Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Is Associated with Health-Related Quality of Life and Anthropometric Measurements in University Professors.

The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) according to the anthropometric measurements of teaching and research staff (TRS) at the University of Granada (UGR), Spain. This diagnostic, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and observational study was performed on university lecturers (65 women and 62 men) using a correlational descriptive methodology. The lecturers' anthropometric measurements were taken, while MD adherence was determined using the PREvention with MEDiterranean diet (PREDIMED) questionnaire. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used for measuring HRQOL. Better results for body composition were associated with improvements in the physical and mental dimensions and MD adherence. Statistically significant differences were found between sexes, with men showing higher values for weight, height, waist circumference, BMI, waist/hip ratio (WHR), muscle mass, and systolic and diastolic pressure than women. Similarly, MD adherence was positively correlated with vitality (r = 0.233; p = 0.009), social functioning (r = 0.229; p = 0.008), and the mental component summary (r = 0.205; p = 0.021). The regression model determined that the mental component summary (ß = 0.239, p = 0.041), diastolic pressure (PD) (ß = -0.473, p < 0.000), fat percentage (FP) (ß = -0.241, p = 0.004), and age (ß = -0.231, p = 0.022) significantly predicted MD adherence. The results obtained in this study suggest that healthy dietary patterns such as the MD and an optimum body composition contribute to an improved HRQOL.

Self-Care by Muslim Women during Ramadan Fasting to Protect Nutritional and Cardiovascular Health.

The practice of Ramadan involves a series of changes in lifestyle, mainly in eating habits. The research aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of overweight-obesity, the degree of compliance with dietary recommendations and the effects of religious fasting on cardiovascular health among a population of Muslim women living in Melilla, a Spanish city in North Africa. A follow-up cohort study was conducted on 62 healthy adult women (33.6 ± 12.7 years). Anthropometric and body composition parameters were obtained using bioimpedance and dietary records. All of the participants were overweight or obese, especially due to the non-compliance with dietary recommendations; however, more than 60% considered their weight was appropriate or even low. By the end of Ramadan, the women's body mass index and fat component values had fallen significantly (p < 0.001), but this loss was later recovered. Dietary records revealed an excessive consumption of lipids and sodium, and the presence of a high waist-to-hip ratio. All of these factors are related to cardiovascular risk. In conclusion, promoting nutritional health and encouraging year-round self-care among adult Muslim women is necessary in order to ensure healthy fasting during Ramadan.

Need of improvement of diet and life habits among university student regardless of religion professed.

At present, few studies have assessed the possible influence of culture and religion on healthy eating habits among the university population. The aim of this study was to identify differences in healthy and eating habits among university students of different religions. A cross-sectional study was performed with a sample population of 257 students (22.4 ± 4.76 y) at the campus of the University of Granada in Melilla (Spain). The quality of diet was assessed by the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet by a validated score (MDS). There were a higher prevalence of overweight in Christian boys and girls compared to Muslims. Muslim students omit breakfast and dinner more often than Christians. Significant differences in sodium intake (p < 0.001) were observed among boys of Christian and Muslim faith, with significantly higher intakes in Christians. In contrast, a higher cholesterol intake (p = 0.038) was observed in Muslim girls compared to Christians. Regarding alcohol intake, its consumption being much higher among students of Christian faith. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the quality of the diet as assessed by HEI, this being of poor, together with a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet in both groups. Muslim university students have a lower risk of drinking alcohol (OR = 7.88, 95% CI = 4.27, 14.54). Few differences were found between girls and boys in both religions although the Mediterranean Diet Score was lower for girls. In conclusion, Melilla university students eat low quality foods and have little adherence to the Mediterranean diet regardless of the religion professed or gender, although Christians tend to drink more alcohol and to smoke more cigarettes and Muslims skip some meals.

[Life style and monitoring of the dietary intake of students at the Melilla campus of the University of Granada]. / ESTILO DE VIDA Y SEGUIMIENTO DE LA INGESTA DIETÉTICA EN ESTUDIANTES DEL CAMPUS DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE GRANADA EN MELILLA.

INTRODUCTION: University students represent a social group at risk, from the nutrionally point of view because they usually have inappropiate nutritional habits and lifestyle. OBJECTIVE: Analize the students' lifestyle from the Campus of University of Granada in Melilla. Analize the evolution of the eating habits of these students during the academic year 2013-2014. METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out during the academic year 2013-2014, the lifestyle was evaluated and, in a ongoing way, the eating habits in a representative sample of 257 students, 90 men (35%) and 167 women (65%), all of them from the campus of University of Granada in Melilla. RESULTS: The results get worst as the academic year progresses and they are characterized by a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of carbohydrates intake as well as a significant increase (p < 0.001) of the lipido and proteína intake, especially, rich in saturated fat and a low-fiber diet. CONCLUSIONS: The population studied shows a sedentary lifestyle. As the academic year progresses, the students' eating habits get worst distance from the Mediterranian Diet pattern with the consequent risk at the development of cardiovascular diseases and metabolism disorder. So, it is necesary to get into these results in order to identify the influential factors in their eating habits and take the appropiate actions.

Introducción: los estudiantes universitarios representan un colectivo social en riesgo desde el punto de vista nutricional, ya que a menudo mantienen estilos de vida y hábitos nutricionales inapropiados. Objetivos: analizar el estilo de vida de los alumnos del Campus de la Universidad de Granada en Melilla. Analizar la evolución de los hábitos alimentarios de los estudiantes del campus durante el curso académico 2013-2014. Material y método: se realizó un estudio longitudinal durante el curso académico 2013-2014 en el cual, a su inicio, se evaluó el estilo de vida y, de forma continuada los hábitos nutricionales de un grupo representativo de 257 estudiantes, 90 chicos (35%) y 167 chicas (65%), todos ellos del campus de la Universidad de Granada en la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (norte de África). Resultados: los hábitos nutricionales empeoran a medida que avanza el curso académico, caracterizándose por una reducción significativa (p < 0.001) en la ingesta de carbohidratos, así como por una elevación significativa (p < 0.001) en la ingesta proteica y lipídica, siendo especialmente rica en grasas saturadas y baja en fibra. Conclusiones: la población estudiada posee un estilo de vida eminentemente sedentario. A medida que avanza el curso académico, los hábitos nutricionales de los estudiantes empeoran, alejándose del patrón de alimentación mediterráneo con el consiguiente riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares. De estos resultados se desprende la necesidad de continuar profundizando a fin de identificar los factores que influyen en sus hábitos nutricionales y establecer las medidas correctoras oportunas.

Estilo de vida y seguimiento de la ingesta dietética en estudiantes del Campus de la Universidad de Granada en Melilla / Life style and monitoring of the dietary intake of students at the Melilla campus of the University of Granada

Introducción: los estudiantes universitarios representan un colectivo social en riesgo desde el punto de vista nutricional, ya que a menudo mantienen estilos de vida y hábitos nutricionales inapropiados. Objetivos: analizar el estilo de vida de los alumnos del Campus de la Universidad de Granada en Melilla. Analizar la evolución de los hábitos alimentarios de los estudiantes del campus durante el curso académico 2013-2014. Material y método: se realizó un estudio longitudinal durante el curso académico 2013-2014 en el cual, a su inicio, se evaluó el estilo de vida y, de forma continuada los hábitos nutricionales de un grupo representativo de 257 estudiantes, 90 chicos (35%) y 167 chicas (65%), todos ellos del campus de la Universidad de Granada en la Ciudad Autónoma de Melilla (norte de África). Resultados: los hábitos nutricionales empeoran a medida que avanza el curso académico, caracterizándose por una reducción significativa (p < 0.001) en la ingesta de carbohidratos, así como por una elevación significativa (p < 0.001) en la ingesta proteica y lipídica, siendo especialmente rica en grasas saturadas y baja en fibra. Conclusiones: la población estudiada posee un estilo de vida eminentemente sedentario. A medida que avanza el curso académico, los hábitos nutricionales de los estudiantes empeoran, alejándose del patrón de alimentación mediterráneo con el consiguiente riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades metabólicas y cardiovasculares. De estos resultados se desprende la necesidad de continuar profundizando a fin de identificar los factores que influyen en sus hábitos nutricionales y establecer las medidas correctoras oportunas (AU)

Introduction: university students represent a social group at risk, from the nutrionally point of view because they usually have inappropiate nutritional habits and lifestyle. Objective: analize the students’ lifestyle from the Campus of University of Granada in Melilla. Analize the evolution of the eating habits of these students during the academic year 2013-2014. Methods: a longitudinal study was carried out during the academic year 2013-2014, the lifestyle was evaluated and, in a ongoing way, the eating habits in a representative sample of 257 students, 90 men (35%) and 167 women (65%), all of them from the campus of University of Granada in Melilla. Results: the results get worst as the academic year progresses and they are characterized by a significant reduction (p < 0.001) of carbohydrates intake as well as a significant increase (p < 0.001) of the lipido and proteína intake, especially, rich in saturated fat and a low-fiber diet. Conclusions: the population studied shows a sedentary lifestyle. As the academic year progresses, the students’ eating habits get worst distance from the Mediterranian Diet pattern with the consequent risk at the development of cardiovascular diseases and metabolism disorder. So, it is necesary to get into these results in order to identify the influential factors in their eating habits and take the appropiate actions (AU)

Influence of age and religious fasting on the body composition of muslim women living in a westernized context / Influencia de la edad y el ayuno religioso sobre la composición corporal, en mujeres musulmanas, en un contexto occidentalizado

Introduction: Currently there is some controversy to whether Ramadan fasting leads to changes in the nutritional status and body composition of females who observe this practice. Furthermore, recent research suggest that age may be an important factor that affects anthropometric values and body composition just before and at the end of Ramadan. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of Ramadan fasting, as modulated by age, on the nutritional status and body composition of a group of Muslim female subjects living in a westernized context. Material and Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out of 62 Berber Muslim females of ages ranging from 18 to 61 in the North African city of Melilla (Spain). The nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometry and their body composition studied by means of bioimpedance scales. These evaluations were performed before fasting began and again in the last week of Ramadan. Results: The intermittent fasting produced important changes in the nutritional status and body composition of the female subjects. More specifically, there was a significant reduction (p=0.000) in total body weight values, BMI, body fat percentage measured by bioimpedance, and hip circumference (p=0.008). Significant differences were found (p=0.000) in anthropometric values and body composition before and at the end of Ramadan, depending on age. Conclusions: All the subjects experienced significant changes in nutritional status and body composition at the end of Ramada. These changes were more pronounced in the group of women over thirty years of age (AU)

Introducción: Actualmente existe controversia acerca de si la práctica del Ramadán implica, o no, cambios en el estado nutricional y composición corporal en las mujeres que lo practican. Asimismo, estudios recientes sugieren que la edad puede constituir un factor influyente en los valores antropométricos y de composición corporal antes y al final del Ramadán. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar los efectos del ayuno practicado durante el Ramadán sobre el estado nutricional y la composición corporal en un grupo de mujeres que viven en un contexto occidentalizado, así como el efecto de la variable edad. Material y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio longitudinal con 62 mujeres, bereberes y musulmanas, de edades comprendidas entre los 18 a 61 en la ciudad norteafricana de Melilla (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó mediante antropometría y el estudio de la composición corporal, a través de bioimpedancia. Estas evaluaciones se realizaron antes del inicio del ayuno y la última semana de Ramadán. Resultados: El ayuno intermitente produce cambios importantes en el estado nutricional y en la composición corporal de las mujeres. Observándose una reducción significativa (p=0.000) en los valores del peso corporal total, índice de masa corporal, porcentaje de grasa corporal medida por bioimpedancia, y circunferencia de la cadera (p=0.008). Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p=0.000) en los valores antropométricos y de composición corporal, antes y al final del Ramadán, en función de la edad. Conclusiones: Se observaron cambios significativos en el estado nutricional y en la composición corporal en todas las mujeres al finalizar el Ramadán. Estos cambios fueron más acusados en el grupo de mujeres mayores de treinta años (AU)

Influence of age and religious fasting on the body composition of Muslim women living in a westernized context.

INTRODUCTION: Currently there is some controversy to whether Ramadan fasting leads to changes in the nutritional status and body composition of females who observe this practice. Furthermore, recent research suggest that age may be an important factor that affects anthropometric values and body composition just before and at the end of Ramadan. The aim of our study was to analyze the effects of Ramadan fasting, as modulated by age, on the nutritional status and body composition of a group of Muslim female subjects living in a westernized context. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A longitudinal study was carried out of 62 Berber Muslim females of ages ranging from 18 to 61 in the North African city of Melilla (Spain). The nutritional status was evaluated by anthropometry and their body composition studied by means of bioimpedance scales. These evaluations were performed before fasting began and again in the last week of Ramadan. RESULTS: The intermittent fasting produced important changes in the nutritional status and body composition of the female subjects. More specifically, there was a significant reduction (p=0.000) in total body weight values, BMI, body fat percentage measured by bioimpedance, and hip circumference (p=0.008). Significant differences were found (p=0.000) in anthropometric values and body composition before and at the end of Ramadan, depending on age. CONCLUSIONS: All the subjects experienced significant changes in nutritional status and body composition at the end of Ramada. These changes were more pronounced in the group of women over thirty years of age. .

Introducción: Actualmente existe controversia acerca de si la práctica del Ramadán implica, o no, cambios en el estado nutricional y composición corporal en las mujeres que lo practican. Asimismo, estudios recientes sugieren que la edad puede constituir un factor influyente en los valores antropométricos y de composición corporal antes y al final del Ramadán. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar los efectos del ayuno practicado durante el Ramadán sobre el estado nutricional y la composición corporal en un grupo de mujeres que viven en un contexto occidentalizado, así como el efecto de la variable edad. Material y Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio longitudinal con 62 mujeres, bereberes y musulmanas, de edades comprendidas entre los 18 a 61 en la ciudad norteafricana de Melilla (España). El estado nutricional se evaluó mediante antropometría y el estudio de la composición corporal, a través de bioimpedancia. Estas evaluaciones se realizaron antes del inicio del ayuno y la última semana de Ramadán. Resultados: El ayuno intermitente produce cambios importantes en el estado nutricional y en la composición corporal de las mujeres. Observándose una reducción significativa (p=0.000) en los valores del peso corporal total, índice de masa corporal, porcentaje de grasa corporal medida por bioimpedancia, y circunferencia de la cadera (p=0.008). Se encontraron diferencias significativas (p=0.000) en los valores antropométricos y de composición corporal, antes y al final del Ramadán, en función de la edad. Conclusiones: Se observaron cambios significativos en el estado nutricional y en la composición corporal en todas las mujeres al finalizar el Ramadán. Estos cambios fueron más acusados en el grupo de mujeres mayores de treinta años.