Knowledge of nutrition and physical activity in apparently healthy Indian adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of nutrition and physical activity; examine associations of knowledge with sociodemographic and anthropometric parameters; and evaluate the relationship between knowledge and practice in adults. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional design, 720 adults were selected using random sampling. Data on anthropometry, body fat, diet, physical activity, and nutrition and physical activity knowledge were collected using standardized questionnaires. Tertiles were used to categorize nutrition knowledge (NK) and physical activity knowledge (PK).SettingsSubjects selected through routine health checks from hospitals, housing societies and residential areas. SUBJECTS: A total of 720 adults (361 men) aged 35-50 years participated. RESULTS: Mean age was 42·7 (sd 9·4) years and mean BMI was 25·8 (sd 5·0) kg/m2. Mean energy intake was 64 %, protein was 68 % and fat was 144 % of the RDA. Mean NK and PK scores were 10·2 (sd 2·9) and 6·5 (sd 1·7), respectively, and were similar across genders (P>0·05). Individuals with higher education exhibited significantly higher NK and PK. Individuals with high fat had significantly higher NK and PK (P<0·05) than participants with normal fat percentage. Overweight and obese individuals had significantly higher PK (P<0·05). Multivariate regression modelling indicated that NK was positively associated with dietary intakes of leafy vegetables, salads and sprouts but negatively associated with fruit intake. BMI, television and reading time were positively associated with PK, even after adjusting for sociodemographic status. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for increased efforts towards developing health education programmes focusing on transforming nutrition and physical activity knowledge into practice and adherence to guidelines.

Screening score for early detection of cardio-metabolic risk in Indian adults.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and to evaluate efficacy of screening score for early detection of cardio-metabolic risk (CMR) in adults. METHODS: Cross-sectional data on anthropometry, lipids, sugar levels, diet, and physical activity were collected on 720 adults (361 men, 35-50 year) using standardized techniques. Screening score was developed using regression analysis-cluster of risk conditions (blood pressure, lipids, and sugar levels) was dependent variable against age, sex, waist, diet, and physical activity as independent variables. Odd ratios were added to obtain final score and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to identify cut-off value of CMR score. RESULTS: Mean age and BMI were 42.7 ± 9.4 years and 25.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2. Analysis showed age, male sex, waist, lack of fruits, green leafy vegetables, and lack of physical activity were independent predictors for increased CMR (p < 0.05). Total score ranged from 0 to 20. Area under the curve for ROC was 0.728 [95% (CI) 0.67-0.78]. Criterion value >8 had sensitivity (76%) and specificity (56%) for screening cases with CMR. CONCLUSIONS: Screening score is a pragmatic way of identifying individuals with CMR without performing biochemical tests. Cost-effective community screening programs may be planned.

Influence of micronutrient status and socioeconomic gradient on growth indices of 2-18-year-old Indian girls.

Micronutrient deficiencies are common consequences of the plant-based diet in children from developing countries which may affect their linear and ponderal growth. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between micronutrient status and growth indices in Indian girls. In cross-sectional studies (2006-2010), data on weight, height and diet were collected on 1302 girls (2-18 years) from Pune city, India. Fasting hemoglobin was measured on 1118 girls and serum zinc was measured on 695 girls. Height-for-age Z-scores (HAZ) and body mass index for age Z-score (BMIZ) were computed using contemporary Indian references. HAZ >-1 was observed in 54% girls, and 18.1% were short (HAZ <-2). BMIZ was within the reference range (-2-1 than in short girls even after adjusting for socioeconomic status (SES). The mean serum zinc level of thin girls (BMIZ <-2) was significantly lower than those of both normal and overweight girls after adjusting for SES. Micronutrient sufficiency is of paramount importance for adequate growth in Indian girls.