Energy, nutrient and overall healthiness of processed packaged foods in Fiji, a comparison between 2018 and 2020.

In Fiji, packaged foods are becoming increasingly available. However, it is unknown if nutrition composition of these foods has changed. This study aims to assess changes in energy, nutrient content and healthiness of packaged foods by comparing data from five major supermarkets in Fiji in 2018 and 2020. Foods were categorised into 14 groups; nutrient composition information was extracted and healthiness assessed using Health Star Rating (HSR). Descriptive statistics and a separate matched products analysis was conducted summarising differences in nutrient content and HSR. There was limited evidence of change in the nutrient content of included products however, there was a small reduction in mean saturated fat in the snack food category (-1.0 g/100 g, 95% CI -1.6 to -0.4 g/100 g). The proportion of products considered healthy based on HSR, increased in the convenience foods category (28.4%, 95% CI 8.3 to 48.5) and decreased in non-alcoholic beverages (-35.2%, 95% CI -43.6 to -26.9). The mean HSR score increased in the fruit and vegetables category (0.1 (95% CI 0.1, 0.2)) and decreased for non-alcoholic beverages (-1.1 (-1.3, -0.9)) and the sauces, dressings, spreads, and dips category (-0.3 (-0.3, -0.2)). Strengthened monitoring of the food supply is needed to improve the healthiness of foods available.

Food insecurity, COVID-19 and diets in Fiji - a cross-sectional survey of over 500 adults.

INTRODUCTION: Food insecurity is associated with inadequate nutrition and increased rates of chronic disease. The primary aim of this study was to assess self-reported food insecurity and the perceived impact of COVID-19 on food security, in two regional districts of Central Fiji, as part of a broader program of work on strengthening and monitoring food policy interventions. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between food insecurity and salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intake. METHODS: Seven hundred adults were randomly sampled from the Deuba and Waidamudamu districts of Viti Levu, Fiji. Interview administered surveys were conducted by trained research assistants with data collected electronically. Information was collected on demographics and health status, food security, the perceived impact of COVID-19 on food security, and dietary intake. Food insecurity was assessed using nine questions adapted from Fiji's 2014/5 national nutrition survey, measuring markers of food insecurity over the last 12 months. Additional questions were added to assess the perceived effect of COVID-19 on responses. To address the secondary aim, interview administered 24-hour diet recalls were conducted using Intake24 (a computerised dietary recall system) allowing the calculation of salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intakes for each person. Weighted linear regression models were used to determine the relationship between food insecurity and salt, sugar and fruit and vegetable intake. RESULTS: 534 people participated in the survey (response rate 76%, 50.4% female, mean age 42 years). 75% (75.3%, 95% CI, 71.4 to 78.8%) of people reported experiencing food insecurity in the 12 months prior to the survey. Around one fifth of people reported running out of foods (16.8%, 13.9 to 20.2%), having to skip meals (19.3%, 16.2 to 22.9%), limiting variety of foods (19.0%, 15.9 to 22.5%), or feeling stressed due to lack of ability to meet food needs (19.5%, 16.4 to 23.0%). 67% (66.9%, 62.9 to 70.7%) reported becoming more food insecure and changing what they ate due to COVID-19. However, people also reported positive changes such as making a home garden (67.8%, 63.7 to 71.6%), growing fruit and vegetables (59.5%, 55.6 to 63.8%), or trying to eat healthier (14.7%, 12.0 to 18.0%). There were no significant associations between food insecurity and intakes of salt, sugar or fruit and vegetables. CONCLUSION: Participants reported high levels of food insecurity, exceeding recommendations for salt and sugar intake and not meeting fruit and vegetable recommendations, and becoming more food insecure due to COVID-19. Most participants reported making home gardens and/or growing fruit and vegetables in response to the pandemic. There is an opportunity for these activities to be fostered in addressing food insecurity in Fiji, with likely relevance to the Pacific region and other Small Island Developing States who face similar food insecurity challenges.

Salt and sugar intakes of adults in the central division of Fiji: findings from a nutrition survey in 2022.

Background: Excess salt and sugar consumption contribute to diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. This study aimed to estimate salt and sugar intakes and main sources, in a population of adults in the Central Division of Fiji. Methods: One adult per household was randomly selected to participate (n = 700). Sociodemographic characteristics; blood pressure, weight, and height; a 24-h diet recall; and spot-urine samples were collected, with 24-h urine samples from a sub-sample (n = 200). Sugar intake was estimated from the 24-h diet recalls and salt intake from the spot-urines. 24-hr diet recall was used to identify main sources of salt and sugar by food groups. Findings: 534 adults (response rate 76%, 50% women, mean age 42 years) participated. Salt intake was 8.8 g/day (95% CI, 8.7-9.0), and free sugar intake was 74.1 g/day (67.5-80.7), 16.1% of total energy intake (15.0-17.1%). Main sources of salt were mixed cooked dishes (40.9% (38.2-43.5)), and bread and bakery products (28.7% (26.5-31.0)). Main sources of sugar were table sugars, honey, and related products (24.3% (21.7-26.8)), non-alcoholic beverages (21.4% (18.8-24.0)) and bread and bakery products (18.0% (16.2-19.9)). Interpretation: Salt and sugar intakes exceeded World Health Organization recommendations in this sample of adults. Given dietary sources were foods high in salt and sugar, along with the addition to food or drinks, interventions focused on behavior along with environmental strategies to encourage healthier choices are needed. Funding: NHMRC and GACD grant APP1169322.

Rapid review of factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji.

Introduction: In Fiji, multiple burdens of malnutrition including undernutrition, overweight/obesity, and micronutrient deficiencies coexist at the individual, household, and population levels. The diets of children, adolescents, and adults are generally unhealthy. The objective of this review was to understand how the dietary behaviors of children, adolescents, and women in Fiji are influenced by individual, social, and food environment factors. Methods: This rapid review was conducted to synthesize existing evidence, identify research gaps in the evidence base, and make recommendations for future research. The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods and the updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews were used. The search strategy for this rapid review was based on the Population Context Outcome [P(E)CO] framework, including search terms for population (children, adolescents, and adults), context (Fiji), and outcome (dietary behaviors). Searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Results: The 22 studies included in this review identified different factors influencing dietary behaviors in Fiji. Individual preferences for processed and imported foods, especially of younger generations, and social dynamics, especially gender norms and social pressure, to serve meat and overeat appeared to be prominent in driving dietary habits. The ongoing nutrition transition has led to increasing availability and affordability of ultra-processed and fast foods, especially in urban areas. Concerns about food safety and contamination and climate change and its effect on local food production also appear to influence dietary choices. Discussion: This review identified different dynamics influencing dietary behaviors, but also research gaps especially with regard to the food environment, calling for an integrated approach to address these factors more systemically.