ADHERENCE TO MEDITERRANEAN DIET AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN NORTH LEBANON

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is a model of a healthy diet and healthy lifestyle. Adherence to the MD has been correlated with a reduction in many metabolic disorders including cancers. The factors associated with adolescents’ adherence to the MD in North Lebanon using the KIDMED index have never been explored. The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with the Mediterranean diet (MD) adherence among a sample of Lebanese adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the city of Tripoli, North Lebanon. A total of 298 students, aged 11-18 years, were randomly selected from public schools in the area. All participants completed a questionnaire on the Mediterranean diet (KIDMED index), physical activity (physical activity questionnaires for older children [PAQ-C] and adolescents [PAQ-A]), health-related quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27 index), and sociodemographic characteristics (age, gender, grade level, and parents’ educational status). The questionnaire was followed by anthropometric measurements. Adherence to the MD was good among only 13.4% of the adolescents. The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity was elevated reaching 36.9% of the students. Lower adherence to the MD was significantly correlated with skipping meals (P=0.004) and consuming fewer meals with the family (

HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG ADOLESCENTS ATTENDING PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN NORTH LEBANON

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) describes a person’s subjective evaluation of his health and well-being. The HRQoL and its associated factors have not been investigated among Lebanese adolescents. The aim of this study is to examine the association between socio-demographic characteristics, eating habits, physical activity, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and HRQoL among Lebanese adolescents. A total of 283 students (158 males, 125 females), between ages 11 to 18, were randomly chosen from private schools in the city of Tripoli, North Lebanon. Standard anthropometric measurements were taken. The participants completed questionnaires on Mediterranean diet (KIDMED), physical activity (physical activity questionnaires for older children [PAQ-C] and adolescents [PAQ-A]), and health-related quality of life (KIDSCREEN-27). Results of this study reveal that obese adolescents tend to express a poorer HRQoL. In Contrast, being physically active improves their HRQoL scores

Exploration of the Risk Factors of Generalized and Central Obesity among Adolescents in North Lebanon

Adolescents’ obesity is an emerging public health problem globally and in the Arab countries. Alarming rates of overweight/obesity have been rising progressively in Lebanon. However, the risk factors for the development of adolescents’ obesity have not yet been thoroughly explored in North Lebanon. To determine the dietary and lifestyle risk factors associated with generalized and central obesity among adolescents living in Tripoli, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including a representative sample of 311 students aged 11–16 years from both sexes chosen from public and private schools in Tripoli. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire to determine sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Body mass index (BMI) was evaluated using the Center for Disease Control BMI for age percentiles. Central obesity was assessed using both waist-to-height ratio and gender-specific waist circumference for age indices. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that skipping breakfast and physical inactivity were the most significant independent risk factors associated with both generalized and central obesity. In addition, higher screen time and male gender were associated with increased risk for generalized and central obesity, respectively. Intervention strategies to prevent the development of obesity should be implemented among adolescent students to encourage regular breakfast intake and adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle behaviors

Application of the Concept of the Knowledge Economy with the Tools of the German Economic Experience in Accordance with the Lebanese Economic Environment

Perhaps the most important thing about this study is that it is the first attempt in the Lebanese economic system to study the concept of the knowledge economy, how to apply it, and the possibility of its application in the local Lebanese economy, in addition to its application. The model of the German economic experience in light of the current economic situation and the challenges of rapid technological development.The study examines the application of the German economic experience model and knowledge economy in Lebanese economic environments, considering the opinions of institutions, companies, and economic actors.Research aims to develop a Lebanese economic model avoiding globalization’s external influences and preventing collapse.Study interviews 30 economists and administrators in Lebanon to explore the application of the German economic model and knowledge economy together.The results of the interviews were very positive, and the experts confirmed that there is a possibility to apply a large part of the factors on which the German economic experience relied, and most of these factors have been mentioned.Analysis reveals potential merger of German experience and knowledge economy techniques, with acceptance and encouragement. Priority is given to finding a new formula and proposing a detailed implementation business model

The Role of Ultrasound in the Lebanese Outreach Setting

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 669 patients to assess the role of introducing ultrasound into obstetrical outreach in Lebanon. Data were collected, and descriptive statistics were performed. Sonographic findings were compared using Chi-square tests between underserved Lebanese and Syrian refugee mothers. Ultrasound plays a significant role in properly dating pregnancies in addition to identifying at-risk fetuses and detecting placental abnormalities. Medical providers need to make sonographic evaluation in the Lebanese outreach obstetrical setting more available and more systematic in order to secure a safe outcome for underserved Lebanese and Syrian refugee mothers and offspring

The Role of Ultrasound in the Lebanese Outreach Setting

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 669 patients to assess the role of introducing ultrasound into obstetrical outreach in Lebanon. Data were collected, and descriptive statistics were performed. Sonographic findings were compared using Chi-square tests between underserved Lebanese and Syrian refugee mothers. Ultrasound plays a significant role in properly dating pregnancies in addition to identifying at-risk fetuses and detecting placental abnormalities. Medical providers need to make sonographic evaluation in the Lebanese outreach obstetrical setting more available and more systematic in order to secure a safe outcome for underserved Lebanese and Syrian refugee mothers and offspring

INTERLEUKIN-16 RS4778889 POLYMORPHISM AND ITS INTERACTION WITH INTERLEUKIN-10 RS1800896 POLYMORPHISM INCREASE THE RISK FOR KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS IN THE LEBANESE POPULATION

To investigate the effect Interleukin-16 (IL-16) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) polymorphisms, and their interaction, on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) risk in the Lebanese population. Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) genotyping assay was performed to determine IL-16 rs4778889, rs11556218, and rs4072111 and IL-10 rs1800896 polymorphisms in 118 patients diagnosed with KOA ( ≥ 2 points on Kellgren-Lawrence (K&L) radiological classification scale) and 70 controls matched for age and gender (K&L score ≤ 1). After adjusting for age, gender, presence of metabolic disorders, smoking and drinking status, our findings suggest that rs4778889 TT genotype increases the risk for KOA compared to the combined CC and TC genotypes (OR=2.131, 95% CI 1.037 – 4.379, p = 0.04) and that the T allele increases KOA risk compared to the C allele (OR=1.8, 95% CI 1.008 – 3.212, p = 0.047). No significant associations with the disease risk were found for the other studied polymorphisms (p \u3e 0.05). Our data suggest that there is an interaction between IL-16 rs4778889 and IL-10 rs1800896 (p = 0.010). IL-16 rs4778889 TT genotype increases the risk for KOA only among individuals carrying IL-10 rs1800896 GG or GA genotypes (OR=4.821, 95% CI 1.847 – 12.583). None of the IL-16 haplotypes was associated with KOA risk in our study population (p \u3e 0.05). Our findings suggest that IL-16 rs4778889 T allele is associated with KOA and that there is an interaction between this polymorphism and IL-10 rs1800896 with regard to KOA

The Dual Burden of Malnutrition and Associated Dietary and Lifestyle Habits among Lebanese School Age Children Living in Orphanages in North Lebanon

Childhood is a crucial period affecting physical and intellectual development. Although children living in orphanages are among the most vulnerable groups at risk of malnutrition, there is scarcity of data concerning their nutritional status in Lebanon. To investigate these data, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including a sample of 153 institutionalized children aged 5–14 years from all orphanages in Tripoli. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric, clinical, and dietary tools. Interpretation of anthropometric data showed that 13.8% were stunted while the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 9.2% according to the World Health Organization (WHO) reference criteria. Physical signs suggesting nutritional deficiencies were detected in about 25% of the sample. Dietary intake evaluation showed that about half of the participants had inadequate dietary intakes of proteins, fruits, and vegetables and 92% had inadequate milk and dairy intakes recommended for their age specific needs. Multivariate regression analysis revealed statistically significant positive association of age, skipping breakfast, and increased screen time with stunting while it showed statistically significant negative association of inadequate protein intake with overweight/obesity. The coexistence of under- and overnutrition among institutionalized children calls for implementation of comprehensive intervention strategies committed to reducing undernutrition while simultaneously preventing overnutrition through improving diet quality and physical activity of these children

Exploration of the Dietary and Lifestyle Behaviors and Weight Status and Their Self-Perceptions among Health Sciences University Students in North Lebanon

University students may experience significant environmental changes that exert a negative influence on the quality of their diet and lifestyle. There is scarcity of data concerning the dietary and lifestyle behaviors and weight status of students in the health field in North Lebanon. To investigate these data, a cross-sectional survey was conducted including 369 health sciences students aged 18–25 chosen from four public and private universities in North Lebanon. Data were collected using a standardized interview questionnaire to determine sociodemographic, dietary, and lifestyle behaviors, appetite changes, stress related dietary behaviors, and food cravings, as well as self-perceptions of dietary adequacy, physical activity levels, and weight status. Body mass index was assessed. Results had revealed significant differences in some of the dietary consumption patterns and weight status among seniors compared to juniors. However, the overall prevalence of overweight and obesity recorded 32.2% and the dietary consumption patterns fall below recommended levels. Multivariate regression analysis showed that parental obesity, comfort eating, increased appetite, food cravings, and stressful eating were associated with increased risk of obesity while a healthy diet score was associated with decreased risk. The study’s findings call for tailoring culture specific intervention programs which enable students to improve their dietary and lifestyle behaviors and control stress