bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
State of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and Anemia among Residents of Selected Communities in Ghana
Authors: Tandoh Marina Aferiba , Johnson Evan , Anderson Alex Kojo 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundWith the increasing number of chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and obesity in developing countries, it is a common expectation that people would be more aware of these conditions through education leading to early diagnosis and effective management of these conditions. The objective of this paper is to report the prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes and anemia among residents of selected communities in Ghana.MethodThe data comes from a community screening and education exercise on hypertension, diabetes and anemia in Ghana as part of the University of Georgia Summer Service Learning Program in Ghana. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure greater than 140/90, diabetes as fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL and severe anemia as hemoglobin <8 g/dL.ResultsA total of 976 participants, 37.9% males and 62.1% females >18 years were screened. Mean age of participants was 46.25±17.14 (males: 44.90±17.38 vs females: 47.07±16.96; p=0.056) years, BMI was 25.44±5.26 (males: 23.13±3.81 vs females: 26.85±5.52; p<0.0001) kgm−2 and hemoglobin was 12.04±2.22 (males: 13.03±2.17 vs females: 11.43±2.02; p<0.0001) g/dL. At the time of screening, 93.4% reported fasting, while 3.1% and 12.6% reported existing diagnosis for diabetes and hypertension, respectively. Almost half (47.8%) were either overweight or obese, 27.0% screened hypertensive while 33.2% and 34.0% screened pre‐diabetes and diabetes respectively. Also, 28.8% males compared to 37.8% females screened diabetes (P=0.015), while 28.2% males compared to 26.2% screened hypertensive (p=0.635). 31.0% of those who screened diabetes also screened hypertensive (P<0.053). There were differences in BMI, and undiagnosed anemia, diabetes and hypertension by community where the screening took place. The likelihood of screening diabetes (p<0.0001) and hypertensive (P<0.025) increased with age.ConclusionThe high rates of undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension observed in this screening exercise calls for public health education with a focus on lifestyle habits and health seeking behaviors among Ghanaians.Support or Funding InformationGeorgia Experimental Agricultural Station (HATCH # GEO00701)
Nutrition Knowledge and Dietary Practices among Pre‐Adolescent Children (6–11years Old) in Rural South Africa.
Authors: Abu Brenda Ariba Zarhari , Oldewage‐Theron Wilna , Abdulkadir Egal 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the nutrition knowledge and associated dietary practices among pre‐adolescents (6 to 11 years of age) in rural South Africa.MethodsThe current study was a cross sectional survey using quantitative methods for data collection. Nutrition Knowledge was measured using a numbered scale with list of test questions. Correct answers were scored. Dietary practices were assessed using food list in nine food groups a week prior to the interview and categorized into dietary diversity scores. The 24hour recalls were assessed for adequate inadequate intake using estimated average requirement (EAR). SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis.ResultsGenerally (N=105), 54 (51.4%) female compared to male pre‐adolescents in the study. There was more female caregiver among both much younger pre‐adolescents (6–8years) and older (9–11years) pre‐adolescents. Almost 90.0% of their caregivers were women. Older pre‐adolescent were significantly (p<0.05) better able to indicate that fruits and vegetables be washed before eating, indicated the types of exercise and the importance of eating breakfast compared to the younger ones. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in the intake of average intake for chlorine, vitamin A, vitamin D and fibre intake (both soluble and insoluble). Average intake for vitamin C for both groups was 23.65 (14.85; 34.70) mg.ConclusionThe younger pre‐adolescents had lower knowledge and dietary intake. The preparation for adolescence must begin from younger years since healthy eating for this age is vital for the required growth and changes during adolescence.Support or Funding InformationThis work was funded by Department of Science and Technology (DTI) and the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa.
Overweight and obesity in Mexican children and adolescents: Data from National Nutrition and Health Surveys in 2016
Authors: Cuevas‐Nasu Lucia , Levy Teresa Shamah , Arcos Marco Antonio Avila , Gomez Ignacio Mendez , Dommarco Juan Rivera 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo update national statistics for overweight and obesity prevalence among the school‐age and adolescent population in Mexico with the results of the Half‐Way National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT MC by its initials in Spanish), 2016.MethodsENSANUT MC is a national survey based on a multistage, stratified design. It is representative of the urban and rural areas and the four regions of Mexico: north, central, south and Mexico City, and is comparable with the national surveys conducted in Mexico since 1988. In 2016, the sample consisted of 3184 school‐age children (15 million 803 thousand subjects aged 5–11years) and 2581 adolescents (aged 12–19 years) totaling over 18 million subjects. Measurements included weight and height. Body mass index (BMI) z‐scores were estimated by age and sex. Overweight (OW) and obesity (O) were classified as BMIs greater than +1 SD and +2 WHO, respectively. Prevalences were adjusted for study design.ResultsAmong school‐age children, 17.9% (95%CI: 15.2–21.1) were OW and 15.3% (95%CI: 12.5–18.6) O. This represented a total of 33.2% (5 million 253 thousand) OW schoolchildren versus 34.4% in 2012. Prevalence predominated among 10–11‐y‐olds and was 6 percentage points (PPs) higher in urban than in rural areas. Among adolescents, 22.4% (95%CI: 19.5, 25.6) and 13.9% (95%CI: 11.4, 16.8) presented OW and O, respectively. Compared to 2012, the overall OW+O in adolescents declined only 1 PP (35%).ConclusionOW+O prevalence rates in children and adolescents constitute the most recent estimates in Mexico. From 2012 to 2016, prevalence declined significantly in children. This may be the result of the health policies implemented to prevent OW and O in Mexico.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Ministery of Health, Mexico.
Development of A Health Education Curriculum to Reduce the Risk of Obesity Among Hispanic School‐Age Children
Authors: Mejia Maximino Alfredo , Coria‐Navia Anneris , Uriegas‐Mejia Griselda , Brown‐Fraser Sherine C , Uriegas Sergio E , de Jesus Martinez Maria , Sanchez Albert , Acosta Maria Elena , Ramirez Armando E , Reyes Rembrandt E , Hernandez Yadyra C , Camacho Dacia Y , Morrow Gregg , Krivak Gretchen 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundChildhood obesity is a major global public health problem which disproportionately affects Hispanic children. Therefore, there is a need to develop culturally sensitive curricula to deliver school‐based interventions targeting Hispanic children. The Amate, Activate, Cuidate, Comparte (AACC) [Love Yourself, Activate Yourself, Take Care of Yourself, and Share] curricula is a culturally sensitive health education model to prevent obesity among Hispanic children in elementary school settings. This model was developed and pilot‐tested. Preliminary data shows this model to be promising to prevent childhood obesity among school‐aged children.MethodsThe AACC curriculum targets ten key lifestyle behaviors and school lunch modifications. Both are aimed to increase nutrient‐dense meals and energy expenditure through physical activity. The curriculum has a cognitive‐emotive‐behavioral approach which is grounded on social cognitive theory, positive psychology and pedagogical principles. Love is the underlying principle to elicit and regulate motivation to adopt and maintain healthy eating behaviors and physical activity. The nutrition curriculum consists of six classes, each consisting of two sessions. The first session provides the cognitive skills, elicits motivation, preparing the child for informed decision making to choose, commit, and engage in healthy behaviors. Each child sings and signs a pledge maintaining supervised behavioral records for two weeks. The follow up class session aims at providing social support, feedback and elicit commitment to continue practicing the intended behavior. The curriculum targets increasing consumption water, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vegetable proteins and physical activity while reducing sweetened drinks and screen time. Emphasis is given in temperance (including stop eating at 80% of feeling full) to moderate the consumption of healthy foods and limit/avoid consumption of less healthy foods.Results/ConclusionThe AACC curriculum has been well received by teachers, children. Parents of other schools are requesting implementation of this program in their schools. Policy makers are supporting the program.Support or Funding InformationSecretaria de Salud de Tamaulipas Secretaria de Educacion Publica de Tamaulipas Office of Research and Creative Scholarship.
The Locus of Control and Likelihood of Success: Evidence from School Lunchrooms
Authors: Gabrielyan Gnel , Greene Katherine , Just David R. , Wansink Brian 
Published: November 2023

Obesity rates are all time high in the U.S. and children are the most affected group. To fight the obesity epidemic, researchers have tried to identify various strategies to increase the consumption of healthier items. USDA plays an important role in providing nutrition to children since it provides meals to more than 30 million children each day. This makes school environment a perfect platform to target the obesity and improve dietary quality of children.In order to qualify for a reimbursable meal, schools must qualify for some requirements proposed by USDA. Part of this requirement is to make sure students take either a fruit or a vegetable. However, the question remains whether forcing entities (i.e., schools) to implement a new technology is more efficient than giving them a list of potential techniques to choose from. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of an availability of a choice to adopters compared to those who are not given a choice. Thus we analyze the effectiveness of various scenarios: no changes made, schools choose a technology to implement, and they are given a fixed program to follow. Data is collected in upstate New York. Preliminary results show implementing strategies are usually more efficient than not changing anything. However, giving schools a choice, overall, provides better outcome in terms of fruit and vegetable selection.
Development and Dissemination of a Learner‐Centered Nutrition Curriculum for School Nutrition Services Staff
Authors: Jones Anna M , Bergman Jacqueline J , Briggs Marilyn , Brian Kelley , Zidenberg‐Cherr Sheri 
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop, pilot, and disseminate a nutrition education curriculum for school nutrition services staff. Backwards design was utilized to develop lessons centered around learning objectives and key concepts such as nutrients in foods, portion sizes, physical activity, influences on food choices, and local school wellness policies, with applications to the National School Lunch Program throughout. Lessons were piloted in workshops held in August 2014, and April and May 2015 in two school districts in Northern California. Following the conclusion of the workshops, the curriculum was revised based on participant feedback and researcher observations. The final curriculum, comprising eight lessons, was disseminated at six regional train‐the‐trainer workshops held throughout California. Participants in these workshops were primarily school nutrition program directors and managers. At the end of the workshops, questionnaires to obtain feedback were administered to participants. Results (n=44) indicate the curriculum was well received by train‐the‐trainer participants; 93.2% of respondents indicated that they planned to use some of the lessons or teaching strategies presented in the workshops. A follow‐up survey was sent to all participants to determine if they had used any of the lessons to train their staff, and if yes, the results of the implementation. The survey had a response rate of 53.3% (n=57). Approximately half (50.1%) of respondents had used at least one lesson in their district, while 64.3% indicated they definitely or probably will use the curriculum, 28.6% stated they might or might not and 7.1% indicated probably not. Of those who used the curriculum, 21 responded to the Likert scale question “Overall, how would you say the lessons went?” Among these respondents, 61.9% selected very well, 23.8% selected somewhat well, and 14.3% selected okay. Zero respondents indicated the lessons went somewhat or very poorly. Overall, the results demonstrate that this curriculum has potential utility; further research should be conducted to evaluate effectiveness at improving nutrition knowledge, self‐efficacy, and other outcomes.Support or Funding InformationFunding was provided in part by the California Department of Education.
A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials Examining Effects of Breakfast Composition on Weight Outcomes among Children and Adolescents
Authors: Fu Zhuxuan , Almahmassani Hiya , Chung Mei , Cook Chad 
Published: November 2023

ObjectiveTo systematically review and synthesize published clinical trials examining effects of breakfast composition on weight outcomes among children and adolescents.MethodsA comprehensive literature search on Pubmed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science (date of inception to February, 2016) was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials in children and adolescents. Abstracts and potentially relevant full‐text articles were doubly screened against pre‐defined eligibility criteria. Risk of bias (ROB) assessment was conducted using the Cochrane ROB tool. Due to high heterogeneity of interventions, only qualitative synthesis was performed.ResultsOf 485 abstracts screened, 5 studies met inclusion criteria. When data were reported: Interventions ranged from 12 to 20 weeks, with sample sizes ranging from 25 to 178 including roughly equal number of males/females with a range of mean ages from 6 to 20 y. Interventions included: high vs. low glycemic breakfasts; 1 serving/d of cereal at breakfast and as a snack + increasing walking at least 2000 steps/d vs. maintenance of usual eating and step patterns; 1 serving of ready‐to‐eat cereal (RTEC) vs. 2 servings of RTEC vs. 1 serving of RTEC + nutrition education vs. no treatment; steamed bread vs. egg breakfast; and normal protein cereal‐based breakfast vs. high protein pork‐based breakfast vs. skipping breakfast. All studies found significant differences in weight outcomes between groups but results across studies were not comparable.ConclusionAlthough observational data suggest an inverse association between breakfast consumption and BMI among children and adolescents, there appears to be insufficient evidence from randomized clinical trials to support a specific breakfast composition for weight management in this population. Future trials should improve dropout rate and use blinded outcome ascertainment.Support or Funding InformationUnrestricted grant was provided by Biofortis
Education Level Influences Weight‐Related Cognitions and Behaviors of Parents with Preschoolers
Authors: Eck Kaitlyn , Quick Virginia , Martin‐Biggers Jennifer , Delaney Colleen , Byrd‐Bredbenner Carol 
Published: November 2023

Education level has been linked to weight‐related health outcomes where those of lower education often have greater weight‐related health risks. This study examined the effects of parents' education level on weight‐related cognitions and behaviors. Parents of preschoolers (N=655) completed an online survey assessing weight‐related cognitions and behaviors. Participants were 32.6±5.7SD years, mostly white (60%), and had varying education levels (i.e., Low [high school or less (n=95)]; Middle [some post‐secondary education (n=245)]; High [bachelor's degree or higher (n=315)]). ANOVA and post‐hoc tests revealed that low‐education and middle‐education level parents had significantly (p<0.05) higher BMIs than high‐education level parents (30.22±7.33SD, 29.88±7.58SD vs. 26.44±6.15SD), and their children had significantly higher BMI‐for‐age z‐scores (1.48±2.30SD low‐education vs. 0.53±1.42SD high‐education). High‐education parents had significantly greater household food security (F=25.6, p<0.001), ate healthier diets (i.e., lower percent calories from fat [36.17±6.20SD vs. 38.39±6.94SD; 37.45±5.71SD], fewer calories from sugar‐sweetened beverages/day [77.7±104.3SD vs. 151.7±148.2SD; 113.44±115.88SD]), and likely modeled healthy dietary behaviors as their children also consumed significantly fewer calories from sugar‐sweetened beverages/day (27.7±45.1SD vs. 48±50.5SD; 44.37±50.46SD) than both low‐education and mid‐education parents. High‐education parents also were significantly more likely to plan family meals compared to low‐education parents; however, low‐education and mid‐education parents were more willing to invest time, energy, and effort in preparing family meals than high‐education parents. Low‐education and mid‐education parents were significantly more likely to overtly control their child's food intake and timing of when they ate, and low‐education parents allowed more child screentime minutes/day (660±939SD vs. 427±758SD) than high‐education parents. Findings indicate important differences in weight‐related cognitions and behaviors suggesting childhood obesity prevention outreach interventions need to consider weight‐related practices may differ by parent education level and tailor interventions based on education level.Support or Funding InformationUSDA NIFA #2011‐68001‐30170
Eating Frequency and the Role of Snacking on Weight of Minority Preschool Children
Authors: Charvet Andrea , Huffman Fatma G. 
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to understand the influence of eating episodes and snack quality on body weight of preschool children ages 3 to 5 years participating in the Broward County Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). A secondary objective was to explore select obesity risk factors as potential confounding factors. Data was collected from 7 Broward County Health Department WIC clinics over 4 months. The researcher interviewed the participant's authorized representative and extracted additional data from the WIC data system. BMI‐for‐age percentiles were used to separate children into weight categories according to CDC guidelines, which were further combined into under/normal weight and overweight/obese for data analysis. A total of 200 participants [91 boys (45.5%) and 109 girls (54.5%)] were enrolled. When distributed into weight categories, 4% of the children were underweight, 64.5% normal weight, 16.5% overweight and 15% were obese. Most children consumed 3 meals (96.5%) and between 2 to 3 snacks per day (32.5% and 36.5% respectively). Preliminary data analysis of the relationship between eating frequency and weight category was not significant. Initial data analysis of snack quality completed to date looked into fruits and vegetables and beverage intakes. Average number of times a child eats fruits and vegetables per day was not significantly different between under/normal weight children and overweight/obese children (1.44±0.83 vs. 1.43±0.76 and 0.79±0.66 vs. 0.71±0.59 respectively). The overweight/obese children were consuming significantly more sweetened beverages than the under/normal weight group (6.94±8.47 oz/day vs. 4.86±7.16 oz/day, p=0.024) and significantly less water (17.55±6.15 oz/day vs. 18.40±9.18 oz/day, p=0.016). Mostly the intake of sugar‐sweetened juices was significantly higher in the overweight/obese group when compared to the under/normal weight group (5.67±7.91 oz/day vs. 3.86±6.34 oz/day, p=0.009). This finding suggests that the intake of sweetened beverages at a very young age needs to be addressed. According to our results, eating frequency appears appropriate across weight categories and does not predict weight status.Support or Funding InformationA.C. was supported by NIH/NIGMS R25 GM061347. Support to conduct the study was provided by the Dietetics and Nutrition research foundation. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
Effects of Dried Apple Consumption on Body Composition, Inflammatory Markers and Lipid Profile in Overweight and Obese Children
Authors: Nagarajan Pavithra , Tunstall Ashley , Almaiman Lama , Cabalbag Conralyn , Metti Dina , Hong Mee Young , Kern Mark , Hooshmand Shirin 
Published: November 2023

Childhood obesity increases the risk for many metabolic conditions in adulthood and has been a focus of many public health efforts in the United States. Consumption of fruit and dietary fiber reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The objective of this study was to examine whether dried apple consumption may promote weight loss and improve metabolic markers in overweight and obese children. Thirty‐eight overweight or obese children age 10 to 16 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups: twice daily 120 kcal serving of a) a dried apple snack or b) a refined carbohydrate‐rich snack (muffins) for eight weeks. Body weight, height and waist circumference were determined at an initial visit and after eight weeks. Body composition was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and Bod Pod. Blood samples were collected at baseline and the final visit to measure serum cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, proinsulin, total adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, total antioxidant, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase. Body weight did not change significantly in the apple group but increased for the muffin group (p<0.01). Height increased significantly over the 8‐week period (p < 0.01) in both groups asserting the fact that growth occurs very fast in this age group. Bod Pod results showed that fat free mass remained unchanged in the apple group, while fat‐free mass increased significantly in the muffin group (p < 0.01). DXA indicated increased (p < 0.05) trunk fat mass for the muffin group only. HDL‐cholesterol concentration increased (p < 0.05) after the eight‐week treatment within the apple group. Other biochemical markers were not significantly different between groups. In conclusion, apple snacks did not promote adiposity; in contrast, a refined snack such as muffin tended to increase truncal fat and lean body mass. Additionally, apple consumption increased HDL‐C concentration, which is associated with decreased CVD risk. These results demonstrate the need for similar research in other populations or for a longer duration.Support or Funding InformationFunded by U.S. Apple Association