Nutrition knowledge of university students and the impact of a game-based e-programme on students’ nutrition knowledge, diet quality and physical activity

Studying at university is a challenging period with many students demonstrating unfavourable changes in their eating habits, physical activity behaviour and body composition. Universities should encourage health-promoting behaviours in students. The primary aim of this research was to identify dietary and physical activity interventions among university students, estimate their effectiveness, explore the nutrition knowledge of students and the impact of an intervention (e-programme) on students’ nutrition knowledge, diet quality and physical activity. First, a systematic review of systematic reviews was undertaken to identify and synthesise reviews targeting weight-related outcomes in university students globally. Eight reviews were identified, including 122 studies. The synthesis of findings demonstrated three main types of interventions: environmental, face-to-face and e interventions. A moderate overall effect was found for environmental, face-to-face and e-interventions on dietary intake and a low effect for face-to-face and e-interventions on physical activity behaviour. Second, a cross-sectional study was undertaken among UK-based university students (n=249) to explore nutrition knowledge, factors predicting a good level of knowledge and the relationship between knowledge and diet quality (n=86). The study demonstrated that students had an inadequate knowledge on fats, salt and weight management methods. Studying a health-related course, being of White ethnic origin or perceiving health as very good to excellent, predicted a good level of knowledge. An increase in knowledge of healthy food choices and diet-disease relationships was positively associated with diet quality. And third, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) was undertaken to investigate the impact of an online programme using quiz-games (e-programme) on nutrition knowledge, diet quality and physical activity in UK-based university students (n=88). No significant differences on outcomes were found between the intervention and the control group at the end of the trial (10 weeks). The null findings remained when adherence to the e-programme was considered. Quizzes had a short-term effect on students’ knowledge. Finally, 11 students participated in a following evaluation study and reported that the e-programme was easy to follow and interesting but that it had minor impact on their knowledge. This research provides new knowledge that could be used in designing more successful interventions within universities to address nutritional misconceptions and promote healthy changes in dietary and physical activity behaviour in students

The use of online quiz-games to improve nutrition and physical activity outcomes in university students

Background: Adopting healthy weight-related behaviours in emerging adulthood has long-term health benefits. Digital interventions using game-elements have the potential to improve diet and physical activity outcomes. Universities are influential settings in shifting emerging adults’ behaviour and can deliver health-promoting interventions to young adults. Objectives: To investigate the effect of an online intervention using quiz-games on nutrition knowledge, diet quality, physical activity and sitting time in a sample of university students. Design: Randomised, single-blind, controlled trial. Setting: Two UK Universities including a total of 88 students from different faculties. Method: The intervention group (n = 50) had access to 10 quiz-games and a website for 10 weeks. The control group (n = 38) received no such resources. Main outcomes were nutrition knowledge, diet quality, physical activity and sitting time assessed by self-administered questionnaires. Frequency and performance of the quiz-games played, and the effect of time (days) on performance after playing a quiz-game for the second time, were also investigated. Results: No significant differences were found between groups over time in any of the outcomes. The outcomes remained non-significant when engagement rates with the quiz-games were considered. Among the 35 game-players (n = 15 did not play any game), 15 played at least one quiz-game. Frequency of playing a quiz-game by all students ranged from 43 to 17 times, and mean scores (% of correct answers) ranged from 55% to 82%. When repeating a quiz-game within 8 days, the performance (score) was improved while after that point, performance remained the same or decreased. Conclusion: Online game-based interventions can be easily implemented in university settings. However, further research is needed on their design to enhance engagement and identify key factors affecting students’ behaviour to increase their effectiveness

Gut Symptoms during FODMAP Restriction and Symptom Response to Food Challenges during FODMAP Reintroduction: A Real-World Evaluation in 21,462 Participants Using a Mobile Application

Background: There is limited evidence regarding the use of low FODMAP diet apps. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an app intended to reduce symptoms in FODMAP restriction and symptoms and tolerance of high FODMAP food challenges during FODMAP reintroduction and personalisation. Methods: Data were collected from 21,462 users of a low FODMAP diet app. Self-reported gut symptoms during FODMAP restriction, reintroduction, and personalisation and dietary triggers were identified from symptom response data for FODMAP food challenges. Results: Compared with baseline, at the end of FODMAP restriction, participants (n = 20,553) reported significantly less overall symptoms (11,689 (57%) versus 9105 (44%)), abdominal pain (8196 (40%) versus 6822 (33%)), bloating (11,265 (55%) versus 9146 (44%)), flatulence (10,318 (50%) 8272 (40%)), and diarrhoea (6284 (31%) versus 4961 (24%)) and significantly more constipation (5448 (27%) versus 5923 (29%)) (p n = 2053) completed 8760 food challenges; the five most frequent challenges and n/N (%) of dietary triggers identified were wheat bread 474/1146 (41%), onion 359/918 (39%), garlic 245/699 (35%), milk 274/687 (40%), and wheat pasta 222/548 (41%). The most frequently reported symptoms during food challenges were overall symptoms, abdominal pain, bloating, and flatulence. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, a low FODMAP diet app can help users improve gut symptoms and detect dietary triggers for long-term self-management

Red and processed meat intake associations with health and guidelines for adults in Greece

Belogianni, Katerina - ORCID 0000-0002-3634-7861 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3634-7861Item not available in this repository.Introduction High intake of red and processed meat has been associated with detrimental effects on health. The level of scientific evidence supporting these associations needs to be investigated in order to formulate dietary guidelines for the general adult population. Material-Method The association between consumption of red and processed meat and incidence of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cancer was investigated and the evidence was graded. Quantitative and qualitative guidelines were subsequently developed after considering several other factors. Results There is general agreement that the highest intake of processed meat compared to the lowest is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer. High intake of red meat compared to lower intake is associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (general agreement) and type 2 diabetes (majority of the evidence). The final recommendations were set to consume maximum one serving of red meat per week and to avoid processed meat. Conclusions The limitation of red meat consumption to one serving weekly and the avoidance of processed meat for adults living in Greece, is based on sound evidence, is consistent with the traditional Greek dietary pattern and should be encouraged by all health professionals.104pubpub