Food neophobia, Mediterranean diet adherence and acceptance of healthy foods prepared in gastronomic workshops by Spanish students.

INTRODUCTION: food neophobia can affect dietary variety and hedonic acceptance due to rejection of healthy foods. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the impact of dietary neophobia on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and on the hedonic acceptance of healthy foods made in gastronomic workshops by schoolchildren. METHODOLOGY: descriptive cross-sectional study of Primary (8-11) and Secondary (12-18) schoolchildren from Murcia, Spain, participating in gastronomic workshops, where two recipes were prepared and tasted (vegetables + blue fish and fruits). Food neophobia (FN) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED) were identified and each participant assessed the acceptance of each recipe using a hedonic scale (seven points). RESULTS: a total of 1,491 students (49.5% girls) participated in the study; 13.5% were neophobic and 61.1% presented optimal diet quality. A linear inverse relationship between the degree of neophobia and the quality of the diet (ρ[rho] = -0.31, p = 0.001) was found. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower neophobia and better hedonic scores, compared to intermediate or low adhesions (p < 0.0001). Neophobic schoolchildren presented significantly worse results in vegetable consumption, especially at the Secondary level, and in the acceptance of healthy preparations (p < 0.05). A good acceptance of the prepared preparations was associated with the usual adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and legumes. CONCLUSION: food neophobia affects the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the acceptance of healthy foods elaborated in gastronomic workshops by Spanish schoolchildren.

Food neophobia, mediterranean diet adherence and acceptance of healthy foods prepared in gastronomic workshops by spanish students / Neofobia alimentaria, adhesión de la dieta mediterránea y aceptación de alimentos saludables preparados en talleres gastronómicos por estudiantes españoles

Introduction: food neophobia can affect dietary variety and hedonic acceptance due to rejection of healthy foods. Objective: to evaluate the impact of dietary neophobia on adherence to the Mediterranean diet and on the hedonic acceptance of healthy foods made in gastronomic workshops by schoolchildren. Methodology: descriptive cross-sectional study of Primary (8-11) and Secondary (12-18) schoolchildren from Murcia, Spain, participating in gastronomic workshops, where two recipes were prepared and tasted (vegetables + blue fish and fruits). Food neophobia (FN) and adherence to the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED) were identified and each participant assessed the acceptance of each recipe using a hedonic scale (seven points).Results: a total of 1,491 students (49.5% girls) participated in the study; 13.5% were neophobic and 61.1% presented optimal diet quality. A linear inverse relationship between the degree of neophobia and the quality of the diet (ρ[rho] = -0.31, p = 0.001) was found. High adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower neophobia and better hedonic scores, compared to intermediate or low adhesions (p < 0.0001). Neophobic schoolchildren presented significantly worse results in vegetable consumption, especially at the Secondary level, and in the acceptance of healthy preparations (p < 0.05). A good acceptance of the prepared preparations was associated with the usual adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish and legumes. Conclusion: food neophobia affects the adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the acceptance of healthy foods elaborated in gastronomic workshops by Spanish schoolchildren

Introducción: la neofobia alimentaria puede afectar la variedad dietética y la aceptación hedónica debido al rechazo de alimentos saludables. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la neofobia alimentaria en la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y en la aceptación hedónica de alimentos saludables realizados en talleres gastronómicos por escolares. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal de escolares de Primaria (8-11) y Secundaria (12-18) de Murcia, España, que participaron en talleres gastronómicos donde se prepararon y probaron dos recetas (verduras + pescado azul y frutas). Se identificaron la neofobia alimentaria (FN) y la adhesión a la dieta mediterránea (KIDMED) y cada participante evaluó la aceptación de cada receta utilizando una escala hedónica (siete puntos). Resultados: participaron 1.491 alumnos (49,5% niñas); el 13,5% eran neofóbicos y el 61,1% presentaban una calidad óptima de la dieta. Se encontró una relación lineal inversa entre el grado de neofobia y la calidad de la dieta (ρ [rho] = -0,31, p = 0,001). La alta adherencia a la dieta mediterránea se asoció con menor neofobia y mejores puntuaciones hedónicas en comparación con adherencias intermedias o bajas (p < 0,0001). Los escolares neofóbicos presentaron resultados significativamente peores en el consumo de vegetales, especialmente en el nivel secundario y en la aceptación de preparaciones saludables (p < 0,05). Una buena aceptación de las recetas elaboradas se asoció con el habitual consumo de frutas, verduras, pescado y legumbres. Conclusión: la neofobia alimentaria afecta la adherencia a la dieta mediterránea y la aceptación de alimentos saludables elaborados en talleres gastronómicos por escolares españoles

Validez de medidas antropométricas y percepciones ponderales declaradas por familiares de menores de 4 años / Validity of anthropometric measurements and weight perceptions reported by relatives of children under 4 years old

Objetivo: Evaluar la validez del peso y la talla declarados por las familias y las percepciones del peso de sus hijos/as para valorar la prevalencia de exceso de peso en menores de 4 años. Métodos: Estudio transversal mediante cuestionario autocumplimentado por familias de niñas/os de 3-45 meses de edad registrando peso y talla: 1) valores medidos en revisión pediátrica (valores de referencia); 2) valores declarados obtenidos en el domicilio; y 3) valores percibidos subjetivamente. Se usaron estándares de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Resultados: La talla declarada se subestimó, resultando el peso/talla y el índice de masa corporal/edad declarados sobrevalorados. La prevalencia de exceso de peso medido (18,6%) y declarado (26,5%) presentó una concordancia moderada (Kappa: 0,47 [0,34-0,60]), con una sensibilidad del 70% y una especificidad del 84%. La percepción subjetiva (11,2%) mostró una sensibilidad del 30% y una especificidad del 93%. Conclusiones: La información declarada presenta escasa validez para estudios poblacionales, infraestima la talla y no reconoce adecuadamente el exceso de peso por distorsión de la percepción subjetiva. Resulta necesario validar cuestionarios y sensibilizar a las familias (AU)

Objective: To assess the validity of weight and height measurements reported by parents and the perception of their children's weight status in order to assess the prevalence of overweight children under 4 years old. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data was collected by self-report questionnaires completed by parents of children 3-45 months old: 1) information from paediatric check-ups (gold standard); 2) information reported from the home environment; and 3) data from individual perceptions. WHO standards were used. Results: Reported height was underestimated, thus reported weight/height and BMI/age were overestimated. Overweight prevalence according to paediatric check-ups was 18.6%, compared to 26.5% reported prevalence, showing a moderate concordance (Kappa: 0.47 [0.34-0.60]), 70% sensitivity and 84% specificity. Subjective perception was 11.2%, representing 30% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Conclusions: The reported information has little validity for population-based studies, as height is underestimated and overweight status is not correctly perceived due to distortion of individual perception. Questionnaires must be validated and awareness raised among families (AU)

[Validity of anthropometric measurements and weight perceptions reported by relatives of children under 4 years old]. / Validez de medidas antropométricas y percepciones ponderales declaradas por familiares de menores de 4 años.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of weight and height measurements reported by parents and the perception of their children's weight status in order to assess the prevalence of overweight children under 4 years old. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Anthropometric data was collected by self-report questionnaires completed by parents of children 3-45 months old: 1) information from paediatric check-ups (gold standard); 2) information reported from the home environment; and 3) data from individual perceptions. WHO standards were used. RESULTS: Reported height was underestimated, thus reported weight/height and BMI/age were overestimated. Overweight prevalence according to paediatric check-ups was 18.6%, compared to 26.5% reported prevalence, showing a moderate concordance (Kappa: 0.47 [0.34-0.60]), 70% sensitivity and 84% specificity. Subjective perception was 11.2%, representing 30% sensitivity and 93% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The reported information has little validity for population-based studies, as height is underestimated and overweight status is not correctly perceived due to distortion of individual perception. Questionnaires must be validated and awareness raised among families.

Neofobia alimentaria: impacto sobre los hábitos alimentarios y aceptación de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares / Food neophobia: impact on food habits and acceptance of healthy foods in schoolchildren

Introducción: En los niños la neofobia puede afectar las elecciones alimentarias y limitar la variedad de la dieta así como afectar la aceptación sensorial de nuevos alimentos. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto de la neofobia alimentaria en los hábitos alimentarios y preferencias de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares en la ciudad de Murcia. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron 242 escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años, con estratificación por sexo y ciclo escolar. Se aplicó una encuesta de hábitos y preferencias alimentarias, neofobia alimentaria y aceptación de alimentos de consumo habitual en el comedor. Además se realizó una prueba sensorial y se midió el consumo de ensaladas y frutas en el comedor, mediante el método de pesada. Resultados: La prevalencia de neofobia fue de 16%, sin diferencia entre sexos, ciclo escolar, tiempo del uso del comedor, origen de los padres y tener sobrepeso o bajo peso. La neofobia se asoció a un detrimento en el consumo de verduras y frutas, el gusto por las legumbres y menor consumo de cereales y sus derivados en el desayuno y a menor preferencia de frutas, verduras y hortalizas (p<0.05). A mayor nivel de neofobia menor fue la aceptación otorgada a alimentos como pollo y lentejas (p<0.05), ensaladas, fruta y guisos (p<0.001). La neofobia no afectó la aceptación hedónica de frutas y ensaladas consumidas en el comedor escolar. Conclusiones: Es necesario integrar esta información a los involucrados a fin de garantizar una mejoría en el consumo de alimentos saludables (AU)

Introduction: In children, food neophobia may affect food choices and limit the variety of the diet as well as affect the sensory acceptance of new foods. Objective: To identify the impact of food neophobia in food habits and preferences of healthy food in school canteens users in the city of Murcia. Materials and Methods: A total of 242 children in the second and third cycle of primary education (8-12 years), were included, stratified by sex and school year. A survey of habits and food preferences, food neophobia and acceptance of foods commonly consumed in the dining room was applied. In addition, a sensory test was conducted and the consumption of salads and fruits in the room was measured by the weighing method. Results: The prevalence of neophobia was 16%, without difference by sex, academic year, time to use service, parental origin and being overweight or underweight. Food neophobia was associated with a detrimental effect on the consumption of vegetables and fruit, the taste for vegetables and lower consumption of cereals and cereal at breakfast and preferably less fruit and vegetables (p<0.05). A higher level of neophobia less acceptance was given to foods like chicken and lentils (p<0.05), fruit, salads and legumes (p<0.001). Food neophobia did not affect the hedonic acceptance of fruit and salads consumed in the cafeteria. Conclusions: It is necessary to integrate this information to stakeholders to ensure an improvement in the consumption of healthy foods (AU)

[Assessing food acceptance in scholar children; qualitative visual record versus food waste analysis]. / Evaluando la aceptación de alimentos en escolares: registro visual cualitativo frente a análisis de residuos de alimentos.

INTRODUCTION: School canteens have rules of management and supervision of menus, however has not been assessed if they are totally consumed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the acceptance of food by weigh food leftovers and validation of a methodology for visual estimation in school canteens of Murcia. METHODOLOGY: Participated pupils in the second and third cycle of primary education, between 8 and 12 years. The estimate of leftovers was performed by 765 food trays. Visual estimation of 300 trays was based on a categorical scale as follow: 1 (0-25%), 2 (26-50%), 3 (51- 75%), 4 (76-100%) by two dietitians and reliability was assessed with respect to the weighed food. The reliability between both methods was assessed in two samples stratified by presence or absence of school kitchen. RESULTS: The first dishes with leftovers were pasta, rice and vegetable purees and was higher in those schools without kitchen (p < 0.05). Also, the second dishes poultry and fish salads and vegetables garnish. Fruit and the total sum of leftovers was higher in schools without dining menus (p < 0.05). The agreement between evaluators was high in meat dishes and salads, and substantial in vegetables, pre-cooked, omelet, pasta, fish and rice. CONCLUSIONS: The leftlovers are high and there are differences in the acceptance of certain foods according to the type of menu offered. The visual scale is a reliable to measure acceptance indirectly, but training to catering staff is needed.

Introducción: Los comedores escolares cuentan con normativa de gestión y supervisión de menús, sin embargo no se ha valorado si son consumidos en su totalidad. Objetivo: Valorar la aceptación de alimentos mediante pesado de restos y validación de una metodología visual para su estimación en comedores escolares de Murcia. Metodología: Participaron escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años. La estimación de restos se realizó mediante pesado de alimentos de 765 bandejas. La valoración visual (300 bandejas) se realizó con escala categórica: 1 = 0-25%; 2 = 26-50%; 3 = 51- 75% y 4 = 76-100%, por dos dietistas y se valoró la fiabilidad con respecto al pesado de alimentos. La concordancia entre ambos métodos fue evaluada en dos muestras estratificadas por la presencia/ausencia de cocina en la escuela. Resultados: Los primeros platos con más restos fueron pasta, arroz y purés de verduras siendo mayor en aquellos colegios sin cocina en el centro (p < 0,05). También los segundos platos a base de legumbres, ave y pescado y ensaladas de guarnición. Las frutas y el total de restos son superiores en colegios sin cocina (p < 0,05). La concordancia entre evaluadoras fue alta en platos a base de carnes y en ensaladas, y considerable en legumbres, precocinados, tortilla de huevo, pasta, pescado y arroz. Conclusiones: Los restos son elevados y existieron diferencias en la aceptación de ciertos alimentos acorde al tipo de menú ofertado. La escala visual es una herramienta confiable para medir la aceptación de forma indirecta, pero necesita capacitación y entrenamiento del personal implicado.

Evaluando la aceptación de alimentos en escolares; registro visual cualitativo frente a análisis de residuos de alimentos / Assessing food acceptance in schoolar children; qualitative visual record versus food waste analysis

Introducción: Los comedores escolares cuentan con normativa de gestión y supervisión de menús, sin embargo no se ha valorado si son consumidos en su totalidad. Objetivo: Valorar la aceptación de alimentos mediante pesado de restos y validación de una metodología visual para su estimación en comedores escolares de Murcia. Metodología: Participaron escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años. La estimación de restos se realizó mediante pesado de alimentos de 765 bandejas. La valoración visual (300 bandejas) se realizó con escala categórica: 1 = 0-25%; 2 = 26-50%; 3 = 51- 75% y 4 = 76-100%, por dos dietistas y se valoró la fiabilidad con respecto al pesado de alimentos. La concordancia entre ambos métodos fue evaluada en dos muestras estratificadas por la presencia/ausencia de cocina en la escuela. Resultados: Los primeros platos con más restos fueron pasta, arroz y purés de verduras siendo mayor en aquellos colegios sin cocina en el centro (p < 0,05). También los segundos platos a base de legumbres, ave y pescado y ensaladas de guarnición. Las frutas y el total de restos son superiores en colegios sin cocina (p < 0,05). La concordancia entre evaluadoras fue alta en platos a base de carnes y en ensaladas, y considerable en legumbres, precocinados, tortilla de huevo, pasta, pescado y arroz. Conclusiones: Los restos son elevados y existieron diferencias en la aceptación de ciertos alimentos acorde al tipo de menú ofertado. La escala visual es una herramienta confiable para medir la aceptación de forma indirecta, pero necesita capacitación y entrenamiento del personal implicado (AU)

Introduction: School canteens have rules of management and supervision of menus, however has not been assessed if they are totally consumed. Objective: To assess the acceptance of food by weigh food leftovers and validation of a methodology for visual estimation in school canteens of Murcia. Methodology: Participated pupils in the second and third cycle of primary education, between 8 and 12 years. The estimate of leftovers was performed by 765 food trays. Visual estimation of 300 trays was based on a categorical scale as follow: 1 (0-25%), 2 (26-50%), 3 (51- 75%), 4 (76-100%) by two dietitians and reliability was assessed with respect to the weighed food. The reliability between both methods was assessed in two samples stratified by presence or absence of school kitchen. Results: The first dishes with leftovers were pasta, rice and vegetable purees and was higher in those schools without kitchen (p < 0.05). Also, the second dishes poultry and fish salads and vegetables garnish. Fruit and the total sum of leftovers was higher in schools without dining menus (p < 0.05). The agreement between evaluators was high in meat dishes and salads, and substantial in vegetables, pre-cooked, omelet, pasta, fish and rice. Conclusions: The leftlovers are high and there are differences in the acceptance of certain foods according to the type of menu offered. The visual scale is a reliable to measure acceptance indirectly, but training to catering staff is needed (AU)

[Food neophobia: impact on food habits and acceptance of healthy foods in schoolchildren]. / Neofobia alimentaria: impacto sobre los hábitos alimentarios y aceptación de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares.

INTRODUCTION: In children, food neophobia may affect food choices and limit the variety of the diet as well as affect the sensory acceptance of new foods. OBJECTIVE: To identify the impact of food neophobia in food habits and preferences of healthy food in school canteens users in the city of Murcia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 242 children in the second and third cycle of primary education (8-12 years), were included, stratified by sex and school year. A survey of habits and food preferences, food neophobia and acceptance of foods commonly consumed in the dining room was applied. In addition, a sensory test was conducted and the consumption of salads and fruits in the room was measured by the weighing method. RESULTS: The prevalence of neophobia was 16%, without difference by sex, academic year, time to use service, parental origin and being overweight or underweight. Food neophobia was associated with a detrimental effect on the consumption of vegetables and fruit, the taste for vegetables and lower consumption of cereals and cereal at breakfast and preferably less fruit and vegetables (p<0.05). A higher level of neophobia less acceptance was given to foods like chicken and lentils (p<0.05), fruit, salads and legumes (p<0.001). Food neophobia did not affect the hedonic acceptance of fruit and salads consumed in the cafeteria. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to integrate this information to stakeholders to ensure an improvement in the consumption of healthy foods.

Introducción: En los niños la neofobia puede afectar las elecciones alimentarias y limitar la variedad de la dieta así como afectar la aceptación sensorial de nuevos alimentos. Objetivo: Identificar el impacto de la neofobia alimentaria en los hábitos alimentarios y preferencias de alimentos saludables en usuarios de comedores escolares en la ciudad de Murcia. Materiales y Métodos: Participaron 242 escolares de segundo y tercer ciclo de educación primaria, de 8-12 años, con estratificación por sexo y ciclo escolar. Se aplicó una encuesta de hábitos y preferencias alimentarias, neofobia alimentaria y aceptación de alimentos de consumo habitual en el comedor. Además se realizó una prueba sensorial y se midió el consumo de ensaladas y frutas en el comedor, mediante el método de pesada. Resultados: La prevalencia de neofobia fue de 16%, sin diferencia entre sexos, ciclo escolar, tiempo del uso del comedor, origen de los padres y tener sobrepeso o bajo peso. La neofobia se asoció a un detrimento en el consumo de verduras y frutas, el gusto por las legumbres y menor consumo de cereales y sus derivados en el desayuno y a menor preferencia de frutas, verduras y hortalizas (p.