Association between Dietary Practices and Growth Trajectories in Preschool Children.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the association of dietary practices with early life weight among children born in 2001 in the U.S. METHODS: The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-B) is a population-based cohort followed from 9 months to Kindergarten entry (n~5000). We employed an auto-regressive cross-lagged model to assess the impacts of dietary practices on weight stability over time. We calculated age- and sex-standardized BMI z-scores using WHO growth curves. RESULTS: BMI z-scores had a stable increase over time. Later age of solid food introduction was associated with lower BMI z-score at age 2y [-0.03(-0.05,-0.004)]; having dinners more times per week with family at age 2y was associated with higher BMI z-score at 4y [0.03(0.01,0.05)]. These changes, of <0.05 BMI z-score, are small. Children with higher birthweight were introduced to solid foods at younger ages [-0.39 months(-0.45,-0.32)] and were breast fed longer [0.13 months(0.04,0.22)]. For girls, having dinner at a regular time at ages 2y and 4y was associated with lower BMI at ages 4y and 5y. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary practices in early childhood affect weight trajectories. However, these effects are small and are largely overshadowed by prior weight. Children's weight in infancy is associated with subsequent dietary practices but also small effects.

Food choice, embodied knowledge and circumscribed agency: factors influencing adolescent girls' and boys' dietary practices in three states in northern Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore adolescent dietary practices, related norms and acceptable communication platforms in northern Nigeria to inform future nutrition project design. DESIGN: This was a qualitative formative research study. We used purposive sampling and conducted thirty focus group discussions with male and female adolescents aged 10-14 and 15-19 years (n 180) and six with adult influencers (n 36). We also administered a 24-h dietary recall with the adolescents using the Diet Quality Questionnaire. SETTING: The study was conducted in urban and rural areas in three states in northern Nigeria. RESULTS: Adolescents reported consuming six nutritious food groups the previous day on average. However, there was a wide disparity and only half consumed all five recommended food groups. Adolescents' food choices were influenced by perceptions of the functional and physical benefits of nutritious foods and preferences for satisfying foods. Diverse foods were available in the food environment, but affordability constrained access to nutritious foods. Limited access to income and gender norms constrained adolescent agency over food choice. Girls, particularly those who were pregnant, had less agency related to food than boys. Adolescents thought that peers should be reached through group discussions, radio and phones, among other communication platforms. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents consumed relatively diverse diets. Adolescent food choice was influenced by their embodied experience and knowledge related to nutrition and taste, home food environment and circumscribed agency. Opportunities exist to support healthy diets for adolescents by strengthening adolescents' embodied knowledge, food environments and social support.

Evaluating the impacts of school garden-based programmes on diet and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and practices among the school children: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Previous evidence suggests that school garden-based programmes (SGBP) may be a promising yet cost-effective intervention to improve children's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) on healthy eating. This review aimed to summarise and evaluate the evidence available on the impacts of SGBP in addressing diet and nutrition-related KAP among school-aged children. METHODS: Five databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus were searched until February 2021. Randomised, non-randomised controlled and pre-post intervention studies investigating the impacts of SGBP on at least one of the outcomes of interest including diet and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes towards fruits and vegetables (F&V), food diversity and dietary practice among school-aged children were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed by one reviewer and checked for accuracy by the other two reviewers in accordance with PRISMA guideline. Quality appraisal for studies included was assessed using American Dietetic Association Quality Criteria Checklist. RESULTS: A total of 10,836 records were identified, and 35 studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. This includes 25,726 students from 341 schools and 8 nurseries from 12 countries. Intervention duration ranged from 6 weeks to 4 years with 18 studies involving a varied degree of parental participation. SGBP, which majorly includes school gardening activities, cooking lessons and nutrition education, demonstrated beneficial effects on children's nutritional knowledge, their attitudes and acceptability towards fruits and vegetables and children's dietary practices including the actual F&V consumption and dietary diversity. However, the impacts of SGBP on such outcomes were highly influenced by various social and environmental factors including the activities/components and duration of the intervention, parental involvement, sample size, and the age of children when interventions were first introduced. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that SGBP may be effective in promoting children's nutritional knowledge, attitudes and acceptability towards vegetables, however, the impacts may vary by the type, the extent, and the length of the programmes, and other factors such as parent involvement. Future SGBP is suggested to implement using a combined multidisciplinary approach targeting the children, parents, and community to effectively promote healthy eating among the children and prevent childhood obesity.

El Sancocho, la Bandera y la Familia: The Social Life of Food and its Implications for Dominican Immigrant Health and Well-Being.

In order to better understand factors that influence the health and well-being of Dominican immigrants, we explored the ways in which immigration influences cultural practices, health behavior, and health. Dominican immigrants (n = 42) took part in five reflective and unstructured group discussions and (n = 5) participated in an intergenerational photovoice group. The loss of the familial and social context in which Dominican dietary practices traditionally take place was a salient theme. For participants, eating became a rushed, perfunctory activity involving fewer people and less socializing. Dietary practices in the Dominican Republic are set in the context of familial norms and social processes, which provide support as well as opportunities for socializing and the transmission of cultural practices across generations. In the United States, broader sociopolitical forces are guided by individualism and do not support the development or maintenance of these factors for Dominicans. Policies that promote work-life balance may have important implications for dietary practices in new immigrant communities.

Validation of conceptual and methodological framework for the study of dietary practices and nutritional status of an adult population.

Background: The use of validated and reliable methods and instruments is necessary to study dietary practices and nutritional status due to their direct impacts on population health. Objective: The aim is the validity and reliability of the conceptual and methodological framework of research on factors associated with dietary practices and nutritional status (FADPNS), carried out on adult population of the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region in Morocco. Material and methods: First, we developed a conceptual and methodological framework for research on FADPNS, which aimed to study dietary practices, nutritional status, and the factors associated with them in an adult Moroccan population. Then, we studied the validity and reliability of this framework in three phases. Phase 1 focused on the validation of the content of the conceptual and methodological framework, Phase 2 focused on the study by an expert committee of the internal consistency validity (ICV) of the questionnaires used in this research , and Phase 3 consisted of the study of the reliability of the items questionnaires by the test of Cronbach Alpha. Results: Thus, the validated content of the conceptual framework of research on FADPNS includes socio-demographic, socio-economic, and socio-cultural characteristics; health status; physical activity, places of food purchase; food preparation, taking of meals, family commensality; social representations of good dietary practices; food consumption; and nutritional status. The questionnaires used in this research received an ICV score of 85%. The reliability test of the questionnaires showed a Cronbach Alpha value ≥ 0.5, which turned out to vary from "moderate" to "excellent". Conclusion: This work enabled the validation of the conceptual framework and the methodology of the study of the factors associated with dietary practices and nutritional status in the RSK region.

Effectiveness of a nutrition education and intervention programme on nutrition knowledge and dietary practice among Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University's population.

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to assess the influence of nutrition education and intervention programmes on nutrition knowledge and dietary practice among both students and staff (including faculty) of Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia. DESIGN: A pretest-posttest, non-randomised experimental study design was implemented at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh City between September 2019 and February 2020. SETTING: Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University is the largest women's university in the world and has eighteen colleges and institutions and around ninety academic programmes. PARTICIPANTS: The survey was completed by 1824 participants (1350 students and 474 staff/faculty) before the intervention and by a different cohort of 1731 participants (1317 students and 414 staff/faculty) after the intervention. In total, an independent sample of 3555 staff and students participated. Participants were asked about dietary knowledge and practices. Dietary knowledge entailed food variety and nutrients, fast food and its poor nutritional value, and the influence of cooking style on the nutritional quality of food. Dietary practices involved eating breakfast; consuming salt/sugar, eating high-salt food; eating pre-packaged food and consumption of vegetables, fruits, supplements, water and caffeine. RESULTS: The majority of the sample consisted of students (75·1 %) and had not been diagnosed with any disease (73·7 %). The result of the current study showed that nutrition knowledge improved after completion of the nutrition programme. CONCLUSIONS: The nutrition awareness programme improved students' nutritional knowledge; however, there was no significant effect on their dietary practices. Future nutrition awareness programmes should separate activities for students and staff, focusing on one target population at a time.

Dietary practices of Iranian migrant women in the United Kingdom.

This research investigates the role of migration on the dietary practices of Iranian migrant women in the United Kingdom. It takes into account previous studies that migration leads to poorer socio-economic status of women that limits their food choices. Conversely, a study in Britain reveals that Iranian migrants continue with their traditional Iranian food practices. This qualitative study was informed by social practice theory, which posits that practices depend on the integration of three key elements: materials, competences and meanings. The study participants were 22 first generation Iranian migrant women aged 24-64 residing in London. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured, individual interviews and were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that despite the diminished socio-economic status of some recent migrant women, the widespread multicultural food stores (materials), the affordable food prices, coupled with the women's cooking skills and improved knowledge of healthy food (greater competences) result in colonizing their energy, time, skills and budget (competences) in preparing healthy foods amongst those living with family members. At a personal level, most single women without children acknowledged their improved knowledge as the key to eating a healthy diet in Britain. Some women, however, recognize resorting to overeating to cope with the psychological demands of migration. Future studies need to focus on identifying the best possible supports for the Iranian migrant women in Britain from the early stages of their migration.

Factors influencing dietary practices in a transitioning food environment: a cross-sectional exploration of four dietary typologies among rural and urban Ugandan women using Photovoice.

BACKGROUND: Healthy and sustainable dietary practices offer a possible solution to competing tensions between health and environmental sustainability, particularly as global food systems transition. To encourage such dietary practices, it is imperative to understand existing dietary practices and factors influencing these dietary practices. The aim of this study was to identify multi-level factors in lived rural and urban Ugandan food environments that influence existing dietary practices among women of reproductive age (WRA). METHODS: A mixed methods study was conducted. Multiple correspondence analysis followed by hierarchical cluster analysis were performed on dietary data collected among a sample (n = 73) of Ugandan WRA in Kampala (urban) and Wakiso (rural) districts to elicit dietary clusters. Dietary clusters, which were labelled as dietary typologies based on environmental impact and nutrition transition considerations, were reflective of dietary practices. Following this, a smaller sample of WRA (n = 18) participated in a Photovoice exercise and in-depth interviews to identify factors in their social, physical, socio-cultural and macro-level environments influencing their enactment of the identified dietary typologies, and therefore dietary practices. RESULTS: Four dietary typologies emerged: 'urban, low-impact, early-stage transitioners', 'urban, medium-impact, mid-stage transitioners', 'rural, low-impact, early-stage transitioners' and 'rural, low-impact, traditionalists'. Although experienced somewhat differently, the physical environment (access, availability and cost), social networks (parents, other family members and friends) and socio-cultural environment (dietary norms) were cross-cutting influences among both urban and rural dietary typologies. Seasonality (macro-environment) directly influenced consumption of healthier and lower environmental impact, plant-based foods among the two rural dietary typology participants, while seasonality and transportation intersected to influence consumption of healthier and lower environmental impact, plant-based foods among participants in the two urban dietary typologies. CONCLUSION: Participants displayed a range of dietary typologies, and therefore dietary practices. Family provides an avenue through which interventions aimed at encouraging healthier and lower environmental impact dietary practices can be targeted. Home gardens, urban farming and improved transportation could address challenges in availability and access to healthier, lower environmental impact plant-based foods among urban WRA.

Assessment of an adolescent-girl-focused nutritional educational intervention within a girls' empowerment programme: a cluster randomised evaluation in Zambia.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescent girls are at risk for both macro- and micronutrient deficiencies affecting growth, maternal and child health. This study assessed the impact of an adolescent-girl-tailored nutritional education curriculum on nutritional outcomes, including knowledge, dietary behaviour, anthropometry and anaemia. DESIGN: A cluster-randomised evaluation was conducted with two study arms: girls in mentor-led weekly girls' groups receiving sexual and reproductive health and life-skills training assigned to an age-appropriate nutritional curriculum and control girls in the weekly girls' groups without the nutritional education. The primary analysis was intent-to-treat (ITT) generalised least squares regression. Secondary analysis using two-stage, instrumental-variables estimation was also conducted. SETTING: The intervention and evaluation were conducted in urban and rural areas across four of ten provinces in Zambia. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 2660 girl adolescents aged 10-19 years were interviewed in 2013 (baseline) and annually through 2017. RESULTS: ITT results indicate that exposure to the nutritional educational programme did not meaningfully change outcomes for adolescents or their children. Intervention adolescents were no more likely to correctly identify healthy foods (P = 0·51) or proper infant-feeding practices (P = 0·92); were no less likely to be stunted (P = 0·30) or underweight (P = 0·87) and no less likely to be anaemic (P = 0·38). Outcomes for children of intervention participants were not improved, including being breastfed (P = 0·42), stunted (P = 0·21), wasted (P = 0·77) or anaemic (P = 0·51). CONCLUSIONS: Even a high-quality nutritional educational intervention tailored to adolescents within an empowerment programme does not assure improved nutritional outcomes; adolescent preferences, resource control and household dynamics require consideration in the context of nutritional educational programmes.

Dietary behaviours in the context of nutrition transition: a systematic review and meta-analyses in two African countries.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesise evidence of urban dietary behaviours (macronutrients, types of foods, dietary diversity and dietary practices) in two African countries in relation to postulated changes in the context of nutrition transition. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analyses, including six online databases and grey literature, 1971-2018 (Protocol CRD42017067718). SETTING: Urban Ghana and Kenya. PARTICIPANTS: Population-based studies of healthy adolescents and adults. RESULTS: The forty-seven included studies encompassed 20 726 individuals plus 6526 households. Macronutrients were within WHO-recommended ranges: mean energy intake was 1867 kcal/d (95 % CI 1764, 1969) and the proportions of macronutrients were carbohydrate 61·2 % (58·4, 64·0), fat 25·3 % (22·8, 28·0) and protein 13·7 % (12·3, 15·1). The proportion of population consuming fruit and vegetables was 51·6 %; unhealthy foods, 29·4 %; and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), 39·9 %. Two-thirds (68·8 %) consumed animal-source proteins. Dietary diversity scores were within the mid-range. Meal patterns were structured (typically three meals per day), with evidence lacking on snacking or eating out. CONCLUSIONS: Population-level diets fell within WHO macronutrient recommendations, were relatively diverse with structured meal patterns, but some indications of nutrition transition were apparent. The proportion of population consuming fruit and vegetables was low compared to healthy-eating recommendations, and consumption of SSBs was widespread. A paucity of evidence from 1971 to 2010 precluded a longitudinal analysis of nutrition transition. Evidence from these two countries indicates which aspects of dietary behaviours may be contributing to increasing overweight/obesity, namely a low proportion of population consuming fruit and vegetables and widespread consumption of SSBs. These are potential targets for promoting healthier diets.

Gaps in knowledge and practice on dietary consumption among rural farming households; a call for nutrition education training in Tanzania.

Dietary-related conditions are preventable only if people have better understanding of factors that underpin their dietary choices. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine levels and gaps of nutrition knowledge and practices (KPs) of 663 mothers/caregivers in rural households of Tanzania. Results indicated that, only 14% of the population had received nutrition education prior to the survey. The mean KP score was 6.9 (±2.6) out of 20 with only 17% of the study population had KP scores above the mean. The average proportion of those who had correct responses above mean was 27% for knowledge and 22% practices. Low coverage of nutrition education and poor participation of men in nutrition education activities were frequently reported as the barriers for adoption of desirable dietary practices at households. The KP levels are far below the recommended FAO thresholds and entail high levels of nutrition illiteracy which call for immediate intervention.

Dietary Practices and Meal Patterns among Overweight and Obese School Children in Malaysia: Baseline Data from a School-Based Intervention Study.

This study aimed to determine dietary practices and meal patterns among Malaysian overweight and obese school children at baseline. This study was part of a school-based obesity intervention study, My Body is Fit and Fabulous at School (MyBFF@school). It involved 1045 primary and 1041 secondary overweight and obese school children from a randomly selected 23 out of 1196 primary and 15 out of 416 secondary government schools in central Peninsular Malaysia. The results showed a significantly higher of adequate intake (4-8 servings/day) of cereals and grains among primary (54.7%) than secondary school children (48.2%). About 28.2% of primary and 32.6% of secondary school children had consumed adequate fruit (2 servings/day), while a very low percentage of both primary (5.0%) and secondary (3.6%) school children consumed adequate vegetables (3 servings/day). As for the meal patterns, school children in both primary and secondary were not taking breakfast regularly (mean±SD for primary: 3.16 ± 2.61 days/week vs secondary: 2.97 ± 2.52 days/week). There was also a significantly higher mean frequency of primary school children brought plain water to school than the secondary school children. In conclusion, urgent actions to address improper dietary practices and meal patterns of overweight and obese school children in Malaysia are warranted.

Prevalent bariatric dietary practices: Is India on the same page?

BACKGROUND: In the past decade, there has been an increase in the number and types of bariatric procedures in India. It is, thus, important to monitor prevalent bariatric practices. AIM: To identify prevalent pre- and post-operative dietary practices by bariatric professionals across India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data regarding various pre- and post-surgery dietary practices were collected using an Internet-based survey. Thirty-three bariatric professionals including dietitians (n = 25) and surgeons (n = 8) across the country participated in the survey. The data were analysed, and prevalent dietary practices were identified. RESULTS: Five (20%) dietitians were not involved in the pre-surgery consultation. Nineteen (70%) professionals put all patients on a low-calorie pre-surgery diet regardless of their body mass index, with a preference (n = 21; 77.7%) for liquid diet. Twenty-three (70%) professionals put patients on post-surgery liquid diet for 1-2 weeks. Thereafter, 28 (84.8%) professionals recommended soft diet for 2-4 weeks. Twenty-seven (81%) professionals used protein shakes (as opposed to dietary sources) as their primary source of protein for the first 3 months post-surgery. Fourteen (36%) professionals stopped protein shake supplements within 6 months post-surgery. Ten (30%) professionals reported whey protein aversions in >25% of the patients. Twenty-three (71%) professionals advocated a meal with <30% of carbohydrates for up to 1 year. Twenty-eight (84%) professionals used portion control method for meals. CONCLUSION: Our study reflects that prevalent dietary practices among Indian bariatricians are in line with national and international guidelines.

Undernutrition in children & critical windows of opportunity in Indian context.

It is intriguing to note that majority of the wasting among the under 5 yr in India is present at birth. The National Family Health Survey 4 (NFHS-4) data analysis shows 31.9 per cent wasting at birth, which is decreasing to 17.7 per cent in the under five children; clearly suggesting that any reduction in wasting should come from improvement in foetal growth. In addition, children with both severe wasting and severe stunting, in whom the risk of mortality increases many folds, are <1 per cent in almost all the States; and these are the children in whom special care is required under the community-based management of severe acute malnutrition. This article presents an overview of nutrition status in children, their antecedents, and the critical phases; especially, nutrition status before pregnancy that plays a crucial role in all the nutrition status indicators of children. More attention on the critical phases is crucial to maximize the benefits from national programmes.

International migration and dietary change in Mexican women from a social practice framework.

Migration from lower- and middle-income to high-income countries is associated with dietary change, and especially with the adoption of a modern, less healthy diet. In this article we analyze the dietary changes experienced by Mexican migrants, employing as a theoretical framework the concept of social practice. According to this framework, practices integrate material elements, meanings and competences that provide their conditions of possibility. Practices are shared by members of social groups, and interact with other competing or reinforcing practices. Between 2014 and 2015, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 women, international return migrants living in Tijuana, Mexico. The interview guide asked about history of migration and dietary change. We found three main areas of dietary change: from subsistence farming to ready meals, abundance vs. restriction, and adoption of new food items. The first one was associated with changes in food procurement and female work: when moving from rural to urban areas, participants substituted self-produced for purchased food; and as migrant women joined the labor force, consumption of ready meals increased. The second was the result of changes in income: participants of lower socioeconomic position modified the logic of food acquisition from restriction to abundance and back, depending on the available resources. The third change was relatively minor, with occasional consumption of new dishes or food items, and was associated with exposure to different cuisines and with learning how to cook them. Public health efforts to improve the migrants' diets should take into account the constitutive elements of dietary practices, instead of isolating individuals from their social contexts.

Dietary habits and practices of type-2 diabetic patients in a tertiary care centre of Islamabad, Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between food intake and diabetes control. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Medicine and Endocrinology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Pakistan, from July 2016 to February 2017, during which type-2 diabetes patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Demographics, intake of high glycaemic index foods consumed in each food group, and general dietary practices were assessed by means of number of meals per day and adherence to the dietary plan. Glycated haemoglobin A1c values were recorded as well. SPSS 21 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients, 100(55.6%) were taking three meals a day. Besides, 108(60%) had an income >Rs50,000. Moreover, 127(70.6%) patients were not aware of the type of diabetes, while 117(65%) patients had high glycated haemoglobin levels. Furthermore, 148(82.2%) made a change in diet following diabetes diagnosis, while 168(93.3%) had recommended food available in their house, and 65(36.1%) followed a strictly-recommended dietary schedule. A statistically significant association was found between the consumption of different desserts/sweets and glycated haemoglobin levels (p=0.008) followed by fruit intake like mangoes (p=0.004) and grapes (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to educate diabetics regarding diet management in terms of glycaemic index of foods.

Dietary practices of children and adolescents with Down syndrome.

The aim of this study was to assess dietary intake, breastfeeding history, weight at birth and current weight in children and adolescents with Down syndrome (DS). Therefore, a cross-sectional, controlled study with 19 DS participants and 19 controls without DS matched by gender and age was performed. Except for vitamin D, a lower or the same frequency of insufficient intake in other micronutrients was noted in participants compared with controls. The DS group had a reduced exclusive breastfeeding duration and increased carbohydrate and caloric intake. The consumption of micronutrients in both groups reinforced the current trend of excessive sodium consumption and insufficient intake of calcium, some B complex vitamins and water by children and adolescents.

The influence of migration on dietary practices of Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have identified a process of dietary acculturation when migrant groups adopt the food patterns of the host country. AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the influence of migration on dietary practices and the process of dietary acculturation amongst Ghanaians living in the UK. SUBJECT AND METHODS: A qualitative study of adults aged ≥25 years (n = 31) of Ghanaian ancestry living in Greater Manchester using face-to-face interviews. Participants varied in socioeconomic status, gender and migration status. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three distinct dietary practice typologies were discernible that differed in terms of typical meal formats, meal contexts, structure and patterning of meals, food preparation and purchasing behaviours: (i) continuity practices; (ii) flexible practices; and (iii) changed practices. The identified practices were shaped by interrelating factors that fell into four main clusters: social and cultural environment; accessibility of foods; migration context; and food beliefs/perceptions. CONCLUSION: Participants retained, to a varying degree, some aspects of Ghanaian dietary practices, whilst adopting key features of UK food culture. This study demonstrates the complexity of dietary change, indicating that it is not a linear process and it is dependent on several factors.

Prevalence of screening-detected eating disorders in chinese females and exploratory associations with dietary practices.

OBJECTIVE: China is undergoing dramatic Westernization, hence may be able to provide unique insights into the role of sociocultural factors in disease. The purpose of this exploratory study was two-fold: to describe the prevalence of screening-detected eating disorders and disordered eating in China at the first occasion of assessment in the large-scale China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) and to explore the associations between dietary practices and disordered eating. Regarding the first objective, participants are provincially representative and in subsequent waves will be followed longitudinally. METHOD: CHNS participants were recruited using multistage, cluster random sampling, beginning in 1989. In this study, participants comprised 259 female adolescents (12-17 years) and 979 women (18-35 years) who participated in the CHNS 2009 survey, which is the first CHNS survey to assess disordered eating. Dietary practice-disordered eating associations were investigated with logistic regression adjusting for age, body mass index, and urbanization. RESULTS: Of the participants, 6.3% (95% CI: 4.8, 8.2) of adults and 7.8% (95% CI: 5.0, 12.0) of adolescents had a screening-detected eating disorder. Dietary practices had non-significant associations with disordered eating at the general population level, except for protein consumption among women. There was evidence that skipping meals and a high-fat diet may confer risk. DISCUSSION: Screening-detected eating disorders in China are lower in prevalence than in developed countries. Dietary practices had fairly limited associations with disordered eating at the general population level; protein consumption, skipping meals, and a high-fat diet are candidate dietary practice exposures for disordered eating. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.

Dietary Practices in Saudi Cerebral Palsy Children.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the dietary practices of Saudi cerebral palsy (CP) children. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the following information from parents of CP children: demographics, main source of dietary information, frequency of main meals, foods/drinks used for main meals and in-between-meals. RESULTS: Parents of 157 CP children participated. Parents were divided into three, while children were divided into two age groups. The main sources of dietary information included popular media (46.5%) and dentist (36.3%). Most of the children had three meals (71.3%) or two meals (24.8%) daily. Choices for main meals included meats (68.8%), vegetables (65.6%), fruits (28.4%) and puddings (38.9%). The main three drinks choices with main meals included packed juices (59.9%), bottled water (58.8%) and fresh fruit juices (33.1%). The choices for in-between meals snacks included biscuits (61.1%), potato chips (51.6%), fruits (43.9%) and chocolates (41.4%). The choice of drinks with snacks was similar to that used with main meals. In cross-tabulation, older parents used meat (p=.03) and soft drinks (p=.04) more often for their children's main meals. Older children were given meat (p=.004) and soft drinks (p=.04) more often with main meals. Older children were given potato chips as snacks more often than younger children (p=.02), and there was a trend towards use of chocolates as snacks in older children (p=.08). CONCLUSION: Parents of CP children need to be educated about dietary practices of their children especially in areas such as the use of packed juices, dairy products, soft drinks and chocolates.