scholarly journals The GReat-Child TrialTM: A Quasi-Experimental Dietary Intervention among Overweight and Obese Children

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2972
Author(s):  
Hui Chin Koo ◽  
Bee Koon Poh ◽  
Ruzita Abd. Talib
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Quasi Experimental

Diet composition is a key determinant of childhood obesity. While whole grains and micronutrients are known to decrease the risk of obesity, there are no interventions originating from Southeast Asia that emphasize whole grain as a strategy to improve overall quality of diet in combating childhood obesity. The GReat-Child Trial aimed to improve whole grain intake and quality of diet among overweight and obese children. It is a quasi-experimental intervention based on Social Cognitive Theory. It has a 12-week intervention and 6-month follow-up, consisting of three components that address environmental, personal, and behavioral factors. The intervention consists of: (1) six 30 min lessons on nutrition, using the Malaysian Food Pyramid to emphasize healthy eating, (2) daily deliveries of wholegrain foods to schools so that children can experience and accept wholegrain foods, and (3) diet counseling to parents to increase availability of wholegrain foods at home. Two primary schools with similar demographics in Kuala Lumpur were assigned as control (CG) and intervention (IG) groups. Inclusion criteria were: (1) children aged 9 to 11 years who were overweight/obese; (2) who did not consume whole grain foods; and (3) who had no serious co-morbidity problems. The entire trial was completed by 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG). Study outcomes were measured at baseline and at two time points post intervention (at the 3rd [T1] and 9th [T2] months). IG demonstrated significantly higher intakes of whole grain (mean difference = 9.94, 95%CI: 7.13, 12.75, p < 0.001), fiber (mean difference = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.40, 4.73, p = 0.001), calcium (mean difference = 130.27, 95%CI: 74.15, 186.39, p < 0.001), thiamin (mean difference = 58.71, 95%CI: 26.15, 91.28, p = 0.001), riboflavin (mean difference = 0.84, 95%CI: 0.37, 1.32, p = 0.001), niacin (mean difference = 0.35, 95%CI: 1.91, 5.16, p < 0.001), and vitamin C (mean difference = 58.71, 95%CI: 26.15, 91.28, p = 0.001) compared to CG in T1, after adjusting for covariates. However, T1 results were not sustained in T2 when intervention had been discontinued. The findings indicate that intervention emphasizing whole grains improved overall short-term but not long-term dietary intake among schoolchildren. We hope the present trial will lead to adoption of policies to increase whole grain consumption among Malaysian schoolchildren.

scholarly journals GReat-Child Trial™ based on social cognitive theory improved knowledge, attitudes and practices toward whole grains among Malaysian overweight and obese children

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H. C. Koo ◽  
B. K. Poh ◽  
A. T. Ruzita
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Attitudes And Practices ◽  
Grain Foods

Abstract Background Studies have reported that improvement of dietary habits through increased whole grain foods consumption at an early age has the potential to lead to betterment in lifelong health and wellness. The GReat-Child Trial™ was a 12-week quasi-experimental study with 6 months follow-up investigating a multi-component whole grain intervention, which consisted of behavioral, personal and environmental factors based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the GReat-Child Trial™, as well as to determine the changes in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of whole grains consumption among overweight/obese children. Methods Two schools in Kuala Lumpur with similar socio-demographic characteristics were assigned as intervention (IG) and control (CG), respectively. Inclusion criteria were healthy Malaysian overweight/obese children aged 9 to 11 years who had no serious co-morbidity. Children who reported consuming whole grain foods in their 3-day diet-recall during recruitment were excluded. A total of 63 children (31 IG; 32 CG) completed the intervention. KAP questionnaire was self-administered at baseline [T0] and post intervention (at 3rd [T1] and 9th month [T2]). The baseline differences between the IG and CG across socio-demographics and scores of KAP toward whole grains were determined using chi-square and t-test, respectively. ANCOVA was performed to determine the effect of the GReat-Child Trial™ on KAP towards whole grains at post-intervention and follow-up. Baseline variables were considered as covariates. Results The IG attained significantly higher scores in knowledge (mean difference = 4.23; 95% CI: 3.82, 4.64; p < 0.001), attitudes (mean difference = 7.39; 95% CI: 6.36, 8.42; p < 0.001) and practice (mean difference = 6.13; 95% CI: 4.49, 7.77; p < 0.001) of whole grain consumption compared to the CG, after adjusting for confounders. The IG reported significantly higher scores in knowledge (mean difference = 6.84; 95% CI: 6.53, 7.15; p < 0.001), attitudes (mean difference = 9.16; 95% CI: 8.08, 10.24; p < 0.001) and practice (mean difference = 8.03; 95% CI: 5.34, 10.73; p < 0.001) towards whole grains at T2 compared to T0. Conclusions These findings indicate that this intervention made a positive impact on improving children’s KAP on whole grains. We anticipate the GReat-Child Trial™ to be a program that could be incorporated into school interventions to improve whole grain consumption among Malaysian children for obesity prevention.

scholarly journals Healthy whole-grain choices for children and parents: a multi-component school-based pilot intervention

2008 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 849-859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teri L Burgess-Champoux ◽  
Hing Wan Chan ◽  
Renee Rosen ◽  
Len Marquart ◽  
Marla Reicks
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Intervention School ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Role Modelling ◽  
School Based ◽  
Children And Parents ◽  
Pilot Intervention ◽  
Grain Foods

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to pilot-test a school-based intervention designed to increase consumption of whole grains by 4th and 5th grade children.DesignThis multi-component school-based pilot intervention utilised a quasi-experimental study design (intervention and comparison schools) that consisted of a five-lesson classroom curriculum based on Social Cognitive Theory, school cafeteria menu modifications to increase the availability of whole-grain foods and family-oriented activities. Meal observations of children estimated intake of whole grains at lunch. Children and parents completed questionnaires to assess changes in knowledge, availability, self-efficacy, usual food choice and role modelling.Setting/sampleParent/child pairs from two schools in the Minneapolis metropolitan area; 67 in the intervention and 83 in the comparison school.ResultsWhole-grain consumption at the lunch meal increased by 1 serving (P< 0·0001) and refined-grain consumption decreased by 1 serving for children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P< 0·001). Whole-grain foods were more available in the lunches served to children in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention (P< 0·0001). The ability to identify whole-grain foods by children in both schools increased, with a trend towards a greater increase in the intervention school (P= 0·06). Parenting scores for scales for role modelling (P< 0·001) and enabling behaviours (P< 0·05) were significantly greater for parents in the intervention school compared with the comparison school post-intervention.ConclusionsThe multi-component school-based programme implemented in the current study successfully increased the intake of whole-grain foods by children.

Can the quality of a school be greater than the quality of its teachers? A case of early grade reading skills in Ugandan refugee context

2020 ◽  
Vol 72 (4) ◽  
pp. 43-59
Author(s):  
Mónica Fontana ◽  
Martin Ariapa ◽  
Gillian Atuheire
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Reading Skills ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Ministry Of Education ◽  
Reading Levels ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Early Grade ◽  
Education Report ◽  
Letter Sound

INTRODUCTION. As highlighted in the 2018 Uganda Education Response Plan, reading levels in refugee host communities are way below the national average. Since the 2018 National Assessment of Progress in Education report highlighted some challenging areas to the in-service teachers, a possible explanation for the persistent poor performance of learners in reading may reside with the finding that many educators themselves lack an understanding of the linguistic construct. Therefore, an informed training for teachers in primary schools was implemented to help them foster learners’ reading skills. The purpose of this paper is consequently to analyse whether learners whose teachers participated in the evidence-based intervention have better reading skills than those whose teachers did not participate in the intervention. METHOD. To achieve this, a quasi-experimental pre-program/post-program design, involving 2 schools, 24 teachers (12 per school), and 297 learners (157 from treatment and 140 from control) from Palabek (Uganda) refugee settlement was adopted. FINDINGS. The findings show that the reading skills of learners whose teachers participated in the intervention significantly improved as compared to their counterparts. Particularly, learners’ reading skills significantly improved in the areas of letter sound knowledge, segmenting knowledge, and nonword decoding, and slightly in oral passage reading and comprehension, and English vocabulary. DISCUSSION. This study therefore supported the hypothesis linked to the Peter Effect - one cannot be expected to give what they do not possess and raised a need for the Ministry of Education and Sports to mandate sufficient and informed training of teachers.

scholarly journals Factors influencing obesity among Hungarian school-age children

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
E Horváth ◽  
A Szabó ◽  
C s Erdős ◽  
G Dobi-Ágoston ◽  
E Paulik
Keyword(s):  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Family

Abstract Background Childhood obesity has increased almost 80% worldwide in the last 30 years. According to WHO COSI data, Hungary is ranked 15th in the prevalence of overweight/obesity in 6-9 years children, with national values (27.4%) higher than the average of the participating countries. The aim of the study was to investigate the factors contributing to childhood obesity, along some components of the ecological model, and to identify factors promoting or inhibiting lifestyle changes. Methods The survey was conducted in three primary schools of Szeged, involving 9-12 years old children and their parents (N = 459). The questionnaire examined the child's physical activity, dietary habits, mood, postnatal medical history as well as parents' anthropometric, socio-demographic data, attitudes to their child's nutrition, health-related value system, lifestyle knowledge and relevant history of obesity. Results The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 22.7% in the sample, with higher proportion of boys than girls (59.6% vs. 40.4%). Overweight/obese children were significantly more dissatisfied with their shape than children with normal BMI (39.8% vs. 8.9%, p &lt; 0.001) and fewer of them participated in out-of-school sports activities (69.1% vs. 79.1 %, p &gt; 0.05;). Obese children were significantly more likely to eat even when they were not hungry (37.2% vs. 26.4%, p &lt; 0.05). Frequency of meals with the family was also the lowest among overweight/obese (60.6%), and three times as many of them ate alone in their room than their nutritionally normal fellows. There was no significant difference in the diet preferences and quality of food of the two groups. Conclusions In our study, prevalence of childhood obesity was beyond than global prevalence. Parents' attitudes, and family conventions significantly influenced the success of a child's lifestyle change hence it is high priority to increase the knowledge of the parents. Funding The research is supported by the EFOP-3.6.1-16-2016-00008. Key messages Childhood obesity is a complex problem, simultaneous, positive modification of the family, community, and social environment is indispensable for effective intervention. Parents’ lifestyle influences the children’s dietary habits, therefore parent’s health education is important in the prevention of childhood obesity.

scholarly journals Diet patterns of Moscow residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Yurgita R. Varaeva ◽  
Luiza Pavlic ◽  
Aramais A. Khachatrian ◽  
Elena V. Kirasirova ◽  
Elena N. Livantsova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Dairy Products ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Whole Grains ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Diet Patterns ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
Grain Products ◽  
Moscow Population

Background. Nutrition plays an important role in NCDs risk reduction, growth of the population life expectancy and quality of life. A number of factors influence the diet, including the region of living. Purpose. To analyze the diet patterns of Moscow residents. Materials and Methods. Questioning of 111 Moscow residents: 89 women and 22 men, aged 18 to 80 years with a median BMI of 26.9 kg/m2. Results. 67.4 % of respondents were committed to healthy, optimal nutrition. Full breakfast was noted by 63 %. Analyzing product groups: bread was included in the diet by 87 % of the responders; pastries and sweet products – 72 %; whole grains – 17 %; dairy products – 26 %; fruits and vegetables – 63−67 %; fish – 49 %; meat – 33 %; alcohol – 50 %. Conclusion. The study showed that a third of the Moscow population has an inappropriate diet. Insufficient consumption of fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cereals and whole-grain products is noted. That type of diet is associated with a risk of non-communicable diseases. In addition, a low commitment to regular physical activity is also established.

scholarly journals Influence of potassium on the quality of grains and seeds of flooded rice

Acta Iguazu ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 37-42
Author(s):  
Mara Grohs ◽  
Rodrigo De Moura Silveira ◽  
Fernando Fumagalli Miranda ◽  
Roberto Carlos Doring Wolter ◽  
Alex Alan Bredow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Whole Grains ◽  
Seed Vigor ◽  
Reproductive Stage ◽  
Whole Grain ◽  
Physical Quality ◽  
Flooded Rice ◽  
Rice Grains ◽  
Physiological Quality ◽  
Potassium Application

Potassium can influence the productivity and the physical and physiological qualities of grains and seeds of flooded rice, although its influence is not clear yet. Based on the necessity of more information, this work presents the evaluation of different stages of potassium application on rice grains productivity, physical quality (whole grain and chalk kernel) and seed physiological quality (vigor and germination). The results show that the potassium fertilization has an influence on the physical quality of rice grains. When performed near to the reproductive stage, it can increase the percentage of whole grains and decrease the chalk kernel index. For producing seeds, all fertilization should be done up to the V3 stage in order to increase the seed vigor.

scholarly journals Recovery Education for Adults Transitioning From Homelessness: A Longitudinal Outcome Evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Durbin ◽  
Rosane Nisenbaum ◽  
Ri Wang ◽  
Stephen W. Hwang ◽  
Nicole Kozloff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Program Enrollment ◽  
Mental Health Challenges ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Recovery Education

Objective: Grounded in principles of adult education, Recovery Education Centres (RECs) hold promise in promoting recovery for adults with mental health challenges, but research on recovery outcomes for hard-to-reach populations participating in RECs is scant. This quasi-experimental study compares 12-month recovery outcomes of adults with histories of homelessness and mental health challenges enrolled in a REC, to those of participants of other community services for this population.Methods: This pre-post quasi-experimental study compared participants enrolled in a REC for people with histories of homelessness and mental health challenges (n = 92) to an age-and-gender frequency matched control group participating in usual services (n = 92) for this population in Toronto, Ontario. Changes from program enrollment to 12 months in personal empowerment (primary outcome), disease specific quality of life, recovery, health status, health related quality of life, and mastery were assessed. Post-hoc analyses compared subgroups with 1–13 h (n = 37) and 14+ h (n = 37) of REC participation during the study period to the control group. Linear mixed models estimated mean changes and differences in mean changes and 95% confidence intervals.Results: Mean change in perceived empowerment from program enrollment to 12 months in the intervention group [0.10 (95% CI: 0.04, 0.15)] was not significantly different from the control group [0.05 (−0.01, 0.11)], mean difference, 0.05 [(−0.03, 0.13), P = 0.25]. In the post-hoc analysis, the mean change in perceived empowerment for the intervention subgroup with 14+ h of REC participation [0.18 (0.10, 0.26)] was significantly different than in the control group [0.05 (−0.01, 0.11)] mean difference, 0.13 [(0.03, 0.23), P &lt; 0.01]. Mean change in mastery was also significantly different for the intervention subgroup with 14+ h of REC participation [2.03 (1.04, 3.02)] vs. controls [0.60 (−0.15, 1.35)], mean difference, 1.43 [(0.19, 2.66), P = 0.02]. There were no significant differences in other outcomes.Conclusion: With sufficient hours of participation, recovery education may be a helpful adjunct to health and social services for adults with mental health challenges transitioning from homelessness.

Proportion of Obesity and Presence of Risk Factors in Obese Children in Primary Schools in Rajshahi City

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Fardoushi Begum ◽  
Abu Sayed ◽  
Laila Shamima Sharmin ◽  
Nigar Sultana ◽  
Md Belal Uddin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
National Level ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Anthropometric Measurement ◽  
P Value ◽  
Dietary Habit ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Rajshahi City

Background: The highest prevalence rates of childhood obesity have been observed in developed countries, however, its prevalence is increasing in developing countries as well. Early detection of obesity and identification of risk factors are the key to successful prevention of obesity. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the proportion of obesity and presence of risk factors in obese children in primary schools of Rajshahi city. Methodology: This cross sectional study included total 225 children chosen from different primary schools of Rajshahi city during the school year 2016-2017. Data collection tool used for the study was an interview schedule and this predesigned questionnaire. The main outcome measures were obesity and risk factors prevalent in the obese school children. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 and ‘Chi square’ test was applied for the test of significance. Result: Among the total 225 respondent, 121 (53.8%) were male, while 104 (46.2%) were females, with a mean age of 7.9 ±1.1 years. The mean and standard deviation of anthropometric measurement were weight 22.7±5.3 kg, height 120±8.1 cm and BMI 15.5±2.1 kg/m. Out of 225 participants, 2.7% (total 6) were overweight, 5.3% (total 12 students) were obese, 83.6% (total 188 students) were normal weight and 8.4% (total 19 students) were underweight. The rate of obesity was highest at the age of 8-9 years (10.7%) and overweight were highest at the age of 9-10 years (5.5%). Playing, biking regularly was strongly associated with fewer incidence of overweight and obesity (p value -.001). Faulty dietary habit, having more fast food, chocolate, sugary juice lead to a higher BMI and more fresh fruit and vegetables had lower BMI (p value .001). Conclusion: This study shows that childhood obesity is on rise in our country. Addressing the problem at its earliest could be achieved through identifying high risk groups and planning early intervention. Effective interventions and preventive strategies should be instituted at local and national level to reduce the incidence and comorbidities associated with obesity. TAJ 2020; 33(2): 39-45

scholarly journals The Association Between Antioxidant Status and Excess Weight in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-196
Author(s):  
Bahareh Vard ◽  
◽  
Maryam Mahdieh ◽  
Roya Riahi ◽  
Motahar Heidari-Beni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Vitamin E ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Obese Children ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: The prevalence of childhood obesity with its complications has increased in the world. Obesity, along with antioxidants deficiency (due to an unhealthy diet), might change the balance in favor of oxidative stress. Objectives: The current study aims to assess the literature on the relationship between obesity and antioxidant status through a systematic review and meta-analysis Results: β-Carotene levels was significantly lower in obese children than non-obese ones (mean difference: 0.13, 95%CI: 0.09-0.16, P<0.001), with significant heterogeneity (P<0.001, I2=85%). There was a significant difference between obese and non-obese children in both α-tocopherol (pooled mean difference respectively: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.04-0.96, P<0.001 ) with non-significant heterogeneity (P>0.05, I2=0.0% ) and α-tocopherol per lipoid (pooled mean difference: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.28-0.55, P<0.001), with significant heterogeneity (P=0.048, I2=58.8%). There was no significant association between vitamin E level and obesity (pooled mean difference: 0.40, 95%CI: -0.05-0.85, P>0.05), with significant heterogeneity (P<0.001, I2=84.5%). There was significant association between zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium level and obesity (P>0.05), with significant heterogeneity (P<0.001). Conclusions: This review revealed a significant inverse relationship between childhood obesity and serum antioxidant levels. More studies are necessary to find the underlying mechanisms and clinical impacts of this finding. Data Sources: This systematic review and meta-analysis were performed among English language articles published until September 2020 without any time limit. An electronic search was conducted in international databases of Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, and Cochrane. Study Selection: First, 1255 papers were found. After removing duplicates and quality assessment, 46 were used in the systemic review, and 19 articles were entered into the meta-analysis. Data Extraction: Two researchers independently searched the following keywords in the databases: “Vitamin C”, “Vitamin E”, “Vitamin A”, “Carotenoids”, “Antioxidants”, “Selenium”, “Magnesium”, “Copper”, “Zinc”, “Ascorbic acid”, “Tocopherol”, “Obesity”, “Overweight”, “Childhood”, “Pediatric”, and “Adolescence”. Articles that examined the association between obesity and antioxidant status were included in the study. The research on animals, interventional studies, case studies, case reports, and irrelevant studies were excluded. The research team determined the quality of studies using the STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) checklist. Heterogeneity of studies was evaluated using index (I2) and probability of diffusion bias by funnel plot and Begg’s and Egger’s tests.

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