scholarly journals Strategies to Address the Complex Challenge of Improving Regional and Remote Children’s Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1603 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Godrich ◽  
Christina Davies ◽  
Jill Darby ◽  
Amanda Devine

Fruit and vegetables (F&V) are imperative for good health, yet less than one per cent of Australian children consume these food groups in sufficient quantities. As guided by Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), this paper aimed to: (i) understand key informant perspectives of the amount, types and quality of F&V consumed by rural and remote Western Australian (WA) children; and, (ii) determine strategies that could increase F&V consumption among rural and remote WA children. This qualitative study included 20 semi-structured interviews with health, school/youth and food supply workers, focusing on topics including: quantity and type of F&V consumed and strategies to increase children’s consumption. A thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo qualitative data analysis software (Version 10, 2014. QSR International Pty Ltd., Doncaster, Victoria, Australia). Key informants reported children consumed energy-dense nutrient-poor foods in place of F&V. Strategy themes included: using relevant motivators for children to increase their preference for F&V (i.e., gaming approach, SCT construct of ‘expectations’); empowering community-driven initiatives (i.e., kitchen gardens, SCT construct of ‘environment’); increasing food literacy across settings (i.e., food literacy skills, SCT construct of ‘behavioural capacity’); developing salient messages and cooking tips that resonate with parents (i.e., parent newsletters, SCT construct of ‘self-control’); increasing F&V availability, safety, and convenience (i.e., school provision); and, considering the impact of role models that extend beyond the family (i.e., relatable role models, SCT construct of ‘observational learning’). Overall, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates relevant motivators for children and families, supports local initiatives, reinforces the range of role models that are involved with children and creates healthier environments, is required to increase F&V consumption among children.

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1532
Author(s):  
Lyndsey D. Ruiz ◽  
Marcela D. Radtke ◽  
Rachel E. Scherr

Adolescent obesity and poor diet quality are increasingly prevalent and could be mitigated with attainment of food literacy. However, as these programs for adolescents are lacking, the purpose of this project was to develop a food literacy curriculum for high school-aged adolescents. The curriculum was designed in accordance with food literacy attributes and components utilizing Backward Design, Social Cognitive Theory, and Constructivism. After expert committee review, pilot testing was completed in two low-income communities by a trained facilitator and observer. Detailed observations were collected during pilot testing to assess achievement of learning objectives. Modifications were made to lesson procedures as required. The resulting curriculum, Teens CAN: Comprehensive Food Literacy in Cooking, Agriculture, and Nutrition, contains 12 modules of experiential lessons and application activities within three topics. Agriculture lessons concentrate on the food supply chain and food environments; nutrition lessons include food groups while focusing on nutrients of concern for underconsumption; and cooking lessons include food safety, budgeting, and preparation. Teens CAN provides a comprehensive and necessary approach to advancing food literacy in adolescents. Future directions include assessing dietary implications after participating in Teens CAN lessons and employment of an innovative two-tiered cross-age teaching model.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 2610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isis Danyelle Dias Custódio ◽  
Fernanda de Paula Franco ◽  
Eduarda da Costa Marinho ◽  
Taísa Sabrina Silva Pereira ◽  
Mariana Tavares Miranda Lima ◽  
...  

Considering the implications of adverse effects of chemotherapy (CT) and the potential impact of diet on patients’ recovery, this study aimed to prospectively evaluate the association between the consumption of food groups, patients’ Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) scores, and their nutritional status. Anthropometric and dietary assessments of 55 women with breast cancer (BC) were performed at three time points. T0 is the time point after the first CT cycle, T1 is the time point after the intermediate CT cycle, and T2 is the time point after the last CT cycle. We identified a significant increase in weight, body mass index, and waist circumference during CT. Consumption of poultry and eggs was higher in T1 when compared to T2, while consumption of total fruit and total vegetables was higher at T0 compared to T1 and T2. The diet became more pro-inflammatory over the course of treatment (X2(2) = 61.127), and was related to higher abdominal adiposity. Total fruit (T0: R2 = 0.208, T1: R2 = 0.095, T2: R2 = 0.120) and total vegetable consumption (T0: R2 = 0.284, T1: R2 = 0.365, T2: R2 = 0.580) predicted DII® change at the three-time points. Meanwhile, consumption of total grains was significantly associated only with T1 (R2 = 0.084) and T2 (R2 = 0.118), and consumption of simple sugars was significantly associated only with T0 (R2 = 0.137) and T1 (R2 = 0.126). Changes in food consumption led to an increase in the inflammatory profile of the diet, suggesting the necessity to improve the guidelines during and after CT. These results reinforce the need to promote healthier eating practices in concert with maintaining a healthy nutritional status in women with BC treated with CT.


Author(s):  
Sarah J. Woodruff ◽  
Clinton Beckford ◽  
Stephanie Segave

The purpose was to create and assess the impact of food literacy curriculum alongside a centrally procured school snack program among grade five students in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Grade five students (N = 287) from five intervention and three controls schools participated in an 8-week food delivery program. In addition to the food delivery program, intervention schools received a resource kit and access to 42 multidisciplinary food literacy lesson plans using the produce delivered as part of the food delivery program. Participants completed matched pre- and post-test online surveys to assess fruit and vegetable intake, knowledge, preferences, and attitudes. Descriptive analyses and changes in scores between the intervention and control schools were assessed using one-way ANOVAs, paired samples t-tests, and McNemar’s tests. In total, there were 220 participants that completed both the pre- and post-test surveys. There was a significant improvement in fruit and vegetable intake (p = 0.038), yet no differences in knowledge of the recommended number of food group servings, knowledge of food groups, or fruit and vegetable preferences or attitudes were observed. Integrating nutrition lesson plans within core curricula classes (e.g., math, science, and literacy) can lead to modest increases in fruit and vegetable intake.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Jessica Jarick Metcalfe ◽  
Melissa Pflugh Prescott ◽  
Melissa Schumacher ◽  
Caitlin Kownacki ◽  
Jennifer McCaffrey

Abstract Objective: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the Market to MyPlate (M2MP) program on fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. Secondary objectives were to examine factors that affected participant retention and program completion, and analyse program feedback provided by participants. Design: This study conducted a mixed methods evaluation embedded within a cluster randomised controlled trial of the M2MP intervention. Adult participants completed a pre- and post-program survey reporting on their fruit and vegetable consumption and cooking behaviours. A subsample participated in structured interviews, providing feedback about M2MP and the impact of the program. Setting: Seven weekly classes took place in community centres and extension offices in central Illinois. Participants: 120 adults and their families participated. Class cohorts were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) nutrition education and cooking classes with produce allocations (PAE, n 39); (2) nutrition education and cooking classes only (EO, n 36) or (3) control group (n 45). Results: Compared to control, PAE participants reported larger increases from pre- to post-intervention in fruit (P = 0·001) and vegetable consumption (P = 0·002), with no differences in cooking frequency. Interview analyses identified key themes in behaviour changes due to M2MP, including reported increases in dietary variety, cooking self-efficacy and children’s participation in cooking. Conclusions: PAE participants who received an intervention that directly increased their access to fresh produce (via produce allocations) increased their reported fruit and vegetable consumption. Though participants’ cooking frequency did not change, interviewees reported increased variety, cooking confidence and family participation in cooking.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diogo Martins Gomes ◽  
Alina Loth ◽  
James RF Hockley ◽  
Ewan St. John Smith

Chronic gastrointestinal (GI) tract conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common conditions associated with disordered bowel movements and significant pain. However, discussion of bowel habits is often regarded as taboo and public understanding of what exactly IBD, IBS and related conditions are, and how they impact the lives of those individuals with such conditions is poorly understood. To provide a platform for enhancing public engagement of chronic bowel conditions, a short film was made (Gut Reaction) examining the lives of four individuals with different bowel conditions and what scientists and clinicians are doing to help alleviate the pain experienced by such individuals. This film was then screened at a science festival where a pre- and post-film survey was conducted alongside follow up semi-structured interviews with a small subset of those who had expressed willingness to engage in such an interview. Although films have been used for public engagement and health campaigns, there is a lack of a robust evaluation of such methods. As such, there is no knowledge of impacts and outcomes, jeopardising funding of such projects. Overall, the pre- and post-film surveys demonstrated that the film had increased the attendees understanding of chronic bowel conditions, how they are treated, what research is on-going and the likelihood of discussing bowel conditions with friends and family. The follow-up interviews were analysed through the constant comparative coding process. The analysis revealed that participants have a strong belief that bowel conditions need to be part of normal conversations, and the understanding of such conditions, and the people who experience them, needs to be improved by society. Our participants hold that this is crucial for people who experience from such conditions, not least to be able to access help sooner and suffer less. Finally, our participants discussed two strategies to achieve this societal openness and tackle the sense of shame around these issues: one involving role models and the other the media. In summary, Gut Reaction appeared to have met its objectives of improving the viewers awareness and understanding of chronic bowel conditions, as well as removing some of the stigma and taboo that surround discussions about these conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 253-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafaela Rosário ◽  
Ana Araújo ◽  
Patrícia Padrão ◽  
Oscar Lopes ◽  
André Moreira ◽  
...  

Objective. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an intervention program, taught by trained teachers, on foods and nutrients components of the Diet Quality Index–International among children in Grades 1 to 4. Method. A total of 464 children (239 female, 6-12 years) from seven elementary Portuguese schools participated in this randomized trial. Three schools were allocated to the intervention, and four to the control group. The intervention program was based on the health promotion model and social cognitive theory. Teachers previously trained by researchers in nutrition, healthy eating, and healthy cooking implemented the intervention in the classroom from November 2008 to March 2009. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, physical activity, and dietary assessments were performed before (2007/2008) and at the end of the intervention (2009). Dietary intake was gathered by a 24-hour dietary recall and the components of Diet Quality Index–International were defined. Results. Children from the intervention schools reported a significantly higher adequacy in vegetable consumption (p = .018) and a significantly higher moderation in sodium consumption (p = .032) compared with the controllers. Conclusion. Our study provides further support for the success of intervention programs that aim to enhance children’s dietary intake. Implementing similar interventions can be promising to support vegetable consumption and moderate sodium intake.


2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Hamdan Rasheed Abdullah Al-Jammal

The study is concerned with the emotional intelligence in the surveyed organizations and its impact on them as well as on its employees. The researcher collected data and information from primary and secondary sources through preparing a questionnaire and determining its four axes: self-awareness, self-control, emotional balance and adopting the democratic style at work and distributing it to managers and their assistants in the banks mentioned in the study population. The study reached to the following results:1. The study found that there is a relationship between self-awareness (self-realization) and the effectiveness of leadership in decision-making, where leaders exceed all their problems in the past, be able to determine the feelings of others toward them, show enthusiasm in dealing with employees, enjoy making friends with them, and deal objectively with all the issues in the organization.2. The study found that there is a relationship between self-control and the effectiveness of leadership in decision-making, where leaders are open to employees in a codified method to keep calm, feel scared of talking in meetings, do not feel a sense of anger at criticizing any of the employees, involve their emotions and feelings when discussing with any employee, show their anger during discussing with any employee, make others feel they are liked during discussion and finally listen well and not interrupting others.3 - The study found that there is a relationship between the emotional balance and the effectiveness of leadership in decision-making, where leaders held themselves accountable after each discussion, sit in quiet and contemplative sessions after work, are able to solve problems quietly, and are characterized with flexibility in dealing with their problems.4. The study found that there is a relationship between adopting the democratic style and the effectiveness of leadership in decision-making, where leaders do not allow others to participate in the traditional decisions, consult some employees when making decisions, involve employees in taking vital decisions, collect data and information before making decisions, delegate some employees with decision making, hold employees responsible for the wrong decision, and employ emotions when trying to convince others with a certain decision.The study recommended that there should be programs to develop the leadership ability to strengthen the sense of the self-awareness of managers and other employees in the field of decision-making. Furthermore, Leaders should exceed all their previous events that may adversely affect the work of the organization not allowing them to affect them negatively when making decisions or dealing with employees.The study also calls for leaders and managers to control themselves while dealing with employees and not allowing anger at work to control them leading to hasty decisions resulting from the impact of anger or instability. They also should choose the proper and convenient time to study the alternatives and select the appropriate alternative to achieve the goals and objectives of both the organization and employees far from all the negative attractions.The study called for employees in management and decision-making in the surveyed organizations to hold quiet sessions after work to review their work and relationships arising from working with employees; self-accountability is one of the best means that verifies and activates the emotional intelligence among employees in the organization, especially the decisions issued and the problems they face as well as their review for the proposed solutions.The study recommended organizations to prepare training programs to develop the emotional intelligence of all employees either managers or subordinates of the surveyed organizations and make the emotional intelligence a part of the culture of the organization to reach to its dimensions so as managers can be role models for other employees.It also recommended to adopt the democratic style in management to remove the physical and moral barriers between managers and other employees, involve employees in decision-making and achieve their needs and desires and finally increase the social gatherings among all employees outside work, such as holding concerts, seminars and trips so as employees can get closer to each other in an environment of love and contentment.The study also calls for researchers to pay greater attention to the emotional intelligence due to its significant role in raising the morale of employees and achieve satisfaction and goals of the organization.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 48-59
Author(s):  
Robyn M. Cafiero ◽  
Yeon Bai ◽  
Charles Feldman ◽  
Doreen Liou

Daily intake of fruits and vegetables provides the basis for healthy nutrition. Yet low consumption of fruits and vegetables (FV) persists among school-aged children. Framed by the Social Cognitive Theory, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of nutrition lessons combined with an active choice intervention on children’s FV consumption. Using a quasi-experimental design, 89 second graders were assigned to groups. Students in the experimental group (n=46) received four nutrition lessons combined with nine active choice sessions, while those in the control group (n=43) received active choice sessions only. Responses to pre- and post-intervention surveys that inquired FV knowledge and consumption were compared within and between groups using independent and paired t-tests. Empowered by improved knowledge, self-efficacy and the positive environment created through nutrition lessons and active choice, the experimental group showed improvement in consumption behavior compared to the control group at post-intervention: bringing FV to school and finish eating (69.7 vs. 51.2, p=.05 for fruits; 43.5 vs. 39.5, p=.41 for vegetables); like choosing FV (84.8 vs. 65.1, p=.01); like to eat more FV (80.4 vs. 62.8, p=.16); FV are healthy (100 vs. 95.3, p=.14). The magnitude of improvement is small yet consistent in every aspect of outcome measures. Combining nutrition education with the active choice component showed potential for a larger impact on behavior change among study participants. Parental support and community involvement could enhance the effectiveness of nutrition education in schools.


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-204
Author(s):  
Sonja Wicklum ◽  
Megan Sampson ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
Shelley Wiart ◽  
Grace Perez ◽  
...  

Increasing physical activity and improving nutrition is challenging for Indigenous women. Their lives are complex and influenced by sociopolitical structures and racism that have yielded family breakdown, socioeconomic inequality, and high levels of poor health. Women Warriors (WW), an eight-week physical activity-based wellness program, was designed to support Indigenous women in their efforts to increase physical activity levels, improve nutrition, and develop support systems to produce good health. To evaluate the impact of the program, we completed a mixed method pre/post evaluation of four program sessions, from January to December 2016. The WW program resulted in increased weekly pedometer step counts, increased nutrition skill acquisition, and improved confidence in exercising as a group and increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. It also produced demonstrable improvements in anthropometrics. Participants developed positive social support systems and learned about the health and social resources available to them in their community. They appreciated that the program motivated them by keeping them accountable and offered opportunity to share their experiences in the context of the sharing circle. The program identified barriers to health change, including lack of resources that support physical activity, healthy eating, and personal stress management. Participants recommended that future programs increase in duration and intensity and offer enhanced nutrition and health education, increased avenues for support system development, and opportunities to network outside of the program. The WW program was well received and shows promise as a practical, community-based method to provide support to Indigenous women interested in increasing positive health behaviours.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Lucy Aphramor

Background Dietetics relies on a conventional weight-centred paradigm that attributes disease risk to fatness and encourages weight loss. This research examines the impact that this weight-centred paradigm has on the health, health-seeking behaviours, and everyday experiences of women who self-identify as large. Methods This was a qualitative, community-based study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The participants were 18 women who self-identified as being large, either previously or currently, where large was understood among participants as an appropriate descriptor for fatness. Interviews and focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim and data were manually sorted. Coding categories were developed and participants' quotes were assigned to these using thematic analysis. The study had ethics approval. Results Participants described that health professionals’ assumptions and recommendations about their weight negatively affected psychosocial variables and behaviours known to impact on health, such as depression, self-esteem, eating/exercise habits and interpersonal relationships. The assumptions of a weight-centred paradigm underpinned experiences of size discrimination outside the clinic. Conclusions The conventional position towards weight results in attitudes and practices that negatively impact on health and health-seeking behaviour through a range of interlinked pathways. A professional commitment to reappraising the weight-centred paradigm is required to promote good health and avoid overt and inadvertent size discrimination.


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