Role of Parents in Body Mass Reduction in Children with Obesity-Adherence and Success of 1-Year Participation in an Intervention Program.

Background and Objectives: Obesity in children and adolescents results in a number of serious health-related consequences necessitating early treatment. Support from family members and family-focused lifestyle interventions can improve effectiveness of the treatment. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of parental characteristics and family-based dietary habits on the adherence and success of a body mass reduction program in children with obesity included in a lifestyle intervention program after 1 year. Materials and Methods: The program included dietetic, psychosocial, and endocrine counseling given to individuals either alone or in groups and was conducted by a multidisciplinary team (consisting of endocrinologists, nurses, psychologists, social counselors, dietitians, and physiotherapists). A total of 113 children aged 10-17 years (mean age 12.9 ± 2.0; 60 girls, 53 boys) were included in the program. After 1 year of participation, the rate of adherence and success were assessed. The effect of the participants' general characteristics, including anthropometric data, as well as parental characteristics (marital status, employment, education, body mass index (BMI), duration of breastfeeding) and the circumstances of meal consumption (eating at home or outside, fast food consumption), was analyzed. Results: The most important factors predicting body mass reduction success were baseline BMI (p < 0.0001) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) (p = 0.04), but they did not predict body mass reduction adherence. Conclusions: The meal consumption habits and support from family members may be among the determinants of adherence to a body mass reduction program for preadolescents and adolescents with obesity. However, the results of the presented study suggested that baseline BMI and WHR are the most important determinants of the body mass reduction success.

Role of fruit and vegetables for the mental health of children: a systematic review

Background: About 10-20% of children and adolescents worldwide experience a mental health problems, while among the factors which may be preventive, there is a diet, especially fruit and vegetables intake. Objective: The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the observational studies analyzing the association between the fruit and vegetables intake and the mental health in pre-schoolers and school-aged children. Material and methods: The systematic review was conducted based on PubMed and Web of Science databases, while the human studies, published in English until June 2019, conducted in populations of pre-schoolers and/ or school-aged children, verifying the influence of fruit and/ or vegetables and products (e.g. juices) intake on a various aspects of mental health were included. Results: The number of 12 studies were included, while a wide area of aspects of mental health was taken into account, including general well-being, emotions, stress, behavioral difficulties and problems, as well as depressive symptoms, or depressive symptoms combined with anxiety. Conclusions: In majority of studies included to the systematic review of the observational studies analyzing the association between the fruit and vegetables intake and mental health in pre-schoolers and school-aged children, the supposed positive influence was confirmed. However, it must be indicated that it was studied only in a few research and the issue must be analyzed in other populations. At the same time, in a number of studies, not fruit and vegetables intake alone was stated to be beneficial, but rather a more general dietary pattern, including also other elements of healthy diet and healthy lifestyle.

Fruit and vegetables intake in adolescents and mental health: a systematic review

Background: The proper nutrition is indicated as a factor of a potential importance for the mental health early in life span, and among the potential products, which may influence, there are fruit and vegetables. Objective: The aim of the study was to conduct a systematic review of the observational studies analyzing the association between the fruit and vegetables intake and the mental health in adolescents. Material and methods: On the basis of PubMed and Web of Science databases, the papers presenting human studies and published in English until June 2019, analyzing the association between intake of fruit and/ or vegetables, as well as related products (e.g. juices) and the mental health were included to the systematic review, while they analyzed a group of adolescents. Results: Based on the conducted systematic review, 17 studies were indicated as those which assess the influence of fruit and vegetables intake on the mental health in adolescents. For the assessment of mental health, diverse variables were taken into account, including positive (happiness, self-esteem), neutral (health-related quality of life, mental health status), and negative ones (loneliness, general difficulties, feeling worried, anxiety, stress and distress, depressive symptoms, depression, suicidal behaviors). Conclusions: Based on the conducted systematic review of observational studies, it may be indicated that in a groups of adolescents there was a positive association between intake of fruit and vegetable products and mental health. Especially beneficial for general mental health in adolescents, were such products as green vegetables, yellow vegetables and fresh fruit.

Analysis of Association Between Dietary Intake and Red Blood Cell Count Results in Remission Ulcerative Colitis Individuals.

Background and objectives: The anemia is the most common extra-intestinal manifestation of the ulcerative colitis. Taking into account, that meat products are perceived as factor, that may promote relapses, the crucial is to indicate the dietary recommendations to prevent anemia development but without high animal products intake. Aim of the study was to analyze the influence of animal products intake on the red blood cell count results in remission ulcerative colitis individuals and pair-matched control group, during 6 weeks of observation. Materials and Methods: The intake of nutrients associated with anemia development (iron, vitamin B12, protein, animal protein, calcium) and the products being their sources (meat, meat products, dairy beverages, cottage cheese, rennet cheese) were analyzed. Results: In spite of the higher meat products intake in the group of ulcerative colitis individuals, the iron intake did not differ between groups. The positive correlations between intakes of meat, meat products, total protein, animal protein, iron, vitamin B12 and red blood cell count results were stated for ulcerative colitis individuals, while in control group were not observed, that may have resulted from higher susceptibility for the diet-influenced changes. Conclusions: The positive correlation between red blood cell count results and energy value of diet, and daily iron intake observed in ulcerative colitis individuals, accompanied by negative correlation for iron intake per 1000 kcal of diet, may indicate, that higher iron intake may be beneficial, but only while accompanied by high energy value of diet.

Influence of the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers of children aged 3-10 years on their at-home support of fruit and vegetable consumption

Background: The inadequate fruit and vegetable intake is common for adults and children, while for children increasing intake is especially important, as intake during childhood predicts future adulthood intake. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess influence of the socio-demographic characteristics of mothers on their athome support of fruit and vegetable consumption in the national Polish sample. Material and methods: The study was conducted in a national representative sample of Polish mothers of children aged 3-10 (n=1200), who were recruited using a random quota sampling (quotas: age, education, region, size of city). They were interviewed using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method and asked about dietary patterns of their children and their at-home behaviors to support fruit and vegetable consumption, which were afterwards compared in sub-groups stratified for age, educational background, marital status, place of residence, occupational status and total net income in households. Results: For fruits, mothers with lower level of education, from villages/ smaller towns, with no professional job and lower income, more commonly than others, stated, that no support of consumption is needed, as their children eat fruits with no encouragement. For vegetables, either the same situation as for fruits was observed (for mothers with no professional job and lower income), or mothers more commonly than others declared forcing children to consume (for mothers with the lowest level of education). Conclusions: The socio-demographic status of mothers, especially level of education, place of residence, professional job and income, are important factors associated with their at-home support of fruit and vegetable consumption for their children. The groups of mothers with lower level of education, from villages/ smaller towns, with no professional job and lower income were indicated as important target groups to provide them knowledge about the recommended fruit and vegetable intake, as well as recommended parenting style.

Comparison of the Body Composition of Caucasian Young Normal Body Mass Women, Measured in the Follicular Phase, Depending on the Carbohydrate Diet Level.

Background and objectives: Some publications indicate the possibility of the influence of meal nutritional value on results of bioelectrical impedance, and of the relation between the long-term carbohydrate intake and body composition. The aim of the presented study was to evaluate the influence of long-term intake of carbohydrates on body composition results assessed using the bioelectrical impedance of Caucasian young women with normal body mass, who were in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle. Materials and Methods: Body composition was assessed in 100 women (18⁻30 years), according to strict rules, to minimize the influence of disturbing factors and by using two types of bioelectrical impedance device of the same operator to eliminate the influence of measurement (BIA 101/SC and BIA 101/ASE by Akern Srl, Firenze, Italy with the Bodygram 1.31 software and its equations by Akern Srl, Firenze, Italy). The analysis included validation of reproducibility of body composition assessment (fat, fat-free, body cell and muscle mass, water, extracellular water, and intracellular water content), and comparison of body composition for groups characterized by carbohydrate content <50% (n = 55) and >50% of the energy value of the diet (n = 45). Results: Analysis conducted using Bland⁻Altman method, analysis of correlation, analysis of quartile distribution, and weighted κ statistic revealed a positively validated reproducibility, but extracellular water associations were the weakest. Depending on the device, participants characterized by higher carbohydrate intake had significantly higher intracellular water content (p = 0.0448), or close to significantly higher (p = 0.0851) than those characterized by lower carbohydrate intake, whose extracellular water content was close to significantly lower (p = 0.0638) or did not differ. Conclusions: The long-term, moderately reduced, carbohydrate intake may cause the shift of intracellular water to the extracellular space and, as a result, influence the body composition results.

Analysis of the choice of food products and the energy value of diets of female middle- and long-distance runners depending on the self-assessment of their nutritional habits

Background: Properly balanced diet is especially important in the case of young athletes, as it influences not only their physical development, but also influences results obtained during trainings and competitions. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the choice of food products and the energy value of diets of female middleand long-distance runners, depending on the self-assessment of their nutritional habits. Material and methods: The study was conducted in the group of 40 female middle- and long-distance runners, aged 15-25, who declared average diet (n=15, 37.5%) or outstanding diet (n=25, 62.5%). Participants conducted three-day dietary record of the consumed dishes and drunk beverages, that was based on the self-reported data. The choice of products, the energy value of diets as well as macronutrients intake were compared depending on the self-assessment of the nutritional habits. Results: Runners declaring outstanding diet were characterized by significantly lower intake of dairy beverages, than runners declaring average diet (p=0.0459), but simultaneously, by higher intake of mushrooms (p=0.0453). No difference of energy value of diets was stated between groups of runners depending on the self-assessment of their nutritional habits. Runners declaring outstanding diet were characterized by significantly lower intake of lactose, than runners declaring average diet (p=0.0119), but simultaneously, by higher intake of cholesterol (p=0.0307). Conclusions: The female middle- and long-distance runners analysed in the presented study do not assess the quality of their diet reliably, so they probably do not have the sufficient nutritional knowledge. There is a need to implement nutritional education among professional runners and their coaches, in order to improve the quality of diet of professional runners and, as a results maybe also to improve their sport results.

Consumer perception of health properties and of other attributes of beef as determinants of consumption and purchase decisions

Background: Consumers may feel confused by receiving conflicting information about health-related aspects of beef. Therefore, it is invariably important to assess how consumers perceive the health benefits of beef. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of consumer perception of beef values on consumer behavior towards this type of meat. Material and methods: The study consisted of a survey conducted among residents of Swietokrzyskie voivodeship in the period February 2013 ­ September 2014. The research was conducted among 1004 consumers. The questions included in the questionnaire concerned habits associated with consumption of beef, as well as issues related to the process of purchasing decisions, and in particular the place and frequency of purchase of beef. Results: It was found that the frequency of buying beef was also significantly dependent on consumer belief in the health attributes of beef. Consumers consuming beef for this reason more often indicated that they consume beef once a week and 2-3 times a month. On the other hand, consumers who did not eat beef because of its impact on health in which they believed, more often pointed to its occasional/ sporadic consumption, that is once a month and less often. Conclusions: A significant percentage of consumers in the Swietokrzyskie voivodship misinterpret dietary recommendations and conclude that it is necessary to increase the consumption of beef due to medical reasons. Medical recommendations indicating the need to reduce meat consumption for a significant percentage of consumers from the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship are of little importance and do not contribute to changing their eating behavior. Especially in the case of men, there is often a reluctance to change eating habits if it would involve the need to reduce the consumption of meat. There is a need to verify marketing messages and to carry out general nutrition education so that it is possible to actually reach consumers with information about the need to limit the consumption of meat products.

The sensory quality of allergen-controlled, fat-reduced, salt-reduced pork-ostrich sausages during storage.

BACKGROUND: New meat products tailored to consumer health should be characterised by reduced sodium, fat and cholesterol contents and other health-promoting benefits. However, the food sector's greatest challenge is allergen-free production. Consumers are not willing to compromise the sensory quality of meat products for health. The aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of the storage time on the physical properties and consumer acceptance of allergen-controlled, fat-reduced, salt-reduced pork-ostrich sausages. The study focused on pork-ostrich sausages produced in accordance with a new patented technology, which focused on eliminating cross-contamination on-line in the plant, eliminating cross-contamination after preparation, and eliminating spices with high allergy potential. The production was focused on reducing fat (by approximately 50%) and salt (by approximately 30%) levels. RESULTS: No changes in the texture parameters of the sausage were observed during storage time; however, some changes in colour were observed. There were no significant differences in sensory consumer acceptability of pork-ostrich sausage after 14 days of storage; thus, it may be stated that the instrumentally assessed differences in colour did not influence consumer acceptance. CONCLUSION: The applied fat and NaCl reduction in the pork-ostrich sausages contributed to high consumer ratings and was not correlated with saltiness acceptability. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Influence of Duroc breed inclusion into Polish Landrace maternal line on pork meat quality traits.

Crossbreeding with Duroc breed allows to improve meat quality, but no data is available regarding specific influence of Duroc breed on characteristics of meat in the case of crossbreeding with various breeds. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding Polish Landrace dames with Duroc sires on quality features of meat in reference to Polish Landrace breed. The objects of the study were Longissimus dorsi lumborum pork muscles obtained from Polish Landrace breed and Polish Landrace x Duroc crossbreed animals. Sarcomere length measurements were conducted using microscopic method and basic chemical composition measurement was analyzed using spectrophotometric scanning. Texture analysis of meat samples, performed after thermal treatment was expressed by Warner-Bratzler shear force and color analysis was obtained using CIE L*a*b* color system. No differences in sarcomere length, shear force as well as components of color values between pork meat originated from Polish Landrace breed and Polish Landrace x Duroc crossbreed were observed. Analysis of basic chemical composition revealed higher fat and lower ash contents in the case of meat of Polish Landrace breed animals. It was concluded that the actual impact of breed on meat characteristics is possibly altered by other factors. It may be suggested that influence of basic chemical composition on color of meat is breed-related.

Effect of carcass fat and conformation class on consumer perception of various grilled beef muscles.

The aim of the study was to analyse the attributes influencing consumer perception of grilled beef steaks. The objects were 30 carcasses out of which eight cuts were obtained (2100 single samples were prepared). A total of 350 consumers were asked to rate the meat samples (6 samples for each consumer) by assessing: tenderness, juiciness, flavour, overall acceptability and satisfaction. The MQ4, which is a combination of consumer rates for tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall acceptability that is transformed into a single parameter with greater discriminatory ability, was calculated using linear discriminate analysis. The tenderloin was the cut that had the highest ratings for all attributes, however, tenderness, juiciness, MQ4 and consumer satisfaction evaluated for oyster blade were not significantly different from tenderloin. The results of this study indicated that consumer preferences regarding grilled steak were not influenced by fat class, conformation rib fat thickness and ossification score of the carcasses but only by the type of meat cuts.

Analysis of the dietary factors contributing to the future osteoporosis risk in young Polish women.

BACKGROUND: The osteoporosis is becoming serious problem for the preventive healthcare, that is stated for Poland and western countries. The loss of bone mass in women may be even five times higher than in men, so in the osteoporosis preventive strategies, young women are indicated as best potential target group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze the osteoporosis risk, on the basis of diet assessment in young Polish women, while satisfying nutritional needs for bone health-related nutrients was taken into account. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the group of 75 women, aged 20-30, who prepared three-day dietary record (14% of underweight, 15% of excessive body mass individuals). The intakes of nutrients being associated directly with risk of osteoporosis (protein, potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B6, folates, vitamin B12, vitamin C) were analysed. RESULTS: The vast majority (89%) of individuals was characterized by lower declared energy intake than calculated requirement. The majority was characterized by inadequate intake of potassium, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and folates. Only 25% was characterized by an adequate intake of calcium and, while supplementation was taken into account, 10% was characterized by an adequate intake of vitamin D. CONCLUSIONS: Following diets declared by the analysed young women may be the factor increasing seriously the risk of osteoporosis, as well as the risk of other diet-related diseases. The low intake of majority of analysed nutrients in the analysed group may result mainly from low energy value of declared diets. Taking into account the proper BMI of the majority of analysed group of young women and low energy value of their declared diets, the common underreporting may be sup- posed, and it may contribute to osteoporosis risk overestimation. KEY WORDS: osteoporosis, young women, calcium, vitamin D, nutrients, underreporting.

Analysis of the declared nutritional behaviours in a group of diabetology nurses educating patients about diabetes diet therapy.

BACKGROUND: The proper nutrition in diabetes is one of the crucial elements of therapy, but in practice, diet of diabetic individuals is commonly improperly balanced, that is associated with lack of nutritional knowledge. The nurses are also often characterized by insufficient knowledge about diabetes diet therapy and poor nutritional behaviors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyze of the declared nutritional behaviors in a group of diabetology nurses and to compare it with declared nutritional behaviors of the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The group of 52 nurses recruited from all the regions of Poland working with diabetic patients was analysed and compared with control group of 63 individuals - random non-diabetic patients from all the regions of Poland. They were asked about accomplishing practical recommended nutritional goals for adults in Poland and were able to indicate if they follow detailed recommended nutritional goals "always" (3 points), "sometimes" (1 point) or "never" (0 points). RESULTS: The diabetology nurses rarely declared fish and legumes intake (never or sometimes accomplishing goal: 87%), milk and dairy products intake (75%), as well as moderate sugar and sweets intake (69%). Nurses significantly rarer than control group declared regularity of meals (p=0.0000) and diversion of meals (p=0.0000). The lack of correlation between number of years of working with diabetic individuals and number of obtained points during assessment of nutritional behaviors was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The nutritional behaviors of diabetology nurses are not good, even if they educate diabetic patients on daily basis. Nutritional education should be conducted not only in groups of diabetic patients, but also, in groups of diabetology nurses.

Calcium intake and osteoporosis: the influence of calcium intake from dairy products on hip bone mineral density and fracture incidence - a population-based study in women over 55 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age and is most frequently observed in postmenopausal women. The objective of the present population-based cohort study was to assess the influence of Ca intake from dairy sources on hip bone mineral density and hip fracture incidence in a group of Polish women over 55 years of age. DESIGN: The main outcome measures included: bone mineral density, the number of previous fractures and the reported Ca intake from dairy sources, assessed by a diet questionnaire. SETTING: The RAC-OST-POL Study was conducted in the District of Raciborz in the south of Poland. SUBJECTS: The study was carried out in a group of 625 women, randomly recruited from the general population of women aged >55 years. RESULTS: Median Ca intake from dairy products was lower in the group of women with femoral neck T-score ≤-2·5 than in the group with T-score >-2·5 (275 v. 383 mg/d; P = 0·0019). For total hip score, the difference was close to borderline significance (P = 0·0698). Median Ca intake from dairy products was lower in the group of women with previous fractures than in those without fracture history (336 v. 395 mg/d; P = 0·0254). The main dairy source of Ca in the analysed group included milk drinks, rennet cheese and milk. CONCLUSIONS: Higher dairy Ca intake is recommended, since a number of the women analysed were unable to satisfy their Ca requirement exclusively from their diet.

The effect of dairy products choice on calcium dietary intake in female university students of nutritional faculty.

BACKGROUND: Dairy products provide the most important source of calcium in a typical human diet, being of particular significance to women. OBJECTIVE: To determine dietary calcium intakes in a group of female students studying human nutrition at a Warsaw University of Life Sciences - SGGW through analysing the selections made of dairy products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A food frequency questionnaire was used to assess average consumption of dairy products. Total daily calcium intakes were then estimated by adding the intakes obtained from such dairy products to an average non-dairy calcium value obtained from other foodstuffs and taken to be 250 mg. RESULTS: Varied choices were made of dairy foodstuffs, with most subjects consuming milk, milk beverages, cottage cheese and rennet cheese. Calcium intakes were thus dependent on the dietary assortment of such selected dairy products made. Whenever cheeses were avoided in the diet, then low calcium intakes became more common. CONCLUSIONS: When compared to dietary recommendations, calcium intakes in this group of young women were inadequately low especially for those not eating cheese and despite supposedly having sufficient knowledge through studying this subject area.

Determinants of Fish Intake and Complying with Fish Consumption Recommendations-A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study among Secondary School Students in Poland.

Fish intake in youth is commonly inadequate with several potential determinants. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of potential fish intake determinants in a nationwide sample of Polish youth. Associations between the participants' fish intake and their gender, age, body mass index, place of residence (region and size of locality), school type, nutritional knowledge about fish, and their parents'/legal guardians' fish intake were assessed. A total sample of 1317 adolescents (870 female, 447 male) aged 14-22 from 32 secondary schools from all regions of Poland participated in the study. Median fish intake among the youth was 34.9 g/week. The recommendation to consume at least 300 g of fish/week was followed by 6% of participants. Fish intake was determined by gender and the type of school, with males and comprehensive high school students consuming more fish, but it was not determined by the region or size of the locality of residence and age group, nor did the body mass index determine fish intake. Participants' fish intake was positively associated with their nutritional knowledge about fish, as well as with their parents'/legal guardians' fish intake. Most youths do not follow the recommendation to consume at least 300 g of fish weekly; hence, nutritional education on the recommendations and the benefits of fish consumption is necessary.

Multifactorial Analysis of Influences on Quality of Life in Cancer Patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The diminished quality of life experienced by cancer patients impacts not only the individuals but also the broader healthcare system. Despite the effect that cancer has on quality of life both during and after treatment, quality of life assessments are not yet commonly implemented, and the specific factors influencing quality of life are not well understood. The aim of this study was to conduct comprehensive multifactorial analysis to identify the factors that influence the quality of life in cancer patients. METHODS: This study comprised a cohort of 108 patients diagnosed with cancer. The EORTC QLQ C-30 and EORTC QLQ-INFO 25 questionnaires were used to interview participants, along with questions related to disease course and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: Differences were found in various subdomains among male versus female, individuals who solicited nutritional information in cancer themselves versus those who did not, individuals who reported consulting a dietitian versus those who did not, individuals who reported a recent decrease in their food intake versus those who did not report it. The results of the stepwise multiple regression show the following factors as the most important factors affecting their quality of life: patients soliciting nutritional information, reduced food intake, types of nutrition support, age, gender, seeking consultation with a dietitian, place of residence, and education level. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to sociodemographic variables and those related to the location, course, and treatment of cancer, including type of cancer, the variable related to patients' declared need for soliciting nutritional information and seeking consultation with a dietitian may also influence quality of life. Therefore, the above factors in determining the quality of life and well-being of patients should also be considered in a holistic approach to patient care.

Assessment of the quality of diet of Alzheimer's disease individuals living at homes and in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: In case of many individuals, decrease of body mass is observed during aging, that is often in elderly living in nursing homes. It is especially important for patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), when decrease of body mass, resulting in malnutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was the assessment of the quality of diet of AD individuals living at homes and in nursing homes, in comparison with a control group MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the study participated 160 individuals with and without AD, living at home or in nursing homes. Assessment of diet of individuals living at homes was based on self-reported data from one-day dietary recall. Assessment of diet of individuals living in nursing homes was based on one-day menu from nursing homes accompanied by information about snacking between meals. The diets were assessed on the basis of qualitative meal classification method of Bieliiska and Kulesza. RESULTS: Individuals living in nursing homes consumed meals more often than living at homes, while AD did not have any impact on it. Individuals consuming fruits and vegetables not often enough were in all the groups, however, in case of individuals living at homes it was serious problem. Consuming animal products to almost all main meals was observed in case of many individuals in all analyzed groups. Composition of majority of main meals and small amount of lunches and afternoon snacks was rational. CONCLUSIONS: Improperly balanced diet following observed not only in a group of AD individuals but also of ones without dementia (both living at homes and in nursing homes), may result in dietary deficiencies.

Analysis of Determinants of Food Preferences in a Polish Population-Based Sample of Primary School Adolescents: Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study.

For the choices of food products, food preferences are crucial, as they influence the intake of nutrients and the resultant quality of diet, but in Poland, no studies of food preferences were conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic on a population of young adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the determinants of food preferences in a Polish population-based sample of primary school adolescents as part of the Diet and Activity of Youth during COVID-19 (DAY-19) Study. The DAY-19 Study focused on a national sample of a population of primary school adolescents who were recruited based on cluster sampling of participants from counties and schools, yielding a sample of 5039 individuals. Their food preferences were assessed using the Food Preference Questionnaire (FPQ), and they were compared in subgroups stratified by (1) gender: male and female; (2) age: younger (10-13 years) and older (14-16 years); (3) place of residence: urban and rural; (4) Body Mass Index (BMI): underweight, normal body weight, and overweight/obese (assessed based on Polish growth reference values); and (5) physical activity level: low and moderate (assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for children aged 10-13 (IPAQ-C) and adolescents aged 14-16 (IPAQ-A)). In the population of adolescents, no statistically significant differences in food preferences between subgroups stratified by gender were observed (p > 0.05). For boys, none of the studied factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) was statistically significant determinant of food preferences (p < 0.05), while for girls, all of them were statistically significant determinants (p > 0.05). All the assessed factors (age, place of residence, BMI, physical activity level) in girls were associated with preferences for snacks, and older girls, those from a rural environment, those who were underweight and overweight/obese, as well as those having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for snacks than younger ones (p = 0.0429), those from an urban environment (p = 0.0484), those of a normal body weight (p = 0.0091), and those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0083). Similarly, girls from rural environments declared a higher preference for starches than those from urban environments (p = 0.0103), and girls having a low physical activity level declared a higher preference for fruit than those having a moderate physical activity level (p = 0.0376). Taking this into account, the population of girls, in particular, needs dedicated educational actions to support proper nutritional habits. Additionally, older age, living in a rural environment, being underweight and overweight/obese, and having a low physical activity level may be indicated as factors predisposing one to food preferences potentially promoting unhealthy dietary habits.

Analysis of Fish-Consumption Benefits and Safety Knowledge in a Population-Based Sample of Polish Adolescents.

Inadequate fish consumption is common and may result from multiple reasons, especially in adolescents who are a population at particular risk of the negative consequences of not consuming the recommended amounts of fish. The aim of the study was to analyze the knowledge about fish-consumption benefits and safety in a population-based sample of Polish adolescents. The stratified random sampling was conducted within two stages: sampling of counties from all voivodeships in Poland (being the basic administrative units of Poland) and inviting secondary schools from the drawn counties to obtain a sample representative of all regions of Poland. The Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) method was applied to gather the data within the study, and a questionnaire concerning knowledge about fish-consumption benefits and safety with 20 true-false statements was applied. Among 1289 participants, the statement with the highest share of correct answers concerned fish being a source of protein (78.9%) and fish-derived fats being health promoting (77.0%). The statement receiving the least correct answers concerned the type of fatty acids found in fish (7.6%) and the risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish (20.5%). Participants who were female, older than 18, underweight, living in an urban environment, from a region far away from the sea and from comprehensive schools provided a higher share of correct answers than other subgroups (p < 0.05). Knowledge concerning fish-consumption benefits and safety among Polish adolescents is in many cases inadequate; thus, nutritional education is needed, especially among younger adolescents, those attending vocational schools, males and those living in a rural environment.