Assessing higher education students' critical thinking with the PENCRISAL test - Portuguese short version: a psychometric study.

The development of critical thinking in higher education is fundamental, preparing students to think well, find explanations, make decisions and solve problems. Given the importance of its promotion, its assessment is crucial, since the two are inseparable. Moreover, the number of instruments that are validated to assess critical thinking in the Portuguese language and culture are scarce. We present the validation psychometric study of the PENCRISAL test (short version) to the Portuguese language, a critical thinking assessment test for higher education students, designed and validated in Spain (full and short version), which presents adequate reliability and validity psychometric characteristics to assess key-dimensions of critical thinking. A sample of 225 Portuguese higher education students from three universities (two public and one private) performed a reduced version of the PANCRISAL test. The results obtained allowed replicating the Spanish reduced version in Portugal (only changing one of the six items), and the confirmatory factorial analysis permits to identify two factors intercorrelated, legitimizing the combination of the six items in a global score. This short version can be used as a screening test, and its potential is pointed out to assess students critical thinking to support teaching and research in higher education.

Caracterização do ambiente alimentar de uma universidade pública do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Characterization of the food environment in a public university of Rio de Janeiro State

Resumo Introdução O ambiente alimentar pode influenciar as escolhas alimentares e de bebidas pela população e seu estado nutricional. Objetivo Caracterizar o ambiente alimentar dos campi de universidade federal do Rio de Janeiro. Método Estudo transversal com estabelecimentos que comercializavam alimentos e bebidas dentro dos campi da universidade. A avaliação do ambiente alimentar foi realizada com a aplicação de um instrumento para coleta das informações: tipo de estabelecimento, alimentos/preparações, modalidade, características, cardápio e informações nutricionais, promoções, propagandas, disponibilidade de alimentos/bebidas, variedade e preço. Os alimentos e preparações observados, a presença de estratégias como informação nutricional, propagandas e promoções foram classificados em facilitadores/ barreiras para alimentação saudável, de acordo com o Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira. Resultados Participaram do estudo cinco estabelecimentos, quatro eram comerciais e um o restaurante universitário (RU). Todos os estabelecimentos aceitavam dinheiro e cartão, havia cardápio e preço na maioria. Nenhum apresentava informação nutricional. A oferta de frutas/hortaliças foi encontrada em quatro estabelecimentos. A disponibilidade de edulcorante artificial foi encontrada em todos os locais. Observou-se grande variedade de balas (8 ± 7,1), refrigerantes (9 ± 3,7), chocolate (8 ± 7,1), biscoito salgado (8 ± 12,3) e doce (7 ± 9,1). Frutas apresentaram preço médio superior, R$ 3,83, quando comparadas aos salgados, R$ 2,85 e biscoitos, R$ 1,50. Conclusão O ambiente alimentar universitário apresentou maior oferta de alimentos não saudáveis, apresentando barreiras na promoção de práticas alimentares mais adequadas.

Abstract Background The food environment can influence food and beverage choice by the population and their nutritional status. Objective To characterize the food environment of campuses at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Method A cross-sectional study of food and beverage establishments within the university was carried out. The assessment of the food environment was performed with the application of an instrument to collect information: type, food or preparations, mode, characteristics, menu and nutritional information, promotions, advertisements, availability of food or drinks, variety, and price. The observed foods and preparations, the presence of an approach such as nutritional information, advertisements, and promotions were classified as facilitators/barriers for healthy eating, according to the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population. Results Of the 5 establishments that participated, 4 were commercial and 1 was a university restaurant (RU). All establishments accepted cash and cards, and most had a menu and price. None had nutritional information. The supply of fruits and vegetables was found in 4 establishments. The availability of artificial sweetener was found in all locations. A wide variety of candies (8 ± 7.1), soft drinks (9 ± 3.7), chocolate (8 ± 7.1), salted biscuits (8 ± 12.3), and sweets (7 ± 9.1) were observed. Fruits had a higher average price, R$3.83, when compared to savory foods, R$ 2.85, and biscuits, R$ 1.50. Conclusion The university food environment presented a greater offer of unhealthy foods, presenting barriers to the promotion of more appropriate eating practices.

Content validity and reliability of a university food environment assessment instrument. / Validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade de instrumento de avaliação do ambiente alimentar universitário.

This study aimed to evaluate the content validity and reliability of an instrument for evaluating the university food environment. A checklist was developed to assess establishments that sell food and beverages in the university environment. The content validation encompassed the development of the instrument, expert evaluation and pretest performance. Reliability was evaluated using a convenience sample (n=64) of establishments distributed across seven campuses of three public universities and was carried out using interobserver (IO) and test-retest (TR) evaluations. Categorical and count variables were analyzed by calculating the percentage agreement (PA), kappa coefficient (k) and prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa (ka), and continuous variables were analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The checklist consisted of 204 items distributed in seven domains. The instrument's performance was considered excellent or very good for 91.3% (PA) of the items when evaluated. For IO, 68.3% (k) and 96.5% (ka) had excellent, very good or good agreement, while for TR, 65% (k) and 96.5% (ka) had excellent agreement. The instrument showed satisfactory content validity and reliability for characterizing the food environment at Brazilian universities.

O objetivo foi avaliar a validade de conteúdo e a confiabilidade de um instrumento de auditoria para avaliação do ambiente alimentar universitário. Foi desenvolvido checklist para a avaliação de estabelecimentos que comercializavam alimentos e bebidas neste ambiente. A validação de conteúdo abarcou o desenvolvimento do instrumento, a análise por especialistas e a realização do pré-teste. A confiabilidade foi avaliada em uma amostra de conveniência (n=64) de estabelecimentos distribuídos em sete campi de três universidades públicas e foi realizada pelos testes interobservador (TIO) e teste-reteste (TR). Variáveis categóricas e de contagem foram analisadas pelo cálculo da concordância percentual (CP) e dos índices kappa (k) e kappa ajustado pela prevalência e pelo viés (ka) e variáveis contínuas, pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). O checklist foi composto por 204 itens distribuídos em sete domínios. O desempenho do instrumento foi considerado excelente ou muito bom para 91,3% (CP) dos itens quando avaliados. No TIO 68,3% (k) e 96,5% (ka) tiveram concordância excelente, muito boa ou boa, enquanto no TR 65% tiveram concordância excelente para o k e 96,5% para o ka. O instrumento apresentou validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade satisfatórias.

[Trajectory of changes in dietary habits of students from a Brazilian public university]. / Trajetória de mudanças das práticas alimentares de estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira.

The scope of this study was to evaluate possible differences in dietary trajectories of students according to their attendance at a University Restaurant (UR) and the basis for their admission to the university. It was an experiment conducted with undergraduate students (n=1,131) from a Brazilian public university. In 2011 and 2013, questionnaires identified and completed in person were applied assessing the regular consumption of foods that were markers of healthy or unhealthy diet, partaking of lunch, dinner and replacement of lunch and/or dinner with a snack. Changes in regular food practices were examined by the individual trajectory of each student versus the studied practices obtained by combining the responses from the questionnaires. The analysis of the association between UR attendance and trajectory was carried out using multiple logistic regression models. An association was observed (95%CI non-overlapping) with greater UR attendance and a higher chance of a positive trajectory for dinner and lunch, and consumption of beans, vegetables, raw vegetables fruit, cookies, packaged salty snacks, hamburgers and candies, and a lower chance of a negative trajectory for beans, raw vegetables, and fried snacks. The implementation of the UR promoted a significant improvement in the diet of conscientious students.

Avaliar possíveis diferenças nas trajetórias alimentares de estudantes segundo assiduidade ao Restaurante Universitário (RU) e forma de ingresso na universidade. Experimento natural com graduandos (n=1.131) de uma universidade pública brasileira. Em 2011 e 2013 foram aplicados questionários identificados e autopreenchidos presencialmente sobre consumo regular de alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável ou não saudável, realização do almoço, jantar e substituição de almoço e/ou jantar por lanche. A variação das práticas alimentares regulares foi avaliada pela trajetória individual de cada estudante obtida pela combinação das respostas nos dois questionários. A análise da associação entre a assiduidade ao RU e a trajetória (positiva ou negativa) foi feita por meio de modelos de regressão logística múltipla. Observou-se associação (IC95% não sobrepostos) entre maior assiduidade ao RU e maior chance de trajetória positiva para realização de jantar e de almoço e para consumo de feijão, hortaliças, hortaliças cruas, frutas, biscoito de pacote, hambúrguer/embutidos e guloseimas e menor chance de trajetória negativa para feijão, hortaliças cruas e salgados fritos. A implementação do RU promoveu significativa melhoria da alimentação dos estudantes assíduos a ele, tanto cotistas quanto não cotistas.

Validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade de instrumento de avaliação do ambiente alimentar universitário / Content validity and reliability of a university food environment assessment instrument

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a validade de conteúdo e a confiabilidade de um instrumento de auditoria para avaliação do ambiente alimentar universitário. Foi desenvolvido checklist para a avaliação de estabelecimentos que comercializavam alimentos e bebidas neste ambiente. A validação de conteúdo abarcou o desenvolvimento do instrumento, a análise por especialistas e a realização do pré-teste. A confiabilidade foi avaliada em uma amostra de conveniência (n=64) de estabelecimentos distribuídos em sete campi de três universidades públicas e foi realizada pelos testes interobservador (TIO) e teste-reteste (TR). Variáveis categóricas e de contagem foram analisadas pelo cálculo da concordância percentual (CP) e dos índices kappa (k) e kappa ajustado pela prevalência e pelo viés (ka) e variáveis contínuas, pelo Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). O checklist foi composto por 204 itens distribuídos em sete domínios. O desempenho do instrumento foi considerado excelente ou muito bom para 91,3% (CP) dos itens quando avaliados. No TIO 68,3% (k) e 96,5% (ka) tiveram concordância excelente, muito boa ou boa, enquanto no TR 65% tiveram concordância excelente para o k e 96,5% para o ka. O instrumento apresentou validade de conteúdo e confiabilidade satisfatórias.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the content validity and reliability of an instrument for evaluating the university food environment. A checklist was developed to assess establishments that sell food and beverages in the university environment. The content validation encompassed the development of the instrument, expert evaluation and pretest performance. Reliability was evaluated using a convenience sample (n=64) of establishments distributed across seven campuses of three public universities and was carried out using interobserver (IO) and test-retest (TR) evaluations. Categorical and count variables were analyzed by calculating the percentage agreement (PA), kappa coefficient (k) and prevalence-adjusted, bias-adjusted kappa (ka), and continuous variables were analyzed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The checklist consisted of 204 items distributed in seven domains. The instrument's performance was considered excellent or very good for 91.3% (PA) of the items when evaluated. For IO, 68.3% (k) and 96.5% (ka) had excellent, very good or good agreement, while for TR, 65% (k) and 96.5% (ka) had excellent agreement. The instrument showed satisfactory content validity and reliability for characterizing the food environment at Brazilian universities.

Trajetória de mudanças das práticas alimentares de estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira / Trajectory of changes in dietary habits of students from a Brazilian public university

Resumo Avaliar possíveis diferenças nas trajetórias alimentares de estudantes segundo assiduidade ao Restaurante Universitário (RU) e forma de ingresso na universidade. Experimento natural com graduandos (n=1.131) de uma universidade pública brasileira. Em 2011 e 2013 foram aplicados questionários identificados e autopreenchidos presencialmente sobre consumo regular de alimentos marcadores de alimentação saudável ou não saudável, realização do almoço, jantar e substituição de almoço e/ou jantar por lanche. A variação das práticas alimentares regulares foi avaliada pela trajetória individual de cada estudante obtida pela combinação das respostas nos dois questionários. A análise da associação entre a assiduidade ao RU e a trajetória (positiva ou negativa) foi feita por meio de modelos de regressão logística múltipla. Observou-se associação (IC95% não sobrepostos) entre maior assiduidade ao RU e maior chance de trajetória positiva para realização de jantar e de almoço e para consumo de feijão, hortaliças, hortaliças cruas, frutas, biscoito de pacote, hambúrguer/embutidos e guloseimas e menor chance de trajetória negativa para feijão, hortaliças cruas e salgados fritos. A implementação do RU promoveu significativa melhoria da alimentação dos estudantes assíduos a ele, tanto cotistas quanto não cotistas.

Abstract The scope of this study was to evaluate possible differences in dietary trajectories of students according to their attendance at a University Restaurant (UR) and the basis for their admission to the university. It was an experiment conducted with undergraduate students (n=1,131) from a Brazilian public university. In 2011 and 2013, questionnaires identified and completed in person were applied assessing the regular consumption of foods that were markers of healthy or unhealthy diet, partaking of lunch, dinner and replacement of lunch and/or dinner with a snack. Changes in regular food practices were examined by the individual trajectory of each student versus the studied practices obtained by combining the responses from the questionnaires. The analysis of the association between UR attendance and trajectory was carried out using multiple logistic regression models. An association was observed (95%CI non-overlapping) with greater UR attendance and a higher chance of a positive trajectory for dinner and lunch, and consumption of beans, vegetables, raw vegetables fruit, cookies, packaged salty snacks, hamburgers and candies, and a lower chance of a negative trajectory for beans, raw vegetables, and fried snacks. The implementation of the UR promoted a significant improvement in the diet of conscientious students.

Evaluation of the Relationships between Simple Anthropometric Measures and Bioelectrical Impedance Assessment Variables with Multivariate Linear Regression Models to Estimate Body Composition and Fat Distribution in Adults: Preliminary Results.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are conditions associated with sedentary lifestyle and accumulation of abdominal fat, determining increased mortality, favoring chronic diseases, and increasing cardiovascular risk. Although the evaluation of body composition and fat distribution are highly relevant, the high cost of the gold standard techniques limits their wide utilization. Therefore, the aim of this work was to explore the relationships between simple anthropometric measures and BIA variables using multivariate linear regression models to estimate body composition and fat distribution in adults. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, sixty-eight adult individuals (20 males and 48 females) were subjected to bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), anthropometric measurements (waist circumference (WC), neck circumference (NC), mid-arm circumference (MAC)), allowing the calculation of conicity index (C-index), fat mass/fat-free mass (FM/FFM) ratios, body mass index (BMI) and body shape index (ABSI). Statistical analyzes were performed with the R program. Nonparametric Statistical tests were applied to compare the characteristics of participants of the groups (normal weight, overweight and obese). For qualitative variables, the Fisher's exact test was applied, and for quantitative variables, the paired Wilcoxon signed-rank test. To evaluate the linear association between each pair of variables, the Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated, and Multivariate linear regression models were adjusted using the stepwise variable selection method, with Akaike Information Criterion (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: BIA variables with the highest correlations with anthropometric measures were total body water (TBW), body fat percentage (BFP), FM, FFM and FM/FFM. The multiple linear regression analysis showed, in general, that the same variables can be estimated through simple anthropometric measures. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of fat distribution in the body is desirable for the diagnosis and definition of obesity severity. However, the high cost of the instruments (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, hydrostatic weighing, air displacement plethysmography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance) to assess it, favors the use of BMI in the clinical practice. Nevertheless, BMI does not represent a real fat distribution and body fat percentage. This highlights the relevance of the findings of the current study, since simple anthropometric variables can be used to estimate important BIA variables that are related to fat distribution and body composition.

Is relative fat mass a better indicator of high blood pressure levels when compared to other anthropometric indexes?

INTRODUCTION: Background: relative fat mass (RFM) has been proposed recently, and the effectiveness in relation to other anthropometric indexes already consolidated regarding the predictive capacity of high blood pressure levels (HBPL) has not been investigated yet. Objectives: the objective was to analyze the predictive capacity of RFM for HBPL, and to compare it with others indexes. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 896 individuals. Weight, height, hip, waist circunference (WC), and neck circunference measurements were evaluated, and RFM, body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index, waist/hip ratio, and waist/height ratio were calculated. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressures were measured on one occasion. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, a logistic regression model, and the analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used. Results: HBPL proportion was higher in men (34.68 %, p < 0.01). There was a positive correlation (p < 0.01) between all anthropometric measurements and SBP and DBP. WC in males (OR, 3.66; p < 0.01) and BMI in females (OR, 5.06; p < 0.01) showed the greatest associations with HBPL. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) in the area under the curve. Conclusions: the findings of our study suggest that RFM is not the best index for predicting HBPL, although it has shown positive associations.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: se ha propuesto recientemente la medida de la masa grasa relativa (RFM) como predictor de la hipertensión arterial (HBPL), aunque su valor predictivo y la comparación con otros índices antropométricos está por evaluar. Objetivos: el objetivo fue analizar la capacidad predictiva de la RFM para el HBPL y compararlo con otros índices. Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal con 896 individuos. Se evaluaron las medidas de peso, talla, cadera, circunferencia de la cadera (CC) y circunferencia del cuello, y se calcularon la RFM, el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice de adiposidad corporal, la relación cintura/cadera y la relación cintura/estatura. En una ocasión se midió la presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y diastólica (PAD); se utilizaron la estadística descriptiva, la correlación de Pearson, un modelo de regresión logística y el análisis de las curvas Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC). Resultados: la proporción de HBPL fue mayor en los hombres (34,68 %; p < 0,01). Hubo una correlación positiva (p < 0.01) entre todas las medidas antropométricas y PAS y PAD. La CC en los hombres (OR: 3,66; p < 0,01) y el IMC en las mujeres (OR: 5,06; p < 0,01) mostraron las mayores asociaciones con los HBPL. No hubo diferencia estadística (p > 0.05) en el área bajo la curva. Conclusiones: los hallazgos de nuestro estudio sugieren que la RFM no es el mejor índice para predecir el HBPL, aunque ha mostrado asociaciones positivas.

Development and Application of Healthiness Indicators for Commercial Establishments That Sell Foods for Immediate Consumption.

Studies of food environments lack easy-to-apply indicators for their characterization and monitoring. This study aimed to create and assess the applicability of an a priori classification of establishments that sell foods for immediate consumption and to develop and apply indicators for assessment of the establishments' healthiness. The indicators were grouped by the types of foods sold most frequently at these establishments, according to the extent and purpose of the foods' industrial processing. Four indicators were developed, based on the availability of unprocessed/minimally processed foods (MPF) and ultra-processed foods (UPF) in the establishments. The classification and indicators were applied to commercial food establishments at two Brazilian universities. Descriptive analyses were performed to characterize the food environment for all the establishments and by university. Two proportion indicators assess the relative availability of subgroups of MPF and UPF. The UPF/MPF ratio expresses the relative advantage/disadvantage of the availability of MPF compared to that of UPF. The Healthiness Index or summary score expresses the availability of MPF and the unavailability of UPF. The classification and indicators present good discriminatory power and are easy to operationalize, interpret, and adapt.

Relato de Experiência: Percurso e desafios para adesão municipal ao Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional / Experience Report: Paths and challenges of a municipality to join the National Food and Nutrition Security System

Introdução: O Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional possibilita a gestão intersetorial e participativa, e a articulação entre os entes federados para a implementação das políticas promotoras de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional. Objetivos: Relatar a experiência municipal de Duque de Caxias-RJ para adesão ao Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional e as principais perspectivas e desafios após essa conquista. Métodos e Resultados: No percurso para adesão ao sistema, os técnicos do Departamento de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional Sustentável realizaram ações para efetivação da Política de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional desde 2009, quando foi realizado o primeiro encontro com gestores municipais para mapear as ações, até 2015, quando foram publicadas a Lei Orgânica de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional e a Lei do Conselho de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional do município de Duque de Caxias revisadas. Além disso, foi realizado um encontro com secretários municipais visando criar a Câmara Intersetorial de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional, instância responsável pela elaboração do Plano Municipal de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional. Após árduo trabalho, Duque de Caxias formalizou a criação da Câmara e instituiu os membros de dez secretarias afetas ao tema. Em 2016, após esse longo percurso, o município obteve a adesão ao Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional de forma pioneira no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Alcançada essa etapa, as principais expectativas foram o fomento à participação social, o fortalecimento da intersetorialidade juntamente com debate sobre a alocação de recursos municipais, e o acesso aos recursos federais. Conclusão: O cenário nacional mudou o que se refletiu nos demais entes federados. Mesmo diante de tantos desafios, ter (e manter) todas as instâncias que compõem o Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional em nível municipal é de extrema importância para a efetivação do Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada. (AU)

Introduction: The National Food and Nutrition Security System permits intersectoral and participatory management, and the articulation between the affiliated entities to implement and promote its policies. Objectives: To report the experience of the municipality of Duque de Caxias/RJ to join the National Food and Nutrition Security System and the main subsequent prospects and challenges. Methods and Results: Since 2009, towards adhering to the system, technicians of the Department of Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security carried out actions to establish the Food and Nutrition Security Policy. These continued from the first meeting held with municipal managers to map the actions, up to 2015 when the Organic Law on Food and Nutrition Security and the Law of the Security Council of the municipality of Duque de Caxias on Food and Nutrition were published. In addition, a meeting was held with municipal secretariats to create the Intersectoral Chamber of Food and Nutrition Security, the body responsible for the preparation of the Municipal Plan for Food and Nutrition Security. After hard work, Duque de Caxias formalised the creation of the Chamber and instated the members of ten secretariats associated to the plan. After such a long journey, in 2016, the municipality pioneered the affiliation to the National System of Food and Nutritional Security in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Conclusion: The main aspirations were the promotion of social participation, the strengthening of intersectoral work along with a debate on the allocation of municipal resources, and access to federal resources. The national scenario changed also affecting federated entities. Even in the face of so many challenges, to forge and maintain all the rankings of the National System of Food and Nutrition Security at the municipal level is extremely important for the fulfillment of the Human Right to Adequate Food. (AU)