Knowledge and awareness about and use of iodised salt among students in Germany and Greece.

BACKGROUND: Iodine is an essential trace element, which is important for human metabolism, growth and mental development. Iodine deficiency may still occur in Europe and the use of iodised salt is an effective measure to enhance iodine intake. Knowledge and awareness about the importance of iodine in nutrition and health can have a positive impact on the use of iodised salt. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the knowledge about and use of iodised salt among university students in two European countries. METHOD: Data from two countries (Germany and Greece) were extracted from a multi-centre cross-sectional survey, conducted among non-nutrition science/non-medical students from October 2018 to April 2019. RESULTS: Among the 359 participants in Germany (35% females, median age: 22 years) and the 403 participants in Greece (51% females, median age: 21 years), 41% and 37%, respectively, reported use of iodised salt at home. Users and non-users did not differ by age, gender and Body Mass Index or general interest in nutrition in both cohorts. However, those who had a better knowledge about iodine and (iodised) salt or had previously attended nutrition classes were more likely to report iodised salt usage. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that strengthening the imparting of nutritional information and additional education of young adults are needed and may improve knowledge about and usage of iodised salt.

Factors Affecting Greek Nurses' Caring Behaviors: The Role of Nurses' Spirituality and the Spiritual Climate of Hospitals.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of nurses' personality, spirituality, and spiritual care in nurses' caring behaviors. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals, located in Athens, Greece. Data were collected by a four-part self-reported questionnaire. The results showed that work experience seems to play an important and positive role on nurses' caring behaviors, and all personality traits, except neuroticism. Also, spirituality and spiritual climate are significant factors predicting nurses' caring behaviors. Moreover, a hospitals' spiritual climate can positively influence all domains of nursing care (p < 0.001). Nurses spirituality (faith) and hospital spiritual climate can also positively influence nursing care.

The Effect of Emotional Intelligence on Caring Behaviors Among Psychiatric Nurses in Greece : Emotional Intelligence and Caring Behaviors in Mental Healthcare.

The effect of emotional intelligence in the field of mental health is of particular interest, as it is an intensely emotional field. The nursing staff has as an object the healthcare of people with mental problems, where emotions and their management are key factors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of emotional intelligence and caring behaviors among mental health nurses as well as the correlation between these variables. In this cross-sectional study, 191 nurses completed the tools Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF) and the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 scale (CBI-24) for assessing the degree of emotional intelligence and caring behaviors, respectively. Demographic and job characteristics were recorded. Results: The results showed that the majority of participants were female and the average age was 44.69 years. According to the total but also the individual scoring of the TEIQue-SF, emotional intelligence was found to be at a relatively high level (total mean: 4.92) and was associated directly (r = 0.448, p < 0.001) with the frequency of caring behaviors of the CBI-24 which was found to be at a fairly high level (total mean 5.08). The study findings showed that as the overall emotional intelligence increased, the frequency of occurrence and the importance of behavioral behaviors increased.

Attitudes and Smoking Prevalence Among Undergraduate Students in Central Greece.

Tobacco smoking is a major public health problem globally. The vast majority of smokers start smoking early. The hazards of smoking depend on a plethora of factors such as the age one starts to smoke, number of cigarettes smoked per day, nicotine, and filter type of the cigarette among other factors. According to the World Health Organization, most tobacco-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Undergraduate students are an important part of the general population, and their life conditions, smoking rates, and the knowledge, attitudes, and exposure to smoking (including secondhand smoke) are an interesting topic for investigation. The aim of the present study is to investigate undergraduate university students' smoking attitudes as well as the prevalence of smoking and their exposure to secondary smoke. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 600 undergraduate students in Central Greece. Anonymous self-report-adjusted questionnaires were distributed in students of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly. The total prevalence of tobacco smoking was 35%, while the majority of the smokers were females (65%). Fifty-three of the participants reported daily exposure to secondary smoke inside their houses, and 45% of them reported daily exposure to secondary smoke in their work.

Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and Sunscreen Use Are Associated with Inadequate Vitamin D Status in Greek Adults in Winter : BMI, Sunscreen Use and Vitamin D Status in Greek Adults.

Vitamin D deficiency is common even in sunny countries like Greece, especially during winter and is associated with skeletal disorders and additionally with increased risk for chronic diseases and adipose metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. The purpose of this pilot study was the determination of vitamin D status in Greek adults and the investigation of possible correlation with lifestyles and somatometric characteristics. The study was conducted during winter and included 36 members (20 women and 16 men) of a university community in central Greece (latitude 39.6° North). Their age was 36.2 ± 16.3 years, body mass index (BMI) 26.4 ± 4.8 (women 26.6 ± 5.6, men 26.3 ± 3.8), and waist circumference 85.7 ± 13.3 cm (women 81.5 ± 13.0, men 90.7 ± 12.4) (mean ± SD). Mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 20.1 ± 7.3 ng/mL (women 19.7 ± 7.6, men 20.7 ± 7.1). More than half of the participants had 25(OH)D levels below the 20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L) threshold of deficiency. There was a significant negative association between the use of sunscreen during summer and serum 25(OH)D concentrations during winter and a significant positive association between physical exercise and serum 25(OH)D. Levels of 25(OH)D tended to decrease with increasing BMI in persons with a BMI over 25.0. There is a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in Greek adults during winter. Serum 25(OH)D levels in winter are positively associated with exercise and negatively associated with high BMI and the use of sunscreen during summer.

Dietary Supplementation Practices Among Undergraduate Students in Greece During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Association with COVID-19-related Anxiety.

Background: Despite the lack of evidence-based guidance on supplement use for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, consumption of dietary supplements has been shown to increase in many countries. Objective: This study aimed to explore the use of dietary supplements among undergraduate students. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between May and June 2021, involving a total of 536 participants (57.8% female) aged between 18-30 years in two university towns in central and northern Greece. Two validated questionnaires were used regarding dietary supplements and stress during COVID-19. Results: The prevalence of dietary supplement use was 67.5%. The three most popular supplements consumed were vitamin C (65.2%), followed by vitamin D (58.3%), and multivitamin and mineral supplements (56.9%). The use of CAS-5 indicated that 13.1% of students were classified as having dysfunctional anxiety due to COVID-19 (CAS-5 score ≥5). Logistic regression analysis showed that those who exhibited CAS-5 ≥5 were over two times more likely to consume supplements compared to no-stress participants (OR 2.29, 95%CI: 1.09-4.82). Particularly vitamin D use was associated with CAS score ≥5 (OR 2.18, 95%CI 1.22-3.89) a finding that was not observed with other types of dietary supplements. Conclusion: Women, passive smokers, and those who believe that DS are necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic were also more likely to consume dietary supplements. The use of dietary supplements is widespread among Greek students. Future studies should be conducted to monitor whether these increases in DS use are maintained.

The Use of Dietary Supplements and Their Association with COVID-19-Related Anxiety among Non-Institutionalized Elderly in Northern Greece.

The elderly constitute a vulnerable group for increased anxiety and poor diet during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited research on the levels of COVID-19-related anxiety and dietary habits including dietary supplementation practices among the elderly and very elderly in Greece. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 364 non-institutionalized elderly (65-74 y) and very elderly (≥75 y) living in northern Greece, with the aim to investigate the use of dietary supplements and their association with other factors, particularly the COVID-19-related anxiety. Levels of anxiety were assessed with the use of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS-5). The percentage of dietary supplement users was 62.6%. The most popular dietary supplements used were vitamin D followed by vitamin C and multivitamin and mineral supplements. Multivariate analysis showed that the very elderly and overweight individuals were less likely to consume vitamin D supplements. Approximately a third of the participants (33.8%) exhibited signs of COVID-19-related anxiety but only 8% showed dysfunctional levels of anxiety. Regression analysis indicated that women, former smokers, and people exhibiting any sign of COVID-19 anxiety were approximately two times more likely to consume dietary supplements of any kind (Gender: OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.30-4.19; Smoking: OR 2.15, 95% CI: 1.08-4.26; COVID-19 anxiety: OR 2.16, 95 % CI: 1.20-3.91). Our results provide useful insights into the current practices of dietary supplement use in this population group and could be used by dietetic and medical associations as well as public authorities in the formulation of targeted, safe, and effective interventions for the protection of public health.

D-ROMs and PAT Tests Reveal a High Level of Oxidative Stress in Patients with Severe Well-Controlled Asthma, and D-ROMs Are Positively Correlated with R20 Values That Indicate Approximate Central Airway Resistance.

BACKGROUND: The derivatives-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and plasma antioxidant capacity (PAT) tests are oxidative indexes. Severe asthma has been related to oxidative stress. We aimed to investigate d-ROMs and PAT values in severely controlled asthmatics and the correlation of these values with lung function. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from severely controlled asthmatics and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min. The supernatant was collected. The assays were performed within three hours of collection. The fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), impulse oscillometry (IOS), and spirometry were determined. Symptom control was recorded using the asthma control test (ACT). RESULTS: Approximately 40 patients with severe controlled asthma (75%: women), mean age of 62 ± 12 years, were recruited. Approximately 5% had obstructive spirometry. The IOS revealed airway abnormalities even though the spirometric results were within the normal range, with it being more sensitive than spirometry. The D-ROMs and PAT test values were higher than normal, indicating oxidative stress in severe asthmatics with controlled asthma. D-ROMs were positively correlated with R20 values, indicating central airway resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The IOS technique revealed an otherwise hidden airway obstruction with spirometry. The D-ROMs and PAT tests revealed a high level of oxidative stress in severe controlled asthmatics. D-ROMs correlate with R20, indicating central airway resistance.

Physical Health-Related Quality of Life in Relation to Mediterranean Diet Adherence in a Sample of Greek Asthma Patients: A Pilot Study.

The role of nutrition in the management of asthma in obese patients is of increasing interest due to their limited response to inhaled corticosteroids. Some studies note that through diet and lifestyle, there can be an improvement in asthma control. The aim of the present study was to investigate the adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and its association with asthma severity and quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma. This is a cross-sectional study of 85 patients (70.6% female), with a mean age of 57 years, from the General University Hospital of Larissa and, more specifically, patients of the outpatient asthma clinic. Data were collected with the use of specific questionnaires. In relation to BMI, 12.9% of participants were of a normal weight, 45.9% were overweight, 25.9% were obese level I, 5.9% were obese level II, and 9.4% were in the morbidly obese range. Based on the Med Diet Score (ranging from 21 to 35), most participants (85.9%) reported moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Further analysis examined the correlations of the PCS-12 score with the frequency of consumption of each of the 11 food categories, as well as all demographic and health behavior variables. The ranked correlations indicated a significant relationship between PCS-12 score and Med Diet adherence and the consumption of alcoholic beverages (r = 0.437, p < 0.05), in accordance with the Mediterranean Diet suggestions, as well as a negative relationship with BMI score (r = -0.454, p < 0.010). Moreover, significant correlations were also present between the physical quality of life and AQLQ score and work type, as well as gender, age, and marital status. The results of our study showed a high rate of obesity in patients with asthma at the General University Hospital of Larissa and moderate adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Increased BMI and alcoholic beverage consumption in asthma patients were significant predictors of lower physical health-related quality of life. In conclusion, personal and society-level interventions are required to effectively address obesity and poor diet in patients with asthma.

Pertinence of Salt-Related Knowledge and Reported Behaviour on Salt Intake in Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The association between salt-related knowledge, attitude, behaviour (KAB) and actual salt consumption in Greek adults is uncertain. This study investigates the correlation between salt intake, gauged by 24-h urinary sodium excretion, with salt-related KAB. It further explores how socio-demographic factors influence these behaviors. Salt consumption was evaluated using a 24-h urinary sodium test, and compared to self-reported KAB data. Knowledge and behavior scores related to salt were computed. An overall cohort-adjusted model examined the relationship between daily salt consumption, knowledge and behavior scores, and certain covariates. Through the stratification by the cohort random effect, two models were established (Cohort I Adults; Cohort II Students) examining the same relationships of the overall cohort model. 463 Greek adults participated. The average salt intake was 9.54 g/day, nearly double the WHO recommendation. Significant differences in knowledge scores were noted based on sex, age, education, and BMI. A trend suggesting lower discretionary salt use with increased salt intake was observed (p = 0.06). However, comprehensive analysis revealed no direct correlation between salt intake and either knowledge (p = 0.562) or behavior scores (p = 0.210). The results emphasize the need for food product reforms by industry stakeholders and accelerated efforts towards reducing salt intake.

Sugars, Alcohol, and Caffeine Intake From Drinks Among Outpatients With Mental Health Disorders in Greece: A Pilot Study.

Background and aim Excessive intake of sugars and energy from drinks has been postulated to increase the risk of obesity, which may in turn be associated with mental health disorders. In addition, excessive intakes of alcohol and caffeine may co-occur with psychiatric disorders. The purpose of the present pilot study was to estimate energy, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intakes through the consumption of drinks in patients with schizophrenia and affective disorders and assess potential differences in drink consumption between the two disorders. Methodology The current study included 89 outpatients with schizophrenia (n = 36) and affective disorders (n = 53) attending the psychiatric clinic of the University General Hospital of Larissa (UGHL) in Greece. In addition to anthropometric measurements, the patients were asked to complete a specific, previously validated questionnaire on the frequency of drink consumption in order to estimate sugar, caffeine, and alcohol intakes. Results The participants had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.9 ± 5.6 kg/m2 without significant differences between the two types of mental disorders. Similarly, the mean waist circumference (102.6 ± 15.7 cm) and mean body fat percentage (32.9% ± 10.8%) were above the recommended values. The total energy intake from drinks was more than a third of the estimated daily energy requirements. Although there was no significant difference in the mean daily caffeine intake, those with affective disorders had a significantly higher intake of sugars from drinks (median (Mdn) = 80.0 (interquartile range (IQR) = 89.8) g/day) and alcohol (Mdn = 45.6 (IQR = 31.1) g/day), compared to those with schizophrenia (Mdn = 60.0 (IQR = 45.4) g/day and Mdn = 24.9 (IQR = 19.8) g/day, respectively). Conclusions Considering the link between high sugar and alcohol intake with excess body weight and mental health, these preliminary data are of particular concern and point to the need for better dietary counseling in order to improve the dietary behaviors of these patients.

The effect of hospital ethical climate on nurses' work-related quality of life: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Hospital ethical climate (HEC) has been associated with nurses' interprofessional collaboration, moral decision-making and judgment, job satisfaction, and job burnout. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effect of hospitals' ethical climate on nurses' quality of working life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed and 286 nurses from two hospitals in Athens participated in the study from January to February 2020. The data collected using a three-part self-administrated questionnaire were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences 25 (SPSS). RESULTS: According to the results, the staff nurses working on rotating shifts reported poorer Work-Related Quality of Life (WrQoL). Positive correlations were observed between age, control at work, and home-work interface, between the period of time the nurses were working in a specific department with the dimensions of the ethical climate scale, and between almost all the HEC aspects with WRQoL subscales. Only the domain of stress at work had fewer and less significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Health authorities and hospital managers should provide the necessary ground for the institutionalization of professional ethics by creating an appropriate ethical climate. A positive ethical climate may lead to a better working environment with less distress for health professionals and better quality of care for the patients.

Guideline Daily Amounts Versus Nutri-Score Labeling: Perceptions of Greek Consumers About Front-of-Pack Label.

Nutrition information is becoming more urgent than ever so that consumers can make informed choices when buying food. This study aimed to investigate consumers' perceptions and behavior of the front-of-pack label (FOPL), between two specific labeling systems, the Nutri-Score and the Guideline Daily Amounts (GDA). This is a post hoc analysis of data from a previous, more extensive cross-sectional study conducted from April 2021 to June 2021. A total of 510 participants were included in the study, of whom 49.6% were women. Participants' perceptions were assessed in nine questions on a five-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree, 5=strongly agree). Multivariate variance analysis (MANOVA) was performed to test the effects of the label GDA vs. Nutri-Score on the overall positive and negative perceptions. We found that the Nutri-Score label was significantly more understandable (p=0.003), clear, visible, and preferable (p<0.001) than the GDA label, which required more time to be understood. The findings indicate that the interpretive label, Nutri-Score, was superior to the non-interpretive label GDA, in terms of consumers' perception, more visibility, less time-consuming, and reliability. The FOPL can improve the ability of consumers in Greece to understand the healthfulness of food products.

Comment on Muzzioli et al. Are Front-of-Pack Labels a Health Policy Tool? Nutrients 2022, 14, 771.

As scientists working and publishing in the field of front-of-pack nutrition labelling (FOPNL) for many years, we have read with interest and concern the narrative review regarding their effectiveness by Muzzioli et al. [...].

Emotional Intelligence and Professional Boredom among Nursing Personnel in Greece.

Occupational (professional) boredom results in low performance at work. It has been positively associated with high levels of anxiety and depression as well as premature death. However, occupational boredom has not been extensively studied among working nurses. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between emotional intelligence and occupational boredom in nurses working in both public (52.9%) and private (47.1%) health units in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 189 nurses (84.7% females) with an average age of 40 years. Emotional intelligence was evaluated with the use of The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form and Professional boredom was assessed with the use of the Boredom Proneness Scale. The majority of Nurses showed relatively high values of total Emotional Intelligence (EI), and marginally low values of overall Professional Boredom. A statistically significant negative correlation was found between the overall Professional Boredom of Nurses and the Well-being, Self-control, Emotionality and Sociability subscales of EI, as well as total EI (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that the three dimensions of EI (Well-being, Self-Control and Emotionality) explained 39.0% of the variability of the total Professional Boredom of the working Nurses.

Online Consumer Survey Comparing Different Front-of-Pack Labels in Greece.

According to the WHO, front-of-pack nutrition labeling provides simplified nutrition information in the form of symbols, colors or words that can help consumers understand the nutritional quality of food, thus leading them to healthier food choices. It is considered of the utmost importance to explore the knowledge and understanding of consumers about this form of nutrition labeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the understanding and perceptions of Greek consumers in response to five different front-of-pack nutrition labels (FoPLs): the Multiple Traffic Lights, Health Star Rating System, Guideline Daily Amounts, Warning Symbols and Nutri-Score. From April 2021 to June 2021, 1278 participants from Greece took part in an online survey where they were asked to rank three products according to their nutritional quality. The classification process was performed first without FoPLs and then with FoPLs. The ability to classify products according to their nutritional quality was evaluated with multinomial logistic regression models, and the Nutri-Score label presented greater improvements when compared to the GDA label for Greek consumers. The Nutri-Score seemed to better help the Greek consumers rank foods according to their nutritional value.

Frailty and Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults.

Older people often feel weak and have limited physical activity and walking capacity, without energy. These characteristics meet the conditions for the onset of the frailty syndrome. The effect that frailty syndrome can have on the elderly's quality of life (QOL) status has not been sufficiently explored, especially in the Greek population. This study aims to investigate the correlation between frailty and QOL in a community population of elderly people with independent living. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. The study sample consisted of 257 elderly people from three Open Care Centers for the Elderly Population of the Municipality of Grevena, Greece. The Tilburg Frailty Indicator was used to measure frailty in elderly people and the World Health Organization QOL-BREF was used to assess the health-related QOL of older people. The majority of elderly people showed relatively low overall frailty score (mean: 5.44). The elderly people had relatively high QoL assessment values and general satisfaction with their health condition. The obtained results show a statistically significant negative relationship between (i) physical frailty, psychological frailty, and all dimensions of QOL, (ii) social frailty and social relationships, and (iii) total frailty and all dimensions of QOL. Consequently, despite an average age of 75.12 years and higher female participation, the study population was not very frail and were satisfied with their QOL. Frailty has a negative effect in all QOL domains.

Knowledge, attitude and behaviour of university students regarding salt and iodine: a multicentre cross-sectional study in six countries in Europe and Asia.

BACKGROUND: Strategies to reduce salt intake are encouraged to be implemented in parallel with those that aim to ensure iodine adequacy at the population level. The aim of the present study was to assess and compare knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to salt and iodine among students in Europe and Asia. METHODS: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted with 2459 university students in total (42.7% males, median age 21 years) from four countries in Europe and two countries in Asia. Data were collected with the use of a self-administered questionnaire, and univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to explore any association between variables. RESULTS: Only 6.5% of all participants knew the correct salt recommendations. Nearly a quarter of them (24.4%) found salt recommendations confusing and/or contradictory. There were significant differences between European and Asian participants, with those from Europe being better informed about salt recommendations, but significantly less knowledgeable about iodine. The reported frequency of use of salt and salt-containing sauces either at the table or for cooking, as well as knowledge about ways to reduce salt intake among those who indicated to make conscious efforts to do so, differed significantly between countries. Significant differences between countries were also observed with respect to the type of salt used, with about one third of all participants (34%) not being aware of the kind of salt they used. CONCLUSION: The results of this survey highlight serious salt- and iodine-related knowledge gaps among university students in Europe and Asia. Raising awareness and conducting information campaigns is needed to promote changes in behaviour that would result in a reduction of salt intake and conscious use of iodised salt at the individual level.

The Effect of Spirituality on Mental Health Among Hypertensive Elderly People: A Cross-sectional Community-based Study.

INTRODUCTION: Elderly suffering from hypertension may also experience other psychological disorders in their daily life, such as depression and anxiety. Moreover, they use spiritual practices to relieve symptoms or comorbidities of hypertension. All these practices produce a calming effect on them. AIM: This study aims at investigating the relation between spirituality and mental health among older adults with hypertension and their sociodemographic characteristics. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in Greece. A questionnaire consisting of the sociodemographic characteristics, the FACIT-Sp-12 scale and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28) was completed by a total of 134 hypertensive elderly (≥65 years of age) persons. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 42,5% males and 57,5% females, aged 65 to 95 years, with a mean age of 78,38 years (SD= 6,68). A statistically significant correlation was found between FACIT-Sp-12 total score and the "physical discomfort (r=-0,562 p<0.001), "anxiety" (r=-0,735 p<0.001), "social disfunctioning" (r=-0,650 p<0.001), "depression" (r=-0,735 p<0.001) and the total score of GHQ-28 (r=-0,735 p<0.001). Specifically, the higher the total score of spirituality among older hypertensive adults the lower the rates of psychosomatic disorders and the total burden of mental health (and vice versa). CONCLUSION: Results showed that younger elderly, living in urban areas and not experiencing any other chronic health conditions, have higher levels of spirituality compared to older. Also, a negative correlation was found between spirituality and mental health.

Development and relative validity of a self-administered semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire, validated in a population of university students.

AIM: Drinks can contribute to energy as well as micro- and macro-nutrient intake. Drink-specific, validated, quick and easy to administer questionnaires are needed to monitor secular trends in beverage consumption for different populations. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to develop and validate a drink-specific questionnaire for the Greek population. METHODS: A 41-item semi-quantitative drinks frequency questionnaire (DFQ) was developed and validated against 7-day weighed food records, among young Greek adults. Wilcoxon ranks tests, Kendall tau-b correlations and Bland-Altman plot were used to compare the two methods. Fifty-nine Greek University students (28 males, 31 females) completed both methods. RESULTS: No difference was observed in total drinks intake between the two methods. The Bland-Altman plot showed that the two methods are likely to agree concerning the total drinks intake. Wilcoxon's rank test showed no significant differences between the two methods, except for the 'whiskey/vodka/gin' intake (P < 0.001). 'Good' agreement (tau-b > 0.61) was observed for most DFQ items, including low-fat and chocolate milk, hot chocolate, Greek/espresso coffee, commercial tea, packaged fruit juices, wine, alcohol-free beer, light cola-type drinks and water (tap/bottled/sparkling). 'Low' agreement (<0.30) was noted for filtered/instant/iced coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice and some alcoholic drinks (beer/whiskey/vodka/gin). CONCLUSIONS: The DFQ appears to be an overall valid means of estimating the habitual intake of drinks in large-scale epidemiological surveys. The study supports the use of DFQ for assessing drinks consumption patterns and secular trends.