scholarly journals Differences in Dietary Intakes among Lebanese Adults over a Decade: Results from Two National Surveys 1997–2008/2009

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1738 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lara Nasreddine ◽  
Jennifer J. Ayoub ◽  
Fatima Hachem ◽  
Jiana Tabbara ◽  
Abla M. Sibai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Dietary Assessment ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Fats And Oils ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income

Amidst the ongoing societal and economic shifts in the Eastern Mediterranean region (EMR), this study aims at investigating temporal trends in food consumption and nutrient intakes among Lebanese adults, by age and sex. Data were derived from two national cross-sectional surveys conducted in Lebanon during two time periods (1997; 2008/2009). In both surveys, dietary assessment was based on 24-h recalls. The results, expressed as % energy intake (%EI), revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the consumption of bread, fruits, fresh fruit juices, milk and eggs, whereas the consumption of added fats and oils, poultry, cereals and cereal-based products, chips and salty crackers, sweetened milk and hot beverages increased over time (p < 0.001). A significant increase in dietary energy (kcal/day) and fat intake (%EI) was observed, coupled with decreases in carbohydrate intake (%EI) and dietary density of vitamin A and vitamin C (per 1000 kcal) (p < 0.001). These changes were noted in both genders and across age groups, albeit there were some disparities between groups. In conclusion, based on national nutrition surveys, this study is the first to characterize the nutrition transition in a middle-income country of the EMR, shedding light on priority areas for nutrition policies and interventions.

scholarly journals Overweight and Obesity in Eastern Mediterranean Region: Prevalence and Possible Causes

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulrahman O. Musaiger
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Sugary Beverages ◽  
Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽  
Skipping Breakfast

The objective of this paper was to explore the prevalence of overweight and obesity among various age groups as well as discuss the possible factors that associated with obesity in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). A systematic review of published papers between 1990 and 2011 was carried out. Obesity reached an alarming level in all age groups of the EMR countries. The prevalence of overweight among preschool children(<5 years) ranged from 1.9% to 21.9%, while the prevalence of overweight and obesity among school children ranged from 7% to 45%. Among adults the prevalence of overweight and obesity ranged from 25% to 81.9%. Possible factors determining obesity in this region include: nutrition transition, inactivity, urbanization, marital status, a shorter duration of breastfeeding, frequent snacking, skipping breakfast, a high intake of sugary beverages, an increase in the incidence of eating outside the home, long periods of time spent viewing television, massive marketing promotion of high fat foods, stunting, perceived body image, cultural elements and food subsidize policy. A national plan of action to overcome obesity is urgently needed to reduce the economic and health burden of obesity in this region.

scholarly journals The Dual Burden of Malnutrition in Brazil Among Children 4–13.9 Years of Age

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 933-933
Author(s):  
Andrea Anater ◽  
Kevin Mathias ◽  
Joel Hampton ◽  
Alison Eldridge ◽  
Vanessa Campos
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Middle Income

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among children aged 4 to 13.9 years in Brazil. Methods Caregivers of a cross-sectional random sample of children aged 4–13.9 years (n = 970) identified in three census regions in Brazil were surveyed. Children's body weight and height were measured using a calibrated scale and a stadiometer following U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control procedures. Reference cut-points generated from a previous sample of Brazilian children using the LMS method to calculated sex specific BMI growth curves that intersected BMIs of 17.5, 25 and 30, at 20 years of age, were used to define underweight, overweight and obese children, respectively. Results Among older children, the prevalence of underweight and obesity decreased while overweight remained relatively stable across all age groups. The percentage (% ± SE) for underweight, overweight, and obese among 4–6.9 year olds (n = 319) were 5.7 ± 1%, 36 ± 4%, and 17 ± 3%, respectively. For 7–10.9 year olds (n = 396), these percentages were 3.1 ± 1%, 38 ± 3%, and 13 ± 2%; and for 11–13.9 year olds (n = 255), 3.2 ± 2%, 37 ± 5%, and 10 ± 3%. The overall percentage of underweight, overweight, and obese for males (n = 508) were 2.8 ± 1%, 34 ± 3%, and 11 ± 2%; and for females (n = 462), 4.9 ± 1%, 40 ± 3%, and 16 ± 2%. The prevalence of malnutrition among females was higher than for males for each condition and across all age categories except among 7–10.9 year olds with overnutrition. Conclusions Brazil is a middle-income country undergoing a rapid nutrition transition. A shift in dietary patterns and consumption and energy expenditures can result in the double burden of malnutrition, characterized by the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight and obesity within the population. Both are serious health problems, particularly when they occur in childhood as the effects can linger into adulthood. In 2019, the prevalence of overweight and obesity remain elevated, as does underweight, particularly among females. Promotion of physical activity and encouraging healthy dietary habits are needed to curtail obesity and overweight rates, with poverty reduction efforts enhanced to address the prevalence of underweight children. Funding Sources This project was funded by Nestlé Research, Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Lausanne, Switzerland.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Pandemic Affects the Medical Students’ Learning Process and Assaults Their Psychological Wellbeing

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 5792
Author(s):  
Marium Aftab ◽  
Alsaleem Mohammed Abadi ◽  
Shamsun Nahar ◽  
Razia Aftab Ahmed ◽  
Syed Esam Mahmood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Psychiatric Illness ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Learning Difficulties ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Psychological Wellbeing ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
African Region ◽  
Cross Sectional

Background: With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are living within a milieu of stress, anxiety, and fear. Medical students are susceptible to these emotional injuries, but their psychological wellbeing and learning may further be assaulted by future uncertainties and altered teaching and training programs. Our objective was to find the extent of the psychological impact of the pandemic and the learning difficulties they are experiencing; Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 418 undergraduate and postgraduate medical students from all over the world. A questionnaire was uploaded in Google survey form. It included background characteristics, questions for psychiatric impact like PHQ-9, GAD-7, ZF-OCS, and questions for learning difficulties perceived in comparison to the pre-pandemic time. Results: Among participants, 34.9% of students were male and 65.1% female. Around 46.4% belonged to the WHO, Eastern Mediterranean region, 26.8% from South East Asia region, 17.5% from the region of America, 5.5% from the European region,2.2%from the Western Pacific region, and 1.7% from the African region. Symptoms due to psychiatric illness were noticed in 393 (93.1%); depression in 386 (92.3%), anxiety in 158 (37.8%), obsessive compulsion disorder in 225 (53.8%), and post-traumatic stress syndrome in 129 (39.9%). Female gender, geographical region, and history of previous psychiatric illness were significantly related to almost all the psychiatric illnesses. Regarding learning difficulty, 96% of students faced problems: trouble with memorizing in 54.0%, concentration problems in 67.0%, about 55.5% of students made more mistakes, while 44.5% noted an increase in reaction time for solving questions. In addition, 90% experienced greater difficulty in overall learning during the pandemic in comparison to the pre-pandemic time. Conclusion: Assault on psychological wellbeing, struggling to memorize, inattention and difficulty in concentration on studies, along with perceived overall trouble with learning, have emerged as collateral damage from the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to medical students.

scholarly journals Intention of Healthcare Workers to Receive COVID-19 Vaccine: A Cross-Sectional Survey in 10 Countries in Eastern Mediterranean Region

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yasir Ahmed Mohammed Elhadi ◽  
Azza Mehanna ◽  
Yusuff Adebayo Adebisi ◽  
Mohammad Yasir Essar ◽  
Haider M El Saeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
To Receive

Background: Healthcare workers intention to be vaccinated is an important factor to be consider for successful COVID-19 vaccination programme. Our study aimed to understand the intention of health workers to receive COVID-19 vaccine and associated concerns across 10 countries in Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO). Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2021 among healthcare workers using an online survey. A total of 2806 health workers (physicians, nurses and pharmacists) completed and returned the informed consent along with the questionnaire electronically. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. Results: More than half of the respondents (58.0%) intend to receive COVID-19 vaccine, even if the vaccination is not mandatory for them. On the other hand, 25.7% of respondents were not intending to undertake COVID-19 vaccination while 16.3 % answered undecided. The top three reasons for not intending to be vaccinated were unreliability of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials (62.0%), fear of the side effects of the vaccine (45.3%), and that COVID-19 vaccine will not give immunity for a long period of time (23.1%). Conclusion: Overall, our study revealed suboptimal acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers in the 10 countries in EMRO.

scholarly journals Attitudes, perceptions, and smoking behavior of university faculty and staff following the introduction of a comprehensive tobacco-free policy: a repeated cross-sectional survey in Lebanon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Farran ◽  
Rima Nakkash ◽  
Mahmoud Al-Hindi ◽  
Maya Romani ◽  
Martin John Owen Asser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Policy Implementation ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Smoking Behavior ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Faculty And Staff ◽  
One Year ◽  
Lower Educational Attainment

Abstract Background A growing body of research have evaluated the effect of university tobacco-free policies on faculty and staff, however, none of these studies has been carried out in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This study evaluates changes in faculty and staff attitudes, perceptions and smoking behavior, one year post-adoption of a tobacco-free policy in a medium-sized university in Lebanon and the region. Methods Two cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2017 and 2018: pre- and one year post-policy implementation. A random sample of 625 and 624 participants took part in the 2017 and 2018 studies respectively. Results Faculty and staff had a positive attitude towards the policy at the two time points. The belief that there should be exceptions to the policy significantly decreased from 79% to 59% (p=0.002) among all smokers, particularly those with lower educational attainment (81% to 57%, p=0.007). Perception of compliance among peer smokers increased from 73% to 87% (p= 0.009). The proportion of smokers did not significantly change one year post-policy implementation, however, 44% of smokers with lower educational attainment, compared to only 7% of those with higher educational attainment (p< 0.001), reported a decrease in their smoking behavior outside campus. Conclusion The policy had a positive effect on the attitude, behavior and perception of policy benefits among smokers with lower educational attainment, who constitute the majority of smokers. Studies tackling the effectiveness of university or workplace smoke-free policies are scarce in the Middle East. Findings from this study inform and support future efforts to develop university and workplace tobacco free policies.

scholarly journals Awareness and Preparedness of Field Epidemiology Training Program Graduates to Respond to COVID-19 in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: Cross-Sectional Study

10.2196/19047 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e19047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohannad Al Nsour ◽  
Yousef Khader ◽  
Abdulwahed Al Serouri ◽  
Haitham Bashier ◽  
Shahd Osman
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Mediterranean Region ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Surveillance Systems ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Field Epidemiology ◽  
Field Epidemiology Training Program

Background The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) is a 2-year training program in applied epidemiology. FETP graduates have contributed significantly to improvements in surveillance systems, control of infectious diseases, and outbreak investigations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). Objective Considering the instrumental roles of FETP graduates during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis, this study aimed to assess their awareness and preparedness to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in three EMR countries. Methods An online survey was sent to FETP graduates in the EMR in March 2020. The FETP graduates were contacted by email and requested to fill out an online survey. Sufficient number of responses were received from only three countries—Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen. A few responses were received from other countries, and therefore, they were excluded from the analysis. The questionnaire comprised a series of questions pertaining to sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of the epidemiology of COVID-19, and preparedness to respond to COVID-19. Results This study included a total of 57 FETP graduates (20 from Jordan, 13 from Sudan, and 24 from Yemen). A total of 31 (54%) graduates had attended training on COVID-19, 29 (51%) were members of a rapid response team against COVID-19, and 54 (95%) had previous experience in response to disease outbreaks or health emergencies. The vast majority were aware of the main symptoms, mode of transmission, high-risk groups, and how to use personal protective equipment. A total of 46 (81%) respondents considered themselves well prepared for the COVID-19 outbreak, and 40 (70%) reported that they currently have a role in supporting the country’s efforts in the management of COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions The FETP graduates in Jordan, Sudan, and Yemen were fully aware of the epidemiology of COVID-19 and the safety measures required, and they are well positioned to investigate and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, they should be properly and efficiently utilized by the Ministries of Health to investigate and respond to the current COVID-19 crisis where the needs are vastly growing and access to outside experts is becoming limited.

scholarly journals Awareness and response to Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) epidemic among the Arab population in the Eastern Mediterranean Region and Arab Peninsula

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mhammad Saleh ◽  
Marwan Saleh ◽  
Mohammed Nabil Zahid
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean ◽  
Eastern Mediterranean Region ◽  
Arabic Language ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Arab Population ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Objectives: This online survey planned to analyze the knowledge and apprehension about coronavirus among the Arab populations.  Methods: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted from 15th May 2020 to 27th May 2020. The survey included a total of 443 Arab participants. Divided into four groups according to the age; under 20 years old (28 participants), 20- 40 (359), 40- 60 (49), and 7 participants were over 60. According to gender; male (318 participants) and female (125). Based on education level, participants were categorized as a secondary school (5 participants), high school (28), university graduated (327), and postgraduate (83).  Results: Most of the participants showed a good adaptation for the precautions concerning isolation and quarantine. 299 participants stayed at home during the COVID-19 outbreak by taking a break from jobs or performing their jobs from home. 144 participants performed partial or full-time jobs from 20-60 groups of age. Most of the population were dependent on social media to receive the update about the virus. 141 participants said that they are not up to date enough about the COVID-19 related to the language barrier. Conclusion: The majority of the participants had heard about COVID-19 and were aware of the infection control measures. Most of the participants strictly adapted to quarantine during the outbreak. Further steps need to be taken to enhance the social media accounts and internet websites in the Arabic language which concern medical and educational content. 

The global nutrition transition: trends, disease burdens and policy interventions

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (12) ◽  
pp. 2267-2270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rimante Ronto ◽  
Jason HY Wu ◽  
Gitanjali M Singh
Keyword(s):  
Nutrition Transition ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Micronutrient Deficiency ◽  
Dietary Quality ◽  
Dietary Intakes ◽  
Double Burden ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Sweetened Beverages ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Major Factors

AbstractNon-communicable diseases (NCD) have increased dramatically in developed and developing countries. Unhealthy diet is one of the major factors contributing to NCD development. Recent evidence has identified deterioration in aspects of dietary quality across many world regions, including low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Most burdens of disease attributable to poor diet can be prevented or delayed as they occur prematurely. Therefore, it is important to identify and target unhealthy dietary behaviours in order to have the greatest impact. National dietary-related programmes have traditionally focused on micronutrient deficiency and food security and failed to acknowledge unhealthy dietary intakes as a risk factor that contributes to the development of NCD. Inadequate intakes of healthy foods and nutrients and excess intakes of unhealthy ones are commonly observed across the world, and efforts to reduce the double burden of micronutrient deficiency and unhealthy diets should be a particular focus for LMIC. Interventions and policies targeting whole populations are likely to be the most effective and sustainable, and should be prioritized. Population-based approaches such as health information and communication campaigns, fiscal measures such as taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages, direct restrictions and mandates, reformulation and improving the nutrient profile of food products, and standards regulating marketing to children can have significant and large impacts to improve diets and reduce the incidence of NCD. There is a need for more countries to implement population-based effective approaches to improve current diets.

The Impact of Modernisation on the Diets of Adults Aged 20-40 Years from Samoan Church Communities in Auckland

1999 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Colin Bell ◽  
Boyd A. Swinburn ◽  
Henga Amosa ◽  
Robert Scragg ◽  
Susan J Sharpe
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Fats And Oils ◽  
Lower Proportion ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Nutrient Analysis ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Church Communities

The objective of this study was to describe the food and nutrient intakes of adults in three Samoan church communities located in Auckland, New Zealand. The study had a cross-sectional design and measured usual dietary intake in 437 participants, aged 20 years and over, using a self-completed, 89-item quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Median daily energy and nutrient intakes were calculated and compared by gender and age groups. Men obtained a significantly (p<0.05) lower proportion of their energy from breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables and fats and oils than women. Compared to those aged 40+ years, those aged <40 obtained a significantly (p<0.01) lower proportion of their energy from meat, pulses and eggs, fruit and vegetables, and starchy staples. A significantly (p<0.01) higher proportion of their energy intake came from takeaways, soft drinks, snacks and dairy products. Nutrient analysis revealed that those aged <40 years obtained significantly (p<.001) more energy from fat and sugar, and less energy from protein (p<0.001) than the older group. They also had significantly lower intakes, per 1000 kilocalories, of a wide selection of vitamins and minerals. A dietary transition has occurred for New Zealand Samoans, reflecting a shift from traditional to modern dietary patterns and a decline in the nutritional quality of the diet.

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