The need for information on nutrition among adolescents and adult knowledge regarding food consumption recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: The eating habits of most Lithuanian people do not adhere to the recommendations for a healthy diet. If children and adolescents were provided with the relevant information, it would not only improve their nutritional knowledge, but also their eating habits in adulthood and the subsequent health of their children. The objective of this study was to determine the need for information on nutrition among Lithuanian adolescents, the current knowledge of adults regarding recommendations for the consumption of various food groups, and the factors that influence both the need for information and the current knowledge. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted, consisting of 3,574 adolescents aged 14-18 years and 1,007 adults aged 18-75 years. Logistic regression models with confidence intervals of 95% were used to determine the influence of various socio-demographic factors on the adolescent need for information on nutrition and the adult knowledge of nutrition. RESULTS: A total of 66.7% of adolescents stated that they need information regarding nutrition, whereas 29.8% indicated that they lack such information. Significantly more girls than boys, and more students from schools in urban areas than students from schools in rural areas, expressed their need for information on nutrition. Lithuanian adults lacked knowledge of recommendations for the consumption of various food groups. Women and respondents with higher education degrees were found to have more knowledge on recommendations of the consumption of various food groups compared to men and respondents of other levels of education respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the required information on nutrition must be continuously provided via various channels to both adolescents and adults, and socio-demographic factors must be taken into account when planning public health intervention measures.

The association between studying in health promoting schools and adolescent smoking and alcohol consumption in Lithuania.

The concept of the Health Promoting School (HPS) encourages a holistic approach to promoting health in schools, instead of a more traditional education on health. The aim of this paper was to determine the association between studying in a HPS and smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents. A cross-sectional study of 3574 adolescents from 44 HPS and 66 non-HPSs was conducted. The association between studying in a HPS and smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents was analysed using logistic regression models. Pearson's χ2 test was used to determine the differences between HPS and non-HPS students' sociodemographic characteristics, and the difference in distribution of students who smoked and consumed alcohol at various rates across different groups. Studying in a HPS setting was not significantly associated with adolescent smoking or attempts to smoke. Compared to HPS students, non-HPS students had a significantly higher chance of attempting to consume alcohol and consumed alcohol once a month or more frequently. In comparing the distribution of HPS and non-HPS students according to the frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption across various groups of respondents, it was determined that some factors were associated with frequency of smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents. The results of the study showed that studying in a HPS was associated with a reduction in both smoking and alcohol consumption, and therefore it is advisable to further develop the HPS network. However, both the individual and educational characteristics of adolescents must be taken into account when planning prevention measures.

Evaluation of public knowledge and beliefs of adverse health effects of unhealthy food and knowledge and beliefs based inequalities among various socio-demographic groups in Lithuania.

OBJECTIVES: The availability of information on healthy products does not ensure the empowerment of people with the knowledge on how to choose or avoid food products or dishes depending on unhealthy factors. Public knowledge and beliefs of unhealthy food effects on health needs to be evaluated so that appropriate measures can be taken to properly inform people and relevant socio-demographic groups. METHODS: The original survey questionnaire containing questions about specific food groups and various health effects was compiled. A total of 1,007 respondents, Lithuanian residents aged 18-75 years, were surveyed in March 2019. Multilevel stratified probability sampling method was used for data representativeness. RESULTS: Almost half of respondents (46.2%) knew that deep-fried food could cause cancer. The majority of respondents (68.4%) were aware that sugar causes obesity and 61.7% were aware that sugar increases the risk of diabetes mellitus; 41.6% (more often those living in non-rural areas) know that grilled meat may cause cancer. More than half of respondents (57.2%) (more likely those living in non-rural areas and those with a university degree) were aware that smoked meat products may cause cancer. Only 46.4% were aware of the fact that salt raises blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: Only about half of Lithuanian residents aged 18-75 were aware of the scientifically proven harmful effects of unhealthy food groups. Socio-demographic factors influence the knowledge and beliefs of the population.