A Comparative Analysis of European Press Coverage of Children and the Internet

This article reports a content analysis of press coverage of children and the Internet in order to examine cross-cultural similarities and differences in the news values framing accounts of the benefits from and risks facing children online. By comparing media reporting in 14 European countries, the study found greater coverage of online risks than opportunities across Europe, which appears to be due to the high position of crime stories on the news agenda. Thus readers, including parents, are exposed to media representations that often show the online world as being risky for children, which may affect perceptions of the prevalence of risk. However, there is national variation in terms of which risks receive more press attention, meaning that parents in different countries are potentially sensitised to different risks.     

Food Marketing to Children Online: A Content Analysis of Food Company Websites

Since 2006, many U.S. food and beverage companies have pledged to market healthier foods to children to help combat the childhood obesity epidemic. Despite this, companies’ expenditures on online advertising have increased of late. To explore this seemingly contradictory situation, the authors conducted a content analysis of approximately 100 food and beverage brand websites, examining a multitude of online marketing practices across a variety of different products, as well as the relationship between marketing techniques and the nutritional profile of promoted foods. This is the first study to examine if nutrition varied by marketing technique. Few brands maintained child-oriented websites, but the brands that did have child-oriented websites included a large number of games promoting particularly obesogenic food products. Somewhat surprisingly, games with many brand identifiers were paired with slightly less obesogenic foods. These findings present a mixed picture of the threat posed by online child-oriented food marketing.     

Updated Meal Patterns in the Child and Adult Care Food Program and Changes in Quality of Food and Beverages Served: A Natural Experimental Study

With diet-related chronic diseases being the largest contributors to U.S. morbidity and mortality, identifying population-level strategies to promote healthier diets is essential. Intervention during early childhood may be particularly important. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), a federal nutrition assistance program in the U.S. that supports serving meals and snacks in child care settings, reaches millions of U.S. children. Recent 2017 updates to CACFP’s meal patterns were meant to improve the nutritional quality of food served through CACFP by providing more whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. In this study, we used a natural experimental, longitudinal study of child care centers participating in CACFP compared to nonparticipating centers to assess whether the quality of food and beverages served (per menu analysis) improved following the CACFP meal pattern changes. While we found that CACFP centers were more likely to meet several key nutrition standards in comparison to non-CACFP centers overall, there were no differences in menu quality from before to after the 2017 standards change between CACFP and non-CACFP centers. Nutrition standards for CACFP may need to be further strengthened with adequate financial and technical support given to child care programs for effective implementation.     

O～6岁儿童血清微量、常量及有害元素检测结果分析

目的 分析昆明地区0～6岁儿童体内血清铁、锌、钙、镁、铜、铅元素的含量及分布状况.方法 选择2011年6月至12月在本院进行健康体检的450例儿童为研究对象,年龄为3个月～6岁.男性为246例(54.7％),女性为204例(45.3％)(本研究遵循的程序符合本院人体试验委员会制定的伦理学标准,得到该委员会批准,分组征得受试对象的知情同意,并与其签署临床研究知情同意书).使用原子吸收光谱仪,对所采集的手指末梢血选择性进行血清铁、锌、钙、镁、铜、铅元素检测.结果 血清铁缺乏在所有受试儿童中居首位,血清钙及锌缺乏次之,尚无血清镁及铜缺乏者.但13.8％(52/376)儿童体内血清铅含量超过正常参考值上限.不同性别儿童各元含量比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 儿童期作为人体生长发育的最佳时期,昆明地区3个月～6岁儿童的血清铁、锌、钙元素缺乏较严重,且年龄越小缺乏越明显.血清铅元素含量超标比例较高,且随年龄增加而上升.     

The Ultra-Processed Food Content of School Meals and Packed Lunches in the United Kingdom

British children have the highest levels of ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption in Europe. Schools are posited as a positive setting for impacting dietary intake, but the level of UPFs consumed in schools is currently unknown. This study determined the UPF content of school food in the UK. We conducted a pooled cross-sectional analysis of primary (4–11 years, n = 1895) and secondary schoolchildren (11–18 years, n = 1408) from the UK’s National Diet and Nutrition Survey (2008–2017). Multivariable quantile regression models determined the association between meal-type (school meal or packed lunch) and lunchtime UPF intake (NOVA food classification system). We showed that on average, UPF intake was high in both primary (72.6% total lunch Kcal) and secondary schoolchildren (77.8% total lunch Kcal). Higher UPF intakes were observed in packed lunch consumers, secondary schoolchildren, and those in lower income households. This study highlights the need for a renewed focus on school food. Better guidance and policies that consider levels of industrial processing in food served in schools are needed to ensure the dual benefit of encouraging school meal uptake and equitably improving children’s diets.     

The Influence of School Nutrition Programs on the Weight of Low‐Income Children: A Treatment Effect Analysis

Recent policy attempts to set high nutrition standards for the School Breakfast Program (SBP) and National School Lunch Program (NSLP) aim to improve children's health outcomes. A timely and policy‐relevant task evaluates to what extent school meal programs contribute to child body mass index (BMI) outcomes to assess those school meal policies' potential impacts. This study examines children's weight progress from 1st through 8th grade, while recognizing the potential effects on those children participating in both programs compared with those children participating in only one program. We used difference‐in‐differences (DID) and average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) methodologies and focused on free‐ and reduced‐price meal‐eligible children to filter out income effects. The DID results show that short‐term participation in only NSLP increases the probability that children will be overweight, and these results are more prominent in the South, Northeast, and rural areas. ATT results show that participation in both programs from 1st through 8th grade increases the probability that these students will be overweight. With the Community Eligibility Provision having taken effect across the nation in the 2014–2015 school year, the need to continue examining the impacts of these programs on child BMI is even greater. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Psycho-Behavioural Segmentation in Food and Nutrition: A Systematic Scoping Review of the Literature

Inadequate dietary intakes are a key modifiable risk factor to reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. To encourage healthy eating and behaviour change, innovative public health interventions are required. Social marketing, in particular segmentation, can be used to understand and target specific population groups. However, segmentation often uses demographic factors, ignoring the reasons behind why people behave the way they do. This review aims to explore the food and nutrition related research that has utilised psycho-behavioural segmentation. Six databases from were searched in June 2020. Inclusion criteria were: published 2010 onwards, segmentation by psycho-behavioural variables, outcome related to food or nutrition, and healthy adult population over 18 years. 30 studies were included; most were quantitative (n = 28) and all studies used post-hoc segmentation methods, with the tools used to segment the population varying. None of the segments generated were targeted in future research. Psycho-behavioural factors are key in understanding people’s behaviour. However, when used in post-hoc segmentation, do not allow for effective targeting as there is no prior understanding of behaviours that need to change within each segment. In future, we should move towards hybrid segmentation to assist with the design of interventions that target behaviours such as healthy eating.     

A Content Analysis of Food References in Television Programming Specifically Targeting Viewing Audiences Aged 11 to 14 Years

ObjectiveExamine food in cable television programming specifically targeting 11- to 14-year-olds (“tweens”).DesignContent analysis of food-related scenes (FRS)—in which food was shown, mentioned, and/or consumed—in 880 minutes of programming was conducted.SettingFive days of afternoon/early evening television programs on the Disney Channel.Main Outcome Measures and AnalysisFood references were compared with USDA MyPlate and classified according to modified Ratio of Recommended to Restricted Food Components.ResultsThe authors found 331 FRS, averaging 16.6 scenes/h. Preponderance of FRS was physiological needs (40.7%), followed by display (10%), party (8.5%), social event (8%), and retail store (6.6%). Snacks dominated 41% of FRS, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner were much lower in frequency. Half of FRS was visual only, followed by verbal only. Food references were not congruent with MyPlate recommendations; 42% of food items did not fit into MyPlate food groups. Only 24% of food items were fruit or vegetables, which is considerably less than recommended by MyPlate guidelines. Using modified Ratio of Recommended to Restricted Food Components, 66% of food items scored < 1.0, signifying less nutritious.Conclusions and ImplicationsTween television programming regularly includes non-nutritious food, which likely influences tweens' attitudes and behaviors. Television programming may consider past approaches to tobacco smoking and health messages on television. More attention is warranted regarding television programming by nutrition educators, researchers, health professionals, and industry specialists.     

The Role of Women in Food Provision and Food Choice Decision-Making in Singapore: A Case Study

As countries develop economically and increasing numbers of women enter the workforce, children are partly being cared for by someone other than their mother. Little is known about the impact of this shift in child-care provider on children’s nutrition. This study presents findings from a case study of Singapore, a small country that has experienced phenomenal economic growth. Focus groups were conducted with 130 women of varying educational levels and ethnicities to learn about food decisions in their families. The findings showed that Singaporean working women cook infrequently, families eat out frequently, and children exert considerable influence on food choices. Implications for work–family policies and child health are discussed.     

The Impact on Dietary Outcomes of Celebrities and Influencers in Marketing Unhealthy Foods to Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Celebrities, including influencers, are commonly used to market products that are high in fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) to children but the impact on dietary outcomes has been unclear. The primary aim of this study was to systematically review the literature and quantify the impact of celebrities in HFSS marketing on children’s dietary outcomes. We searched eight databases and included studies from all countries and languages published from 2009 until August 2021. Participants were defined as under 16 years, exposure was marketing for HFSS products with a celebrity, and the outcomes were dietary preference, purchasing behaviors, and consumption of HFSS products. We were able to conduct a meta-analysis for consumption outcomes. Seven articles met the inclusion criteria, of which three were included in the meta-analysis. Under experimental conditions, the use of celebrities in HFSS marketing compared to non-food marketing was found to significantly increase consumption of the marketed HFSS product by 56.4 kcals (p = 0.021). There was limited evidence on the impact on preference or purchase intentions and on the comparisons between use and non-use of celebrities and influencers.     

Reduction of Overweight and Eating Disorder Symptoms via the Internet in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: Overweight in adolescence is a significant problem which is associated with body dissatisfaction and eating disorder (ED) behaviors. Cost-effective methods for early intervention of obesity and prevention of ED are important because of the refractory nature of both. This multisite RCT evaluated an Internet-delivered program targeting weight loss and ED attitudes/behaviors in adolescents. METHODS: A total of 80 overweight adolescents 12-17 years of age completed Student Bodies 2 (SB2), a 16-week cognitive-behavioral program, or usual care (UC). RESULTS: Body mass index (BMI) z-scores were reduced in the SB2 group compared with the UC group from baseline to post-intervention (p = .027; eta(p)(2) = .08). The SB2 group maintained this reduction in BMI z-scores at 4-month follow-up, but significant differences were not observed because of improvement in the UC group. The SB2 group evidenced greater increases in dietary restraint post-intervention (p = .016) and less improvement on shape concerns at follow-up (p = .044); however these differences were not clinically significant. No other statistically significant differences were noted between groups on ED attitudes or behaviors. The SB2 participants reported using healthy eating-related and physical activity-related skills more frequently than UC participants post-intervention (p = .001) and follow-up (p = .012). CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that an Internet-delivered intervention yielded a modest reduction in weight status that continued 4 months after treatment and that ED attitudes/behaviors were not significantly improved. Group differences on weight loss were not sustained at 4-month follow-up because of parallel improvements in the groups. Future studies are needed to improve program adherence and to further explore the efficacy of Internet-delivery of weight control programs for adolescents.     

儿童青少年矮身材治疗的研究

对173名儿童青少年的研究结果表明：采用“高健美”对治疗矮身材的青少年有明显疗效。服高健美Ⅰ号组的身高增长有效率为77．42％，Ⅱ号组为73．33％．对照组为35．29％（P＜0．001）；服药组的治疗效果与服药年龄、时间有明显关系，＜14岁者服药有效率明显高于＞14岁者，＜14岁年龄组服高健美Ⅰ号、Ⅱ号有效率分别为95．45％和94．74％；服药时间＞3个月者疗效显著优于服药1－2个月者；服药3个月以上者．两药有效率达91．46％．提示对正常矮身材儿童应尽早治疗。     

综合心理治疗对豫北地区儿童网络成瘾的疗效分析

目的探讨对网络成瘾儿童实施药物治疗联合心理治疗的疗效。方法临床上对60例网络成瘾儿童,使用心理综合疗法结合药物治疗,对其治疗前后疗效资料进行分析。用汉密顿焦虑量表(HAMA)、症状自评量表(SCL-90)对治疗前后进行疗效评定。结果 积极治疗(2周及8周)结束时网络成瘾者组HAMA焦虑症状测分明显低于对照组(P<0.01),SCL-90的9个相关因子中,躯体化、强迫、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、偏执6个因子分存在显著差异(P<0.01)。网络成瘾者组明显低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论药物联合心理综合疗法治疗住院儿童网络成瘾患者有较好的疗效。     

Content analysis: review of methods and their applications in nutrition education

Content analysis is a set of qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analyzing data from verbal, print, or electronic communication with numerous applications in nutrition education research. Textual information from interviews, focus groups, and open-ended survey questions can be evaluated using content analysis. Selection of method(s) depends on the type(s) and length of material to be analyzed, results desired, and researchers' preferences and technological capabilities. This article reviews options available to content analysts--from manual to fully computerized. Overcoming the challenges inherent in using these methodologies is recommended because of their usefulness in the information-based messaging discipline of nutrition education.     

Use of Food Practices by Childcare Staff and the Association with Dietary Intake of Children at Childcare

The study explored the associations between various childcare staff food practices and children’s dietary intake at childcare. A total of 398 one- to four-year-old children and 24 childcare staff members from 24 Dutch childcare centers participated in the study. Children’s dietary intake (fruit, vegetable, sweet snack, savory snack, water, and sweet drink intake) at childcare was registered on two weekdays, using observations by dieticians and childcare staff. Thirteen childcare staff practices were assessed using questionnaires administered by dieticians. Data were analyzed using multilevel regression analyses. Children consumed relatively much fruit and many sweet snacks at childcare, and they mainly drank sweet drinks. Various staff practices were associated with children’s dietary intake. When staff explained what they were doing to the children during food preparation, children ate significantly more fruit. Children ate less sweet snacks when they were allowed to help prepare the meals. When staff encouraged children to continue eating, they ate more vegetables. In conclusion, the study showed the importance of childcare staff food practices for children’s food intake at childcare. More research is needed to examine the specific conditions under which food practices can have a positive impact on children’s dietary intake.