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Eating Habits and Health

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 15981

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

A Topical Collection on eating habits and health is being organized in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. For detailed information on the journal, I refer you to https://0-www-mdpi-com.brum.beds.ac.uk/journal/ijerph.

Eating habits are related to why and how people eat, which foods they eat, and with whom they eat, as well as the ways people obtain, store, use, and discard food. Individual, social, cultural, religious, economic, environmental, and political factors all influence people’s eating habits. It seems clear that the quantity and quality of the consumed food can also affect people’s health. In this way, it is easy to believe that health, and disease prevention and/or treatment may also influence an individual’s eating habits. However, can the other way be possible? Do eating habits influence health and disease? 

This Special Issue aims to present a broad updated view of different eating habits, dietary patterns, and dietary behaviors throughout the lifespan and in different populations. Contributions from all over the globe are encouraged, in order to provide an image of the different diets countries have in place to deal with health prevention and disease treatment.

Researchers are invited to submit original research articles, using any study design, including case studies, implementation/interventional studies, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, as well as reviews and meta-analyses.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Cíntia Ferreira-Pêgo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • eating habits
  • nutrition
  • dietary habits
  • diet
  • health
  • disease
  • public health
  • epidemiology
  • dietary behavior
  • dietary patterns

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 711 KiB  
Article
Validation of the English Version of the General Dietary Behavior Inventory (GDBI-E)
by Matthias Marsall, Gerrit Engelmann, Eva-Maria Skoda, Nanette Stroebele-Benschop, Martin Teufel and Alexander Bäuerle
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2883; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052883 - 01 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1777
Abstract
In medical science and practice, dietary behavior is mostly assessed by item-extensive questionnaires (e.g., food-frequency-questionnaires) or by questionnaires focusing on psychological aspects of dietary behavior neglecting dietary quality or quantity. In consequence, these questionnaires do not capture the full bandwidth of dietary behavior [...] Read more.
In medical science and practice, dietary behavior is mostly assessed by item-extensive questionnaires (e.g., food-frequency-questionnaires) or by questionnaires focusing on psychological aspects of dietary behavior neglecting dietary quality or quantity. In consequence, these questionnaires do not capture the full bandwidth of dietary behavior or are less effective in the assessment of dietary behavior because of the large item pools. Therefore, the aim of this validation study was to translate the existing General Dietary Behavior Inventory (GDBI), which was constructed as a behavior-related, as well as effective, instrument, and verifying its construct and criterion validity. This inventory is based on the general nutrition recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO). Our English-speaking convenience sample consisted of 263 participants. The study results confirmed convergent, as well as criterion validity of the English version of the GDBI (GDBI-E). Discriminant validity of the GDBI-E could mainly be verified. Different dietary behavior clusters were identified in a cluster analysis. The found clusters represented a rather healthy and a rather unhealthy dietary behavior in the sample according to the recommendations of the WHO. The results underpinned the validity of the GDBI-E. The GDBI-E is applicable in research and clinical practice to assess dietary behavior in the English-speaking population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
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16 pages, 965 KiB  
Article
Does Fish Farming Improve Household Nutritional Status? Evidence from Bangladesh
by Romaza Khanum, Petra Schneider, Muhammad Salim Al Mahadi, Mohammad Mojibul Hoque Mozumder and Md. Mostafa Shamsuzzaman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 967; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19020967 - 15 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2619
Abstract
In the present study, nutritional status was assessed using dietary diversity of fish and non-fish farming households in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. It has determined the incidence of poverty in fish and non-fish farm households through a comparative analysis of family profile, food [...] Read more.
In the present study, nutritional status was assessed using dietary diversity of fish and non-fish farming households in Mymensingh district of Bangladesh. It has determined the incidence of poverty in fish and non-fish farm households through a comparative analysis of family profile, food consumption, calories, and protein intake. A total of 420 farms were selected for data collection using structured questionnaires with 210 fish and 210 non-fish farm families. The study using both descriptive and functional analysis revealed that the respondent age of both farms was 45.10 years, family size was 5.70, average education was 4.64 schooling years, and average farm size was 0.514 hectares. As a result, due to the increase in household income, fish farm families improved their food consumption, calories, and protein intake in comparison with non-fish farms. On a direct calorie intake (DCI) basis, the overall absolute and hardcore poverty levels of fish farm households were 32 percent and 18 percent, respectively, while those of non-fish farm households were 22 percent and 10 percent, respectively. Therefore, the incidence of poverty was higher in non-fish farming families than in fish farming families. In principle, provision of various forms of government assistance through the Department of Fisheries (DOF) will further intensify and strengthen fish farming, which will easily bring fallow and uncultivated lands of the area under fish farming. Moreover, it is possible to inspire the younger generation through this research that will help them to become a fish farm-based entrepreneur. The main conclusion of the present study is that fish farming is more positively related to household income, family food intake, and nutritional status than any other type of farming. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
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18 pages, 1403 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Online and Offline Information-Seeking Behaviors for Healthy Nutrition
by András Fehér, Miklós Véha, Henrietta Mónika Boros, Bence Kovács, Enikő Kontor and Zoltán Szakály
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10241; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph181910241 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2318
Abstract
In addition to preserving their health, young people can also play a role in providing information to wider society. Nutrition habits that have developed over the years at college have an impact on the foundation of a lifelong lifestyle. Our aim was to [...] Read more.
In addition to preserving their health, young people can also play a role in providing information to wider society. Nutrition habits that have developed over the years at college have an impact on the foundation of a lifelong lifestyle. Our aim was to identify university students’ online and offline information-seeking attitudes related to healthy nutrition and create a new theoretical concept. Participants were university students (n = 612), and the self-administered, paper-based questionnaires were sent out to nine Hungarian universities. Both descriptive and multivariate statistical procedures were used in the analysis. Online and offline information sources were categorized. In relation to university students’ information-seeking competence, the component of electronic health literacy was determined. In analyzing attitudes, the components of acceptance of, incentive for, and rejection of or ambivalence towards healthy nutrition were identified. The information-seeking categories related to the stages of university students’ conscious transition to healthy nutrition were also identified. University students’ competences related to electronic health literacy are essentially favorable. This target group accepts healthy nutrition and tries to recommend it to others, too. However, a rejecting or ambivalent attitude could also be identified. Online and offline sources of information accompany university students’ transition of the relevant stages of changes. The theoretical concept that we developed can contribute to bridging gaps in the interrelatedness of diverse information sources and healthy nutrition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
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13 pages, 378 KiB  
Article
Current Knowledge and Behavior towards Salt Reduction among Hong Kong Citizens: A CrossSectional Survey
by Jasmine Cheung, Deborah Neyle and Peggy Pik Kei Chow
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9572; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189572 - 11 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
Excessive dietary salt intake is prevalent in the Hong Kong community. Over the last decade, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting community participation to reduce salt intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge [...] Read more.
Excessive dietary salt intake is prevalent in the Hong Kong community. Over the last decade, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting community participation to reduce salt intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the current knowledge levels and behaviors relating to dietary salt intake among Hong Kong adults. This cross-sectional survey involved 426 adults in Hong Kong. The findings of this study identified areas of knowledge deficit in the recommended upper limit of daily salt intake for an adult set by World Health Organization (n = 295, 69.2%) indicated a lack of awareness that the overconsumption of salt could cause coronary heart disease (n = 233, 54.7%). Disengagement with salt reduction behavior, such as rarely/never checking the sodium or salt content listed on the food label (n = 252, 59.2%) and rarely/never purchasing food labelled with low salt or no salt content (n = 292, 68.9%), was reported. Excessive salt intake in dietary habits remains an under-recognized non-communicable disease threat by Hong Kong citizens, indicating ineffective responsive risk communication. There is a need to refine existing salt reduction initiatives to aid in making appropriate decisions regarding dietary salt intake among Hong Kong citizens. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
12 pages, 372 KiB  
Article
Association of Healthy Diet with Recovery Time from COVID-19: Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
by Faisal F. Alamri, Aslam Khan, Abdulaziz O. Alshehri, Ahmed Assiri, Shahd I. Khan, Leen A. Aldwihi, Munirah A. Alkathiri, Omar A. Almohammed, Ahmad M. Salamatullah, Amer S. Alali, Waleed Badoghaish, Abdulmajeed A. Alshamrani, Yazed AlRuthia and Faleh Alqahtani
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(16), 8248; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18168248 - 04 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3094
Abstract
The world is still in need of an effective therapy to treat coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia to investigate the influence of a healthy diet on the recovery time from COVID-19. A questionnaire was [...] Read more.
The world is still in need of an effective therapy to treat coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study was conducted on COVID-19 survivors in Saudi Arabia to investigate the influence of a healthy diet on the recovery time from COVID-19. A questionnaire was developed to assess participants’ dietary habits, based on the 2015 Dutch food-based dietary guidelines. A total of 738 COVID-19 survivors participated in the study, of whom 237 (32.1%) were hospitalized for COVID-19 treatment while 501 (76.9%) were not hospitalized, and 320 (43.4%) were females and 418 (56.6%) were males. Overall, no significant difference was noted in healthy diet score between males and females; however, this score was significantly lower for Saudis compared to non-Saudis. Among the non-hospitalized patients, eating a more healthy diet was associated with a shorter duration of recovery (p < 0.05) and was significantly affected by gender (15.8 ± 9.3 male vs. 12.1 ± 8.9 female; p < 0.001) and marital status (12.1 ± 8.4 singles vs. 13.7 ± 9.3 married vs. 16.1 ± 11.8 divorced; p < 0.05). In contrast, no significant correlation was found with age or BMI. In this study, a more healthy diet was associated with a shorter duration of recovery from COVID-19. However, further studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the relationship between diet and recovery time from COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
14 pages, 388 KiB  
Article
Online Test of Risk Self-Detection of Eating Disorders
by Gilda Gómez-Peresmitré, Romana Silvia Platas-Acevedo and Gisela Pineda-García
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4103; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18084103 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
This study’s central aim was to examine the effectiveness of an online test of the Risk Self-Detection of Eating Disorders through the evaluation of (1) its psychometric properties, the significant probability of predicting risk eating behavior and the correct classification of membership to [...] Read more.
This study’s central aim was to examine the effectiveness of an online test of the Risk Self-Detection of Eating Disorders through the evaluation of (1) its psychometric properties, the significant probability of predicting risk eating behavior and the correct classification of membership to the risk or non-risk group and (2) the ability to measure users’ risk self-awareness through a group of statements and explore the expected responses through frequency analysis of the content provided by the users. The non-probability sample was comprised of n = 541 women aged 15 to 25 (M = 18.3; SD = 2.4). The instrument showed good psychometric properties, a structure of three predictive risk factors, and proper effect sizes (R2 = 0.67–0.69). Among the most critical findings were high percentages of correct classification (94–97%) and expected responses (61%). The logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of presenting eating disorders was higher if the participants smoked, consumed alcohol, had sexual experiences before the age of 15, and if those sexual experiences were non-consensual. Evidence is presented about the promising results of the online data collection method and its potential benefits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eating Habits and Health)
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