Search Results (34)

Background/Objectives: Evidence suggests that plant-based dietary patterns are beneficial for cardiometabolic health. However, it is unclear whether the quality of plant-based dietary patterns is differentially associated with cardiometabolic health. This study aimed to examine the association between three plant-based diet quality indices and cardiometabolic health among Australian adults. Methods: Data on 4877 adults (mean 45.1 years) from the cross-sectional Australian Health Survey 2011–2013 were used. Three plant-based diet quality indices (overall, healthful, and unhealthful) were derived from two 24 h dietary recalls. Anthropometric measures and blood pressure were assessed by trained interviewers. High-risk waist circumference was classified as ≥80 cm in females and ≥80 cm in males. Hypertension was defined as >140/90 mmHg. Fasting blood samples were used to estimate lipid profiles and diabetes status (based on plasma glucose or HbA1c). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate the association between plant-based diet indices and cardiometabolic markers. Results: The healthy plant-based diet index was associated with lower odds of a high-risk waist circumference (OR 0.98; 95%CI 0.96–0.99), and the unhealthy plant-based diet index was associated with increased odds of having hypertension (OR 1.02; 95%CI 1.00–1.04). No other significant associations were identified between the plant-based diet quality indices and cardiometabolic outcomes. Conclusions: There was some evidence that the quality of plant-based dietary patterns was differentially associated with cardiometabolic health, with healthier plant-based dietary patterns associated with lower odds of a high-risk waist circumference, and less healthy plant-based dietary patterns associated with increased odds of hypertension. These findings support the consideration of the quality of plant foods consumed, and the need for targeted advice for optimising cardiometabolic health among adults. Full article

With an avalanche of market manipulations and unethical tactics in the Australian financial industry, the empowerment levels of female Australian consumers when making financial investment decisions are highly questionable. Through the theoretical lens of a utilitarian perspective, financial investment decisions are often built on the pillars of trust, security, and assurance, which allow consumers to make decisions rationally and gain empowerment when making these decisions. However, due to the widespread manipulations prevailing in Australian financial markets, the role of rationality and its influence on consumer empowerment remain understudied. Based on this context, this paper uncovers the association between how each stage of rational decision-making (RDM) (i.e., demand identification, information search, and the evaluation of alternatives) influences the consumer power (i.e., consumer resistance and consumer influence) of female Australian consumers when making financial investment decisions. In doing so, this study employs a quantitative approach, whereby the proposed conceptual framework is tested among 357 female Australian consumers to understand their decision-making power in the presence of heightened situations of market manipulation in the financial industry. The results show that information search has a significant positive relationship with consumer influence and consumer resistance when making financial investment decisions. Additionally, the findings suggest that female Australian consumers should not only rely on individual-based sources of power but also have exposure to network-based sources of power to gain empowerment when making financial investment decisions. Lastly, it is suggested that government bodies, financial institutions, and regulatory authorities should not only implement financial literacy programs but also promote gender diversity across organisations to encourage women’s empowerment (i.e., Goal 5 (SDGs)—Achieve Gender Equality and Empower all Women and Girls). Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) in semi-professional male and professional female Spanish football players. Methods: The study involved 129 football players (92 men and 37 women) who completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire on the use of DS in athletes. Results: The results indicated that 96.12% of the sample reported taking DS, with the main reason for consumption being performance enhancement. The most commonly consumed DS were creatine monohydrate (66.77%), caffeine (56.59%), whey protein (48.06%), isotonic drinks (37.21%), vitamin D (27.91%), energy bars (27.13%), magnesium (20.93%), and vitamin C (20.16%). Additionally, significant differences were found between sexes regarding vitamin D consumption (p < 0.05; OR = 3.27 [0.36–2.00]). According to the Australian Institute of Sport DS classification, group A was the most consumed, followed by group B. Significant sex differences were found in the consumption of sports foods (p = 0.034; OR = 3.25 [0.05–2.31]) and medical supplements (p < 0.001; OR = 3.75 [0.52–2.12]). Sex differences were also found in place of purchase, source of recommendation, as well as the situation and timing of consumption (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The use of DS among Spanish football players was prevalent at 96.12%, with creatine monohydrate, caffeine, and whey protein being the most commonly consumed. Differences in consumption patterns were noted between sexes. Full article

The paper aims to examine the relationships between behavioural biases (such as overconfidence and herding) and the rational behaviour of Australian female consumers when making financial decisions. In doing so, the paper showcases the financial illiteracy of Australian female consumers when confronted with irregularities within the Australian financial markets. From a theoretical standpoint, the study adopts the notions of the adaptive market hypothesis (AMH) to understand the reasoning behind the relationships between behavioural biases (such as overconfidence and herding) and the rational behaviour of Australian female consumers when making decisions rationally. Using a quantitative approach, a structural equation modelling (SEM) was conducted on the proposed theoretical framework with a cleaned dataset of 357 Australian female consumers, which revealed that behavioural biases significantly influence each stage of rational decision-making when making financial decisions. More precisely, the structural equation modelling (SEM) showcases that herding behaviour has a significant positive relationship with the information search and evaluation of alternative stages when making financial decisions. However, overconfidence behaviour has a significant negative relationship with demand identification and evaluation of alternative stages when making financial decisions. Moreover, the findings also showcase that the proposed theoretical model closely fits with the data utilised, indicating that Australian female consumers do follow rational decision-making when making financial decisions. Additionally, the findings revealed that the education and income levels of Australian female consumers positively influence the stages of rational decision-making. The findings also contend that Australian female consumers have a risk-averse attitude (i.e., within three key hypothetical scenarios) towards financial decisions due to the presence of financial illiteracy. Hence, it is strongly suggested that financial institutions highlight the calculative benefits and returns from financial product purchases in advertising and promotions in a way that appeals to female consumer segments. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rise in chronic metabolic diseases has led to the exploration of alternative diets. The carnivore diet, consisting exclusively of animal products, has gained attention, anecdotally, for imparting benefit for inflammatory conditions beyond that possible by other restrictive dietary approaches. The aim was to assess the micronutrient adequacy of four versions of the carnivore diet against national nutrient reference values (NRVs). Methods: This study assessed the nutrient adequacy of the carnivore diet against national NRVs from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and New Zealand Ministry of Health. Four meal plans for hypothetical average Australian adults were developed and analysed using Foodworks.online (Version 1, Xyris Pty Ltd., Brisbane, Australia, 2024), dietary software. Two female and two male plans were included; one set including dairy products and the other set including offal. Results: The carnivore diet met several NRV thresholds for nutrients such as riboflavin, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, selenium, and Vitamin A, and exceeded the sodium threshold. However, it fell short in thiamin, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamin C, and in iron, folate, iodine and potassium in some cases. Fibre intake was significantly below recommended levels. Conclusion: The carnivore diet may offer benefits for managing certain chronic conditions. Whether the metabolic contexts from consuming such a diet facilitates a lower requirement of certain nutrients, or whether it poses risks of micronutrient inadequacies remains to be determined. Tailored nutritional guidance and supplementation strategies are recommended to ensure careful consideration of micronutrient intake to prevent deficiencies. Full article

Although the extensive use of sports supplements (SSs) is prevalent among cyclists, this area has been poorly explored; in fact, no studies have been conducted on this topic regarding women cyclists to date. This descriptive, cross-sectional study, which included 316 federated female road cyclists, aimed to analyze SS consumption patterns in relation to scientific evidence and various categories. SSs were categorized according to the groups and subgroups established by the Australian Sport Institute (AIS, 2023) based on the level of evidence supporting their use. The analysis found that 85.1% of the female road cyclists surveyed used SSs, with an average consumption of 7 ± 6 supplements per individual. Pharmacies (60.8%), dietitian-nutritionists (58.9%), and health status (60.1%) were the primary purchase location, source of information, and reason for use, respectively. The most frequently consumed supplements were sports bars (77.5%), sports gels (61.4%), and caffeine (49.1%). Significantly, 80% of the ten most commonly used supplements were from the group with the highest evidence level, as classified by the AIS, with an average intake of 5 ± 3 supplements per cyclist. In summary, the use of SSs is prevalent among female road cyclists, with reliable sources for both purchasing and obtaining advice on supplements. Full article

Sports foods are designed for athletes, yet their availability, type, and sales have increased over the past decade, likely driven by non-athlete use. This could lead to detrimental health outcomes via over/misuse or unwanted side effects. The aim of this study was to describe sports food consumption patterns and associated drivers, consumption reasons, perception of risks, and side effects experienced amongst non-athletes in Australia. In 2022, n = 307 non-athlete Australian adults (18–65 years) completed an online cross-sectional survey including closed-ended (consumption patterns, factors, and exercise participation) and open-ended questions (reasons for consumption, risk perception, and side effects experienced). Descriptive statistics (frequency and percent) described the sample. Ordinal logistic regression was used for univariate associations and a multivariate model was used to determine relationships between sports food consumption proxy and significant univariate associations. The themes were analysed via inductive thematic analysis using NVivo 14. Females consumed sports foods most frequently, 65% of participants consumed three or more sports foods, and participants with higher sports food consumption/frequency were less likely to perceive risks or experience side effects. The main reason for consumption was protein intake, digestion/stomach issues were the main perceived risks, and the main side effect was bloating. Despite understanding the risks and side effects, non-athlete consumers continue to use numerous sports foods, which appear to be influenced by sociodemographic factors and packaging labels. Tighter regulation of packaging-label information would ensure safer and more informed consumption. Full article

Snacking outside main meals may contribute to the high intakes of discretionary foods (i.e., unhealthful foods) among young adults. This study assessed the snacking behaviours of Australian young adults including the contribution of snacking to energy and nutrient intakes, the main foods consumed, and portion sizes. A secondary analysis of the MYMeals study of adults aged 18–30 years who consumed at least one snack food during the recording period (n = 889) was conducted. All food consumed over 3 consecutive days was recorded using a purpose-designed smartphone app. Snack foods contributed 13.2% of energy, 23.4% of total sugars, and 16.2% of saturated fat. Females consumed more energy (13.8% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.007) and total sugars (25.8% vs. 20.8%, p = 0.009), from snacking than males. Fruit (20.2%), chocolate (9.9%), cake-type desserts (8.4%), sweet biscuits (6.1%), and ice-cream-type desserts (5.6%) were the most frequently consumed snacks by young adults. The median portion sizes for the top five snack foods consumed were fruit—106 g (IQR: 73), chocolate—26 g (IQR: 36), cake—95 g (IQR: 88), sweet biscuits—26 g (IQR: 29), and ice cream—75 g (IQR: 42). The current findings may inform population-wide strategies to encourage healthful snacks such as fruit, inform portion control by individuals, and persuade the food industry to reduce the serving size of discretionary snack foods such as cake. Full article

Nutrition knowledge is a primary factor influencing food choices and the ability to identify nutritional risk for carers of people with dementia. Acquiring nutrition knowledge helps carers monitor changes in food intake and micronutrient intake, and whether a healthy and balanced diet is being consumed. This study aimed to assess the nutrition knowledge of carers in the Australian community and their experiences with nutrition education. Using a mixed-methods approach, the nutrition knowledge of informal carers was assessed using the revised General Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (AUS-R-NKQ), and interviews of informal carers were used to explore the perspectives in a sub-sample. A total of 57 carers (44 females; mean age of 63.0 ± 13.1) completed the survey, and 11 carers participated in follow-up interviews. The total sample scored 22.9 (±4.57) out of 38 on the AUS-R-NKQ, suggesting basic nutrition knowledge. The interviewed carers acknowledged the importance of healthy nutrition but viewed the provision of a healthy diet for a person with dementia as challenging. In both the survey and interviews, carers reported limited use and availability of dementia-specific nutrition resources. Carers were unsatisfied with the advice and number of referrals provided to improve the nutrition of the person with dementia and desired less confusing nutrition education materials adapted to their level of knowledge. The present study highlights the need for informal carers to be supported to acquire adequate nutrition knowledge. Full article

Pornography may contribute to sexual health illiteracy due to its often fantastical and unrealistic depictions of sex. This cross-sectional study investigated whether pornography use was associated with holding porn-congruent sexual health beliefs among a sample of 276 Australian and Singaporean university students (M_age = 23.03, SD_age = 7.06, 67.9% female, 47.8% Australian). The majority of participants (95.5% of males and 58.9% of females) reported viewing pornography in the past six months. Perceived realism of pornography and prior sexual experience were tested as potential moderators of the relationship between pornography use frequency and sexual health beliefs. Pornography use frequency showed no zero-order association with sexual health beliefs in the overall sample (although a significant zero-order association was observed among female participants). However, a significant positive association between porn use and porn-congruent sexual health beliefs was found in the overall sample, after controlling for demographic variables. Neither perceived realism nor sexual experience were found to act as moderators. Interestingly, prior sexual experience showed a significant zero-order association with sexual health beliefs, such that prior sexual experience was associated with holding porn-congruent beliefs. Perceived realism was unrelated to porn-congruent sexual health beliefs. The study provides some preliminary support for pornography having a misinformation effect on the sexual health knowledge of consumers. Full article

Seaweed has been traditionally consumed in Asian and Pacific cultures, yet aside from sushi, is still not commonly eaten in Western societies. Edible seaweeds offer distinct nutritional benefits to terrestrial crops, particularly with respect to mineral and fibre content. Understanding the motivations that drive young Australians to eat seaweed is necessary for food product development and consumer marketing strategies, as well as informing future sustainable production through seaweed aquaculture and wild-harvest practices. An observational cross-sectional online survey with n = 1403 young (19–30 years) Australian seaweed consumers was conducted. The 19-item survey included closed-ended, open-ended, and Likert scale responses. Most respondents were female (89.0%), with tertiary level education or above (57.7%). Seaweed was eaten mostly as a snack (87.7%) and in home-prepared meals (30.7%). The key advantages to consumption were flavour (89.1%), nutrient content (49.1%), and health benefits (44.6%), whilst the key barriers were poor accessibility (59.5%), unaffordable pricing (46.5%), and undesirable packaging (19.0%). The consumers reported wanting more promotion to improve their knowledge about seaweed, in addition to environmentally sustainable packaging and sourcing. Pathways to overcome barriers and encourage greater seaweed consumption are discussed. Most critically, improving the promotion and environmental sustainability of seaweed products will improve intake amongst current and future consumers. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the consumption of dietary supplements (DS) and to determine related topics in Turkish football players of different sexes and competition levels. A total of 117 footballers (79 males and 38 females) completed a specific survey regarding DS consumption in athletes. The type of DS ingested was classified based on the level of scientific evidence by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS): group A (high level of scientific evidence), group B (DS that could have a positive effect, but require more evidence), group C (evidence is against their use), and group D (prohibited substances). After a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, a t-test or Mann–Whitney U test was performed for quantitative variables, while Pearson’s chi-square and odds ratio (with the confidence interval) were performed for qualitative variables. Of the sample, 87.2% reported having consumed DS, with a higher consumption rate in males (males: 93.7%, females: 73.7%; p = 0.006; OR = 5.3 [1.7–16.8]) and professional players (professional: 98.2%, non-professional: 77.4%; p < 0.001; OR = 7.9 [1.2–52.3]). Males and professional players consume more sports foods (p < 0.001), performance supplements (p < 0.001), and total group A supplements (p < 0.001) compared to females and non-professionals. In addition, males consume more medical supplements (p = 0.012) and total group C supplements (p < 0.001) than female footballers. The most consumed DS were sports drinks (63.2%), magnesium (52.1%), vitamin C (51.3%), vitamin D (46.2%), caffeine (38.5%), sports bars (37.6%), whey protein (28.2%), meat protein (25.6%), vitamin E (24.8%), and omega-3 fatty acids (24.8%). The supplement consumption was higher in male and professional footballers. According to the AIS classification, there were significant differences in the consumption of sports foods, medical supplements, performance supplements, and the total number of group A and group C supplements according to sex, and there were significant differences in the consumption of sports foods, performance supplements, and the total number of group A supplements according to competition level. Full article

Young adults are frequent consumers of food prepared outside the home (FOH). In a cross-sectional survey, the MYMeals study, we showed FOH provided one-third of meals and snacks for young Australian adults, yet it contributed higher proportions of energy and nutrients of concern, such as saturated fat and sodium. This study aimed to determine the detailed proportional contribution of nutrients of concern from the nine food outlet types captured in the MYMeals study. Young adults residing in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, (n = 1001) used a validated smartphone app to report all types and amounts of food and beverages consumed for three consecutive days, as well as their preparation location. The proportions of daily energy, macronutrients, sodium, total sugars, and saturated fat were calculated for each of the nine following outlet types: bakeries or patisseries, coffee chains, cold-drink chains, fast-food chains, ice creamery or frozen yoghurt outlets, independent cafes or restaurants, pubs (hotels) and clubs, service stations or convenience stores, and others not fitting the above categories. Of all FOH outlet types, independent cafes or restaurants contributed the most energy (17.5%), sodium (20.0%) and saturated fat (17.8%) to the total diet, followed by fast-food chains (12.0% energy, 15.8% sodium, and 12.0% saturated fat) and other outlets, with smaller proportions. For males, the proportion of energy and nutrients contributed by fast-food outlets was higher than for females (14.8% versus 9.8% energy). Menu labelling at independent cafes and restaurants is recommended, comprising, in addition to the energy labels already in use in fast-food restaurants, the labelling of nutrients of concern. The feasibility of this recommendation warrants further exploration. Full article

Sports supplements (SS) are commonly used by athletes to improve their performance. SS use by competitive swimmers is reported to be prevalent but there is no evidence of such use by elite swimmers, either male or female. The objective of this research was to study the patterns of SS use by competitive swimmers based on sex and competitive levels (national and international); Methods: Using the categories of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), a total of 102 competitive swimmers (59 men and 43 women) completed a validated self-administered questionnaire on the use of SS; (3) Results: Overall, 86.9% of swimmers had consumed SSs with no differences observed between males and females (p = 0.247) or between competitive levels (p = 0.597). The SS that were most consumed by swimmers were caffeine (53.5%), sport drinks (52.5%), sport bars (51.5%), and vitamin C (43.4%). SSs categorized as medical supplements were consumed significantly more frequently by international swimmers (p = 0.012), with significant differences also found in the level—sex interaction (p = 0.049); (4) Conclusions: Compared to other sports disciplines, the prevalence of SS consumption is high in competitive swimmers regardless of performance level or gender. However, the consumption of medical supplements was greater in swimmers at a higher performance level. Full article

University students have high rates of health risk behaviours, and these may be predictive of academic success. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the association between individual and multiple health risk behaviours and academic achievement in a sample of Australian university students. Data from the University of Newcastle Student Healthy Lifestyle Survey 2019 were used. Health risk behaviours (diet, physical activity, sitting time, sleep, alcohol consumption, smoking) were assessed, and total number of risk factors calculated. Academic achievement was assessed using self-reported grade point average (GPA). The association between health risk behaviours and GPA was explored using linear regression, adjusted for socio-demographic and student characteristics. The sample included 1543 students (mean age 25.0 ± 7.9 years, 70.6% female). Lower GPA was associated with not meeting fruit consumption recommendations (β = −0.203), consuming >1 cup of soft drink/week (β = −0.307), having takeaway foods ≥1 time/week (β = −0.130), not consuming breakfast daily (β = −0.261), not meeting sleep recommendations (β = −0.163), exceeding single occasion alcohol consumption risk (β = −0.277), smoking (β = −0.393), and having a higher number of risk factors (β = −0.105). This study identified modest associations between GPA and health risk behaviours, suggesting that further research is warranted into whether strategies to improve university students’ health could modestly improve their academic achievement. Full article