Psychosocial Factors Associated with Dieting Behaviors Among Female Adolescents

This study determined whether female adolescents who were attempting weight loss (dieters) differ from those who were not (nondieters) with respect to a set of psychosocial factors. The sample consisted of 2,536 normal-weight and underweight female adolescents who participated in the National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Survey. Psychosocial factors examined included depression (four measures), self-esteem, trouble in school, school connectedness, family connectedness, sense of community (two measures), grades, autonomy, and protective factors. MANCOVA revealed significant differences between dieters and nondieters. Self-esteem was the strongest contributing factor differentiating dieters and nondieters. These results have implications for health education and health promotion with regard to both primary and secondary prevention. Self-esteem building should be incorporated within the parameters of a comprehensive school health program and certainly should be a component in any nutrition education program aimed at preventing unhealthy dieting behaviors. By understanding the factors associated with these behaviors, it may be easier to identify individuals attempting weight loss despite being of normal or low body weight.     

Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption among Women Participating in WIC

Objective The purpose of this analysis was to assess to what extent sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics predict consumption of fruits and vegetables in women served by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).Design Baseline survey data were analyzed for women enrolled in the Maryland WIC 5 A Day Promotion Program, a study sponsored by the National Cancer Institute. Sociodemographic variables included age, race, education, marital status, working status, pregnancy status, and smoking status. Psychosocial variables included self-efficacy, knowledge, attitudes, social support, and perceived barriers to consuming 5 or more servings daily of fruits and vegetables.Subjects/setting Analyses are based on 3,122 women enrolled at 15 WIC sites in Baltimore and 6 counties in Maryland.Statistical analyses performed Because psychosocial characteristics were measured on different scales and varied in dispersion, we standardized scores for these variables. Multiple regression analyses were then performed to assess contributions of the sociodemographic variables and the standardized psychosocial variable scores to the variance in consumption of fruits and vegetables.Results Sociodemographic variables were not powerful predictors of fruit and vegetable consumption. In contrast, an increase of 1 standard deviation in self-efficacy resulted in a mean increase of 0.76 servings, and an increase of 1 standard deviation in perceived barriers resulted in a decrease of 0.50 servings. About 21% of the variance in consumption was explained by all of the variables examined.Applications Dietitians and intervention programs should focus on increasing clients’ self-efficacy, positive attitudes, and knowledge relating to fruits and vegetables while trying to reduce perceived barriers to consumption of fruits and vegetables. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:1141-1148.     

Skin Carotenoid Scores Assessed with Reflection Spectroscopy Are Associated with Self-Reported Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Latino Early Adolescents

BackgroundLatino early adolescents have a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Interventions to address healthy eating among Latino youth frequently focus on fruit and vegetable (FV) intake. Reflection spectroscopy assessed skin carotenoid (SC) levels has been proposed as an easy, noninvasive method to evaluate FV intake, but validation studies involving ethnically diverse youth are lacking.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the association between reflection spectroscopy-measured SC scores and self-reported FV intake among low-income, urban, Latino early adolescents, controlling for potential confounding factors.DesignThis study was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data from a community-based intervention program (Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables) involving Latino fathers and adolescents to improve paternal parenting practices and youth energy balance-related behaviors.Participants/settingParticipants were 195 low-income, Latino early adolescents (aged 10 to 14 years). Data were collected in the Minneapolis/St Paul metropolitan area from 2017 to 2020 during fall or winter months.Main outcome measuresSC scores were measured using reflection spectroscopy, usual intakes of FV and carotenoid compounds were estimated based on the assessment using 24-hour dietary recalls.Statistical analysisMultivariable linear regression analyses were used to estimate associations of SC scores and each dietary component and potential confounding factors after assessing variables for inclusion in the analyses.ResultsThe mean SC score was 225 ± 95. The mean FV and total carotenoid intakes were 3.3 ± 0.5 servings/day and 8,360 ± 786 μg/day, respectively. Higher SC scores were observed among youth who had higher FV (β = .37 and P < 0.01) or total carotenoid intakes (β = .31 and P < 0.01). SC scores measured during fall were higher than scores measured during winter. Study participants with higher home FV availability and accessibility had higher SC scores.ConclusionsFindings supported using SC score as a potential easy-to-use indicator of FV intake among Latino youth with consideration of seasonal variation and home FV availability and accessibility.     

Gardening Experience Is Associated with Increased Fruit and Vegetable Intake among First-Year College Students: A Cross-Sectional Examination

Background

Gardening interventions have been shown to increase fruit and vegetable (F/V) intake among school-aged children. It is unknown whether these effects persist into later adolescence or adulthood, and little is known about whether gardening in later adolescence is related to F/V intake.

Associations Between Intuitive Eating Behaviors and Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among College Students

ObjectiveTo assess associations between intuitive eating behaviors and fruit and vegetable intake among college students.MethodsIntuitive eating behaviors were measured with the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 (IES-2), which reports a total and 4 subscale scores. Fruit and vegetable intake was measured with the National Institutes of Health Eating at America's Table Fruit and Vegetable screener. Questionnaires were completed online.ResultsMedian age of participants was 20 years (n = 293; n = 72 male). Total IES-2 score was not correlated with fruit and vegetable intake. Body–Food Choice Congruence and Eating for Physical Rather Than Emotional Reasons subscales were positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake (r = .462, P < .001 and r = .177, P = .002, respectively). The Unconditional Permission to Eat subscale was negatively associated with fruit and vegetable intake (r = –.308, P < .001).Conclusions and ImplicationsCorrelations between fruit and vegetable intake and intuitive eating behaviors differed by IES-2 subscale scores. If IES-2 is used in nutrition research, education, or counseling with the aim of increasing fruit and vegetable intake, addressing subscale behaviors individually might be considered.     

Intuitive Eating is Associated With Higher Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adults

ObjectiveAssess how intuitive eating relates to dietary intake.MethodsSurvey data were collected in Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults, the fourth wave of a longitudinal cohort study (weighted n = 1,830, 49% women; mean age = 31 years). Intuitive eating was assessed using a 7-item scale adapted from the Intuitive Eating Scale and Intuitive Eating Scale-2. Dietary intake was measured via a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Mean servings were stratified by gender and intuitive eating quartiles and adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and caloric intake.ResultsWomen and men in the top intuitive eating quartile consumed 0.6–0.3 servings more fruit and 0.4–0.6 servings more vegetables daily, respectively, compared with the bottom quartile, whereas men in the top quartile also consumed 0.6 servings fewer whole grains (all P < 0.05) than the bottom quartile.Conclusions and ImplicationsIntuitive eating shows promise as a healthier alternative to practices such as dieting.     

Perceived Social-Ecological Factors Associated with Fruit and Vegetable Purchasing,Preparation, and Consumption among Young Adults

Most young adults do not consume recommended levels of fruits and vegetables (F/V), and interventions to increase F/V-related behaviors among this understudied population are needed. Therefore, it is important to identify correlates of F/V intake among young adults to guide intervention development. This cross-sectional study used data from an online survey to identify factors related to young adults’ F/V purchasing, preparation, and consumption, and to explore between-factor relationships using mediation analysis. In 2010, 1,201 college students in Minnesota completed questionnaires assessing F/V behaviors as well as perceptions of F/V-related individual, social, and environmental factors. Factor analysis identified questionnaire items assessing similar constructs. Seven factors were identified (personal barriers, F/V knowledge, family, friends, neighborhood, access barriers, and campus) and evaluated for relationships with F/V purchasing, preparation, and consumption using linear regression. Results revealed that perceived personal barriers (eg, lacking cooking skills) were inversely related to all F/V outcomes. Perception that family and friends eat healthfully and neighborhood access to F/V were positively related to all outcomes. Individual-, social-, and environment-level perceptions were related to purchasing, preparation, and consumption, and the effects of these factors were similar when accounting for mediated effects. Factors at all three levels and the ways in which these various factors operate together may be important to consider in future efforts to improve F/V behaviors among young adults.     

Risk Factors Associated with Overweight among Adolescents in Serbia

Introduction

The pandemic of obesity in adolescents is one of the challenges of public health.

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the association of overweight with demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors among Serbian adolescents.

Method

A cross-sectional study of 2139 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years was carried out. Data used in this study were from the 2006 Health Survey. In accordance with the international sex- and age-specific Body Mass Index cut-off points, all participants were classified as being normal weight or overweight, including obese. The association between the risk factors and overweight were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results

The study showed that 28.9% of boys and 17.0% of girls were overweight, while 14.5% of boys and 8.1% of girls were obese. Boys were more likely to be overweight/obese, compared with girls. Being younger (p< 0.01 for 14 to 15 years) and (p< 0.01, for 16 to 19 years), engaging in physical activities that last less than 7 hours a week, in such a manner that they breathe quickly and become sweaty, (p< 0.01) and skipping breakfast (p< 0.05) were risk factors significantly associated with overweight among adolescents. No significant association was found with wealth index.

Conclusion

These findings should be an integral part of further preventive interventions, especially oriented towards younger adolescents, who are physically inactive, have a habit of skipping breakfast and are boys.     

Factors Associated with Abnormal Eating Attitudes among Greek Adolescents

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes among Greek adolescents and identify possible risk factors associated with these attitudes.DesignCross-sectional, school-based study.SettingSix randomly selected schools in Patras, southern Greece.ParticipantsThe study population consisted of 540 Greek students aged 13-18 years, and the response rate was 97%.Main Outcome MeasureThe dependent variable was scores on the Eating Attitudes Test-26, with scores ≥ 20 indicating abnormal eating attitudes.AnalysisBivariate analysis included independent Student t test, chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied for the identification of the predictive factors, which were associated independently with abnormal eating attitudes. A 2-sided P value of less than .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe prevalence of abnormal eating attitudes was 16.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that females, urban residents, and those with a body mass index outside normal range, a perception of being overweight, body dissatisfaction, and a family member on a diet were independently related to abnormal eating attitudes.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results indicate that a proportion of Greek adolescents report abnormal eating attitudes and suggest that multiple factors contribute to the development of these attitudes. These findings are useful for further research into this topic and would be valuable in designing preventive interventions.     

Psychosocial Correlates of Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Tehran,Iran

This study examines the frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables among a sample of adolescents in the city of Tehran and the relationship of some behavioral, cognitive, personal, and environmental factors to low fruit and vegetable intake in this group. The study sample included 834 9th, 10th, and 11th grade student adolescents aged 14–19 years. The survey instrument was a structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of several sections on demographic and social characteristics, perceived weight status, perceived health status, physical activity, food choices, and a 50-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire.

Less than daily consumption of vegetables and fruits was reported by 18% and 27% of adolescents, respectively. A significant association was found between gender and low vegetable but not fruit intake. Psychosocial and behavioral risk factors associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake included low self-efficacy, external locus of control, self-perception of health as fair or poor, and not having a regular exercise program.

     

Psychosocial Correlates of Low Fruit and Vegetable Intake Among Adolescent Boys and Girls in Tehran, Iran

This study examines the frequency of intake of fruits and vegetables among a sample of adolescents in the city of Tehran and the relationship of some behavioral, cognitive, personal, and environmental factors to low fruit and vegetable intake in this group. The study sample included 834 9th, 10th, and 11th grade student adolescents aged 14-19 years. The survey instrument was a structured self-administered questionnaire that consisted of several sections on demographic and social characteristics, perceived weight status, perceived health status, physical activity, food choices, and a 50-item qualitative food frequency questionnaire.

Less than daily consumption of vegetables and fruits was reported by 18% and 27% of adolescents, respectively. A significant association was found between gender and low vegetable but not fruit intake. Psychosocial and behavioral risk factors associated with inadequate fruit and vegetable intake included low self-efficacy, external locus of control, self-perception of health as fair or poor, and not having a regular exercise program.     

Genetic Contribution to Suicidal Behaviors and Associated Risk Factors among Adolescents in the U.S.

This paper examines genetic contribution to suicidal behaviors and other risk factors associated with suicidal behavior among adolescents in the U.S. Using adolescent twin data in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N=1448), we compared concordance in suicidal ideation and attempt among monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins. Heritability of risk factors for suicidal behaviors also was examined using Pearson correlation and mixed-model analyses. A trend of higher concordance in suicidal ideation and attempt was found among MZ than DZ twins but the difference was not statistically significant by the stringent test of bootstrapping analysis. Evidence of heritability was found for several suicide risk factors. The percentage of variance explained by heritability was larger among female twins for depression, aggression, and quantity of cigarettes smoked in comparison to heritability estimates for male twins. However, estimated heritability was larger among male than female twins for alcohol use and binge drinking. Heritability influence was negligible among both sexes for other drug use. Risk factors for suicidal behaviors among adolescents may be heritable. Gender differences found in the heritability of some suicide risk factors suggest these genetic contributions are gender specific. Future research examining potential interactions between expression of genetic influence and particular environmental contexts may enhance prevention and intervention efforts.     

Community Attachments are Associated with COVID-19 Public Health Behaviors Among Adolescents in Pakistan

Child & Youth Care Forum - Community attachments are thought to promote adolescents’ engagement in public health behaviors. To date, past research has exclusively examined the social...     

Associations among Food Insecurity, Acculturation, Demographic Factors, and Fruit and Vegetable Intake at Home in Hispanic Children

The purpose of this cross-sectional pilot study was to examine associations between food insecurity, acculturation, demographic factors, and children's fruit and vegetable intake among a sample of Hispanic children ages 5 to 12 years. A convenience sample of 184 parents of low socioeconomic status completed one-time, self-administered questionnaires assessing demographic information, acculturation, and food insecurity in the spring of 2006. In addition, children's fruit and vegetable intake at home was measured using a validated seven-item index. Parents were recruited through local elementary schools in San Antonio, TX. Pearson and Spearman correlations were used to examine the associations between the variables. t tests were used to explore the differences in means of children's fruit and vegetable intake at home for acculturation and food insecurity levels. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Significant correlations were found between demographic variables, acculturation, food insecurity, and children's fruit and vegetable intake at home. The overall mean fruit and vegetable intake at home was 1.04±0.63 (mean±standard deviation) servings per day. Higher rates of acculturation and higher rates of food insecurity were associated with lower fruit and vegetable intake at home. The findings reported in this study suggest a need for culturally tailored interventions targeting Hispanic children because fruit and vegetable intake at home among Hispanic children was low, regardless of the level of acculturation or food insecurity.     

The Gut Microbiome Is Associated with Circulating Dietary Biomarkers of Fruit and Vegetable Intake in a Multiethnic Cohort

BackgroundResults from observational studies suggest high diet quality favorably influences the human gut microbiome. Fruit and vegetable consumption is often a key contributor to high diet quality.ObjectiveTo evaluate measures of gut bacterial diversity and abundance in relation to serum biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake.DesignSecondary analysis of cross-sectional data.Participants and settingMen and women from Los Angeles, CA, and Hawai’i who participated in the Multiethnic Cohort–Adiposity Phenotype Study from 2013 to 2016 (N = 1,709).Main outcome measuresGut microbiome diversity and composition in relation to dietary biomarkers.Statistical analysisCarotenoid (beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthins, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin), tocopherol (α, β + γ, and δ), and retinol concentrations were assessed in serum. The α and β diversity and composition of the gut microbiome were classified based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing of bacterial DNA from self-collected fecal samples. Global differences in microbial community profiles in relation dietary biomarkers were evaluated using multivariable permutational analysis of variance. Associations of α diversity (Shannon index), β diversity (weighted and unweighted UniFrac) with center log-ratio–transformed phyla and genera abundances were evaluated using linear regression, adjusted for covariates.ResultsIncreasing total carotenoid, beta carotene, alpha carotene, cryptoxanthin, and lycopene concentrations were associated with higher gut bacterial diversity (Shannon Index) (P < 0.001). Total tocopherol, α-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol concentrations contributed significantly to more than 1% of the microbiome variation in gut bacterial community: total tocopherol: 1.74%; α-tocopherol: 1.70%; and δ-tocopherol: 1.16% (P < 0.001). Higher total carotenoid was associated with greater abundance of some genera relevant for microbial macronutrient metabolism (P < 0.001).ConclusionsObjective biomarkers of fruit and vegetable intake, particularly carotenoids, were favorably associated with gut bacterial composition and diversity in this multiethnic population. These observations provide supportive evidence that fruit and vegetable intake is related to gut bacterial composition; more work is needed to elucidate how this influences host health.     

Differences in Fruit and Vegetable Intake among Hispanic Subgroups in California: Results from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey

Objective

To compare total fruit and vegetable intake in cup equivalents and its individual components among Hispanic subgroups in California.

Methods

Data are from the adult portion of the 2005 California Health Interview Survey. Hispanic/Latino subjects (n=7,954) were grouped into six subcategories (Mexican, Central American, Caribbean, Spanish American, South American, and >1 group). Total fruit and vegetable intake in cup equivalents was estimated from frequency responses about seven food categories. Both t test and χ² test were used to assess differences in sociodemographic characteristics across Hispanic subgroups. Multivariate linear regressions using SUDAAN software (Survey Data Analysis, version 9.0.1, 2005, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC) were conducted to obtain means of total fruit and vegetable intake in cup equivalents and its components by Hispanic subgroups controlling for confounders.

Results

Hispanic subgroups did not differ in their intake of total fruit and vegetable intake in cup equivalents (mean 3.4 c and 2.9 c for men and women, respectively). Small but significant differences (P<0.01) were found across Hispanic subgroups in individual fruit and vegetable components (green salad [women only], cooked dried beans and nonfried white potatoes) after adjusting for potential sociodemographic and acculturation confounders.

Conclusions

Fruit and vegetable intake by Hispanic respondents did not meet the national recommendation, although their reported intake is higher compared to other race/ethnicity groups. The public health message remains the same: Increase fruit and vegetable intake. Examination of intake for subgroups of Hispanics may enhance the utility of dietary information for surveillance, program and message design, and intervention and evaluation.     

合肥市青少年减肥行为及其相关心理社会因素研究

目的研究青少年危害健康的减肥行为与情绪症状及其他心理社会因素的关系.方法从合肥市城区和农村各选取3所中学,每所中学每个年级各抽取两个班共2 106名中学生为研究对象,2044名学生提供了完整问卷.问卷内容包括节食、吃减肥药物、喝减肥茶、食后催吐等不利于青少年健康的减肥行为、其他危害健康行为、焦虑、抑郁症状、家庭和学校所在地、年级、学习成绩、父母文化程度等.结果5.8%的男生和6.7%的女生报告近一周内有不利于健康的减肥行为,多元Logistic回归分析表明,抑郁症状、不良的学习成绩、母亲文化程度高与青少年不利于健康的减肥行为相关.结论情绪症状及其他心理社会因素与青少年危害健康的减肥行为相关联的现象需在青少年营养教育中予以关注.     

2-Year Tracking of Children's Fruit and Vegetable Intake

Objective To evaluate the tracking of children's fruit and vegetable intake over 2 years.Design Children in the control group from the Gimme 5 nutrition education intervention trial completed three 7-day food diaries once a year in 1994, 1995, and 1996, beginning when they were in third grade.Subjects Five hundred sixty-one students from public elementary schools.Statistical analyses performed Tracking was examined through correlation of fruit and vegetable servings over the 2 years as well as the percent of subjects remaining in the same or adjacent quintiles of fruit and vegetable intake, using the κ statistic.Results Tracking of fruit and vegetable intake was fair to moderate over the 2 years. One-year correlations for total fruit and vegetable servings were .37 for boys and .46 for girls; 2-year correlations were .48 for boys and .40 for girls. κ values for remaining in the same quintile generally exceeded chance rates only for the top and bottom quintiles. No values exceeded .50.Application/conclusion The drift in ranking may have been a result of true changes in fruit and vegetable intake or measurement error (ie, inability to accurately assess actual intake). If this drift reflects true change, it may be difficult for nutrition education programs targeting this age group to demonstrate long-term behavioral effects on fruit and vegetable intake. If the drift is the result of measurement limitations, improved dietary assessment may yield stronger tracking. J Am Diet Assoc. 1998;98:785–789.