Intake of Plant Based Foods and Colorectal Cancer. A Case-Control Study in Romania

Colorectal cancer (CRC) represents the third most common type of cancer worldwide with high incidence rates in our country as well. Both dietary habits and lifestyle factors have a strong contribution in preventing colorectal cancer. A healthy dietary pattern based on adequate intake of fruit, non-starchy vegetables, and whole grains is associated with positive outcomes regarding CRC development. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the dietary intake of plant-based food and food groups, along with lifestyle habits of CRC patients. A case-control study was conducted during April 2015 – October 2017. Patients (n=151) recently diagnosed with CRC and undergoing conventional treatment were recruited from Medisprof Oncology Hospital. Controls (n=151) were selected randomly from generally healthy adults. Dietary and lifestyle data were collected during a face to face interview and the applied lifestyle questionnaire included 74 items. The results showed that intake of specific food groups with high content of bioactive components was significantly higher in the control group compared to the CRC group (p<0.05), even though overall vegetable intake was similar between groups (p=0.51). Results also showed significant lower intakes of fiber-rich foods such as whole grains, nuts and legumes in the CRC group

Breastfeeding Practices and Determinant Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of Children Aged 0–23 Months in Northwestern Romania

In terms of breastfeeding (BF) practices in Romania, there is a lack of up-to-date data. The aim of the present study was to assess current BF practices, and to investigate the factors associated with exclusive BF (EBF) under 6 months of age in northwestern Romania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 1399 mothers of children aged 0–23 months, recruited between March and June 2019, from the community. BF practices were evaluated based on the World Health Organization indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, whereas determinants of EBF were explored using logistic regression models. Almost all mothers (95.7%) breastfed their child at least once. The EBF rate was 46.7%, the continued BF rate at one year of age was 54.2%, and the continued BF rate at 2 years of age was 30.3%. The place of delivery and parental leave duration were strong determinants of EBF. The improving rates observed in this study for all the BF practices assessed suggest the continuation of efforts to develop effective national policies and programs for promoting, protecting, and supporting BF in Romania. Particular emphasis should be given to the creation in maternity hospitals of an environment that is supportive towards breastfeeding