What Is Considered Healthy Eating? An Exploratory Study among College Students of Nutrition and Food Science.

In modern industrialized societies, the focus on healthy eating has increased significantly across multiple sectors, including the media, public policy, expert opinion, and public awareness. The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of healthy eating and the barriers to adopting a healthy diet among undergraduate students in Human Nutrition and Dietetics (HND) and Food Science and Technology (FST) degrees in Spain. An exploratory and descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a qualitative and quantitative methodology and convenience sampling. Two focus groups and a questionnaire were utilized (300 participants from all academic years completed the survey). Differences in definitions of healthy eating and perceived barriers were found between genders and students at different stages of training (p < 0.05). In their understanding of healthy eating, the students placed importance on balance, variety, moderation, and individual factors. Although students considered it easy to follow a healthy diet, family's eating habits, time availability, and emotional states were found to be the main barriers to the implementation of healthy practices. The obtained data supports the need to critically address perceptions of healthy eating throughout the training of nutrition and food science professionals. The insights obtained on the perceived barriers highlight the importance of considering both individual and environmental factors.

Advancing the decadal plan for the science of nutrition: Progressing a framework for implementation.

AIMS: In 2019, the Australian Academy of Science in collaboration with the nutrition community published the decadal plan for the science of nutrition. This article aims to review progress towards each of its pillar goals (societal determinants, nutrition mechanisms, precision and personalised nutrition, and education and training) and two enabling platforms (a national data capability and a trusted voice for nutrition science), prioritise actions, and conceptualise program logic implementation models. This process also brought together public health nutrition researchers to reflect on societal determinants of health, and advise how the next 5 years of the decadal plan could reflect contemporary issues. METHODS: Two engagement events, in 2023, brought together experienced and mid- and early-career nutrition professionals for co-creation of implementation logic models. RESULTS: One hundred and nine early and mid-career professionals were involved. A revised model for the decadal plan pillars emerged from synthesis of all logic models. This new model integrated the precision and personalised nutrition pillar with nutrition mechanisms pillar. These combined pillars build towards the national data capability enabling platform and created new cross-cutting themes for education and training. The need arose for greater focus on respectful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and sustained effort to build cross-disciplinary collaboration to realise the plan's societal determinants goals. A new alliance for nutrition science is proposed to become a unified advocacy voice and build trust in nutrition professionals. CONCLUSIONS: A programmatic approach provides a road map for implementing the decadal plan for the final 5 years.

Development of a Culinary Medicine Curriculum to Support Nutrition Knowledge for Gastroenterology Fellows and Faculty.

Gastroenterologists encounter many nutrition-related disorders in their practice, yet the nutritional needs of patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) and liver disease are largely unaddressed by treating physicians, due to suboptimal nutrition education. To address this gap, we developed and piloted a culinary medicine course for a GI fellowship training program. The objective of this study is to describe the development, implementation, and acceptability of the course. A registered dietitian, a chef instructor, and a gastroenterology clinical professor trained in culinary medicine developed the four-class tailored curriculum and delivered the classes remotely. Each class had a theme related to commonly encountered GI disorders and included hands-on meal preparation, a nutrition lecture, and a patient case study discussion. Post-course feedback surveys were disseminated. Twenty-three GI physicians enrolled in the course and the attendance rates in classes 1-4 were 83%, 65%, 61%, and 48%, respectively. Among 15 completed feedback surveys, 80% reported that the class contents were either moderately or extremely useful and all endorsed the curriculum for other gastroenterologists. Future studies of culinary medicine programs tailored to medical specialties should identify strategies to maintain engagement and assess the impact on nutrition knowledge, competencies, and translation of these new skills to clinical practice.

Addressing the Gap of Nutrition in Medical Education: Experiences and Expectations of Medical Students and Residents in France and the United States.

Distinct pedagogical approaches within medical curricula in France and in the U.S. reflect a growing recognition of the importance of nutrition to address major public health challenges. However, recent generations of medical students have expressed mixed opinions regarding nutrition education. What pedagogical approach may improve nutrition education? Despite different medical systems, students from both France and the U.S. share similar concerns and expectations, that nutrition knowledge must be embedded in the curriculum and must be engaging. Hands-on, system-based, epistemological, and multidisciplinary approaches need better articulation to forge a robust medical curriculum. In the rapidly changing contexts of medicine and public awareness, social science research may facilitate recommendations for improved nutrition education.

Impact of Culinary Medicine Course on Confidence and Competence in Diet and Lifestyle Counseling, Interprofessional Communication, and Health Behaviors and Advocacy.

Most physicians report inadequate training to provide diet and lifestyle counseling to patients despite its importance to chronic disease prevention and management. To fill the nutrition training gap, elective Culinary Medicine (CM) courses have emerged as an alternative to curriculum reform. We evaluated the impact of an interprofessional CM course for medical and health professional students who experienced the hands-on cooking component in person or a in mixed-mode format (in-person and via Zoom) at the University of Utah from 2019-2023 (n = 84). A factorial ANOVA assessed differences between educational environment and changes between pre- and post-course survey responses related to diet and lifestyle counseling, interprofessional communication, and health behaviors and advocacy. Qualitative comments from post-course surveys were analyzed on a thematic level. Students rated themselves as having greater confidence and competence in diet and lifestyle counseling (p < 0.05) and increased ability to prepare eight healthy meals (p < 0.05). Additionally, a Mann-Whitney two-sample rank-sum test was used to compare data from exit survey responses from medical students who took the CM course (n = 48) and did not take the CM course (n = 297). Medical students who took CM were significantly more likely to agree that they could counsel patients about nutrition (p < 0.05) and physical activity (p < 0.05). CM courses may improve students' confidence to provide diet and lifestyle counseling.

Formative evaluation of a STEAM and nutrition education summer program for low-income youth.

In-depth formative evaluations are vital for curriculum development and program planning but are often not conducted before a program pilots. A formative evaluation of Project stRIde was conducted to gain insight from experts and identify revisions to the curriculum. Project stRIde is a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) and nutrition-based curriculum developed for 4th and 5th grade students from low-income and diverse families. Nine experts spanning the fields of nutrition education, cultural competency, elementary education, summer programs, and STEAM outreach were recruited to participate in an expert content review (ECR) survey and virtual interviews. Seven core themes were identified: effectively promoting student engagement, increased guidance or support needed, activity too difficult for age, time, confidence in teaching lessons, cultural appropriateness, and strengths of curriculum in promoting STEAM education and innovation. Across the lessons, all reviewers agreed that the lessons were accurate, incorporated STEAM concepts, and were culturally appropriate for this population. Future major edits to the curriculum include creating supplemental videos, modifying some activities for age level, and incorporating more opportunities for participant engagement. Overall, an ECR is an effective way to examine a program's strengths and limitations and should be included in the beginning stages of program planning.

Nutrition education in medical schools (NEMS) project: Promoting clinical nutrition in medical schools - Perspectives from different actors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nutrition education is not adequately represented in the medical curriculum, and this prompted the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) to launch the Nutrition Education in Medical Schools (NEMS) Project in 2017. The aim of this original paper was to describe the perspectives of different actors in the promotion of nutrition education in medical schools. METHODS: On 11 November 2021, an online meeting was held on this topic, where nine representatives from different backgrounds participated in the scientific programme. More than 640 participants registered to this webinar. RESULTS: The different models of Nutrition Education in Medical Schools were introduced by Prof. Cristina Cuerda (Spain) and Prof. Maurizio Muscaritoli (Italy). The students' perspective was given by Ms. Alexandra Archodoulakis (Germany) and Ms. Sila Gürbüz (Turkey), representing the European Medical Students' Association. The dietitian's perspective was given by Dr. Kirsten Berk (The Netherlands), whereas Dr. Matti Aapro (Switzerland) gave the medical doctor (oncology)'s perspective. Ms. Clare Farrand (Australia) gave the WHO perspective and Dr. Kristiina Patja (Finland) explained the healthy lifestyle teaching to medical students. Lastly, Prof. Michael Chourdakis (Greece) and Prof. Zeljko Krznaric (Croatia) hosted the round-table discussion. CONCLUSIONS: There was strong agreement among the representatives from different settings joining this ESPEN initiative that increasing nutritional knowledge and skills of young doctors is now possible and will launch a virtuous cycle that will proactively involve all the other healthcare professionals working in the nutritional field.

Exploring culinary medicine as a promising method of nutritional education in medical school: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Dietary modifications are considered a first-line intervention for chronic disease management, yet graduating doctors still report not feeling competent to counsel patients on their diet. Research has focused on methods to address this shortfall in physician competency, including culinary medicine. Culinary medicine is an approach to education that involves hands-on food and cooking learning experiences to equip participants with tools for improving the nutrition behaviour and health of their future patients. Despite positive findings in the efficacy of these interventions, they differ markedly in approach and target, which therefore fails to provide adequate evidence that could serve to guide future culinary medicine interventions. OBJECTIVE: A scoping review to synthesize the existing literature on culinary medicine interventions that are offered during medical training. METHODS: Online databases were used to identify literature published prior to April 2022 that involve a hands-on culinary medicine component to nutrition and examine academic impact, feasibility and acceptability. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies met the eligibility criteria. Despite promising gains in nutrition knowledge, confidence and high acceptability of the programs, large variations exist in delivery method, setting, and course content between programs. There is a lack of program cost reporting and long-term follow up of participants, inconsistent evidence for improved nutrition attitudes amongst participants, as well as geographically limited adoption of such programs. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research demonstrate a clear increase in interest in the use of hands-on culinary medicine programs as educational tools, evidence of feasibility in implementation, and improved student nutritional knowledge, skill and counseling compared to a traditional didactic curriculum. The quality of culinary medicine research studies is increasing and the aims of research are narrowing to focus on how culinary medicine can positively impact medical education. The findings from this review will aid in legitimising culinary medicine as an effective delivery method of nutritional education in medical programs.

Talento y competencias en la nutrición clínica / Talent and competencies in clinical nutrition

a formación en nutrición clínica de los estudiantes de medicina está disgregada a lo largo de la carrera y es insuficiente en muchos casos. En este artículo se revisa la situación de la nutrición en los planes de estudio y se dan algunas claves para su inclusión de manera efectiva en el currículo. Además, se explican conceptos básicos relacionados con el talento, desde un punto de vista práctico, y se discute la importancia del talento en la nutrición clínica y cómo trabajarlo (AU)

The formation of medical students in clinical nutrition is scattered throughout the curriculum and is insufficient in many cases. This article reviews the status of nutrition in the curriculum, giving some keys for an effective inclusion therein. Also, basic concepts regarding talent are explained from a practical point of view, and the importance of talent in clinical nutrition and how to work with talent is discussed (AU)

Quality of life of elderly in a long-stay care facility in the city of Teresina-PI

The purposeof this research was to evaluate the quality of life of elderly people in a Long-Stay Care Facility for the Elderly (ILPI) in the city of Teresina. This is a descriptive and exploratory study with a quantitative methodology. Data collection was carried out between March and April 2019, through the application of the Pentacle of Well-being questionnaire for the elderly at a Long-stay Care Facility in the city of Teresina-PI. Data analysis was performed using the Tabwin 4.1.4 program. Twenty elderly people were interviewed and as to the profile found, 45% (n = 9) were between 80 and 89 years old and 50% (n = 10) were female and male. Regarding the questionnaire, the components nutrition, preventive behavior, social relationship and stress control showed satisfactory results, except for the component 'physical activity', in which 65% (n = 13) of the elderly rarely perform any physical activity. The lifestyle of the elderly is considered satisfactory, however, the Physical Activity component showed an unsatisfactory result.

Factors Associated with Appropriate Gestational Weight Gain among Women with Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare attendance of nutritional counseling, dietary composition, exercise patterns, and socioeconomic factors among obese women with inappropriate gestational weight gain (iGWG) versus appropriate GWG (aGWG). STUDY DESIGN: Medicaid-eligible women receiving prenatal care at a tertiary care center from January 2013 to December 2015 were offered individualized nutritional counseling by a registered dietitian encouraging well-balanced meals and 150 min/wk of exercise. We conducted a prospective case-control study of obese women (body mass index or BMI ≥30) with a singleton gestation with iGWG (<11 or >20 pounds) versus aGWG (11-20 pounds). Dietary intake, activity level, and socioeconomic factors were compared with Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Student's t-test, and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests as indicated, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Multivariate regression analysis for significant variables was performed. A subgroup analysis of women with BMI ≥40 was planned. RESULTS: A total of 401 women were analyzed: 78% (n = 313) with iGWG and 22% (n = 88) with aGWG. Demographics were similar between groups. Women with iGWG less frequently reported physician reinforcement of counseling and reported more physical inactivity and unemployment; there were no differences in caloric intake or macronutrient profile between groups. Multivariate regression identified physician reinforcement and employment as independent predictors of aGWG. Among women with BMI ≥40 (n = 133), those with iGWG (78%) were less likely to attend counseling, report physician reinforcement of counseling, and have adequate caloric and protein intake when compared with those with aGWG (22%). Activity level and socioeconomic factors were not different between groups. CONCLUSION: Physician reinforcement of nutritional counseling, greater activity level, and employment are associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥30, while individualized professional nutritional counseling and dietary modifications were further associated with aGWG in women with BMI ≥40. Thus, greater focus should be placed on enhancing exposure to counseling and altering nutritional and exercise choices to optimize aGWG. KEY POINTS: · Physician reinforcement of nutritional counseling by a dietitian is crucial for obese women.. · Physical inactivity and unemployment are associated with inappropriate gestational weight gain.. · Nutritional counseling is associated with appropriate gestational weight gain in women with BMI ≥40..

Factors associated with the academic performance of Nutrition students at a public university in southern Brazil / Fatores associados ao desempenho acadêmico de estudantes de Nutrição de uma universidade pública do sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the association of socioeconomic factors, characteristics of the academic trajectory, and curriculum of students of a Nutrition course in the academic performance in the Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes. Methods A study of cross-sectional panels with secondary data (Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019) of 174 graduating students was carried out. Academic performance was classified into two groups, one with a score below the median and another above the median. The differences in median scores according to the variables were tested using the Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, or non-parametric trend analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of the score variable with the other variables. The analyses were carried out using the Stata version 13.0 program, using a value of p<0.05 for the statistical decision. Results It was observed that the profile of graduating students was composed mainly of female individuals (92.5%), self-declared white (90.8%), and mostly coming from private schools (65.8%). Those who had some type of income obtained a higher score in Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes compared to those who did not have an income (61.8 vs. 57.4, respectively, p=0.010), and the curricular change seems to be the main variable in the chances of obtaining a score above the median of the course (OR: 1.92, p=0.046). Conclusion Financial status and curriculum change were associated with the academic performance of the assessed students. These results can be used as a reference for investigations in other institutions, public or private, of different courses and, thus, assist in planning more effective educational policies.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a associação dos fatores socioeconômicos, características da trajetória acadêmica e currículo de estudantes de um curso de Nutrição com o desempenho acadêmico deles no Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes. Métodos Realizou-se o estudo de painéis transversais com dados secundários (Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes 2004, 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016 e 2019) de 174 estudantes concluintes. O desempenho acadêmico foi classificado em dois grupos, um com nota abaixo da mediana e outro acima da mediana. As diferenças de mediana de notas segundo as variáveis foram testadas por meio dos testes de Mann Whitney, Kruskal Wallis ou análise não paramétrica de tendência. A análise de regressão logística foi utilizada para avaliar a associação da variável nota com as demais. Utilizou-se o programa Stata versão 13.0 com valor de p<0,05 para a decisão estatística. Resultados Observou-se que o grupo de estudantes concluintes era composto majoritariamente por indivíduos do sexo feminino (92,5%), autodeclarados brancos (90,8%) e, em sua maioria, oriundos de escolas privadas (65,8%). Os que dispunham de algum tipo de renda obtiveram nota maior no Exame Nacional de Desempenho de Estudantes em relação àqueles que não possuíam renda (nota 61,8 vs 57,4, respectivamente; p=0,010), e a mudança curricular parece ser a principal variável nas chances de se obter uma nota acima da mediana do curso (OR: 1,92, p=0,046). Conclusão A situação financeira e a mudança curricular foram associadas ao desempenho acadêmico dos estudantes avaliados. Esses resultados podem ser usados como referência para investigações em outras instituições, públicas ou privadas, com estudantes de diferentes cursos, e, assim, auxiliar no planejamento de políticas educacionais mais efetivas.

Panorama of teaching on older adults or aging in undergraduate nutrition programs at Brazilian Higher Education Institutions / Panorama do ensino sobre idosos ou envelhecimento nos cursos de graduação em nutrição das Instituições Brasileiras de Ensino Superior

Objective: This study aimed to present an overview of teaching about older adults or aging in undergraduate nutrition programs of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with data obtained from HEI websites in 2018. Results: Most of the 527 analyzed HEIs were private institutions (88.05%). Courses related to older adults/aging were offered by 63.98% of the HEIs; 58.04% included shared content (not only involving older adults), 76.15% were offered from the fifth to the eighth semester, 53.19% were theoretical, 61.51% had a workload ≥ 60 hours/semester, and 92.16% were mandatory pedagogical activities. Internships involving older adults (one or more) were observed only in 4.65% of the programs. Conclusions: Approximately one-third of Brazilian HEIs do not offer courses on older adults or aging in their undergraduate nutrition programs. However, population aging, with its inherent demands, is a reality in Brazil and in the world. Further studies are suggested to expand the reflection and contribute to a more qualified training of nutritionists for the care of older adults

Objetivo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar um panorama do ensino sobre idosos ou envelhecimento nos cursos de graduação em Nutrição das Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) brasileiras. Metodologia: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, cujos dados foram obtidos nos endereços eletrônicos das IES em 2018. Resultados: Das 527 IES analisadas, a maioria era de ensino privado (88,05%). As disciplinas relacionadas aos idosos/envelhecimento eram oferecidas por 63,98% das IES, sendo 58,04% oferecidas de forma compartilhada (envolvendo não apenas idosos), 76,15% do 5o ao 8o semestre, 53,19% do tipo teórico, 61,51% possuíam carga horária ≥ 60 horas/semestre e 92,16% atividades pedagógicas obrigatórias. Estágio com o envolvimento de idosos (um ou mais) foi observado em apenas 4,65% dos cursos. Conclusão: Aproximadamente 1/3 das IES brasileiras não oferece disciplinas sobre idosos ou envelhecimento em seus cursos de graduação em Nutrição. Contudo, o envelhecimento populacional, com suas demandas inerentes, é uma realidade no Brasil e no mundo. Sugere-se que sejam conduzidos novos estudos para ampliar a reflexão e contribuir para uma formação de nutricionistas mais qualificada para o atendimento do idoso.

Effect of Nutrition Education in NAFLD Patients Undergoing Simultaneous Hyperlipidemia Pharmacotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a high prevalence of combined hyperlipidemia. The importance of nutritional education is well-known in NAFLD, but the impact of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is unclear in patients with NAFLD with hyperlipidemia. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of MNT on the improvement of steatohepatitis in patients with NAFLD taking antihyperlipidemic medications. METHODS: Nondiabetic patients with dyslipidemia were prospectively randomized (1:1) either to the MNT group or the control group with standard advice for 48 weeks with simultaneous statin/ezetimibe combination pharmacotherapy at three tertiary centers in Korea. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were enrolled. Among them, 18 patients dropped out and, overall, 48 patients (MNT group 27, control group 21) were prospectively analyzed in the study. The serum ALT level at 48 weeks between the two groups was not significantly different (66.6 ± 37.7 IU/L vs. 57.4 ± 36.7 IU/L, p = 0.40). Serum liver enzymes, controlled attenuation parameter and fibrosis-4 index were significantly improved within the MNT group after 48 weeks compared to baseline. There was no significant difference between the two groups other than the NAFLD fibrosis score (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Although there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of steatosis, metabolic and fibrosis surrogate indicators after 48 weeks, MNT groups showed significant improvement within patient analysis over time. Future studies with a larger number of subjects and a longer study period regarding the effect of MNT are warranted.

Impact of an Expansion of a Clinical Nutrition Curriculum on Pre-Clerkship Medical Students' Perception of Their Knowledge and Skills Related to Performing a Nutritional Assessment.

Learning how to provide nutritional counseling to patients should start early in undergraduate medical education to improve the knowledge, comfort, and confidence of physicians. Two nutrition workshops were developed for first-year medical students. The first workshop, co-led by physicians and registered dieticians, focused on obtaining nutrition assessments. The second workshop focused on the appropriate dietary counseling of patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular risk. We surveyed students before workshop 1, after workshop 1, and after workshop 2 to assess their perceptions of the value of physician nutrition knowledge and counseling skills as well as their own comfort in the area of nutritional knowledge, assessment, and counseling. We found a significant improvement in their self-assessed level of knowledge regarding counseling patients, in their comfort in completing a nutritional assessment, and in their confidence in advising a patient about nutrition by the end of the first workshop. By the time of the second workshop five months later, students continued to report a high level of knowledge, comfort, and confidence. The implementation of clinical nutrition workshops with a focus on assessment, management, and counseling was found to be effective in increasing student's self-assessed level of knowledge as well as their confidence and comfort in advising patients on nutrition. Our findings further support the previous assertion that clinical nutrition education can be successfully integrated into the pre-clerkship medical school curriculum.