards and closing the health equity gap for Indigenous peoples require additional research and implementation into practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evidence-Based Nutritional Intervention to Enhance the Health and Well-Being of Indigenous and Multi-Ethnic Populations)
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