Associations between Polish school principals' health literacy and implementation of the Health Promoting School approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to increasing the responsibility of school principals for the health of all school community members. Moreover, evidence confirms the significant role of school principals' health literacy (HL) for health promotion in schools. Therefore, the presented study aims to evaluate the associations between Polish school principals HL and the implementation of the Health Promoting School (HPS) approach in Polish schools. The present study was conducted as part of an international survey on the global COVID-HL network (www.covid-hl.eu) between June 2021 and December 2021. Three subscales of the HPS were considered and an exploratory analysis were used in this study. Associations between the median split of each subscale of HPS (outcome) and health literacy (predictor) were performed using logistic regression. Research results showed that the highest level of HPS implementation was directed at pupils. Principals perceived themselves as having the highest HL on the 'accessibility' subscale and these respondents had significantly higher odds of implementing learning opportunities for students. The study suggests that principals with adequate HL may be more likely to effectively implement HPS strategies in schools. This research could provide insights into the complex interplay between HL and the HPS approach and inform the development of more effective strategies for promoting health and HL in schools.

The Role of Parental Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Family Time Together in Children's Weight Status: The BeE-School Project.

The family context has been associated with children's weight status. This study aims to investigate the association of parents' adherence to the Mediterranean diet and family time with the weight status of children. The research is part of BeE-school, a cluster-randomized trial implemented in primary schools located in socially vulnerable contexts. A total of 735 children (380 boys and 355 girls) aged 6 to 10 participated in the study. Anthropometrics were assessed during school time, and weight status was categorized, while parents self-reported sociodemographic variables, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MEDAS questionnaire), and family time. Children from families with higher education levels whose parents have a high adherence to the Mediterranean diet have lower odds of overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR) 0.301, 95% CI 0.143-0.634, p = 0.002). Also, children from families with lower education levels who have more time together with their family have lower odds of overweight/obesity (OR 0.731, 95% CI 0.573-0.934, p = 0.012). The family environment, mainly family time together and adherence to the Mediterranean diet, exerts a significant influence on children's weight status. Professionals working in children's health should consider the family when fostering health-promoting behaviors.

Sleep Disorders and Subjective Well-Being in Portuguese Adults: Evidence from a Representative Study.

Objective The quality and quantity of sleep affect people's well-being, as chronic sleep disorders are associated with social, physical, and psychological problems, as well as low self-reported life satisfaction. The present cross-sectional study examined the associations of sleep disorders with self-reported life satisfaction in Portuguese adults. Materials and Methods Data from a representative sample of the Portuguese population (14,341 participants, aged ≥ 18 years) extracted from the Sixth Portuguese National Health Survey was analyzed. Data on subjective well-being and sleep disorders was collected through a questionnaire, and multivariable regression models were performed to examine the associations between these variables, adjusted for potential confounders such as age, gender, level of schooling, degree of urbanization, and family income. Results Sleep disorders were negatively associated with self-reported life satisfaction. Having at least one sleep disturbance in the last two weeks was significantly associated with a 3-point decrease in life satisfaction: ß = -3.0 (95% confidence interval = -3.2--2.7). Discussion Among Portuguese adults, sleep disorders were associated with a decline in life satisfaction. The present study provides new evidence from a representative sample to support the promotion of good sleep hygiene intervention programs.

The impact of a health promotion program on toddlers' socio-emotional development: a cluster randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The first 3 years of life are a critical period for the development of socio-emotional skills, highlighting the importance of socio-emotional development in early childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a health promotion intervention program on the socio-emotional development of children aged 12 to 42 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 344 children from 15 childcare centers participated in this study, with six centers in the intervention group and nine in the control group. Childcare teachers in the intervention group received a 6-month training program aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, including topics such as diet, sleep, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Sociodemographic and anthropometric measures were assessed at baseline, and socio-emotional development was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development - Third Edition (Bayley-III) at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, a significant difference in socio-emotional development was observed between children with mothers of varying education levels. Specifically, children whose mothers had lower education levels demonstrated significantly greater socio-emotional development (B = 19.000, p = 0.028) compared to the control group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in socio-emotional development among children with mothers from higher education levels. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that intervention programs for childcare teachers can effectively promote healthy socio-emotional development in children from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Future intervention programs should consider tailoring their approaches to target disadvantaged populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This cluster randomized controlled trial was registered in the Clinical Trials database/platform on 09/09/2019 (number NCT04082247).

Neurodevelopment and Dietary Intake in Toddlers-A Cross-Sectional Study from the Healthy Children 2021 Project.

Little is known about the potential associations between neurodevelopment, dietary diversity and food processing in the toddler period. This study aimed to estimate the association between these dietary quality dimensions and neurodevelopment in toddlers. Data for this cross-sectional analysis came from the Healthy Children 2021 project and included 212 toddlers (51.9% females, aged 12-36 months) from 15 Portuguese childcare centers. Neurodevelopment was assessed through Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Dietary intake was gathered by a two-day non-consecutive dietary recall. The food items were categorised with NOVA classification. Dietary diversity was explored through Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD). Logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders were performed. Girls with a higher energy contribution of unprocessed/minimally processed foods and with an above median MDD score had higher odds of achieving a higher neurodevelopment score (aOR:1.04; 95%CI 1.01; 1.08 and aOR:2.26; 95%CI 1.01; 5.06, respectively); no significant association was observed in boys. Our findings suggest that these dietary dimensions are associated with a higher neurodevelopment in toddler girls. This should be further studied as a possible early link between dietary factors and neurodevelopment. Promotion of healthy eating can be promising in improving neurocognitive development and might help to introduce public health recommendations for toddlers' nutrition.

Is the association between sleep and socio-emotional development mediated by weight in toddlers aged 12 to 36 months?

Introduction: Childhood is an important stage for socio-emotional development. Understanding the associations of lifestyle habits with the healthy development of social and emotional skills is crucial for better interventions early in life. This study aims to analyze the association between sleep and socio-emotional development in toddlers aged 12 to 36 months and examine whether weight mediated these associations. Methods: This study is part of a cluster randomized controlled trial developed in Portuguese childcare centers. A sample of 344 children (176 females) enrolled in the study. Participants' anthropometrics were measured while at childcare centers using standardized procedures. Body mass index (BMI) was computed as the body weight/height2 (kg/m2) ratio. Sleep quality was collected with the Tayside Children's Sleep Questionnaire, a 10-item scale that evaluates the child's ability to initiate and maintain sleep. Two additional questions regarding sleep duration were added. Parental questionnaires assessed the child's sex and date of birth, socioeconomic status, and total energy intake (TEI). Motor (fine and gross) was assessed using Bayley-III scales and socio-emotional (SE) by the Greenspan Social-Emotional Growth Chart questionnaire. Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between sleep (duration and quality) and SE with adjustments for sex, age, BMI, mothers' education, motor development, and TEI. Mediation analysis was conducted using path analysis. Results: SE development was significantly associated with nighttime sleep duration even when adjusted for confounders (ß = 0.223; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.004 and ß = 0.168; 0.0003, 0.003; respectively). Sleep quality was not significantly associated with SE development, and the weight did not explain the associations between sleep and SE development. Conclusion: This study supports that sleep duration is directly associated with SE development in toddlers. From a public health perspective, sleep duration should be prioritized in intervention programs to improve socio-emotional development early in life.

Associations between bullying and risk for eating disorders in adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze the associations between bullying participation profiles (victims, bullies, and bully-victims) and the risk for eating disorders in adolescents. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 491 students, aged 10 to 18 years. Data were collected through the application of the Peer Victimization and Aggression Scale and the Eating Attitudes Test, and were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman correlation. RESULTS: the risk for eating disorders was higher for the victim profile, both for boys and girls. For both sexes, physical victimization, verbal victimization, and relational victimization were significantly associated with variables related to the risk for eating disorders. For boys, there were also significant associations related to aggression. CONCLUSIONS: student victims, especially boys, are more vulnerable to the consequences of bullying in relation to the risk for eating disorders.

Cardiovascular health in nursing and medical students.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether nursing and medical students take measures regarding their cardiovascular health and the associated risk factors. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, online data collection with 413 students in February and March 2021, using specific and validated instruments. Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square and logistic regression were adopted for statistical analyses. RESULTS: 73.3% self-reported that they were healthy. We identified a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases in sedentary students (OR = 38.6, p < 0.001), with irregular adherence to physical activity (OR = 16.2, p < 0.001) and with a higher level of perceived stress (OR = 1.12, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Students who take action to promote cardiovascular health showed lower risk compared to those who did not. If students do not value their own health during the education process, this may interfere with their professional performance after graduation.

Roles of the interaction with children and families in mediating the association between digital health literacy and well-being of early childhood teachers in Portugal: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: To analyze the associations between early childhood education (ECE) teachers´ digital health literacy (DHL) and well-being, and to determine whether the ECE teachers´ interaction with children and family mediated these associations. METHODS: A total of 853 early childhood teachers, predominantly women (99.4%) participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants had a mean age of 39.9 years (standard deviation SD = 8.2). Data was collected through an online survey. DHL was assessed using five subscales adapted to the new coronavirus context, and the professionals´ well-being was measured using the WHO-5 well-being scale. Binary logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: ECE teachers' DHL in dimensions of "information searching" and "determining relevance" had both direct and indirect effect on their well-being. Specifically, higher DHL in these dimensions was associated with better well-being. The dimension "evaluating reliability" had an indirect positive effect on well-being by promoting interaction with children. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that improving ECE teachers´ DHL could have a positive effect on their well-being and their interactions with children. Therefore, it is recommended to develop health promotion practices aimed at enhancing DHL among ECE teachers. Additionally, integrating DHL contents and competencies more prominently into the qualification, further education and training of ECE teachers may help equip them with the necessary skills to access and apply health information effectively. This, in turn, can enhance interactions with children and contribute to their overall well-being.

Reopening ECEC Services for Children Under Three Amidst the Pandemic: Investigating the Association of Health Measures with Pedagogical Practices and Children's Well-being.

In Portugal, early childhood education and care services for children under-three were the first educational services to reopen after periods of lockdown. COVID-19 prevention and control measures had to be implemented nationwide, but no knowledge was yet produced on their impact in educational settings. This study aimed to map the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures and examine associations among prevention and control measures, perceived changes to pedagogical practices and children's well-being in early childhood education and care services for children under three. In this study, 1098 early childhood education and care professionals from all districts completed an online survey during January and February 2021. Results indicated that prevention and control measures were widely implemented. Furthermore, early childhood education and care professionals who started to implement prevention and control measures more frequently were more likely to perceive a reinforcement of their pedagogical practices at the level of adult-child interaction, emotional climate, and interaction with families, and reported higher levels of children's well-being. Findings highlighted the potential role of pedagogical practices in mitigating the effects of COVID-19 in early childhood education and care services for children under-three.

Associations between bullying and risk for eating disorders in adolescents / Asociaciones entre el acoso escolar y el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios en adolescentes / Associações entre bullying e risco de transtornos alimentares em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the associations between bullying participation profiles (victims, bullies, and bully-victims) and the risk for eating disorders in adolescents. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted with 491 students, aged 10 to 18 years. Data were collected through the application of the Peer Victimization and Aggression Scale and the Eating Attitudes Test, and were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman correlation. Results: the risk for eating disorders was higher for the victim profile, both for boys and girls. For both sexes, physical victimization, verbal victimization, and relational victimization were significantly associated with variables related to the risk for eating disorders. For boys, there were also significant associations related to aggression. Conclusions: student victims, especially boys, are more vulnerable to the consequences of bullying in relation to the risk for eating disorders.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar las asociaciones entre los perfiles de participación en el acoso escolar (víctimas, agresores y víctimas-agresores) y el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios en adolescentes. Métodos: estudio transversal con 491 estudiantes de 10 a 18 años. Los datos se recopilaron mediante la aplicación de la Escala de Victimización y Agresión entre Pares y el Test de Actitudes Alimentarias, y se analizaron estadísticamente mediante análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y correlación de Spearman. Resultados: el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios fue mayor en el perfil de víctima, tanto en niños como en niñas. Tanto para ambos sexos, la victimización física, la victimización verbal y la victimización relacional se asociaron significativamente con variables relacionadas con el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios. En el caso de los niños, también se observaron asociaciones significativas relacionadas con la agresión. Conclusiones: los estudiantes que son víctimas, especialmente los niños, son más vulnerables a las consecuencias del acoso escolar en relación con el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar as associações entre o perfil de participação no bullying (vítimas, agressores e vítimas-agressoras) e o risco de transtornos alimentares em adolescentes. Métodos: estudo transversal realizado com 491 estudantes, com idades entre 10 e 18 anos. Os dados foram coletados por meio da aplicação da Escala de Vitimização e Agressão entre Pares e do Eating Attitudes Test, e foram analisados estatisticamente por meio de análises de variância (ANOVA) e correlação de Spearman. Resultados: o risco de transtornos alimentares foi maior para o perfil de vítima, tanto para meninos quanto para meninas. Para ambos os sexos, a vitimização física, a vitimização verbal e a vitimização relacional associaram-se significativamente às variáveis de risco de transtornos alimentares. Para os meninos, também houve associações significativas relacionadas à agressão. Conclusões: os estudantes vítimas, especialmente os meninos, são mais vulneráveis às consequências do bullying em relação ao risco de transtornos alimentares.

Cardiovascular health in nursing and medical students / Salud cardiovascular en estudiantes de enfermería y medicina / Saúde cardiovascular em estudantes de enfermagem e medicina

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify whether nursing and medical students take measures regarding their cardiovascular health and the associated risk factors. Method: Cross-sectional study, online data collection with 413 students in February and March 2021, using specific and validated instruments. Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square and logistic regression were adopted for statistical analyses. Results: 73.3% self-reported that they were healthy. We identified a higher risk for developing cardiovascular diseases in sedentary students (OR = 38.6, p < 0.001), with irregular adherence to physical activity (OR = 16.2, p < 0.001) and with a higher level of perceived stress (OR = 1.12, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Students who take action to promote cardiovascular health showed lower risk compared to those who did not. If students do not value their own health during the education process, this may interfere with their professional performance after graduation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar si estudiantes de enfermería y medicina toman medidas de salud cardiovasculares y los factores de riesgo asociados. Método: Estudio transversal, recolección de datos online con 413 estudiantes durante febrero y marzo de 2021, utilizando instrumentos específicos y validados. Para análisis estadísticos se adoptaron Kruskal-Wallis, chi-cuadrado y regresión logística. Resultados: El 73,3% autodeclaró estar sano. Se identificó mayor riesgo de desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares en estudiantes sedentarios (OR = 38,6, p < 0,001), con adherencia irregular a la actividad física (OR = 16,2, p < 0,001) y con mayor nivel de estrés percibido (OR = 1,12, p < 0,001). Conclusión: Los estudiantes que desarrollaban alguna acción para promover la salud cardiovascular presentaron menor riesgo en comparación con los que no lo hacían. En esta situación, el hecho de no valorar su propia salud durante el proceso de formación puede interferir en el desempeño profesional del estudiante después de su formación.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a realização de medidas para a saúde cardiovascular entre estudantes de enfermagem e medicina e fatores de risco associados. Método: Estudo transversal, coleta de dados com 413 estudantes de forma online durante os meses de fevereiro e março de 2021, utilizando instrumentos específicos e validados. Kruskal-Wallis, qui-quadrado e regressão logística foram adotados como análise estatística. Resultados: 73,3% se autodeclaram saudáveis. Identificou-se maior risco para o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares em estudantes sedentários (OR = 38,6, p < 0,001), com adesão irregular à atividade física (OR = 16,2, p < 0,001) e com maior nível de estresse percebido (OR = 1,12, p < 0,001). Conclusão: Os estudantes que desenvolviam alguma ação para promoção da saúde cardiovascular apresentaram menor risco em comparação àqueles que não desenvolviam nenhuma ação, nessa situação, o estudante que não valoriza a própria saúde,pode interferir na atuação profissional após a formação.

The importance of school leaders in school health promotion. A European call for systematic integration of health in professional development.

School leaders such as principals are key not only for educational and school quality but also for initiating and sustainably anchoring any innovation in schools. Although there is widespread agreement about the importance of holistic approaches to school health promotion, the role of principals has received increased, but not yet systematic, attention. In this context, it is unclear which leadership competencies are needed and to what extent they are taught. Hence, this paper aims to reflect whether and to what extend health promotion plays a role in preservice and inservice training of principals in Europe. Based on the results we call for a more systematic analysis of existing teaching opportunities and teaching needs for health-promoting leadership, the development of a European competence framework for health-promoting leadership, the development and implementation of a European system that monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of those preservice and inservice training programs, and the development of case-studies to stimulate a mutual learning process.

Promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis na primeira infância: A voz de familiares e peritos / Promotion of healthy lifestyles in early childhood: The perspectives of family members and experts / Promoción de estilos de vida saludables en la primera infancia: La voz de los familiares y los expertos

Resumo Enquadramento: é reconhecida a importância da promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis nos primeiros anos de vida. Na atualidade, a identificação de áreas prioritárias de intervenção em saúde que promovam estilos de vida saudáveis, são um desafio inadiável. Objetivo: Conhecer a perspetiva de familiares e peritos quanto às áreas prioritárias de intervenção relacionadas com a promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis na primeira infância. Metodologia: Estudo qualitativo, exploratório e descritivo, com recurso a sessões de grupos focais. Participaram no estudo sete peritos das áreas da saúde, social, educação, media e três familiares de crianças pequenas. Foram desenvolvidas entrevistas semi-estruturadas e a análise de conteúdo foi efetuada seguindo os pressupostos de Bardin. Resultados: Emergiram duas grandes áreas prioritárias, nomeadamente determinantes da alimentação e do movimento (atividade física, comportamento sedentário e sono). Conclusão: Os determinantes da alimentação e do movimento são áreas de intervenção que se revelam como prioritárias. O envolvimento dos cuidadores (ex., pais, educadores de infância) é indispensável para a promoção de estilos de vida saudáveis.

Abstract Background: The importance of promoting healthy lifestyles in the first years of life is recognized. Identifying priority areas for intervention related to the promotion of healthy lifestyles is an urgent challenge. Objective: To explore the perspectives of family members and experts on priority areas for intervention related to the promotion of healthy lifestyles in early childhood. Methodology: Qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study, using focus group sessions. Seven experts from the health, social, education, and media areas and three family members of young children participated in the study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and Bardin's content analysis technique was used. Results: Two major priority areas emerged: determinants of diet and determinants of movement (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep). Conclusion: The determinants of diet and movement are priority areas for intervention. The involvement of caregivers (e.g., parents, early childhood educators) is essential to promoting healthy lifestyles.

Resumen Marco contextual: Se reconoce la importancia de promover estilos de vida saludables en los primeros años de vida. Actualmente, la identificación de áreas prioritarias de intervención en la salud que promuevan estilos de vida saludables es un reto ineludible. Objetivo: Conocer la perspectiva de los familiares y de los expertos sobre las áreas prioritarias de intervención relacionadas con la promoción de estilos de vida saludables en la primera infancia. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo, exploratorio y descriptivo, mediante sesiones de grupos focales. En el estudio participaron siete expertos de los ámbitos sanitario, social, educativo, medios de comunicación y tres familias de niños pequeños. Se desarrollaron entrevistas semiestructuradas y se realizó un análisis de contenido siguiendo los supuestos de Bardin. Resultados: Se identificaron dos áreas prioritarias principales, a saber, determinantes de la dieta y del movimiento (actividad física, comportamiento sedentario y sueño). Conclusión: Los determinantes de la dieta y el movimiento son áreas prioritarias de intervención. La implicación de los cuidadores (por ejemplo, los padres, los educadores de las escuelas infantiles) es indispensable para la promoción de estilos de vida saludables.

Infodemic Preparedness and COVID-19: Searching about Public Health and Social Measures Is Associated with Digital Health Literacy in University Students.

We aimed to evaluate the associations between information searching about public health and social measures (PHSM) and university students' digital health literacy (DHL) related to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and COVID-19. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 3,084 Portuguese university students (75.7% females), with an average age of 24.2 (SD = 7.5). Sociodemographic data, DHL questionnaire and online information concerning PHSM were gathered. Cox proportional hazards models were performed. RESULTS: Students who searched for personal protective measures achieved in shorter time sufficient "evaluating reliability" (HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1; 1.7) and "determining relevance" (HR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.2; 1.8). Searching for surveillance and response measures was associated with sufficient "determining relevance" (HR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1; 1.9). Finally, those students who searched for environmental, economic and psychosocial measures achieved in shorter time "determining relevance" (HR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0; 1.4). CONCLUSIONS: Searching for PHSM was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of achieving sufficient DHL subscales in a shorter time. Further studies are needed, including developing strategies to increase the availability of high-quality information concerning public health and social measures and to improve (digital) health literacy.

The relationship between height and fruit/vegetable intakes in adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Background: Worldwide, fruit and vegetable intake is below recommendations. There is increasing evidence to suggest an association between height and diet. Aim: to analyse the associations of fruit and vegetable intake with attained height in Portuguese adults. Methods: A representative sample of 17 480 Portuguese adults (56.7% women) participated in this cross-sectional study. The survey comprised sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported height and weight. We performed regression models to assess the associations between height and fruit and vegetable consumption. Results: Compared with no intakes, those men with higher fruit and vegetables intake had 0.54 cm (95% CI 0.04; 1.04) greater height. Also, women with higher intakes of vegetables, fruit and vegetables combined were directly associated with a greater height of 0.29 cm (95% CI 0.03; 0.56 in vegetables) and 0.51 cm (95% CI 0.09; 0.93 in fruit and vegetables combined). Conclusion: Greater consumption of fruit and vegetables was directly associated with higher height in adults. From a health promotion perspective, intervention programmes aiming at improving fruit and vegetable intake should be highlighted so that full height potential is achieved.

Health promoting schools and COVID-19: preparing for the future.

We face an unprecedented period of history during which COVID-19 is clustered with other global conditions, such as obesity, undernutrition, an infodemic, and climate change. This syndemic (synergy of epidemics) calls for the development of children's and youth's health literacy and socioemotional skills, support for behavioural hygiene (e.g. washing hands, wearing masks), and adults' responsibility and caring. Moreover, it calls for creating conditions for healthy living and learning for all and paying extra attention to inequalities that have increased during the pandemic. Today, more than ever, there is an essential demand for schools to create environments that maintain and promote health for all. Within this commentary, we argue that whole-school approaches, such as the health promoting school, are essential to fight against the pandemic and to prepare schools for future challenges.

Adaptation and validation of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument for Portuguese university students.

BACKGROUND: Health literacy is an important skill to deal with information and positively influences individual and community health. Information concerning health is available from a plethora of online resources. The concept of digital health literacy has gained prominence with the pandemic. The absence of valid tools to analyse digital literacy levels are scant. This study aims to translate, adapt and validate the Portuguese version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) as used in the global COVID-HL Network. METHODS: Participants were mostly students from social sciences, psychology, education and health sciences. The Portuguese version of the DHLI contained five dimensions each consisting of three items. An online survey with university students (n = 1815, 75.1% female, average age: 24.15 years) was administered to test the validity of the Portuguese version of the DHLI. Data were analysed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Pearson correlations were also studied. RESULTS: Two items revealed symmetry and kurtosis problems. We chose to eliminate them from the analysis. Different exploratory factor analysis attempts were made, obtaining two possible models to be tested in the confirmatory factor analysis: a three-factor model and a four-factor model. A four-factor structure of the instrument (information searching, adding self-generated content, evaluating reliability, determining relevance) was supported by confirmatory factor analysis and had good internal consistency. CONCLUSIONS: The Portuguese version of the Digital Health Literacy Instrument met adequate psychometric criteria. Therefore, it can be confidently used in Portuguese students' assessment of digital health literacy. Representative studies are needed to shed light on different target groups and their COVID-19-related DHLI.

Longitudinal Associations between Intake of Fruit and Vegetables and Height Attainment from Preschool to School Entry.

To examine associations between fruit and vegetable intake in young childhood and height attainment during preschool and at school entry. Data for this study was based on "The Healthy Start" primary intervention study, which included 635 obesity-prone children, (58% boys), from the greater Copenhagen area, with a mean (SD) age of 4.0 (1.1) years (age range 2-6 years) at baseline. In the current study, 553 children (57% boys) were included with information on dietary intake at baseline and height measured at baseline (preschool age), and 511 children (56.8% boys) with the height measured at school entry (~6 years old). Height was measured by trained health professionals during the intervention and by school nurses at school entry. Information on intakes of fruit and vegetables, separately and combined, was gathered with four-day dietary records reported by parents. Participants were grouped into tertiles for their intakes at baseline. Compared to boys with low consumption, those with a moderate and high intakes of fruit and vegetables (F&V) had a greater attained height at preschool of 1.3 cm (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.3; 2.3) and at school entry of 2.4 cm (95% CI: 0.8; 3.9) and 1.8 cm (95% CI: 0.2; 3.4), respectively, also after adjustment for differences in age, body mass index (BMI), and total energy intake. Additional adjustment for mid-parental height and parents' education did not alter the significant associations between moderate consumption of F&V and attained height at preschool and school entry. There was no association among girls. Our results showed that a moderate consumption of F&V was directly associated with higher attainment in height at preschool and school entry in boys. From a public health perspective, it should be prioritized to continue developing intervention programs to improve fruit and vegetable intake.