Physical Activity Habits and Sleep Duration According to Gender: A Cross-Sectional Study of Elementary School Children.

(1) Background: The main goals of this study were to describe the physical activity (PA) and sleep habits of 8-12-year-old children according to their gender and to evaluate the relationship between PA and sleep habits (i.e., duration and timing). (2) Methods: A total of 236 children (114 boys and 122 girls) completed the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C) and an ad hoc sleep habits questionnaire. (3) Results: Boys were more physically active than girls (2.62 ± 0.51 vs. 2.46 ± 0.48, p = 0.026) and enacted higher PA levels in school recess (3.82 ± 1.36 vs. 3.56 ± 1.38, p = 0.003), during the afternoon (3.37 ± 1.20 vs. 2.89 ± 1.12, p = 0.003), and during weekends (3.54 ± 1.20 vs. 3.18 ± 0.48, p = 0.009). Per sleep habits, boys had a significantly later bedtime (21:53 ± 2:08 vs. 21:34 ± 2:14, p = 0.009) and a significantly smaller total sleep duration (9.64 ± 0.86 vs. 9.89 ± 0.87 h, p = 0.023) than girls. No significant correlations between PA and sleep habits were found. (4) Conclusions: We found differences in the PA and sleep habits between school-age boys and girls. Institutions and entities should consider designing specific interventions to improve PA and sleep habits according to gender.

Engagement in Transformational Leadership by Teachers Influences the Levels of Self-Esteem, Motor Self-Efficacy, Enjoyment, and Intention to Be Active in Physical Education Students.

In the school context, the teacher-student interaction style plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal adolescent functioning. Over recent years, the significance of transformational teacher leadership in fostering student engagement and positive development has been underscored. This study aimed to examine the correlations between transformational leadership and adolescent self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment in physical education classes, and intention for future physical activity. This research used an associative and predictive strategy. A total of 429 adolescents from Málaga, aged between 14 and 16 years (M = 14.97; SD = 0.85), participated in this research, which employed an associative, comparative, and predictive approach. The Transformational Teaching Questionnaire (TTQ), Motor Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES), Intrinsic Satisfaction in Sport Instrument (SSI-EF), and Intention of Being Physically Active Scale (MIFA) were utilized for variable assessment. Correlation, Multiple Regression, and cluster analyses revealed statistically significant correlations between transformational leadership and self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and future activity intention. Specifically, it was revealed that motivational inspiration predicts self-esteem, motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and intention for physical activity, whereas intellectual stimulation predicts motor self-efficacy, enjoyment, and intention for physical activity. Notably, the transformational leadership factors of intellectual stimulation and motivational inspiration were observed to predict scores across other variables, particularly enjoyment in physical education classes, both overall and by gender. These findings suggest that transformational leadership in physical education classes can significantly enhance student experiences, thereby promoting adherence to physical activity and healthy lifestyles among adolescents.

Investigating the Sociodemographic and Health Characteristics of Non-Sugar Sweeteners Consumption in Greek School-Aged Children: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The childhood consumption of non-sugar-sweetened (NSS) soft drinks is a growing concern due to its potential health implications. This study investigated demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle factors influencing NSS soft drink consumption among children. METHODS: A sample of 1304 children and their parents were surveyed. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that nearly 60% reported consuming NSS soft drinks at least once a week. Also, positive associations were found between NSS soft drink consumption and lower socioeconomic status, increased total beverage consumption, higher maternal BMI, and parental soft drink habits. However, upon employing multivariable models, only the association between total and NSS soft drinks consumption remained statistically significant (OR = 18.925, p < 0.05 for children; OR = 3.801, p < 0.05 for parents), highlighting the pivotal role of parental behavior in shaping children's consumption patterns. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the importance of tracking parental habits, revealing a strong correlation between parental behavior and children's soft drink consumption patterns. Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective public health strategies for children, which should prioritize not only individual behaviors but also parental modeling and household dynamics.

Evaluation of Problem-Based Learning Experiences Addressing Health Promotion in the Fourth Grade of Primary School.

BACKGROUND: The global issues of overweight and sedentary lifestyles require comprehensive responses from health systems. Despite this, health education remains fragmented and sporadic. This study aims to target primary school children to instil healthy habits using active learning strategies, with a specific focus on promoting a healthy diet and physical activity. METHODS: This study employed problem-based learning (PBL) projects with fourth-grade primary students to encourage the acquisition of healthy habits. Conducted over four consecutive years at a two-line school, the study utilised an opportunity sample, evaluating intervention and control groups by comparing their corresponding scores. The control groups consisted of 54 students, while the intervention group included 159 students. Data collection involved pre-test and post-test questionnaires to measure outcomes. RESULTS: Differential evaluation scores revealed significantly higher results in the intervention groups compared to the control groups, with an average score increase of 3.62 points in control groups and 6.94 points in intervention groups, particularly in attitudinal competencies. The strategies employed facilitated the development of crucial skills such as information search, synthesis, representation, analysis, decision making, teamwork, and intrapersonal awareness. Additionally, they significantly broadened the knowledge acquired regarding healthy habits. CONCLUSIONS: The problem-based learning approach proved effective in helping children understand the importance of making healthy choices and encouraged the integration of such habits into their daily lives. These findings suggest that active learning strategies can significantly enhance health education and promote long-term healthy behaviours among primary school children.

Examination of the Life Habits of Preschool Children Based on Their Screen Use Patterns.

Children who open their eyes to a digital world begin interacting with screens in the early years of life. The interaction between screens and children starts from the very first moments of life and intensifies over time. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of screen use patterns on the life habits of preschool children. In this context, the relationships between problematic media use, eating habits, and self-care skills among preschool children are analyzed from various perspectives. Structured according to a mixed-methods research approach, this study employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs. The study group consists of 582 children continuing their education in preschool institutions across seven different regions and nine different provinces in Turkey, along with 20 of their parents. Random and non-random sampling methods were used to form the study group. Quantitative data were collected using the Problematic Media Use Measure, Children's Eating Behavior Inventory, and Preschool Children (36-72 months) Self-Care Skills Scale-Teacher Form, while qualitative data were gathered through a semi-structured parent interview form. The study results indicate that problematic media use and eating behaviors significantly vary according to the screen time of children, with an increase in problematic media use linked to a rise in negative eating behaviors. Parents are found to perceive the use of media devices during mealtime as a necessity, thus employing them, and believe that their children's social behaviors are shaped according to screen content.

Effect of School-Based Educational Intervention on Childhood Obesity in Croatian Urban and Rural Settings.

BACKGROUND: Childhood obesity is a global public health concern. Development of effective public health interventions represents the only viable option for decreasing the prevalence of childhood obesity. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a school-based "PETICA-Play for Health" obesity prevention program in urban and rural areas in Croatia. METHODS: This before-and-after study included 28 elementary schools in Croatia focused on pupils (n = 753, 2nd grade) and their guardians (n = 753) during the school year 2022/2023. "PETICA" multicomponent lessons and workshops (10) were implemented in the school curriculum and home settings (parents) as part of the intervention. Knowledge and lifestyle habit changes were evaluated via the questionnaire on knowledge and habits regarding nutrition and physical activity pre-/post-education. The Wilcoxon test for paired samples, Student's t-test (dependent and independent samples), multiple Mann Whitney U tests (p < 0.05), Spearman's correlation, and heatmaps were used. RESULTS: The analysis showed a significant increase in acquired knowledge among pupils (both settings) and habits in the rural setting (increase in sports activities participation, breakfast, and vegetables consumption (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.004)), decrease of sweets and salty snacks intake (p = 0.027, p = 0.011), and also, the link between parents' and children's physical activity levels (p = 0.028 vs. p = 0.022), emphasizing the importance of parents as healthy lifestyle role-models. CONCLUSION: The study shows that "PETICA" is an efficient school-based educational model that contributes to positive changes in children's knowledge and lifestyle habits that are a prerequisite for childhood obesity prevention.

Association between Active Commuting and Lifestyle Parameters with Mental Health Problems in Chilean Children and Adolescent.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association between active commuting (i.e., walking or cycling to school) with lifestyle parameters and mental health in youths. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between mental health problems and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress with lifestyle (i.e., food habits, screen time, physical activity, and sleep quality), active commuting, and gender. METHODS: A total of 511 children and adolescents (boys, n = 249; girls, n = 262) aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study. Lifestyle parameters and mental health were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). RESULTS: Girls reported higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and stress (p = 0.001). Mental health problems showed a positive association with gender (girls, ß = 3.06, p < 0.001) and a negative association with food habits (ß = -0.65, p = 0.019). Anxiety was positively associated with gender (ß = 7.88, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with food habits (ß = -0.23, p = 0.019). Gender (girls) and food habits were also associated with symptoms of depression (ß = 2.29, p < 0.001 and ß = -0.27, p = 0.005, respectively). Finally, active commuting was inversely associated with stress (ß = -1.24, p = 0.008), and stress was positively linked to gender (ß = 2.53, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Active commuting, lifestyle parameters, and gender were associated with mental health in children and adolescents. Moreover, girls reported higher levels of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and stress.

Can an active lifestyle offset the relationship that poor lifestyle behaviours have on frailty?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of lifestyle behaviours (LSB) with physical activity (PA) and frailty; also, to examine if associations differ by sex and age. METHODS: 24,828 individuals [49.6 ± 17.6 years (range: 20-85), 51.6 % female] from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (cycles 2009-2018) were included. Individuals were divided into Active (≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) and Inactive (<150 min/week MVPA) based on self-reported PA. Frailty was measured by a 46-item Frailty Index (FI). LSB consisted of stationary time, sleep, diet quality, and alcohol and smoking habits. LSB was summed into a score [0-5]. Linear regression models were used with each LSB in isolation and the summed LSB with frailty. RESULTS: There were 7,495 (30.1 %) Active and 17,333 (69.8 %) Inactive individuals. The FI was lower in the Active participants (Active: 0.10 ± 0.08; Inactive: 0.15 ± 0.12; p < 0.01). A worse LSB score was associated with an increased FI in all behaviours but females who binge drink and smoke (p-all>0.14). For inactive individuals, all LSBs were associated with an increased FI except those who binge drink and male smokers (p = 0.08). There was a significant association between increased summed LSB and an increased FI (ß range: Active, 0.024-0.037; Inactive, 0.028, 0.046. p-all<0.01); the Active group had a lower FI at every age group than the Inactive group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: PA was associated with a lower FI even among those with a poor LSB score. This association is dependent on age, with older individuals reporting a stronger association.

Midwives' and Obstetric Physicians' Practices Related to Pregnancy Nutrition Counseling: A Scoping Review.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary intake during pregnancy impacts short- and long-term maternal and fetal health outcomes. Dietary habits are highly individualized and influenced by contextual factors and social determinants of health within each person's lived environment. Midwives and other health care providers are well positioned to facilitate nutrition conversations and interventions with patients related to recommendations and modifications before and during pregnancy. This scoping review synthesizes the literature on perinatal care providers' attitudes and practices related to antenatal nutrition counseling. METHODS: An electronic database literature search was conducted in March 2023 using the following inclusion criteria: English language, published between 1990 and 2023, completed in high-income countries, and evaluated provider practices related to educating pregnancy patients on nutrition. Exclusion criteria included comparison or interventional studies as well as those focused on patient perspectives, specialty diets, comorbidities, or pregnancy complications. Thematic analysis was completed to identify common themes and subthemes across studies related to perinatal care providers' perspectives of pregnancy nutrition. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles were included in the final review. Although providers acknowledged the importance of nutrition for pregnancy outcomes, few reported being able to cover the topic in-depth during antenatal visits. Counseling was usually generalized, limited in scope, and lacked consideration of patient-specific contextual factors such as dietary restrictions, preferences, or access to resources needed to follow recommendations. Provider barriers to comprehensive nutrition counseling included lack of training and time during clinic visits and limited availability of guidelines. DISCUSSION: Multiple gaps in current pregnancy nutrition counseling practices exist. Despite nutrition being viewed by perinatal care providers as an important part of pregnancy, multiple barriers lead to it being overlooked during patient-provider interactions. Contextual factors for both providers and patients contribute to failure of current interventions to consistently and significantly impact dietary habits of pregnant people.

Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density of middle-aged premenopausal female football and volleyball players in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The number of football teams in senior categories has increased. As outdoor sports entail players being exposed to sunlight, playing football may contribute to maintaining vitamin D stores and body mineral density while preventing osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine the bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in middle-aged premenopausal female football players. METHODS: Participants were premenopausal females in their 40s. We evaluated bone mineral density of the second to the fourth lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) levels, which is an indicator of vitamin D stores, and body composition. In addition, we administered a questionnaire survey on exercise habits and lifestyle. Ninety-two participants were categorised into three groups: the football group (n = 27), volleyball group (n = 40), and non-exercise group (n = 25). RESULTS: Bone mineral density was higher in the football and volleyball groups than in the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The volleyball group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). The football group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the femoral neck than the non-exercise group (P < 0.01). Although the football group had played fewer years than the volleyball group (P < 0.01), serum 25-OHD levels were the highest in the football group and were significantly higher than those in the volleyball and non-exercise groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Middle-aged premenopausal football players had higher body vitamin D levels and bone mineral densities than non-active females. These results suggest that playing football may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000054235. 2024/04/23. Retrospectively registered.

The relationship between physical activity and anxiety in college students: exploring the mediating role of lifestyle habits and dietary nutrition.

Background: Physical activity has been shown to be effective in treating and improving anxiety in college students. However, no studies have been conducted to examine the relationship between physical activity and anxiety in college students through mediating factors such as dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of lifestyle and dietary nutrition in the relationship between physical activity and anxiety. Methods: This study used a stratified random sampling method to survey 498 college students from three universities in Fujian, China. Data on participants' demographic characteristics, physical activity, lifestyle habits, and dietary nutrition were collected and analyzed using SPSS software. The proposed structural equation model was analyzed using Amos software. Results: The results of the study showed that dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits had significant independent mediating effects and continuous multiple mediating effects (p < 0.01) in the effects of physical activity on college students' anxiety. Dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits played an independent mediating role, accounting for 24.9% of the total effect; there was also a continuous multiple mediating effect between dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits, accounting for 13.27% of the total effect value. In addition, physical activity had a direct effect value on anxiety in college students, accounting for 36.93% of the total effect value. Conclusion: By increasing the behavior and awareness of college students to participate in physical activity, supplemented by guiding them to develop regular lifestyle habits and correct dietary nutritional patterns, the anxiety level of college students can be effectively improved and reduced. This type of regulation is an important reference for the self-management and rehabilitation of college students with anxiety disorders. Future studies can experimentally develop a combined intervention of physical activity, lifestyle habits, and dietary nutritional to help college students better cope with anxiety.

Effect of shift work on dietary habits and occupational stress among nurses in a tertiary care centre: An observational study.

Introduction: Shift work comprises work hours other than 9 am to 5 pm. Healthcare jobs such as nursing have been associated with shift work, which can affect their overall health status. Due to excessive workload and instability in working hours, nurses are also prone to higher occupational stress. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study, Cornell Medical Index (CMI) questionnaire, 24-h recall method, and occupational stress score (OSS) were used to assess overall health, calorie intake, and occupational stress among nurses working in a tertiary care centre in Central India. Results: The mean age of participants in the control and study groups was 43.2 ± 6.059 years and 43.93 ± 5.20 years, respectively. Neither of the group's participants had poor nutritional status. CMI health scores revealed poor mental health among the study group. Severe occupational stress was observed in 57% of participants, and 33% had moderate occupational stress. Among the causes of occupational stress, 92% cited unfavourable work conditions, and 88% pointed out the workload. Poor peer relations and low status were cited by 77% and 57% of participants. Conclusion: This study highlights the harmful effects of shift work on health of nurses. These negative effects are usually linked to poor diet and stress, which can be induced by overwork, poor sleep, or both. This study found that high workload is the main cause of occupational stress. Sleep disruption, lack of exercise and excess work load are major contributors for occupational stress and unhealthy eating habits. More awareness regarding importance of good diet and stress management may aid in improving health of nurses working in shifts.

Association of eating habits with mitochondrial DNA copy number in eveningness chronotypes: Origin research.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between eating habits and mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid copy number in adult cases of eveningness chronotypes. Methods: The cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023 at the Physiology Department of the Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi, in collaboration with the Genetic Resource Centre, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised adult subjects who were assessed using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. The participants' eating habits were assessed using the Healthy Eating Assessment Questionnaire, and on they were divided into those with healthy eating habits in group A and those with unhealthy eating habits in group B. Deoxyribonucleic acid was extracted using the Chelex method, the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid copy number of all participants was quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Data was analysed using SPSS 27. RESULTS: Of the 80 subjects, 30(37.5%) were males and 50(62.5%) were females. The overall mean age was 24.27±6.91 years (range: 18-45 years). There were 40(50%) subjects in each group. The mean mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid copy number in group A was 2.74±0.14 compared to 2.26±0.25 in group B (p<0.001). Conclusion: Subjects with healthy eating habits exhibited higher mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid copy numbers, indicating reduced damage to mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid.

Influence of Food Environments on Dietary Habits: Insights from a Quasi-Experimental Research.

Nutrition is a vital factor that exerts a profound and direct impact on health. Food environments significantly influence individuals' dietary behaviors, health outcomes, and overall food security. Individuals in food deserts and food swamps do not have access to healthier food options. And in both cases, the emphasis is primarily on the physical configuration of the environment as it relates to food availability. This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the impact of two different food environments (defined to include a social component) on food choices. A total of 246 participants were surveyed by telephone, half of whom were primed with Scenario A (a food environment deficient in healthy options and cues that support and reinforce healthier choices) and half were primed with Scenario B (an environment with an abundance of healthy food options and cues that support and reinforce healthy eating). Ordered logit regression was used for analysis. The results show significant differences in likely food consumption between the groups. Individuals in Scenario B were found to be 4.48 times more likely to consume fruits and vegetables. In addition, it was determined that being a woman increases the probability of consuming more fruits and vegetables by 0.92 times (1/0.52-1), and adherence to a healthy diet increases by 3.64 times. Age and race were not significant predictors. This study highlights the crucial role of environmental factors in shaping dietary habits and underscores the importance of the social components of the food environment in promoting the adoption of healthier dietary habits. Based on these findings, policymakers should prioritize developing strategies that go beyond providing physical access and consider social aspects of the environment in promoting healthy eating habits to improve public health and bolster the food security of communities.

Food Neophobias in Spanish Adults with Overweight or Obesity by Sex: Their Association with Sociodemographic Factors and the Most Prevalent Chronic Diseases.

Food neophobia has been defined as the reluctance to try new foods. Food neophobia is common in children and older people, but until now, scarce research has been carried out on food neophobia in the adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the most usual food neophobias in Spanish adults with overweight and obesity by sex, and their association with sociodemographic factors and the most prevalent chronic diseases. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on adults (mean age of 43.5 ± 13.7 years old; n = 590; 50% female) with overweight or obesity. Their anthropometrics, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, age, educational level, economic level, smoking and sleeping habits, physical activity, chronic diseases, and food neophobias were assessed. The highest food neophobias in Spanish adults with overweight or obesity were directed toward vegetables, meat, fish, pulses, game meat, and fruits, mostly among females, with differences between sexes. Phobias of the soft texture of foods were also observed, without differences between sexes. Age, educational level, sleeping habits, and physical activity were directly related, and economical level and smoking were inversely related to food neophobia, mainly to healthy foods, and more obvious in males than in females. There were associations between body mass index (BMI) and chronic diseases and food neophobia. Adherence to the adaption of healthy and sustainable diets is low within food neophobics, increasing the risk of diet-related chronic diseases.

Obesity in childhood: associations with parental neglect, nutritional habits, and obesity awareness.

Background: The relationships underlying the dynamic between obesity and parental neglect in terms of nutritional habits and obesity awareness are unclear. Parental neglect remains a significant subject of concern that needs to be examined in the context of obesity. Methods: The aim was to examine the relationships between childhood obesity, parental neglect, children's eating habits and obesity. The study group consisted of 404 children and their parents from Ankara, Turkiye. As data collection tools, an Individual Information Form, Obesity Awareness Scale, the Parents Form of the Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale were administered. In addition, information on the children's body mass indexes was obtained by anthropometric measurements and the findings were recorded on the questionnaires of each child. Results: It was found that 98 (24.3%) of the children included in the study were overweight and 63 (15.6%) were obese. The results of the multinomial logistic regression analysis indicated that in the underweight and overweight group, the parents' perception of their child's weight predicted body mass index in children, and in the obese group, along with the parents' perception of their child's weight, the age and gender of the child, eating fast, obesity in the family and parental neglect were also predictors. Conclusion: Practitioners such as nurses, dietitians and child developmentalists working in schools should consider weight problems in children as one of the indicators of parental neglect and should implement interventive efforts to enhance parental supervision of children at risk.

Modification of eating habits and lifestyle during COVID-19 in university students from Mexico and Peru.

Objective: It was to evaluate changes in lifestyle habits and health behavior among university students in Peru and Mexico during periods of confinement associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify possible relationships between these changes and sociodemographic variables, health status, and technology consumption. Methods: It was a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional study conducted among a population of 739 Mexican students and 305 Peruvian students, most of whom were women (n =778, 74.5%) and non-graduates (n =921, 88.2%). The questionnaire scale for changes in lifestyles during the quarantine period has been previously validated. Results: The association between sociodemographic factors and dimensions of change in healthy lifestyles was evaluated, and it was shown that gender and country of residence were significant for all dimensions of healthy lifestyle (p < 0.05), except for the level of education, which did not show significance about the change in the dimensions of media consumption (p = 0.875) and physical activity (p = 0.239). Within the dimensions mentioned, it can be stated that women are more likely than men to change their eating habits (adjusted prevalences (aPR) = 1.08, p < 0.001), media consumption (aPR = 1.04, p < 0.001), and physical activity (aPR = 1.02, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, participants from Peru are more likely than participants from Mexico to change physical activity (aPR = 1.14, p < 0.001) and media consumption (aPR = 1.22, p < 0.001). Finally, graduate students were more likely than undergraduate students to change eating habits (aPR = 1.09, p = 0.005) and unhealthy habits (aPR = 1.06, p = 0.030). Conclusion: It was concluded that there were lifestyle changes in Mexican and Peruvian university students in their eating habits, physical activity, internet consumption, and food delivery.

Socioeconomic and household framework influences in school-aged children's eating habits: Understanding the parental roles.

Maternal influences on children's diet have been widely studied, while paternal and household frameworks require further research. This study aimed to evaluate how individual, socioeconomic and household characteristics at birth and 7 years (y) impact children's fruit and vegetable (FV) and energy-dense foods (EDF) intake at 10y, distinguishing maternal and paternal effects. The sample included 2750 children evaluated at 7 and 10y in the Portuguese birth cohort Generation XXI. The children's food intake was assessed through a Food Frequency Questionnaire at both ages, where 4 food groups were defined: FV, 'Sweet foods', 'Salty snacks', and 'Soft drinks'. The associations between food intake at 7y, parents' and children's characteristics, and food intake at 10y were evaluated via binary logistic regression models. Offspring of older mothers with higher age and education, who live with siblings and had higher family income were likelier to have 5 servings of FV daily at 10y. Children eating 5 portions/day of FV at 7y had higher odds of keeping this pattern at 10y. Higher maternal age and education, and father's education decreased the odds of having soft drinks daily at 10y. Higher family income was linked with lower odds of weekly salty snacks and daily sweet foods at 10y. In conclusion, parental education, maternal age, living with siblings, and higher family income influenced children's FV and EDF intake at 10y. Mothers' effects appear to impact children's food intake more than fathers'.

Measurement of Daily Actions Associated With Mental Health Using the Things You Do Questionnaire-15-Item: Questionnaire Development and Validation Study.

BACKGROUND: A large number of modifiable and measurable daily actions are thought to impact mental health. The "Things You Do" refers to 5 types of daily actions that have been associated with mental health: healthy thinking, meaningful activities, goals and plans, healthy habits, and social connections. Previous studies have reported the psychometric properties of the Things You Do Questionnaire (TYDQ)-21-item (TYDQ21). The 21-item version, however, has an uneven distribution of items across the 5 aforementioned factors and may be lengthy to administer on a regular basis. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a brief version of the TYDQ. To accomplish this, we identified the top 10 and 15 items on the TYDQ21 and then evaluated the performance of the 10-item and 15-item versions of the TYDQ in community and treatment-seeking samples. METHODS: Using confirmatory factor analysis, the top 2 or 3 items were used to develop the 10-item and 15-item versions, respectively. Model fit, reliability, and validity were examined for both versions in 2 samples: a survey of community adults (n=6070) and adults who completed an assessment at a digital psychology service (n=14,878). Treatment responsivity was examined in a subgroup of participants (n=448). RESULTS: Parallel analysis supported the 5-factor structure of the TYDQ. The brief (10-item and 15-item) versions were associated with better model fit than the 21-item version, as revealed by its comparative fit index, root-mean-square error of approximation, and Tucker-Lewis index. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance were supported. The 15-item version explained more variance in the 21-item scores than the 10-item version. Internal consistency was appropriate (eg, the 15-item version had a Cronbach α of >0.90 in both samples) and there were no marked differences between how the brief versions correlated with validated measures of depression or anxiety symptoms. The measure was responsive to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The 15-item version is appropriate for use as a brief measure of daily actions associated with mental health while balancing brevity and clinical utility. Further research is encouraged to replicate our psychometric evaluation in other settings (eg, face-to-face services). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12613000407796; https://tinyurl.com/2s67a6ps.

Daily habits, diseases, drugs and knee osteoarthritis: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Background: The causal relationship between daily habits, diseases, drugs, and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) remains unclear. This study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method to investigate the causal links between these factors and KOA, providing new insights for KOA prevention. Methods: SNPs strongly associated with exposure factors (daily habits, diseases, drugs) were extracted from publicly available genome-wide association study (GWAS) as instrumental variables (IVs). We then selected GWAS of KOA as the outcome, conducting a two-sample MR analysis. Results: Our findings revealed significant causal relationships between several factors and KOA. There was a notable association with time spent watching TV (OR = 4.038; 95% CI: 1.859-8.770; P = 4.192E-04), frequency of friend/family visits (OR = 0.415; 95% CI: 0.219-0.788; P = 7.174E-03), smoking history (OR = 0.781; 95% CI: 0.663-0.921; P = 3.235E-03), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (OR = 1.519; 95% CI: 1.244-1.856; P = 4.183E-05), hypercholesterolemia (OR = 0.498; 95% CI: 0.290-0.855; P = 0.011), hypothyroidism (OR = 1.048; 95% CI: 1.013-1.084; P = 6.645E-03), use of antithrombotic agents (OR = 0.892; 95% CI: 0.816-0.976; P = 0.013), statin medication (OR = 0.956; 95% CI: 0.916-0.998; P = 0.041), and thyroid preparations (OR = 1.042; 95% CI: 1.014-1.071; P = 2.974E-03) with KOA. Specifically, KOA was positively associated with longer time spent watching TV, GERD, hypothyroidism and thyroid preparations, however showed a negative correlation with more frequent visits from friends or family, smoking history, hypercholesterolemia, antithrombotic agents and statin medication. Sensitivity analysis indicated no significant pleiotropy in these studies (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This comprehensive study underscores the significance of modifying certain habits to mitigate the risk of KOA. Additionally, the elevated risk of KOA among individuals with GERD, hypothyroidism, and those using thyroid preparations warrants attention. These results would be beneficial for clinical research and nursing education.