Sensory profile of picky eaters among college female students.

Picky eaters are at risk of an unbalanced diet, which is critical for women of reproductive age. A sensory profile, which is a potential factor in picky eating, has not been well researched. This study assessed the differences in sensory profile and dietary intake according to the picky eating status among female Japanese undergraduate college students. Cross-sectional data were obtained from the Ochanomizu Health Study conducted in 2018. The questionnaire included items regarding demographic characteristics, picky eating status, sensory profile, and dietary intake. Sensory profile was assessed using the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile questionnaire, and dietary intakes were calculated using a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Among the 111 participants, 23% were picky eaters and 77% were non-picky eaters. The age, body mass index and household status did not differ between the picky eaters and non-picky eaters. Being a picky eater was associated with higher scores on sensory sensitivity and sensation avoiding, and lower thresholds for taste and smell, touch, and auditory stimuli than being a non-picky eater. Of the picky eaters, 58% and 100% were at a high risk for folate and iron deficiencies, respectively, compared to 35% and 81% of non-picky eaters. Nutrition education for picky eaters in reproductive age to increase vegetable dishes comfortably in their diet is suggested to prevent anemia during their future pregnancy.

Relationship between demographic factors, health education, breast cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and breast self-examination behavior among Chinese female college student: A structural equation analysis.

AIMS: This study aimed to create a structural equation model to evaluate the associations among demographic factors, health education, breast cancer-related knowledge, attitudes, and breast self-examination behavior among Chinese female college students. METHODS: A survey was undertaken using a self-administered questionnaire and targeting 2233 students from Eastern China. Structural equation modeling with the bootstrap approach was utilized to estimate the interrelationships and the strength of the associations among measured variables based on the hypothetical model. RESULTS: Among the total participants, 14.7% of the female college students reported having performed breast self-examination. The final structural equation model showed highly satisfactory fitness on indices. Breast self-examination behavior was significantly linked to demographic factors, breast cancer related-knowledge, attitudes, and health education. Health education had the greatest influence on breast self-examination behavior. In addition, breast cancer related-knowledge was significantly associated with demographic factors and health education. Health education and knowledge all significantly affected attitudes towards breast cancer. CONCLUSION: Breast self-examination behavior was influenced by demographic factors, breast cancer related-knowledge, attitudes towards breast cancer, and health education in a sample of female college students in China. Health education was the most important predictor of breast self-examination behavior.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Uptake and the Willingness to Receive the HPV Vaccination among Female College Students in China: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine uptake and willingness to receive HPV vaccination among female college students, in China, and its associated factors. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey of female college students across the eastern, central, and western regions of China was undertaken between April and September 2019. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to examine factors associated with the HPV vaccine uptake and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. RESULTS: Among the total 4220 students who participated in this study, 11.0% reported having been vaccinated against HPV. There are direct effects of indicators of higher socioeconomic status, older age (ß = 0.084 and p = 0.006), and geographical region (residing in Eastern China, ß = 0.033, and p = 0.024) on HPV vaccine uptake. Higher knowledge (ß = 0.062 and p < 0.000) and perceived susceptibility (ß = 0.043 and p = 0.002) were also predictors of HPV vaccine uptake. Of those who had not received the HPV vaccine, 53.5% expressed a willingness to do so. Likewise, social economic status indicators were associated with the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. Total knowledge score (ß = 0.138 and p < 0.001), both perceived susceptibility (ß = 0.092 and p < 0.001) and perceived benefit (ß = 0.088 and p < 0.001), and sexual experience (ß = 0.041 and p = 0.007) had a positive and significant direct effect on the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine, while perceived barriers (ß = -0.071 and p < 0.001) had a negative effect on the willingness to receive the HPV vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: Geographical region and socioeconomic disparities in the HPV vaccination uptake rate and willingness to receive the HPV vaccine provide valuable information for public health planning that aims to improve vaccination rates in underserved areas in China. The influence of knowledge and perceptions of HPV vaccination suggests the importance of communication for HPV immunization.

Comparison study for body image education of domestic and overseas female college students.

The 2016 health education index showed such tendency as well including their raised obesity index, and reported that they are much interested in body images appearing externally. Accordingly, in this study, we conducted the self-reported questionnaire aimed at a total of 389 subjects composed of domestic (n= 226) and overseas (n= 163) female college students from Asia, Europe, and Latin America so as to investigate their body images for face, figure and health through questionnaires. In this context, a survey was conducted with the method of this study, consequently indicating that overseas subjects are more greatly positive and active to body images (face, figure, and health) by health level, exercise preferences, extent of body activities and body weight than domestic ones. These results reflect a different viewpoint between those subjects and reveal that overseas subjects are more committed to maintaining their health through body activities compared to domestic ones. Moreover, it is considered that domestic subjects tend to place a higher value on external beauty rather than beauty in terms of physical health, thereby it is most important to change the beauty values. Therefore, in the future, health education should play a critical role in promoting discussions for plans and practical strategies of improving health between students and in participating actively in health behaviours.