Internet Addiction Among Undergraduate Students: Effect on Eating Behaviours and Sleep Quality

@#Introduction: Internet addiction is one of the major issues among university students which affected not only their academic performance but also their sleep quality and eating behaviours. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association between internet addiction and eating behavior, with sleep quality among undergraduate students at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 university students to obtain data regarding their internet addiction, eating behaviour, and sleep quality through a series of validated questionnaires. The Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis test had been used for the univariate analysis while binary logistic regression was the multivariate analysis. Significance was set as a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of 54.2% of the participants showed mild internet addiction and 59.8% of them had poor sleep quality. Severe internet addiction was significantly associated with highest scores in all the eating behaviour. Individuals who were overweight had the highest score for emotional eating. Furthermore, no association was found between internet addiction and eating behavior with sleep quality in both the univariate and multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Internet addiction may affect an individual`s eating behaviour and may potentially lead to several health complications in the future. Those who were overweight tend to be emotional eaters. Although, no significant factors were associated with sleep quality, future research should be done involving other parameters such as physical activity level, biochemical data and comorbidities.

Associations between body mass index and physical activity level with mindful eating behaviour among undergraduate medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia

@#Introduction: Mindful eating is being fully present in the moment of eating and it is critical in preventing poor eating habits. The main objective for this study was to determine the associations of body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level with mindful eating behaviour among undergraduate medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 students (Years 1-5; 69% females and 31% males) by using a self-administered online questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, anthropometric data, short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ). The associations between BMI and physical activity with MEQ were determined by Spearman’s Correlation and One-Way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis Test, respectively. Results: Majority of the students had normal BMI (66.4%, n=105), and 39.9% (n=63) had low physical activity levels. The mean MEQ summary score of the students was considered high (2.82±0.26). There was a significant negative association between MEQ summary score (r=-0.191; p=0.016) and disinhibition subscale score (r=-0.340; p<0.001) with BMI, whereby MEQ summary and disinhibition subscale scores increased as BMI decreased. However, there was no significant association between physical activity level with MEQ score (p>0.05). Conclusion: A student with positive mindful eating behaviour has the potential to lower his/her BMI. However, further research is required to verify this finding.

Picky Eating Behaviour, Feeding Practices, Dietary Habits, Weight Status and Cognitive Function Among School Children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Picky eating behaviour was linked to nutritional problems due to limited dietary variety. This study aimed to determine the causes and consequences associated with picky eating behaviour among school-aged children in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Methods: A total of 339 children aged seven to nine years participated in this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic factors, eating behaviours and child/ parental feeding style were assessed through parent’s questionnaires, while eating habits of children were accessed through child’s questionnaire. Body height and weight were measured; body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Cognitive function level was determined using the Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices test. Results: One third (38%) of the children were picky eaters and consumed lesser vegetables (χ2 =4.49,p=0.034) and fish (χ2 =5.55,p=0.019), but more milk and dairy products (χ2 =3.91,p=0.048), snacks (χ2 =6.25,p=0.012) and fast food (χ2 =7.35,p=0.007) compared to non-picky eaters. Picky eaters were more likely to have normal weight status based on weight-for-age, height-for-age and BMI-for-age compared to non-picky eaters (p<0.05). Picky eaters came from a household with other picky eaters in the family and their parents tend to use an instrumental feeding style. Picky eaters had a poorer cognitive function compared to non-picky eaters (p=0.03). Conclusion: We did not find significant differences in growth parameters between picky and non-picky eaters but picky eaters were more likely to have a poorer cognitive function. As parental feeding styles significantly influenced children’s eating behaviour, interventions should target parents to improve their children’s dietary variety.

Picky Eating Behaviour and Nutritional Status of Preschool Children in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Picky eating is defined by the reluctance of consuming familiar foods, trying new food and having strong food preferences. It is common among children; however limited and inconsistent studies have being done to investigate the incidence and its relationship among pre-schoolers in Malaysia. Aims: To investigate the prevalence of picky eaters among pre-schoolers and its association with nutritional status. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 192 preschool children in Kuala Selangor district, Malaysia. A set of online questionnaires consisted of Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (CEBQ) was administered online. Self-reported weight and height were also collected. Results: 31.8% of the children were identified as picky eaters. Their weight, weight-for-age z-score (WAZ), height, height-for-age z-score (HAZ), Body Mass Index (BMI) and BMI-for-age z-score (BAZ) were significantly lower than non-picky eaters (p<0.05). A lower degree of food responsiveness, enjoyment of food and emotional overeating combined with higher degree of food fussiness and slowness in eating were prevalent among picky eaters (p<0.05). Picky eating behaviour was significantly associated with WAZ, HAZ, and BAZ (p<0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed that 1 in 3 children is a picky eater and they are more likely to be underweight. This highlights more comprehensive studies in the future to investigate the long-term effect of such behaviour.

Household income, frequency of purchasing outside meals, eating behaviour and body mass index status among undergraduate students during first phase of COVID-19 lockdown

@#Introduction: COVID-19 lockdown has changed the eating behaviours of people, which could affect their body mass index (BMI). These changes affected meal purchasing habits of university students, depending on their household income. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the association between eating behaviour, household income, frequency of purchasing outside meals with BMI among undergraduate students. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 112 undergraduate students. Subjects recalled information during the first phase of COVID-19 lockdown, which was from March 2020 till July 2020. Questionnaire consisted of socio-demography, anthropometry, frequency of purchasing outside meals, and eating behaviour using the Malay version Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ). Results: About 64.3% of subjects reported purchasing outside meals 1-2 times per week. Higher restrained eating behaviour score was correlated with purchasing outside meals about 3-4 times and >4 times a week. Normal weight students had significantly higher restrained eating behaviour score [3.0(1.1)] than those in the obese group [2.9(1.1)]. Household income had no association with frequency of purchasing outside meals. Conclusion: Eating behaviour affected BMI and the frequency of purchasing outside meals during COVID-19 lockdown. COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in tremendous changes in the eating behaviour and physical activity pattern of university students. Future studies should focus on increasing the nutrition knowledge of university students, especially on the aspect of eating out.

Ortorexia nerviosa: ¿Un estilo de vida o el surgimiento de un nuevo trastorno alimentario?

RESUMEN Introducción: Numerosos estudios han proporcionado evidencia sobre la ortorexia nerviosa, síndrome caracterizado por un extremo y drástico patrón alimentario saludable, que ha sido foco de creciente interés. Sin embargo, existe un debate científico sobre si es simplemente un fenómeno del comportamiento o un estilo de vida o un trastorno mental. Objetivo: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la evidencia acerca de la ortorexia nerviosa en sus aspectos epidemiológicos, nosológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos. Método: Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica narrativa cualitativa sobre ortorexia nerviosa y otros trastornos alimentarios mediante las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, SciELO y en textos especializados. Resultados: Existe controversia si la ortorexia nerviosa es un trastorno alimentario único o una consecuencia del desenlace de éste o un proceso obsesivo-compulsivo. Puede preceder, sobrevenir o coexistir con trastornos alimentarios y también afectar los hábitos del comer. El antecedente de trastorno alimentario es un factor predictivo significativo para el desarrollo de la ortorexia nerviosa. Algunos autores han diferenciado entre una ortorexia orientada hacia el interés en una alimentación sana (ortorexia saludable) y otra relacionada a una preocupación patológica por comer saludablemente (ortorexia nerviosa). Conclusiones: Muchos aspectos psicológicos y conductuales de los trastornos alimentarios son compartidos por los ortoréxicos. Son necesarios estudios longitudinales en el futuro que investiguen la relación temporal entre estos u otros tópicos para incluir a la ortorexia nerviosa dentro del espectro de los trastornos alimentarios.

ABSTRACT Background: Several studies have provided evidence on orthorexia nervosa, a syndrome characterized by an extreme and drastic healthy eating pattern, which has been the focus of growing interest. However, there is a scientific debate as to whether it is simply a behavioural phenomenon, a lifestyle or a mental disorder. Objective: A descriptive analysis of the evidence about orthorexia nervosa: epidemiological, nosological, clinical and therapeutic aspects were discussed. Method: A narrative qualitative bibliographic search on orthorexia nervosa and other eating disorders was carried out using Medline/PubMed, SciELO databases and specialized texts. Results: It is controversial whether orthorexia nervosa is a unique eating disorder or a consequence of its outcome or an obsessive-compulsive process. It can precede, occur, or coexist along with eating disorders and also may affect eating habits. A history of eating disorder is a significant predictive factor for the development of orthorexia nervosa. Some authors have differentiated between an orthorexia oriented towards the interest in a healthy diet (healthy orthorexia) and another related to a pathological concern about eating healthy (orthorexia nervosa). Conclusions: Many psychological and behavioural features of eating disorders are shared by orthorexics. Future longitudinal research is needed to analyse the temporal relationship between these and other issues to include orthorexia nervosa within the spectrum of eating disorders.

Association between stress and eating behaviour among nurses in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia

@#Introduction: Stress is a factor that may affect dietary behaviour among nurses, which can contribute to a risk of overweight or obesity in the future. The aim of this study was to determine the association between stress and eating behaviour among nurses at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed among 105 nurses (30-50 years of age; 84.8% females and 15.2% males) and participants were assessed using a selfadministered questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic data, body mass index (BMI), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), and the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the associations were determined by Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results: Based on descriptive data, 73.3% of nurses (n=77) were moderately stressed and 49.5% had normal BMI (n=52). Furthermore, according to three eating domains, the emotional eating score was the highest (30.0±16.0). An association was found between emotional eating [χ2(2)=10.305, p=0.006], while external eating [χ2(2)=5.103, p=0.078], and restrained eating [χ2(2)=2.335, p=0.311] did not display a significant difference. The Bonferroni test was further used and there was a significant difference between low and moderate stress levels only (p<0.01), while others were not significantly different (low-high and moderate-high) (p>0.05). The results showed that nurses in the low stress group had lower scores of emotional eating behaviour than nurses with moderate stress levels. Conclusion: Stress has an impact on emotional eating behaviour and more research is needed to fully understand this link.

Validation and dimensional analysis of the eating behaviour pattern questionnaire among Malaysian university students

@#Introduction: Eating behaviour pattern is among the key behavioural factors that contribute to eating disorders. Hence, to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of the Eating Behaviour Pattern Questionnaire (EBPQ) that is used in epidemiological studies to measure the relationship between health outcomes and eating behaviour patterns, this study aimed to validate the adopted version of the EBPQ and to check the validity and reliability of this tool in University of Malaya, Malaysia. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to determine the most appropriate factor structure of EBPQ. Moreover, structural equation modelling (SEM) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were applied to examine the convergent and discriminant validity of EBPQ. As for the participants of the study, multi-stage random sampling was used and 200 students (109 females and 91 males) from University of Malaya were chosen. Results: The EFA yielded nine components of EBPQ including emotional eating, eating outside, cultural habit, low-fat eating, meal skipping, snacking, healthy eating, planning for food and sweets, which explained 67.7% of the total variance. Furthermore, the Cronbach’s α was about 0.8 for all components, which exhibited a high internal consistency among the obtained components. The results showed that the questionnaire had sufficient convergent and discriminant validity. Conclusion: The EBPQ was proven to be a reliable tool to measure the eating behaviour patterns in Malaysian university students. The presence of adequate validity and reliability supports this instrument’s psychometric properties for future studies.

Estudos de avaliação do consumo alimentar segundo método dos escores: uma revisão sistemática / Studies assessing food consumption by the scores method: a systematic review

Resumo O presente artigo tem como objetivo revisar de forma sistematizada a literatura relativa a estudos que utilizaram o método dos escores proposto por Fornés e colaboradores, em 2002, para avaliar o consumo alimentar e discutir o método na perspectiva de avaliação do padrão alimentar. Foi realizada busca de artigos nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e Scielo. Limitou-se a busca aos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol e aos artigos publicados de 2002 até 2016. Os critérios de inclusão foram: estudos que utilizaram o método dos escores proposto por Fornés et al. para avaliar o consumo alimentar. Foram encontrados 8.300 artigos na busca inicial. Após leitura de títulos, resumos e aplicação de critérios de exclusão, 14 artigos foram selecionados. Os artigos avaliaram o padrão alimentar adotando diferentes grupos e verificaram associações com variáveis antropométricas, socioeconômicas e bioquímicas. Concluiu-se que o método dos escores constitui uma ferramenta capaz de avaliar os padrões alimentares e que permite verificar associações entre variáveis antropométricas, bioquímicas, socioeconômicas e clínica com os componentes da dieta/grupo alimentar investigado aos quais o indivíduo foi exposto.

Abstract This article describes a systematic review of the literature on studies that have used the scores method proposed by Fornés et al. (2002) to evaluate food consumption and discuss the method from the perspective of food pattern assessment. The search of the Medline, Lilacs and Scielo databases was limited to the English, Portuguese and Spanish languages and to articles published from 2002 to 2016. The inclusion criterion was studies that used the scores method proposed by Fornés et al. to evaluate food consumption. The original search found 8300 items. After reading titles and abstracts and applying the exclusion criteria, 14 articles were selected. The articles evaluating food pattern used different groupings and examined associations with anthropometric, socioeconomic and biochemical variables. It was concluded that the scores method is able to evaluate food patterns and enables associations to be established between anthropometric, biochemical, socioeconomic and clinical variables and the components of the study diet/food grouping to which the individual was exposed.

Nutrition-Related Factors and Binge Eating Behaviour in a Sample of Malaysian University Students / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#Binge eating (BE) behaviour is associated with obesity and eating disorders. This cross-sectional study investigates BE behaviour and its relationship with nutrition-related factors among university students. A total of 170 (69% females) university students in Malaysia aged 19 to 24 years participated in this study. BE behaviour was assessed with the use of Binge Eating Scale (BES) questionnaire. Socio-demographic background and nutritional status (anthropometric measurements, body mass index (BMI) and dietary intake) were also measured. BE behaviour reported by 10% percent of the participants. BE behaviour was associated with increased energy intake, elevated BMI and sex (Adjusted R2 = 0.116, p < 0.001). Differences in sex-specific factors in predicting the risk of BE behaviour were evident. In male participants, an increased in energy intake, elevated BMI and had a higher waist circumference associated with the risk of BE behaviour (Adjusted R2 = 0.411, p < 0.001). In female participants, only a higher waist circumference associated with BE behaviour (Adjusted R2 = 0.028, p < 0.05). The finding suggests that understanding sex-specific factors are necessary to prevent BE. These are the potential targets for tailored eating behaviour intervention among university students.

Eating behaviour of adolescent schoolgirls in Malang, East Java: a qualitative study

@# Introduction: Poor eating behaviour is known to lead to nutritional deficiency among adolescents. At the same time, poor eating behaviour characterised by dietary excesses could lead to overweight and obesity. The present study aimed to explore the eating behaviour of adolescent schoolgirls in Malang, East Java Province, Indonesia, and to determine the factors that influenced their eating behaviour. Methods: This was a qualitative study, guided by the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), which focused on individual and environmental influences to better understand health-related behaviours, such as eating behaviour. Triangulation was applied to the study subjects (adolescent girls, their mothers, and school staff). The methods used included individual in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Qualitative data analyses were performed using Atlas.ti 7. Results: Most participants showed poor eating behaviour that was characterised by skipping breakfast, frequent consumption of fast foods and the consumption of local food with low nutrient content. Their eating behaviour was influenced by individual factors including personal preferences, the price of the food, and by environmental factors, such as the family, school and neighbourhood. Conclusion: Our findings showed that adolescent girls in Malang appeared to be aware of healthy eating but they showed unsatisfactory eating practices. Interventions are suggested to improve the poor eating behaviour of the adolescents toward avoiding malnutrition consequences.

Eating behaviour of young female workers with low socioeconomic status in Malang City, East Java: a qualitative study

@# Introduction: Eating behaviour is one of the important factors affecting nutritional status that has been widely investigated. However, there are few studies on the eating behaviour of young female workers in Indonesia. This study aimed at investigating the factors affecting eating behaviour of young female workers of low socioeconomic status in Malang, East Java province, Indonesia. Methods: Participants were recruited using purposive sampling from low-income families living in Malang City. The eligibility criteria were based on demographic information, including monthly household income and expenses. The participants recruited comprised 21 women aged 18-22 years who were employed outside their homes, unmarried and living with their parents. A qualitative methodology was used to understand the meaning and context of the eating behaviour of these women. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as the primary data collection methods. Results: Two primary themes emerged as the main influences of the participants’ eating behaviour: individual attributes (food preferences, healthy eating knowledge and self-efficacy), and socio-environmental factors (peer influence, mother’s role and food availability). In general, the participants had some knowledge about healthy eating behaviour; however, they lacked self-efficacy to practise such behaviour. Conclusion: Individual motivations and socio-environmental factors were found to mediate the eating behaviour of young working women from poor households. These factors should be considered when designing nutrition programmes for achieving healthier eating behaviour among young working women.

Eating Behaviour among Disabled Athletes in Malaysia

@#Background: Nutrition has always been associated with eating behaviour. The eating behaviour can impact not only the normal population but also athletes’ population including disabled athletes too. Athletes have a higher tendency to unhealthy eating behaviour due to intense pressure and competitive environment in sports. It is important to identify the types of eating behaviour among disabled athletes to prevent eating disorder that could affect their performance. Thus, this study aims to identify the types of eating behaviour among disabled athletes in Malaysia. Methods: This study involved 93 disabled athletes in Malaysia. The setting of the study is at National Sports Council, Malaysia. The data obtained are analysed using chi-square test using SPSS. Results: This study shows that the most common types of eating behaviour among disabled athletes are emotional eating (37.6%), followed by uncontrolled eating (34.3%) and cognitive restraint (28%). Most of the overweight and obese disabled athletes are prone to emotional eating (19.4%) as compared to non-overweight athletes (18.3%). Conclusion: As a conclusion, recognising the eating behaviour in disabled athletes is important as more effective and innovative interventions and measures can be undertaken to prevent eating disorder which can enhance sports performance.

Psychometric Properties of the Malay Version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) in a Sample of Malaysian Adults Attending a Health Care Facility

Objective: This study aims to investigate the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Dutch Eating Behaviour Questionnaire (DEBQ) among Malaysian adults. Method: The Malay version of the DEBQ instrument was administered to 398 outpatients (269 women and 129 men) at the University of Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to study the construct validity of the instrument. Composite reliability coefficient, Raykov's rho, was used to determine the internal consistency. Results: The proposed three-factor structure for the DEBQ instrument was appropriate, although three items (Items 21, 14 and 27) showed problematic loadings with inappropriate model fit and were removed. The modified version had an appropriate model fit χ2/df = 2.129, TLI = 0.908, CFI = 0.918, RMSEA = 0.053 (90%CI = 0.048–0.058), close-fit P-value = 0.136 and satisfactory internal consistency of 0.914 for emotional eating scale, 0.819 for external eating scale and 0.856 for restrained eating scale. Discussion: The Malay version of the DEBQ is a valid instrument to study eating behaviour traits among Malaysian adults. Further research is warranted to determine if Items 14 and 27 are appropriate for the Malaysian population.

Relación del estrés laboral con la conducta alimentaria y la obesidad: Consideraciones teóricas y empíricas / Relationship of work stress with eating behavior and obesity: Theoretical and empirical considerations

Resumen: Las transformaciones en el mundo del trabajo, y los desafíos que representan los contextos laborales, son líneas de análisis y reflexión que destacan en los últimos años, por sus efectos sobre los estilos de vida y la salud de las personas y las organizaciones. Cada vez más personas en el mundo presentan sobrepeso u obesidad, y los escenarios laborales no escapan a esta situación. El objetivo de este artículo fue realizar una revisión sistemática de las investigaciones que se han hecho en los últimos años sobre la relación del estrés laboral con la conducta alimentaria y la obesidad, a partir de los hallazgos arrojados por 8 bases de datos científicas y un buscador académico de Internet. Se encontró que 50% de los artículos reportan una correlación positiva entre estrés laboral e índice de masa corporal, mientras que 33% informan que cuanto mayor es el estrés, mayor es el riesgo de presentar alteraciones en la conducta alimentaria, lo que puede reflejarse en obesidad o sobrepeso. Los hallazgos permiten proponer conclusiones orientadas hacia la pertinencia de profundizar en el estudio de la relación entre estrés laboral y conducta alimentaria, dadas las graves consecuencias que suponen para la población trabajadora y la sociedad.

Abstract: The changing world of work and the challenges emerging from labor contexts for economically active persons are lines of analysis and reflexion that stand out in recent years by the effects it poses to the health and lifestyles of people and organizations. More and more people in the world are overweight or obese, where labor scenarios do not escape from this situation. The aim of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of research that has been published in recent years on the relationships of work stress with eating behavior and obesity, based on the findings emerging from eight scientific databases and an academic search engine. It has been found that 50% of the consulted papers report a positive correlation between job stress and body mass index, while 33% of the studies found that occupational stress is accompanied by eating disorder, reflected as obesity or overweight. These results indicate the relevance and necessity of further study on the correlation between occupational stress and eating behaviour, because the serious impact that it should imply on health problems on the working population, and its repercussion on the whole society.

Estudos de avaliação do conhecimento nutricional de adultos: uma revisão sistemática / Nutrition knowledge assessment studies in adults: a systematic review

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é revisar de forma sistematizada a literatura relativa a estudos que avaliaram o nível de conhecimento em nutrição de indivíduos adultos, com ênfase aos aspectos metodológicos e de conteúdo. Foi realizada busca de artigos na base de dados Medline, Lilacs e Scielo. Limitou-se a busca aos limites de espécie “humanos”, aos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol e idade (19 acima). Os critérios de inclusão foram: estudos transversais, com indivíduos >18 anos e que avaliaram o nível de conhecimento sobre nutrição em aspectos gerais. A qualidade metodológica dos artigos foi avaliada usando-se o Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE). Foram encontrados 3.623 artigos na busca inicial. Após leitura de títulos, resumos e aplicação de critérios de exclusão, 25 artigos selecionados. Os resultados mostraram que o conhecimento nutricional na maioria dos estudos esteve associado a variáveis socioeconômicas e ao comportamento alimentar. A maioria dos estudos pertenciam à classe B (92%), na qual atendiam 50% a 80% dos critérios do STROBE. Os estudos revelaram a existência de uma maior tendência de avaliar a relação do conhecimento em nutrição com variáveis sociodemográficas e econômicas.

Abstract The objective of this study is to perform a systematic review of published studies that assessed nutrition knowledge in adults, focusing on the methodology and content of these studies. An article search was performed on the Medline, Lilacs, and SciELO databases. The search limits were human studies; English, Portuguese, and Spanish languages; and age (over 19). Inclusion criteria were: cross-sectional studies performed on individuals over 18 years old that assessed the general nutrition knowledge of participants. The methodological quality of the articles was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) criteria. The initial search identified 3,623 articles. After reading the titles and the abstracts and applying the exclusion criteria, 25 articles were selected. The results showed that, in most studies, nutrition knowledge was associated with socioeconomic parameters and eating behaviour. Most studies belonged to class B (92%), meeting 50-80% of the STROBE criteria. The studies have revealed a greater tendency to assess the relationship of nutrition knowledge with sociodemographic and economic parameters.

Weight Status, Dietary Intake And Eating Behaviour Of Nigerian Postgraduate Students In Unisza, Malaysia

University years are a critical period regarding a change in eating behaviour, notably among international students. Body weight and eating behaviour of Nigerian students have never been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status and eating behaviour of Nigerian postgraduate students in UniSZA, Malaysia. A total of 82 students (76 male and six females) with a mean age of 28.1 ± 2.0 years old participated in this study. Participants completed a set of a self-administered questionnaire and three days 24-hour dietary record. Weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated to determine the weight status Energy and nutrient intake was described in relation to the Dietary Reference Intake (DRI). Majority of the students had normal weight (69.5%), with minority overweight and obese (11.0%). The mean total caloric intake of the students was 2142 ± 434kcal/day. More than half of the students ate carbohydrate less than the recommended range while ate fat above the recommended range. However, more than half of the students consumed protein within the recommended range. Majority of the students skipped at least one meal daily with breakfast was the most frequently skipped meal (51.2%). Most students consume fruits frequently (37.8%) and 39% consume vegetables sometimes. It is about 40.2% of students never/less than once a month consumes fast food. Present study suggests that the need of further study to monitor any changes in body weight, eating behaviours of the students after living few months in Malaysia. These might help to provide a better understanding of adaptation to new culture.

How to Improve Eating Behaviour during Early Childhood / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Eating behaviour disorder during early childhood is a common pediatric problem. Many terminologies have been used interchangeably to describe this condition, hindering implementation of therapy and confusing a common problem. The definition suggests an eating behaviour which has consequences for family harmony and growth. The recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition does not cover the entire spectrum seen by pediatricians. Publications are substantive but level of evidence is most of the time low. This purpose of this review is to clarify terminology of eating behaviour problems during early childhood; including benign picky eating, limited diets, sensory food aversion, selective eating, food avoidance emotional disorder, pervasive refusal syndrome, tactile defensiveness, functional dysphagia, neophobia and toddler anorexia. This tool is proposed only to ease the clinical management for child care providers. Diagnostic criteria are set and management tools are suggested. The role of dietary counselling and, where necessary, behavioural therapy is clarified. It is hoped that the condition will make its way into mainstream pediatrics to allow these children, and their families, to receive the help they deserve.

Influence of psychological, anthropometric and sociodemographic factors on the symptoms of eating disorders in young athletes / Influência de fatores psicológicos, antropométricos e sociodemográficos sobre os sintomas de transtornos alimentares em jovens atletas / Influencia de los Factores Psicológicos, Antropométricos y Sociodemográficos Sobre los Síntomas de los Trastornos Alimentarios en Jóvenes Deportistas

The aim of the current study was to analyse the influence of psychological, anthropometric and sociodemographic factors on the risk behaviours for eating disorders (ED) in young athletes. Participants were 580 adolescents of both sexes. We used the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Body Shape Questionnaire and the Commitment Exercise Scale to assess the risk behaviours for ED, body image dissatisfaction (BD) and the degree of psychological commitment to exercise (DPCE), respectively. Participants’ weight, height and skinfold thickness were measured. A multiple regression indicated that BD and percentage of fat significantly modulated ( p < .05) the variance of females’ EAT-26 scores, whereas BD, DPCE, fat percentage, age, ethnicity and competitive level significantly explained ( p < .05) the variance of risk behaviours for males’ ED. Thus, only BD influenced risk behaviours for ED in both sexes.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a influência de fatores psicológicos, antropométricos e sociodemográficos sobre os comportamentos de risco para transtornos alimentares (TAs) em jovens atletas. Participaram 580 adolescentes de ambos os sexos. Utilizou-se o Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), o Body Shape Questionnaire e a Commitment Exercise Scale para avaliar o comportamento de risco para TAs, a insatisfação com a imagem corporal (IC) e o grau de comprometimento psicológico ao exercício (GCPE), respectivamente. Peso, estatura e dobras cutâneas foram aferidos. Os achados da regressão múltipla evidenciaram que somente a IC e o percentual de gordura modularam significativamente ( p < 0,05) a variância dos escores do EAT-26 no sexo feminino; enquanto entre os meninos, IC, GCPE, percentual de gordura, idade, etnia e nível competitivo explicaram significativamente ( p < 0,05) a variância dos comportamentos de risco para TAs. Concluiu-se que somente a IC influenciou os comportamentos de risco para TAs em ambos os sexos.

El objetivo fue analizar la influencia de factores psicológicos, antropométricos y sociodemográficos en los comportamientos de riesgo para TA en atletas jóvenes. Participantes fueron 580 adolescentes de ambos sexos. Se utilizó el Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Body Shape Questionnaire y Commitment Exercise Scale para evaluar los comportamientos de riesgo para los TA, la insatisfacción con el imagen corporal (IC) y el grado de compromiso psicológico para ejercer (GCPE), respectivamente. Peso, talla y pliegues cutáneos se midieron. Los resultados de regresión múltiple mostraron que sólo el IC y el porcentaje de grasa modula de manera significativa ( p < 0,05) la variación de las puntuaciones EAT-26 en las mujeres, mientras que entre los varones, IC, GCPE, porcentaje de grasa corporal, edad, etnia y nivel competitivo explicaron de manera significativa ( p < 0,05) la variación de los comportamientos de riesgo para los TA. Se concluyó que sólo el IC influyó en los comportamientos de riesgo para los TA en ambos sexos.

Physical Activity, Eating Behaviour and Body Image Perception among Young Adolescents in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia

Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine physical activity, eating behaviour, body weight management knowledge, perception of body image and their association with body weight status of adolescents. Methods: Respondents were 360 adolescents, aged between 13 to 14 years, from six randomly selected secondary schools in Kuantan, Pahang. Physical activity, eating behaviour, body weight management knowledge and perception of body image were measured by the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C), Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), Weight Management Knowledge Inventory (WMKI) and Contour Drawing Rating Scale (CDRS), respectively. Results: Almost half of the respondents were categorised as having a normal BMI, while 30.3% were severely thin and thin and 20.3% were overweight and obese. Mean physical activity score was 2.06+0.45 with more males (35.0%) being physically active than females (17.3%). Mean eating behaviour score was 15.41+10.37, with 27.8% of the respondents being at-risk for eating disorders. Mean weight management knowledge score was 5.35+1.80, with more females (77.7%) having higher mean scores than males (42.3%). Further, mean discrepancy score for body image perception was 1.24+0.99, with 78.1% of the respondents being dissatisfied with their current body size. Positive associations were found between eating behaviour (r=0.28, p<0.05) and body image (r=0.35, p<0.05) with BMI. Respondents with high eating behaviour scores and body image discrepancy scores were more likely to have greater BMI. Conclusion: This study shows the need for healthy eating and body image intervention programmes to prevent overweight and obesity problems among adolescents.