Ethnic differences in meat consumption attitudes, norms and behaviors: A survey of White, South Asian and Black ethnic groups in the UK.

A reduction in meat consumption is necessary to mitigate negative impacts of climate change and adverse health outcomes. The UK has an increasingly multi-ethnic population, yet there is little research on meat consumption habits and attitudes among ethnic groups in the UK. We ran a survey (N = 1014) with quota samples for ethnic groups and analyzed attitudes, behaviors and norm perceptions of White, South Asian and Black British respondents. Most respondents believe overconsumption of red and processed meat has negative impacts on health (73.3%) and the environment (64.3%).South Asian respondents were statistically significantly less likely to be meat eaters than White respondents (OR = 0.44, 95% CIs: 0.30-0.65, t = -4.15, p = 0.000), while there was no significant difference between White and Black respondents (OR = 1.06, 95% CIs: 0.63-1.76, t = 0.21, p = 0.834). Both South Asian (OR = 2.76, 95% CIs: 1.89-4.03 t = 5.25, p = 0.000) and Black respondents (OR = 2.09, 95% CIs: 0.1.30-3.35, t = 3.06, p = 0.002) were significantly more likely to express being influenced by friends and family in their food choices than White respondents. South Asian (OR = 3.24,95% CIs: 2.17-4.84, t = 5.74, p = 0.000) and Black (OR = 2.02,95% CIs: 1.21-3.39, t = 2.69, p = 0.007) respondents were also both significantly more likely to report they would want to eat similarly to their friends and family than White respondents. Statistical analyses suggested some gender and socioeconomic differences across and among ethnic groups, which are reported and discussed. The differences in meat consumption behaviors and norm conformity between ethnic groups raises the prospect that interventions that leverage social norms may be more effective in South Asian groups than Black and White groups in the UK.

Exploring the determinants of food choice in Chinese immigrants living in Australia and Chinese people living in mainland China: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to qualitatively explore the food choice determinants of both Chinese immigrants living in Australia and Chinese people living in mainland China. METHODS: Eight Chinese Australian participants (female, n = 5; male, n = 3) and ten mainland Chinese participants (female, n = 5; male, n = 5) were recruited from Australia (primarily in Melbourne, Victoria) and China (predominantly in Zhengzhou, Henan province) between June 2021 and March 2022. Participants were diverse in age, socio-economic background, occupation and health status. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted in Mandarin either face-to-face or using online video/voice calls. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Investigator triangulation was used to enhance scientific rigour. RESULTS: Four themes were identified: (1) food choice determinants were shaped by traditional and modern nutrition perceptions and personal food philosophy; (2) physiological responses to food provide direct feedback that impacts future food choices; (3) consideration of convenience was a predominant influencer of food choice; and (4) the differences in food environments between China and Australia promoted distinctive food choice determinants for Chinese people. CONCLUSIONS: Chinese Australian and mainland Chinese participants' food choices are shaped by traditional Chinese nutrition philosophy, modern Western nutrition science and the contemporary food environment. There are clear cultural characteristics in their food choice determinants that should be considered by health educators, nutrition professionals and nutrition policymakers when developing culturally appropriate health interventions for Chinese people.

Children prefer natural food, too.

Adults often prefer things that they believe are natural, including natural foods. This preference has serious implications, such as the rejection of cultured meat and other sustainable technologies. Here we explore whether children also prefer natural foods. We conducted two preregistered studies with 374 adults and children from the United States. In Study 1, children's (N = 120) ages ranged from 6-10 years, with 57% of the sample identifying as female identifying as White/European American, whereas adults (N = 120) had a mean age of 30 years and 4 months, with 48.7% identifying as female, and 69.2% identifying as White/European American. In Study 2, children's (N = 63) aged ranged from 5-7 years, with 57% identifying as female and 66% identifying as White/European American, whereas adults (N = 64) had a mean age of 29 years and 11 months, with 60.7% of the sample identifying as female and 59% of participants identifying as White/European American. We found that, like adults, American children of these ages prefer natural over unnatural foods. This was found across two domains (fruit, juice) and a range of measures (tastiness, safety, unnaturalness, desire to consume). This preference was found in children as young as 5 years of age. Overall, we provide evidence that, at least in the United States, our tendency to prefer natural food is present even in childhood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Exploring the Determinants of Food Choice in Chinese Mainlanders and Chinese Immigrants: A Systematic Review.

Determinants of food choice in Chinese populations have not been systematically synthesised using a cultural lens. This study reviewed qualitative studies exploring food choice determinants of both Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Ovid Medline, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, ProQuest, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure database (CNKI) were searched from database inception to 1 April 2021. Studies were included if they involved qualitative research methods, were written in English or Chinese, investigated the factors influencing food choices, and targeted Chinese mainlanders or Chinese immigrants living in Western countries. Twenty-five studies (24 in English, 1 in Chinese) were included, involving 2048 participants. Four themes were identified; (1) the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), (2) perceptions of a healthy diet in Chinese culture (e.g., regular eating, eating in moderation, and emphasis on food freshness), (3) the desire to maintain harmony in families/communities, and (4) physical/social environmental factors all significantly influenced Chinese people's food choices. It is important to acknowledge these factors when developing culturally appropriate nutrition programs for promoting health in Chinese mainlanders and Chinese immigrants.

Home availability of ultraprocessed foods in families who prepare meals at home / Disponibilidade de alimentos ultraprocessados nos domicílios de famílias que preparam refeições em casa

ABSTRACT Objective This study characterized the degree of processing of the food items available at home and the routine of shopping for food in families with children and/or teenagers and whose meals are usually prepared at home. Methods Mixed methods (interview, questionnaires, and food inventory). Interview's transcripts were submitted to thematic analysis and the foods identified in the inventory were classified according to the degree of processing and analyzed for their availability and access in the home food environment. Results Results revealed the high availability of ultra-processed foods; that the supermarket was the main source of food acquisition; and that purchasing food is part of an organized routine where time and control of expenses are the most valued aspects. Conclusion Actions which focus on planning and executing the acquisition of unprocessed and minimally processed foods are needed to promote greater availability and increased intake of such foods, so that the composition of homemade meals may be in line with what is recommended by the national dietary guidelines.

RESUMO Objetivo O presente estudo caracterizou o grau de processamento dos alimentos disponíveis e a rotina de compra de alimentos de famílias com crianças e/ou adolescentes e que costumam preparar refeições em casa. Métodos Métodos mistos (entrevista, questionário e inventário de alimentos). As transcrições das entrevistas foram submetidas à análise temática e os alimentos identificados no inventário foram classificados segundo o grau de processamento e analisados quanto à disponibilidade e acessibilidade no ambiente alimentar domiciliar. Resultados Os resultados revelaram que a disponibilidade de alimentos ultraprocessados foi alta; que o supermercado foi o principal local de aquisição de alimentos e que a compra de alimentos faz parte de uma rotina previamente organizada em que o tempo e o controle de gastos são os aspectos mais valorizados. Conclusão Ações focadas no planejamento e execução da compra de alimentos in natura e minimamente processados são necessárias para promover maior disponibilidade domiciliar e, consequentemente, o consumo de alimentos in natura e minimamente processados, aproximando as refeições realizadas em casa do que é preconizado pelo Guia Alimentar para a População Brasileira.

Consumption Preferences of Pulses in the Diet of Polish People: Motives and Barriers to Replace Animal Protein with Vegetable Protein.

Today, with easy access to information, people are aware of the health benefits of pulses and their significant role in sustainable consumption. Despite this, the consumption of pulses still remains low in many developed and developing countries. The authors of the study attempted to fill the gaps in knowledge about determinants that influence the consumption of pulses. The study was conducted to identify the motives and barriers which, according to a consumer, influence the level of consumption of pulses. An attempt was made to determine to what extent a consumer is influenced by culinary trends (using the multiple linear regression equation). The survey was conducted on a sample of 1067 Polish respondents. The sample was representative and selected to reflect the social demographic distribution of the respondents. In the research, descriptive statistics were used, as well as a t-test, linear regression statistics, and discriminant function analysis. Pulses are more often considered by women to be healthy and nutritious products as well as a good alternative to meat products. The price of pulses products is very important. Men also consider those qualities to be encouraging to consume pulses, but to a lesser extent than women. The lack of knowledge and skills to prepare tasty meals from pulses is one of the most important barriers which, both in the case of women and men, prevents consumers from eating pulses more often. Identified types of diets of the respondents in the research sample showed differences in the regularity of consumption of different selected pulse products. The obtained results indicated that Polish consumers are influenced by other cuisines of the world in their preferences. The most influential cuisines were the Middle Eastern and Mediterranean, with a variety of dishes that are prepared based on pulse products. It should be emphasized that to increase the consumption of pulses, it is necessary to continue educating society through various channels, e.g., culinary, health, information programs, or by inviting celebrities who enjoy the great trust of the society to take part in the advertisement.

Sociocultural Influences on Food Choices and Implications for Sustainable Healthy Diets.

BACKGROUND: The global policy discourse on sustainability and health has called for dietary transformations that require diverse, concerted actions from governments and institutions. In this article, we highlight the need to examine sociocultural influences on food practices as precursors to food policy decisions. DISCUSSION: Sociocultural food practices relate to ideas and materials that give rise to food choices and food patterns of a group. We begin with a discussion of how individuals experience, interpret, negotiate, and symbolize the food world around them. We examine primarily the ideational pathways, such as identity, gender, religion, and cultural prohibitions, and their influence on food practices. We then provide guiding questions, frameworks, and a brief overview of food choice values to support policy planning and design. Lastly, we explore how sociocultural change for sustainable or healthy diets is already happening through food movements, food lifestyles, and traditional diets.

[Traditional nutrition and demography in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia].

High requirements for macro- and micronutrients of the organism of a pregnant woman living in the Far North are associated with the influence of extreme factors of high latitudes, and the needs of the mother and the growing fetus. Only the products of the unique food culture of the Arctic people - the Nenets, make it possible to meet the emerging needs. The aim of the work was to study the impact of traditional nutrition on the reproductive health of Nenets women living in the Arctic zone of Western Siberia. Material and methods. 619 indigenous inhabitants (Nenets) of the Yamal, Nadym and Taz districts of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug at the age of 18-65 years were examined. The influence of the type of nutrition (traditional or imported products) on reproductive health indicators (the number of pregnancies, the number of children, the number of spontaneous abortions, frequency of gestosis, threats of termination of pregnancy, operative deliveries) for the period 2013-2018 was studied by analyzing official statistics and by questioning of the female population in own research. Results. The consumption of traditional products (venison, local fishery products, at least 3 times a week) by Nenets women was more often accompanied by a normal physiological course of pregnancy and childbirth (75.2 versus 64.2%, χ2=8.7; p=0.003). It led to a 1.5-fold decrease in the frequency of complications during pregnancy (gestosis, the threat of abortion) (χ2=5.8; p=0.01) and a 20% decrease in the frequency of delivery by cesarean section (χ2=16.6; p<0.001). As a result, a family whose diet was dominated by traditional products had a statistically significantly larger number of children (per child). Conclusion. The preservation of the consumption of reindeer and river fishery products by indigenous women will contribute to the sufficient intake of macro- and micronutrients, that will make it possible to gestate and give birth to a healthier generation of the Nenets society.

Chemicals, cans and factories: how grade school children think about processed foods.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how children interpret terms related to food processing; whether their categorisation of foods according to processing level is consistent with those used in research; and whether they associate the degree of processing with healthfulness. DESIGN: Qualitative data were collected from ten focus groups. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was conducted. SETTING: Four elementary and afterschool programmes in a large, urban school district in the USA that served predominantly low-income, racial/ethnic minority students. PARTICIPANTS: Children, 9-12 years old, in the fourth-sixth grades (n 53). RESULTS: The sample was 40 % male, 47 % Hispanic with a mean age of 10·4 ± 1·1 years. Children's understanding of unprocessed foods was well aligned with research classifications, while concordance of highly processed foods with research categorisations varied. Five primary themes regarding the way children categorised foods according to their processing level emerged: type and amount of added ingredients; preparation method; packaging and storage; change in physical state or sensory experience; and growing method. Most children associated processing level with healthfulness, describing unprocessed foods as healthier. The most common reason provided for the unhealthfulness of processed foods was added ingredients, including 'chemicals' and 'sugar'. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that children have a working knowledge of processing that could be leveraged to encourage healthier eating patterns; however, their understanding is not always consistent with the classification systems used in research. The vocabulary used by researchers and consumers to talk about processing must be reconciled to translate findings into actionable messages.

A Qualitative Evaluation of a Community Based, Culturally Relevant Intervention to Promote Healthy Food Access in American Indian Communities.

In response to a need for healthy, affordable food, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and three rural indigenous communities launched the "Feast for the Future," (FFF) to promote access to healthy foods and the transfer of traditional food-based knowledge from farmers/elders to youth. To assess program impact, 43 in-depth interviews were conducted with participating farmers, elders, and Community Advisory Board members. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed in Atlas.ti. Common themes from qualitative analyses included: FFF programs support farming/gardening revitalization and cultural connectedness/identity; FFF has supported positive behavior change among interviewees and their families; There is a need to revitalize traditional food systems; Farming/gardening is central to cultural identity; and Responsibility for food choices. The interviews revealed that the community-based program is perceived by key stakeholders as reaffirming cultural identity and promoting healthy eating. As a CAB member shared.

Attitudes and beliefs regarding food in a multi-ethnic Asian population and their association with socio-demographic variables and healthy eating intentions.

BACKGROUND: Attitudes and beliefs regarding food are known to influence dietary behaviours and may reflect cultural traditions. Therefore, understanding the food culture in the population is important to inform culturally relevant and acceptable public health interventions. OBJECTIVE: (1) To evaluate attitudes towards pleasure and health with regard to eating and its association with healthy eating intentions. (2) To assess traditional beliefs about 'hot-cold balance' and its influence on food choice. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online research panel comprising of 787 male and female adults of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicity recruited from population-based cohorts and public housing estates in Singapore. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess beliefs and attitudes towards food. To evaluate the association of beliefs and attitudes with socio-demographic determinants and potential consequences for healthy eating intentions, multivariable logistic regression was used with adjustment for age, gender and ethnicity. RESULTS: Beliefs about the importance of considering hot-cold balance for food choice were common among all three Asian ethnic groups and most prominent among the Chinese ethnic group (56.3% Malay, 64.5% Indian and 72.4% Chinese). The majority of participants (73.8%) often consider the effects of diet on health, but also value eating pleasure greatly (84.9%). Older age was associated with a shift in attitudes from valuing eating pleasure towards health. Valuing the importance of food for health was associated with a wide range of healthy eating intentions, whereas highly valuing eating pleasure was associated with a lower intention to reduce salt intake. CONCLUSION: In a cosmopolitan Asian population, both eating for health and eating for pleasure were valued highly and traditional beliefs regarding the hot-cold balance were held by the majority.

"Macho food": Masculinities, food preferences, eating practices history and commensality among gay bears in São Paulo, Brazil.

This article describes and explore eating practices and food preferences among gay men who call themselves bears in São Paulo, Brazil, and their relation with their life history, masculinities representations, and sexuality. It is a qualitative and quantitative research within an ethnographic perspective. A purposive sample of thirty-five self-declared gay bears. The data were analyzed identifying the regular, expressive and meaningful significance units collected through the interviews. We identified that the self-declared bears in São Paulo, Brazil, build a solid relation between food preferences, eating practices, masculinity, and group belonging. From the bear's perspective, meat, especially bovine, is related to masculinity and extensively understood as a strong common bond within the community, leveraging their sexuality. For these persons, eating meat as well as drinking beer can build the ideal mannish and unfeminine body that is overvalue. Being gay and "eating like a man," as well as exposing a "macho" body while disdaining other body types constructions could represent a strategy to avoid discrimination, shame and humiliation. On the other way, this community does not just linearly imitate heterosexual men although their conducts can reproduce patriarchal representations and meanings through eating practices. These findings could be used to understand the complexity of alimentary practices, particularly food preferences as well as commensalities, among specific communities or membership groups.

Diet Associations With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in an Ethnically Diverse Population: The Multiethnic Cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Epidemiological data on dietary risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from population-based studies, particularly in an ethnically diverse population, are scarce. We examined dietary factors in relation to NAFLD risk in African Americans, Japanese Americans, Latinos, native Hawaiians, and whites in the Multiethnic Cohort (MEC). APPROACH AND RESULTS: A nested case-control analysis was conducted within the MEC, a large prospective study with >215,000 older adult participants in Hawaii and California. NAFLD was identified using Medicare claims data, and controls were selected among participants without liver disease and individually matched to cases by birth year, sex, ethnicity, and length of Medicare enrollment. Diet was assessed at baseline through a validated quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Diet-NAFLD associations were quantified by odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using multivariable conditional logistic regression. The study consisted of 2,974 NAFLD cases (518 with cirrhosis, 2,456 without cirrhosis) and 29,474 matched controls. Red meat (P trend = 0.010), processed red meat (P trend = 0.004), poultry (P trend = 0.005), and cholesterol (P trend = 0.005) intakes were positively associated with NAFLD, while dietary fiber intake (P trend = 0.003) was inversely associated with risk. Stronger associations were observed between red meat and cholesterol and NAFLD with cirrhosis than without cirrhosis (P heterogeneity ≤0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Dietary factors are independently associated with NAFLD and NAFLD-related cirrhosis in a multiethnic population. Decreasing the consumption of cholesterol, red and processed meat, and poultry and increasing consumption of fiber may reduce the risk for NAFLD and related advanced liver disease.

Nutrition Label Use Is Related to Chronic Conditions among Mexicans: Data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey 2016.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, can be prevented and treated through a balanced nutrient-rich diet. Nutrition labels have been recognized as crucial to preventing obesity and non-communicable diseases through a healthier diet. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions (overweight, obesity, previously diagnosed diabetes, and hypertension) among an adult Mexican population. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study that used data from the Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey of 2016 (ENSANUT MC 2016). PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The participants were 5,013 adults aged 20 to 70 years old. Older adults (>70 years), illiterate participants, pregnant women, and participants with implausible blood pressure data were excluded from the sample. The survey was conducted from May to August 2016 in the participants' households. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured chronic conditions (overweight, obesity, previously diagnosed diabetes, and hypertension). STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Pearson χ2 test was used to examine the associations among the use of nutrition labels and sociodemographic characteristics and chronic conditions. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions adjusting for the effect of confounding variables like sex, age, body mass index, education level, marital status, ethnicity, residence area, region, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: From the total sample, 40.9% (95% CI 38.4% to 43.8%) reported using nutrition labeling. Respondents with overweight or obesity were less likely to use nutrition labels (odds ratio 0.74; P<0.05). Participants who self-reported diabetes had significantly lower odds of nutrition label use than participants who did not report to have diabetes (odds ratio 0.66; P<0.05). Participants having 3 chronic conditions had lower odds of nutrition label use (odds ratio 0.34; P<0.01) relative to having zero chronic conditions. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests an association between nutrition label use and chronic conditions (obesity and diabetes). These findings demonstrate that people with obesity, diabetes, and a combination of chronic conditions were less likely to use nutrition labels than people without these conditions.

Adolescents' engagement with unhealthy food and beverage brands on social media.

INTRODUCTION: Food-related promotion of brands via social media represents an increasingly important youth-targeted marketing strategy, but little is known about how adolescents interact with these brands online. This study measures adolescents' social media engagement with food/beverage brands, sociodemographic differences in level of engagement, and relationships between engagement and screen time. METHODS: Cross-sectional online survey of US adolescents (ages 13-17, N = 1564), oversampled for non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic (more- and less-acculturated) participants, assessed restaurant, food, and beverage brands ever liked, shared, or followed of on social media. Multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between brand engagement, sociodemographic variables (race/ethnicity, acculturation, age, gender, and parent education), and screen time (TV and other screens). RESULTS: Seventy percent of adolescents reported engaging with any food/beverage brands on social media (ranging from 1 to 48), and 35% engaged with 5 + brands. Non-Hispanic Black and less-acculturated Hispanic adolescents were more likely than non-Hispanic White adolescents to engage with brands. Approximately one-half reported engaging with brands of fast food (54% of participants), sugary drinks (50%), candy (46%), and snacks (45%), while just 7% reported engaging with all other categories of food/beverage brands. Watching TV more than 2 h-per-day was associated with any brand engagement; while using other screens more than 2 h-per-day was associated with following 5 + brands. CONCLUSIONS: Engagement with unhealthy food brands on social media is common among adolescents. Disproportionate engagement by non-Hispanic Black and less-acculturated Hispanic youth raises additional concerns. Research is needed to understand how such marketing affects adolescents' food preferences, diets, and health.

Cultural determinants of food attitudes in anosmic patients.

The decrease in food enjoyment is a major factor why patients suffer from depression when having anosmia, or total loss of smell. While we have some knowledge about how food preferences and attitudes change with dysosmia, these findings are limited because other factors such as culture are not factored in. It is likely that the culture in which an anosmic patient identifies with will influence how their smell loss impacts their relationship with food. This study examined the current attitudes within the United States and Germany towards foods, focusing on the comparison between anosmic patients (N = 53) and those with a healthy sense of smell (N = 121). A survey was used to collect free responses for liking on a variety of foods (N = 15) that were also rated for their overall liking. Additionally, individuals rated and ranked their liking for sensory attributes in relation to their enjoyment of food. Free responses were classified into categories and subcategories, the frequency of those responses were then compared across groups. The patient population of each culture gave lower importance to aroma and flavor; however, the U.S.A. patient population showed a larger decrease from their healthy counterparts. Furthermore, anosmic patients from the U.S.A. showed less overall liking towards the food stimuli compared to their healthy counterparts, while no such effect observed among the German population. Reasons to enjoy a food were largely explained by the culture, and patients within a culture took on different compensation strategies which we use to explain their effectiveness.

Organic Consumer Choices for Nutrient Labels on Dried Strawberries among Different Health Attitude Segments in Norway, Romania, and Turkey.

Consumer interest towards healthy food is driving the growth of the organic food market because consumers perceive organic food products to improve their personal health. Berries have well-known health benefits and show increasing market shares in European markets. This manuscript investigates for the first time how health attitudes relate to organic consumers' choices for nutrient labels of organic dried strawberry products. We conducted an online survey with 614 consumers from Norway, Romania, and Turkey. All participants consumed and liked strawberries and purchased organic food at least once a month. Participants filled out attitudinal questionnaires and conducted an experimental choice task featuring paired images of packaged organic dried strawberries varying in nutrients content label and other factors. The pooled sample was split into three groups of varying health attitudes for profiling and choice analysis. The results show that broad variations exist in health attitudes among Norwegian, Romanian, and Turkish organic consumers. A non-linear effect of health attitude is revealed, where a moderate health attitude is more strongly associated with the selection of products with increased nutrients content than either a low or a high health attitude. The results highlight the complexity in targeting nutrition labels to organic consumers. Finally, implications and suggestions for organic food operators are discussed along with future research avenues.

Behavior and Food Consumption Pattern of the French Polynesian Population in the 1960s -1970s.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of radiation doses to the thyroid for a case-control study of thyroid cancer in French Polynesians exposed to radioactive fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons tests during childhood and adolescence faced a major limitation on very little availability of information on lifestyle of French Polynesians in the 1960s-1970s. METHOD: We use the focus group discussion and key informant interview methodology to collect historical, for the 1960s-1970s, data on behavior and food consumption for French Polynesia population exposed to radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons tests conducted between 1966 and 1974. RESULTS: We obtained archipelago-specific data on food consumptions by children of different ages and by pregnant and lactating women during pregnancy and breastfeeding and behaviour, including time spent outdoors and type and construction materials of residences. CONCLUSIONS: This article presents the first detailed information on several key aspects of daily life on French Polynesian archipelagoes during the 1960s-1970s impacting radiation exposure. Important behavior and food consumptions data obtained in this study are being used to improve the radiation dose estimates and to update the risk analysis reported earlier by correcting biases from previous assumptions and by providing better estimates of the parameter values important to radiation dose assessment.

Examining the Influence of Cultural Immersion on Willingness to Try Fruits and Vegetables among Children in Guam: The Traditions Pilot Study.

This pilot study examined the influence of cultural immersion on willingness to try fruits and vegetables (FV) among children 3-12 years old in three summer camps in Guam with different cultural exposure levels: cultural immersion camp (CIC), high exposure; university day camp (UDC), moderate exposure; and recreational sports camp (RSC), zero exposure. Children, ages 3-12 years old for CIC and UDC and 5-12 years old for RSC, participated: CIC (n = 47), UDC (n = 23), and RSC (n = 33). Children's willingness to try FV was assessed with the Adapted WillTry tool before and after each program. Whole FV intakes were assessed concurrently using the mobile food record in CIC and UDC. Using multivariate regression, WillTry post-assessment outcomes were modeled adjusting for pre-assessment, child characteristics, exposure, and parent cultural affiliation. Unique to the Adapted WillTry tool are three FV scales, local novel, local common, and imported, which are classified by source (local or imported) and/or familiarity (novel or common). WillTry adjusted mean FV post-scores by highest exposure camp to lowest were 2.2, 2.3, and 2.2 for local novel and 2.6, 2.6, and 2.6 for local common. No differences among camps were significant; however, there was an increase in the willingness to try scores for all FV score types and camps. The Traditions pilot study demonstrated: (1) feasibility of a multi-arm parallel design using existing community programs in limited-resource environments and (2) further examination of nutrition education components and contexts are needed to understand diet behaviors of indigenous populations.

A qualitative research synthesis of contextual factors contributing to female overweight and obesity over the life course in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVE: Adult women are disproportionately affected by overweight and obesity in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Existing evidence on the sociocultural context remains unconsolidated. In this qualitative research synthesis, we aggregate research literature on contextual factors that potentially predispose adult women and adolescent girls to overweight and obesity to inform research, policies and programs over the life course. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, ProQuest Central, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched to locate qualitative research articles conducted in SSA countries beginning in the year 2000. After assessment for eligibility and critical appraisal, 17 studies were included in the synthesis. Textual data and quotes were synthesized using meta-aggregation methods proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS: The synthesized studies were conducted in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya and Botswana. The three overarching themes across these studies were body size and shape ideals, barriers to healthy eating, and barriers to physical activity, with cultural and social factors as cross-cutting influences within the major themes. Culturally, the supposedly ideal African woman was expected to be overweight or obese, and voluptuous, and this was associated with their identity. Although being overweight or obese was not acceptable to adolescent girls, they desired to be voluptuous. Healthy food choices among women and adolescent girls were hampered by several factors including affordability of nutritious foods and peer victimization. Both adult women and adolescent girls experienced ageism as a barrier to physical activity. SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first qualitative research synthesis to amplify the voices of women and girls in SSA countries highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining a healthy body weight. Sociocultural, institutional and peer-related factors were powerful forces shaping body size preferences, food choices and participation in physical activity. Our study findings provide insights for the design of contextually appropriate obesity prevention interventions and lay the foundation for further research studies.