Assessment of Sport Nutrition Knowledge,Dietary Practices,and Sources of Nutrition Information in NCAA Division III Collegiate Athletes

Nutrition knowledge is a critical component of meeting sport nutrition guidelines. The present study aimed to evaluate the sport nutrition knowledge of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III (DIII) athletes using a validated questionnaire, and to assess the dietary practices and sources of nutrition information in this population. A total of 331 student-athletes (n = 149 males, n = 181 females, n = 1 no sex indicated) completed the questionnaire. The mean score for total sport nutrition knowledge was 6.49 ± 8.9 (range −49 to 49) with a mean percent (%) correct score of 36.9 ± 19.1%. Athletes who had a previous college-level nutrition course (n = 62) had significantly higher (p < 0.05) total sport nutrition, carbohydrate, and hydration knowledge compared to those who did not (n = 268). Individual sport athletes (n = 90) scored significantly higher (p < 0.05) on hydration and micronutrients knowledge than team sport athletes (n = 237), while females scored higher than males for hydration knowledge (p < 0.05). The majority of athletes reported sensible dietary habits, such as not frequently skipping meals and eating carbohydrate and protein foods peri-workout. Athletes also reported their primary sources of nutrition information, the top three sources being social media, coaches, and athletic trainers, despite most frequently rating registered dietitians/nutritionists as “extremely knowledgeable”. Despite low sport nutrition knowledge, NCAA DIII collegiate athletes practiced seemingly prudent dietary habits but lacked exposure to high-quality sources of nutrition information.     

Social and psychological influences on satisfaction with life after brain injury

BackgroundIn spite of the increased focus of education and awareness programs on prevention and safety surrounding Acquired Brain Injury (ABI), over 50,000 Canadians and 900,000 Americans sustain a brain injury every year. Given the psychological impact of an ABI, there is a growing body of literature examining the links between injury, mental health, and life satisfaction in brain injury survivors; specifically, changes in leisure activities, employment, and the struggles with injury related deficits contribute to increased social isolation, depression, and loneliness.ObjectivesThe current study examined personality characteristics, unmet needs, and psychosocial risk factors in survivors of brain injuries.MethodsIn this cross-sectional online study, 592 brain injury survivors completed questionnaires to assess psychological variables associated with their current life situation.ResultsWe found high levels of depression among survivors, with 47.6% of participants reporting moderate or severe levels of depression and 41.2% reporting suicidal ideation. Although survivors reported lower life satisfaction than population norms, satisfaction was only slightly lower in those with a recent (less than two years) injury. Overall, regression models accounted for 50.1% of the variability in satisfaction with life. Increased engagement in leisure activities, higher emotional stability (p < .001) and sociability (p < .01) coupled with lower depression (p < .001) and romantic loneliness (p < .001) significantly predicted satisfaction with life.ConclusionsThese results could aid in the development of policies and procedures surrounding the discharge of patients that includes a plan for increasing social leisure activities within the community and providing ongoing support for survivors when formal rehabilitation ceases.     

Socioeconomic Differences in Adolescent Stress: The Role of Psychological Resources

PurposeTo investigate whether psychological resources influenced the association between parent education (PE), a marker of socioeconomic status (SES), and perceived stress.MethodsCross-sectional analyses were conducted in a sample of 1167 non-Hispanic black and white junior and senior high school students from a Midwestern public school district in 2002–2003. Hierarchical multivariable regression analyses examined relationships between PE (high school graduate or less = E1, > high school, < college = E2, college graduate = E3, and professional degree = E4), and psychological resources (optimism and coping style) on teens’ perceived stress. Greater optimism and adaptive coping were hypothesized to influence (i.e., mediate or moderate) the relationship between higher PE and lower stress.ResultsRelative to adolescents from families with a professionally educated parent, adolescents with lower parent education had higher perceived stress (E3 β = 1.70, p < .01, E2 β = 1.94, p < .01, E1 β = 3.19, p < .0001). Both psychological resources were associated with stress: higher optimism (β = − .58, p < .0001) and engagement coping (β = − .19, p < .0001) were associated with less stress and higher disengagement coping was associated with more stress (β = .09, p < .01). Adding optimism to the regression model attenuated the effect of SES by nearly 30%, suggesting that optimism partially mediates the inverse SES-stress relationship. Mediation was confirmed using a Sobel test (p < .01).ConclusionsAdolescents from families with lower parent education are less optimistic than teens from more educated families. This pessimism may be a mechanism through which lower SES increases stress in adolescence.     

Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Associated With Diet Quality in 6 Rural Native American Communities

ObjectiveTo identify psychosocial and household environmental factors related to diet quality among Native Americans (NA).DesignAnalysis of baseline data from a community-randomized obesity prevention trial.SettingSix rural NA communities in the Midwest and the Southwestern US.ParticipantsA total of 580 tribal members, aged 18–75 years old (mean 45 years), 74% female, self-identified as the main household food purchaser.Variables MeasuredDiet quality (Healthy Eating Index–2015 [HEI]) was derived from a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Sociodemographic, psychosocial, and home food environment factors were assessed via interviewer-administered questionnaires.AnalysisOne-way ANOVA, linear regression models, and 2-tailed t tests compared HEI scores among sociodemographic categories. Multiple linear regression models assessed the relationship between psychosocial factors, home food environment, and HEI.ResultsPrevalence of obesity was 59%. Mean HEI–2015 score was 49.3 (SD = 8.1). Average HEI scores were 3.0 points lower in smokers than nonsmokers (P < 0.001), and 2.2 points higher in females than males (P < 0.01). Higher self-efficacy (β = 0.97; P < 0.001) and healthier eating intentions (β = 0.78; P < 0.001) were positively associated with HEI. Healthier household food patterns score was associated with higher HEI (β = 0.48; P < 0.01).Conclusions and ImplicationsPsychosocial factors were associated with diet quality, a finding that supports the use of social-cognitive intervention approaches in rural NA communities in the Midwest and Southwest, and warrants evaluation in other locations. There remains a need to elucidate the association between the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and diet quality.     

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Psychological Distress in Juvenile Offenders: The Protective Influence of Resilience and Youth Assets

Purpose

To examine whether internal resiliency and external assets directly protect juvenile offenders exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) from psychological distress and moderate the relationship between ACE exposure and psychological distress.

What drives hospital wards’ ambidexterity: Insights on the determinants of exploration and exploitation

ObjectivesHospital wards are required to exploit current knowledge and explore for new knowledge. Ambidexterity (i.e., the capability to combine both exploitation and exploration) is a major issue in healthcare as result of the growing expectations that hospitals wards have the capability to manage the trade-off between high-quality delivery of care and cost-containment. This study sheds novel light on the determinants of ambidextrous behaviours in hospital wards.MethodsA theoretical framework has been built on the extant literature. The main determinants of ambidexterity are opening/closing leadership, organisational support, organisational creativity and environmental dynamism. The model has been tested empirically through data collected via survey administered to head physicians in charge of hospital wards. After the quality check, 80 questionnaires were available for the statistical analysis based on a hierarchical sequential linear regression model (with enter methodology).ResultsResults showed that opening (β = 0.389;p < 0.001) and closing (β = 0.288;p < 0.01) leadership, as well as organisational creativity (β = 0.499 p < 0.001) are necessary to materialize ambidextrous behaviours (Adj.R² = 0.529). Environmental dynamism does not moderate these relationships. While opening leadership (β = 0.375;p < 0.01), organisational creativity (β = 0.270;p < 0.05) and environmental dynamism (β = 0.224;p < 0.1) are determinants of exploration, closing leadership (β = 0.506;p < 0.001) and organisational creativity (β = 0.529;p < 0.001) are determinants of exploitation.ConclusionsHead physicians’ leadership style as well as organizational creativity play a pivotal role in materializing ambidextrous behaviours in wards.     

Maternal Stress,Physical Activity,and Body Mass Index During New Mothers' First Year Postpartum

We evaluated associations of parenting stress, including depressive symptoms, with 51 first-time mothers' light and moderate physical activity and body mass index during the first year postpartum. The Parenting Stress Index and 24-hour physical activity recalls were completed during the first year postpartum (mean time elapsed since birth: 6 months). Direct relationships between identified variables were tested, and then hierarchical linear regression was used to assess hypothesized relationships among body mass index, physical activity, and parenting stress. Effects of parenting stress on the relationships between postpartum body mass index, light physical activity, and moderate physical activity were evaluated after controlling for factors known to be associated with overweight and low levels of physical activity in women. Mean postpartum body mass index = 27.4 kg/m² ± 7.7, range = 18–50 kg/m². Mean reported hours of light physical activity = 11.2 ± 3.0, and moderate physical activity = 4.5 ± 3.0 per day. Postpartum body mass index was not associated with parenting stress, but was positively related to higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (r = .89, p < .01) and light physical activity (r = .32, p < .05), and was negatively related to moderate physical activity (r = ?25, p < .08). Higher postpartum body mass index (β = .27, p < .05), less concern regarding parenting competence (β = ?.95, p < .001), and more depressive symptoms (β = .66, p < .01) were associated with more light physical activity (R² = .48, p < .001). More moderate physical activity (R² = .45, p < .001) was associated with lower postpartum body mass index (β = ?.27, p < .05), more concern about parenting competence (β = 1.0, p < .001), and less depressive symptoms (β = ?.68, p < .01). Higher postpartum body mass index (R² = .89, p < .001) was associated with higher pre-pregnancy body mass index (β = .99, p < .001), more pregnancy weight gain (β = .22, p < .001), less attachment (β = ?.68, p < .01), and less social isolation (β = ?.13, p < .02). These data suggest that interventions that target parenting stress and depressive symptoms in addition to physical activity are needed to prevent development of overweight in new mothers.     

Resilience among Cisgender and Transgender Women in Street-Based Sex Work in Baltimore,Maryland

IntroductionResilience represents adaptability and empowerment and can buffer against the consequences of traumatic events. Cisgender and transgender women in street-based sex work are at high risk for trauma, yet data on their resilience are sparse. A clearer understanding of resilience and its correlates is useful for informing sex worker-centered interventions.MethodsUsing the Connor-Davidson 10-item Resilience Scale (range, 0–40), we describe resilience among 165 cisgender and 42 transgender street-based women sex workers in Baltimore, Maryland. Longitudinal cohort data were used to examine correlates of resilience in each population. Analyses are conducted using multiple linear regression.ResultsThe mean resilience score was 24.2 (95% confidence interval, 23.6–24.8) among cisgender women sex workers and 32.2 among transgender women sex workers (95% confidence interval, 30.8–32.7). Among cisgender participants, positive correlates of resilience were being Black, Hispanic, or other race (ß = 2.7; p = .004), having housing (ß = 1.9; p = .034), social cohesion score (ß = 0.18; p = .047), and daily drug injection (ß = 3.7; p < .001); negative correlates of resilience were sexual violence (ß = –4.8; p = .006) and exposure to egregious police acts (ß = –0.6; p = .015). Among transgender participants, higher education level (ß = 8.8; p < .001), food security (ß = 3.5; p = .005), and housing stability (ß = 2.0; p < .001) were associated with increased resilience, and daily noninjection drug use (excluding marijuana; ß = –3.3; p < .001) and physical violence (ß = –2.9; p < .001) were associated with reduced resilience.ConclusionsThis study is the first to characterize factors that may influence resilience among cisgender and transgender women sex workers. Results highlight tangible intervention targets for promoting mental health and safety among a uniquely vulnerable population of women.     

Food Insecurity is Related to Disordered Eating Behaviors Among College Students

ObjectiveTo determine the association between food insecurity and disordered eating behaviors (DEBs) in undergraduate college students.MethodsCross-sectional data of college students (n = 533) were collected from February to April 2020. Food security was measured with the US Department of Agriculture's Adult Food Security Survey Module. Disordered eating behaviors were measured with the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Associations were examined statistically with Pearson chi-square tests of independence and general linear regression models.ResultsAcross all food security ranges, linear trends detailed significant associations between food insecurity and global DEBs (β = 0.17; P < 0.001), eating concern (β = 0.27; P < 0.001), shape concern (β = 0.17; P = 0.001), and weight concern (β = 0.21; P < 0.001), but not restraint (β = 0.10; P = 0.08).Conclusions and ImplicationsFood insecurity was consistently related to DEBs. Future research may consider longitudinally examining this relationship, as food insecurity and DEBs may be associated with worse health outcomes among vulnerable college students.     

Parental divorce or separation during childhood and adult smoking: a mediation effects of social engagement

ABSTRACT

Using the life course paradigm, this study investigates the effects of childhood parental divorce or separation on adult children’s cigarette smoking and social engagement. To understand the mechanisms linking early parental divorce or separation and later cigarette smoke, this current work also examines the mediation effects of social engagement. Data come from the Americans’ Changing Lives survey (N = 2322). Results of linear regression models suggest that early parental divorce or separation is associated with increased cigarette smoking and poor social engagement later in life. Specifically, the results showed that adults who experienced parental divorce/separation during childhood 1.51 times more likely to be current cigarette smokers during adulthood compared with those who did not experience separation/divorce (p < 0.05). Moreover, the relationship between childhood parental divorce or separation and later cigarette smoking is mediated by poor social engagement (e.g. attending meetings and religious services). This study highlights that parental divorce or separation affects later well-being, and social engagement serves as one of the social pathways linking childhood parental divorce or separation to later cigarette smoking.     

More-To-Less Home Healthful Foods Ratio is Associated With Diet Quality in Preadolescents With Elevated Body Mass Index

ObjectiveTo examine home food availability (HFA) and the association with diet quality in preadolescents with elevated body mass index.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis examined HFA and diet quality (using the 2015-Health Eating Index [HEI] derived from 1 or 2 24-hour dietary recalls) among preadolescents (n = 111; aged 8–12 years; body mass index ≥ 75th percentile). A novel ratio of more-to-less healthful items was created to represent HFA. Multivariate linear regression models examined the HFA ratio and individual food and beverage groups as correlates of HEI.ResultsThe HFA ratio was associated with higher HEI (β = 5.3 [1.3]; P < 0.001). Home food availability of sweets (β = ?2.6 [0.9]; P = 0.003) and sugar-sweetened beverages (β = ?2.3 [1.0]; P = 0.02) were associated with lower HEI. Home food availability of fruits was associated with higher HEI (β = 1.3 [0.7]; P = 0.05).Conclusions and ImplicationsStructuring the HFA so that more healthful choices are available relative to less healthful foods could be an effective approach for improving diet quality in preadolescents at risk for obesity.     

Acquisition of Cooking Skills and Associations With Healthy Eating in Swiss Adults

ObjectiveTo evaluate the association of early involvement in cooking activities with cooking skills in adulthood, the importance of different sources for the acquisition, and the link between cooking skills and healthy eating.DesignCross-sectional survey.ParticipantsA random sample of 3,659 Swiss adults (47% men; average age = 58.8 years).Main Outcome MeasureSelf-reported cooking skills.AnalysisANOVA, Pearson correlations, t tests, and multiple regressions.ResultsMore frequent involvement in cooking activities during childhood predicted better cooking skills in adulthood in males (β = .13, P < .001) and females (β = .12, P < .001). Females were more involved than males in most age groups (P < .001). Women learned most about cooking from their mothers, cooking courses, and self-study using different media. Men identified their partners/spouses and mothers as the 2 most important sources. The study found associations between cooking skills and diet quality in men (r = .11; P < .001; r² = .01) and women (r = .12; P < .001; r² = .01).Conclusions and ImplicationsIn children and adolescents, frequent involvement in cooking at home may promote better cooking skills in later life. Additional prospective research into the impact of cooking classes and interventions on developing cooking skills in children and adolescents is warranted.     

Psychological Resilience in Older Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities: Occurrence and Associated Factors

ObjectivesThe researchers aimed to (1) explore the occurrence of psychological resilience in the face of a major life stressor and conflict in older residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs), and (2) identify factors associated with resilience in this population.DesignLongitudinal cohort study using the Dutch InterRAI-LTCF cohort.Setting and participantsOlder residents (≥60 years old) of 21 LTCFs in the Netherlands.MethodsThe researchers selected 2 samples of residents who had at least 2 assessments surrounding (1) an incident major life stressor, or (2) incident conflict with other resident or staff. A resilient outcome was operationalized as not having clinically meaningful mood symptoms at the post-stressor assessment and equal or fewer mood symptoms at the post-stressor relative to the pre-stressor assessment. The researchers used 2 resilience outcomes per stressor: 1 based on observer-reported mood symptoms and 1 based on self-reported mood symptoms. The most important factors from among 21 potential resilience factors for each of the 4 operationalizations of resilience were identified using a backward selection procedure with 2-level generalized estimating equations analyses.ResultsForty-eight percent and 50% of residents were resilient in the face of a major life stressor, based on observer-reported (n = 248) and self-reported (n = 211) mood, respectively. In the face of conflict, 26% and 51% of the residents demonstrated resilience, based on the observer-reported (n = 246) and self-reported (n = 183) mood, respectively. Better cognitive functioning, a strong and supportive relationship with family, participation in social activities, and better self-reported health were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of a major life stressor. Better communicative functioning, absence of psychiatric diagnoses, a strong and supportive relationship with family, not being lonely, social engagement, and not reminiscing about life were most strongly associated with resilience in the face of conflict.Conclusions and ImplicationsFactors with a social aspect appear to be particularly important to psychological resilience in older LTCF residents, and provide a potential target for intervention in the LTCF setting.     

Psychological Resilience,Experimentally Manipulated Social Status,and Dietary Intake among Adolescents

Relative to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States, Hispanic American (HA) youth have higher rates of overweight and obesity. Previous work suggests that low perceived social status (SS) promotes excess caloric intake and, thereby, development of obesity. Psychological resilience may play a role in reducing adverse eating behaviors and risk for obesity. The objective of this study was to investigate whether resilience (as measured by the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale) interacts with experimentally manipulated SS to affect dietary intake among HA adolescents (n = 132). Using a rigged game of Monopoly (Hasbro, Inc.), participants were randomized to a high or low SS condition. Following the Monopoly game, participants consumed an ad libitum lunch and their dietary intake was assessed. There was a significant interaction between resilience and experimentally manipulated SS for total energy intake (p = 0.006), percent energy needs consumed (p = 0.005), and sugar intake (p = 0.004). For the high SS condition, for each increase in resilience score, total energy intake decreased by 7.165 ± 2.866 kcal (p = 0.014) and percent energy needs consumed decreased by 0.394 ± 0.153 (p = 0.011). In the low SS condition, sugar intake increased by 0.621 ± 0.240 g for each increase in resilience score (p = 0.011). After correction for multiple comparisons, the aforementioned interactions, but not simple slopes, were statistically significant.     

Direct Yet Opposite Effects of Stress-related and Mindful Eating on Diet Quality

ObjectiveExamine the relationships among dietary quality, mindful eating, and constructs of the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, women (n = 67) aged 25–50 years, with a body mass index of 25–40 kg/m² completed 3 days of 24-hour recalls and a survey that included the Perceived Stress Scale, Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire, and the Mindful Eating Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling assessed relationships among all constructs with the dependent variable, the Healthy Eating Index–2015.ResultsMindful Eating Questionnaire (β = 0.60, P = 0.001) and Emotion and Stress-related Eating scores from Eating and Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress Questionnaire (β = ?0.69, P < 0.001) (r² = 0.50) were directly associated with Healthy Eating Index–2015, but no indirect effects were identified.Conclusions and ImplicationsOverall dietary quality is associated with greater mindful eating but more emotion and stress-related eating scores among women who were overweight or obese. Future studies could assess model constructs using other diet quality scores and including additional coping mechanisms such as substance use, physical activity, and meditation.     

Individual,Social, and Environmental Correlates of Energy Drink Use Among Adolescents

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlates of adolescent energy drink (ED) use using a socioecological approach to inform future interventions.MethodsIn 2017–2018, 3,688 students attending 25 randomly selected Western Australian secondary schools completed a self-report survey. A backward stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to construct a model of the most significant individual (n = 12), social (n = 3), and environmental (n = 4) factors associated with being an ED user (ie, past month ED use).ResultsOverall, 18% of participants were ED users. The factors significantly associated with being an ED user included being male (P < 0.001), having a higher disposable income (P < 0.001), perceiving EDs as good for health (P = 0.009), perceiving EDs as safe for someone their age to drink (P < 0.001), having a sensation-seeking personality (P = 0.011), having friends who drink EDs (P < 0.001), having parents who would give them an ED if asked (P < 0.001), and having EDs available at home (P < 0.001).Conclusions and ImplicationsInitiatives to reduce ED intake among adolescents need to be multifaceted, addressing individual, social, and environmental factors. It is also important that educational interventions target both parents and adolescents.     

Attitude toward physical activity in normal-weight,overweight and obese adolescents

PurposeTo investigate differences in physical activity and attitude toward physical activity in adolescents with different degrees of overweight and explore whether the prediction of physical activity by attitude is moderated by level of overweight.MethodsSubjects were divided into a normal-weight group (n = 37, 18.8 ± 1.2 kg/m²), an overweight group (n = 28, 25.9 ± 1.3 kg/m²), and an obese group (n = 24, 33.7 ± 4.1 kg/m²). Mean age was 14.6 ± 1.2 years, with 72% girls. Physical activity was estimated using the Baecke Questionnaire. Attitude was measured by assessing perceived benefits and barriers.ResultsParticipation in sports was higher in normal-weight compared with overweight (p < .05) and obese (p < .01) subjects. There was no difference in leisure-time physical activity between groups. Perceived benefits did not differ between groups, but normal-weight subjects perceived less barriers (‘physical complaints’, ‘not being good at it’, ‘insecure about appearance’, ‘not liking it’) than their overweight (p < .05) and obese (p < .001) counterparts. Obese adolescents had a less positive attitude compared with their normal-weight (p < .001) and overweight (p < .05) peers. Sport participation was significantly predicted by the perceived benefit ‘pleasure’ (p < .05) and by the perceived barrier ‘not liking it’ (p < .001), after taking into account level of overweight. The association between sport participation and attitude was not moderated by level of overweight.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that overweight and obese adolescents show lower sport participation and have a less positive attitude toward physical activity. Interventions in youngsters with weight problems should try to increase participation in sports by making activities more fun and attractive for these youngsters.     

Consequences of Picky Eating in College Students

ObjectiveTo examine the relation between young adult picky eating (PE) and psychosocial outcomes (eg, social phobia, quality of life) and dietary intake.DesignCross-sectional study including demographic, quantitative, and qualitative measures.ParticipantsMidwestern undergraduate convenience sample (n = 488) recruited early 2020.Main outcome measuresPicky eating identity and bias internalization, social phobia, quality of life, and dietary intake.AnalysesPearson correlations were conducted among study variables. Independent t tests compared picky eaters and nonpicky eaters on key variables. Qualitative data were coded using content analysis.ResultsPicky eaters reported eating less fiber (t[445] = −3.51; P < 0.001; d = 0.34) and vegetables (t[464] = −3.57; P < 0.001; d = 0.33), and reported more social phobia (t[336.84] = 4.04; P < 0.001; d = 0.39) than nonpicky eaters. Picky eating behaviors were positively correlated with PE identity (r[190] = 0.48; P < 0.001; R² = 0.23) and bias internalization (r[190] = 0.44; P < 0.001; R² = 0.19).Conclusions and ImplicationsFuture research might explore additional factors that theoretically overlap with PE behavior (eg, other eating styles, disordered eating patterns) or play a role in PE (eg, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive difficulties). A greater understanding of these factors may lead to intervention to reduce PE in adults. In addition, validation of the PE identity and PE distress measures is essential for future use and to replicate this study's findings.     

Food Skills: Associations With Diet Quality and Food Waste Among Canadian Parents

ObjectiveTo examine the association between self-reported food skills and diet quality along with measured food waste among a sample of Canadian parents.DesignCross-sectional data from surveys to assess food skills, 3-day food records to assess the Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015, and food waste measured by household waste audits.SettingGuelph-Wellington, Ontario.ParticipantsParents (n = 130) with children aged 2–8 years.Main Outcome MeasuresHEI-2015 scores, daily per capita avoidable and unavoidable food waste (grams).AnalysisLinear regression using generalized estimating equations to determine unstandardized β estimates of associations between food skills and dependent variables. Models were adjusted for multiple testing, gender, and level of education.ResultsFood safety knowledge for cooking hot foods (β = 4.3, P = 0.05), planning (β = 4.5, P = 0.001), and conceptualizing food (β = 4.0, P = 0.03) were positively associated with HEI-2015 scores. Knowledge related to best before dates (β = 25.3, P = 0.05; β = 12.1, P = 0.04), conceptualizing food (β = 34.1, P = 0.01; β = 13.8, P = 0.02), and mechanical techniques (β = 39.2, P = 0.01; β = 20.5, P = 0.004) were associated with more avoidable and unavoidable food waste, respectively.Conclusions and ImplicationsAddressing higher-level food skills with a focus on efficient food preparation practices that make use of all edible portions of foods could play an important role in minimizing food waste and improving diet quality. Additional research in other countries and in a larger, more socioeconomically diverse sample is needed to confirm these findings.