Food and nutrition knowledge in Chilean high school graduates

The purpose of this study was to determine the degree of knowledge on food and nutrition in students graduating from high school in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago. The sample included 272 students of both sexes and type of school (public and private) and from high, medium and low socioeconomic level (SEL), measured through the Graffar Modified Scale. The degree of knowledge on food and nutrition was measured through a test of 48 items based on curriculum program objectives. The test covered three areas: Area 1, Food and Requirements; Area 2, Food, Personal and Environmental Hygiene, and Area 3, Nutritional Physiology. Students showed a good achievement of the food and nutrition objectives that are considered essential for obtaining and adequate nutrition and health status. Students from high SEL registered a significantly higher degree of knowledge on food and nutrition than students from other strata (p less than 0.001). However, sex and type of school had no effect on the degree of food and nutrition knowledge. This study is a contribution to the better understanding of factors affecting the food and nutrition knowledge, and provides good foundations for further studies.     

Food intake of students graduating from basic education in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

This study pursued to evaluate the adequacy of the dietary intake of students graduating from Basic Education in the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. A random sample of 258 students from public and non-public schools (1:1), of both sexes (1:1) and from high, medium and low socioeconomic level (SEL) (1:1:1), was selected. Standard procedures for 24-hr dietary recall individual interviews were used to collect data. The students' dietary intake was then compared with the FAO/WHO 1973 Recommended Dietary Allowances. Results revealed that 53.5% and 62.0% of the sample registered a deficient and excessive intake for energy and protein, respectively. Protein contributed 13.2% of the dietary energy, fat, 27.1%, and carbohydrates, 59.8%. Animal and vegetable protein intake was found in the proportion of 1:1. As findings indicated, the dietary intake of students differed significantly according to SEL. Deficiencies in energy, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and calcium intake were observed, in both sexes, besides iron deficiency in the female group. It is considered that results could be useful for food and nutrition planning in school feeding programs.     

Anthropometric characteristics of school children graduated from basic and secondary education in the Metropolitan area of Santiago de Chile

An anthropometric assessment of the nutritional status and growth of students graduating from Basic (8th grade) and Secondary (4th grade) Education was carried out. A group sample of 522 students from the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile, was randomly selected. The same number of students by sex, dependency (public and private schools) from high, medium and low socioeconomic levels (SEL) was chosen. SEL was measured through the Graffar Modified Scale, and the percentage of weight for age (% W/A), height/age (% H/A) and weight/height (% W/H) were evaluated in accordance with the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference pattern. The % adequacy of head circumference/age (% HC/A) was determined by the Tanner Tables, and the % of upper to lower segment ratio (% US/LS), by the Tables of Muzzo et al. Results revealed that the % of W/A and of H/A were diminished in students of both sexes, while the % of UP/LS, was increased in males of low SEL, from Basic Education; this impact is lost in males graduating from Secondary Education and persists only in the LSE females. No differences in the nutritional status (% W/H) of students according to SEL, were found. Females registered values over 110% of the WHO standard, a finding suggesting a high prevalence of overweight and obesity. We conclude that there is a growth retardation in students graduating from 8th Basic Grade, which persists only in females from 4th grade of Secondary Education. This finding indicates that, in addition to possible environmental factors, other factors, probably of genetic order, also influence the latter. Overweight and obesity, therefore, constitute an important problem that merits measures of preventive nature directed to avoid future consequences.     

Socioeconomic level and nutritional status: a study in schoolchildren

Obesity increased in recent years at different rates among socioeconomic levels (SEL). The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between SEL and nutritional status in schoolchildren attending elementary schools in the six counties that show the highest prevalence of obesity in Santiago, Chile. Within the counties schools were stratified according to obesity and children were randomly selected from each school. Anthropometric assessment was performed in children whilst a socio-demographic survey and a 24 hour recall of food intake were applied to their mothers. We classified the sample according to SEL in two categories (higher and a lower vulnerability). The prevalence of excess weight was 51.1% (24.7% overweight and 26,4% obese) without significant differences among SEL. The most vulnerable group had lower values of body mass index, skinfold thickness, arm circumference and food intake however, these differences were not statistically significant. At the same time, these children were physically more active, showing higher use of community places to play [OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.05-3.48] and walked larger distances from houses to schools OR 6.6; CI 2.5-16.7). Thus, albeit non significant association was detected between SEL and anthropometric indicators nor with food intake, the highest vulnerable group showed a tendency to have lower values and more physical activity.     

Food habits of high school graduates in the metropolitan area of Santiago, Chile

The purpose of this study was to determine the food habits of Chilean high-school graduates, and measure the effect that socioeconomic level (SEL), type of school (public and private school), sex and age exerts on those habits. A random and stratified sample of 283 schoolers, according to type of school, sex and SEL, measured through the Graffar Modified Scale was selected for the study. Food habits were defined by the frequency of consumption of food, expressed as days per week and were compared with the Model Allowance established by the Ministry of Health of Chile. A food habits questionnaire was administered to students by duly trained interviewers, and were defined by the frequency of consumption of food groups. Data were analyzed by the chi-square procedure, analysis of variance and Student's "t" test. In accordance with the results, the most consumed foods (over 90% of students) were meat, poultry, eggs, potatoes, apples, bread, rice, oil and butter or margarine. On the other hand, the most disliked foods (40% and more of students) were fresh cheese, viscera, radish and chickpeas. The high SEL students showed a significantly greater frequency of consumption of dairy products, and of meat products and eggs (p less than 0.001). No differences were found according to type of school, sex and age of students. We conclude, therefore, that SEL exerts a significant effect on food habits, in spite of which they were adequate according to the Model Allowance.     

Evaluation of a teaching program of nutrition in agronomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a set of teaching materials on food, nutrition and agriculture, adapted at the Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INTA), University of Chile, within the scope of a project with AID and the School of Agronomy of the Chilean Catholic University (U. C.) aimed at incorporating the teaching of human nutrition into the curriculum of Latin American agronomists. A one semester course (54 hours) was given to 22 students of the 7th semester of Agronomy and two Ecuatorian agronomists (with AID scholarships). A set of knowledge evaluation instruments was applied at the beginning and at the end of the course. A total of 83.3% of the students passed the final examination (with more than 75% of correct answers). The difference between the initial and final performance was highly significant (p less than 0.001). According to the students' and teachers' opinions, the general textbook and the teachers book contributed effectively to meet the learning objectives whereas the students handbook needed some modifications. In conclusion, the program is an important contribution to the education of agronomists in a new conception of their role in regard to improvement of the nutritional status and quality of life of the rural population. With a few minor modifications, a final version to be used in the countries of the Region, shall soon become available.     

Dietary patterns and its relation with overweight and obesity in Chilean girls of medium-high socioeconomic level

The aim of the present study was to identify dietary patterns in girls and to assess their association with obesity or overweight. A school-based sample of 108 girls between 8 and 11 years of medium-high socioeconomic level was selected in Santiago, Chile. The body mass index was calculated and a quantified food frequency and physical activity questionnaires (validated in the FAO/MINEDUC/INTA Project Nutritional Education in primary schools) were applied. Four distinct dietary factors or patterns were obtained explaining 54% of the total variation using factorial analysis. The first factor was characterized by an energy-dense diet (high consumption of fat foods, ice creams, chocolates, French fries, snacks). The second factor represented a healthy diet (dairy products, fruits and salads). The third factor represented intake of soft drinks (either with or without sugar). The fourth factor represented a diet rich in calories and sugars (bread, sausages, sweets). The association between the four dietary factors and overweight/obesity was assessed through logistic regression models. The first factor, energy-dense foods, was the only one significantly associated with the presence of obesity (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.12 - 3.09). The results of this research about dietary patterns are consistent with studies carried out in other countries.     

Food and macronutrient intake of elite Ethiopian distance runners

Background

Individuals who have knowledge on the importance of adequate and balanced diet and reflect this knowledge to their behaviors are considered to be more successful in sports life. The present study aims to evaluate the nutrition knowledge of students receiving sports education in universities.

Methods

The study sample consists of 343 voluntary students from the Sports Departments of Hacettepe, Gazi and Ankara Universities in Ankara. The questionnaire used in the study included a demographic section, and 30 questions on true-false nutrition knowledge. For the reliability of the questionnaire, the internal consistency coefficient was calculated and the Kuder Richardson (KR-20) value was found to be 0.71. For higher reliability, 9 dysfunctional questions were excluded from the questionnaire. The research data were collected through a questionnaire form and face-to-face interviews. For the statistical analyses of the data, tables were prepared to show mean, standard deviation ( ) and percentage (%) values. In order to determine the nutrition knowledge of students, the "independent t test" was used for nutrition lesson and gender.

Results

University students receiving sports education and expected to continue their professional lives on sport-related fields were determined to have the lack of knowledge on nutrition. The mean value about the nutrition knowledge of the first year students was found 11.150 ± 2.962, while the mean value of the fourth year students was 13.460 ± 3.703, and the difference is statistically significant (p = .000).

Conclusion

Students, coaches and teachers in physical education were found not to give the necessary importance to their diets, and they were still not aware of the importance of nutrition on performance.     

Food satisfaction in Mapuche persons in the Metropolitan Region of Santiago, Chile

Although the study and measurement of satisfaction with life has generated great interest in the last 15 years, there are few works which address satisfaction with food-related life. In order to identify variables which have an influence on satisfaction with food-related life among Mapuche persons, a survey was applied to 400 Mapuche subjects in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, Chile. The scales evaluated in the questionnaire included: SWFL (Satisfaction with Food-related Life), lifestyles, food, and Mapuche acculturation. It was found that 41.0% were extremely satisfied, 40.5% satisfied, 17.2% somewhat satisfied and 1.2% dissatisfied with their food-related life. To identify variables which have an influence on satisfaction with food, an ordinal multinomial logit model was proposed, which was significant (p < 0.01) as a whole. The probability of high satisfaction with food-related life increases as there are fewer children in the household, the person's expenditure on food increases, the person consumes some Mapuche foods, is aged 55 or more, consumes red meat in moderation, consumes foods without additives, try to balance work and private life, does not read the labels of products, and if he/she had Mapuche friends at school. Thus satisfaction with food-related life in Mapuche persons in the Metropolitan Region is related to demographic variables, expenditure on food, consumption of Mapuche foods and life-style.     

Measurements of the urban low socioeconomic level in families with malnourished infants

Two measurements of low socioeconomic level (LSL) were compared in a group of families of low socioeconomic strata from the Metropolitan Area of Santiago, Chile. The purpose was to search for an instrument capable of discriminating the more deprived sectors. The sample included 85 families with infant, the experimental group consisted of 42 families with severely malnourished infant, and the control group was formed by 43 families with healthy infant. The modified Graffar Scale and a Specific Index to measure LSL were applied throughout a survey carried out in the mothers. The study also comprised health and sociocultural aspects. Results indicated that the modified Graffar Scale does not discriminate at the level of an apparently homogeneous group. In contrast, the Specific Index does detect significant differences between both groups, as well as correlations between the health and sociocultural variables. The Specific Index is therefore a helpful and easy to use instrument when applied to urban groups of low socioeconomic level.     

高职《基础化学》课程教学初探

基础化学是高职化工类专业学生的一门基础课,其内容庞杂且偏重于理论,要求教师在理论教学过程中合理选择、组织教学内容,优化教学方法,从而提高教学效率与学生的学习效率。对理论知识欠缺的学生来讲,基础化学的实践教学更有意义,从实验教学内容的选择、实验考核评价方式的改进等方面对高职基础化学实践教学提出了改革的建议。     

公共选修课程《现代食品营养与安全》的教学改革与探讨

在工科院校开设《现代食品营养与安全》公共选修课程,是为了优化在校大学生的知识结构,培养大学生的综合素质。在教学中应精选教学内容,教师要不断学习,及时补充学科发展前沿知识;采用多媒体的教学手段和灵活的考查方式;针对一些现代食品营养与安全的热点和误区进行课堂讨论,丰富学生知识面。     

提高基础化学课程学习趣味性的探讨

大学基础化学是一门非化学化工专业学生的重要基础课程,非化学化工专业学生化学基础较弱,学习起来比较困难。兴趣是最好的老师。笔者从化学实验、联系实际问题、多媒体技术、化学历史和典故及化学前沿问题等五个方面探讨提高学习大学基础化学的趣味性。教师应该通过各种手段提高大学基础化学的趣味性,使知识的传授富有趣味、生动形象,从而激发学生学习基础化学的兴趣,使学生在快乐的学习过程中逐渐掌握复杂的公式、抽象的概念以及复杂的方法。     

Recommended values of energy density in soup or gruel-like foods, for feeding of preschool children]

The low energy density of the diets has been proposed by several authors as an essential factor which conditions the inadequate energy intake of preschool children of developing countries. However, there are few controlled studies in relation to the volumes which children are able to consume when energy density changes. The objective of this research was to establish recommended values of energy density for preparations with a soup or gruel consistency. The study was carried out in 100 preschool children from 3 to 4 years old who attended a Day Care Center in Santiago, Chile. Six formulas of a mixture of extruded pea-rice with different energy densities and viscosities: 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6 kcal/g and 3,000 and 9,000 cp. were studied. These experimental conditions were obtained modifying the product concentration and adding malt flour. Food consumption was determined at lunch time. Energy adequacy was calculated using the 1985 FAO-OMS-UNU requirements. Children increased significantly their energy intake when energy density of both types of consistency, soup or gruel, was higher. Energy adequacy ranged from 15% when preparations had an energy density of 0.8 kcal/g to 35%, when the preparations had an energy density of 1.6 kcal/g. The formulas which had 1.6 kcal/g fulfilled 100% of the energy requirements of preschool children for lunch time, and should be the recommended energy density for soup or gruels, when they are given as the only food. The energy density of 1.2 kcal/g needs a food complement which supplies 120 kcal, and lower values would be inadequate for preschool children feeding purposes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Nutrition education: a questionnaire for assessment and teaching

It is generally recognized that there is a need for improved teaching of nutrition in medical schools and for increased education of the general population. A questionnaire, derived in part from a study of physician knowledge, was administered to first year medical students in order to assess their knowledge of various aspects of nutrition and metabolism, and as a teaching tool to transmit information about the subject. The performance of first year students was consistent with a generally educated population but there were surprising deficits in some fundamental areas of nutrition. Results of the questionnaire are informative about student knowledge, and immediate reinforcement from a questionnaire may provide a useful teaching tool. In addition, some of the subject matter can serve as a springboard for discussion of critical issues in nutrition such as obesity and markers for cardiovascular disease. A major barrier to improved teaching of nutrition is the lack of agreement on some of these critical issues and there are apparent inconsistencies in recommendations of government and health agencies. It seems reasonable that improved teaching should address the lack of knowledge of nutrition, rather than knowledge of official guidelines. Student awareness of factual information should be the primary goal.     

独立学院基础化学实验开放教学浅谈

基础化学开放式教学摆脱学生被动学习的局面,激发学生学习的兴趣和积极性,使学生能系统、扎实地学好和掌握知识和专业技能。基础化学实验开放性管理模式从实验内容、实验过程、实验时间、考核方式等方面进行开放。针对独立学院基础化学实验开放教学存在的问题,可采取加强学生实验过程中的管理以及规范操作、对实验仪器和设备经常进行保养与维护、加强教师队伍的建设等措施,争取开放式教学的顺利进行。     

Extraction of tallow from meat meals: I. Assays in bench scale

A laboratory study on solvent extraction of tallow from meat meals is described for both a stirred batch system and a flooded percolation system. The stirred batch system data, interpreted by standard diffusion concepts, show that the extraction process proceeds through a somewhat complex mechanism, which involves at least two types of extractable fat. The results for the percolation system, which show the effect of different operating variables, indicate good yields are possible with a substantially low solvent requirement. Under Commission from Universidad Tecnica del Estado, Santiago, Chile     

Maternal anemia in Concepción province, Chile: association with maternal nutritional status and fetal growth

Previous studies in Santiago, Chile have established that anemia in the earliest stages of pregnancy is a public health issue. The situation in other parts of the country is unknown. The purpose of this study is to establish the prevalence of anemia in pregnant women in the province of Concepcion and evaluate its association with maternal nutricional status and fetal growth. The study included 1782 women with singleton pregnancies who began prenatal check-ups in 2004 at the public primary health care centers. Anemia was established using the following criteria: from WHO (Hb < 11 g / dl) and from the USA Center for Disease Control (CDC) (Hb < percentile 5 for each gestational week). Anemia prevalence was compared in relation to independent study variables: maternal age, parity, morbidity and smoking habit, and mother and child anthropometry. A multivariable logistic regression model studied the possible effect of anemia on fetal growth. The prevalence of anemia was 10.9% and 14.5% using the WHO and CDC criteria, respectively. The mother's nutritional status was significantly associated with anemia. However, anemia according to WHO and CDC criteria at the beginning of pregnancy was not significantly associated to fetal growth in the univariate and multivariate analyses. The prevalence of anemia in the province of Concepcion constitutes a public health problem that needs to be addressed and it is slightly higher to that recently observed in the county of Puente Alto, Santiago.