ORCID Profile
0000-0001-8848-9725
Current Organisation
Deakin University
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Publisher: Emerald
Date: 26-08-2014
Abstract: – Food rescue is used in the emergency food sector internationally to reduce waste and improve food supplies to frontline providers and their clients. The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on why and how food rescue occurs in Australia. It also examines food rescue as a potential evolution within the emergency food setting. – A descriptive study of SecondBite, an Australian food rescue organisation, was conducted. Documents were reviewed, 14 weeks of participant observation occurred, and two focus group discussions were held. Framing analysis was used to design the research questions (why rescue food? and how?). The description of the organisation was then examined against critical literature to establish how food rescue conforms to and/or challenges the traditional limitations of emergency food. – Food rescue requires multiple resources within the emergency food space including surplus food, funding and labour. The frames used to justify this work provide an insight into the “problem” of food poverty in Australia and the “solution” of food rescue. The script for “people in need” requiring “fresh food” is well developed by SecondBite, with some tension around food waste reduction as a competing and yet complementary mission. – In light of the growing role of the not for profit sector in a “big society” political order, the rescuing of nutritious food for emergency parcels and meals, may provide some benefits for people already using emergency food. The opportunity for food rescue organisations to play a role in food poverty prevention requires further attention.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-08-2017
DOI: 10.3390/NU9080881
Abstract: Many nation states have endorsed and acted on the World Health Organization’s target of a 30% reduction in global salt consumption by 2025. In Australia, new government-led voluntary measures were initiated in 2009, consisting of public–private partnerships, front-of-pack labelling, and food reformulation targets (which include reduced salt). How Australia’s private sector has responded to this healthy eating agenda has been investigated in a limited way, particularly with regards to manufacturers which produce processed foods considered significant sources of sodium. In this study we asked: have Australia’s largest food manufacturers made “…positive (nutrition) changes to their product portfolios” as disclosed in their public policies, priorities, and communications? And, is salt reduction a priority for processed food manufacturers? A systematic search and critical content-analysis of grey literature published by food manufacturers was conducted. The results suggest half of the s le publically describe some salt reduction activities but the scale and efficacy of these changes is unclear from the available literature. The Australian Government’s Healthy Food Partnership could capitalise on current documented activities in salt reduction, and implement a more comprehensive healthy eating agenda moving forward. In light of the increasing rates of hypertension, population salt consumption and diet-related disease, more could be done.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 25-10-2022
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980021004432
Abstract: This scoping review sought to describe the policy actions that urban local governments globally have implemented to facilitate healthy and environmentally sustainable diet-related practices. Urban local government authorities. Five databases were searched to identify publications which cited policies being implemented by local governments within the 199 signatory cities of the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP) that targeted at least one healthy and sustainable diet-related practice. Grey literature was then searched to retrieve associated policy documentation. Data from both sources were charted against the MUFPP’s monitoring framework to analyse the policy actions included in each overarching policy. From 2624 screened peer-reviewed studies, 27 met inclusion criteria and cited 36 relevant policies amongst signatory cities to the MUFPP. Most were from high income countries ( n 29 81 %), considered health ( n 31 86 %), equity ( n 29 81 %) and the broader food system beyond dietary consumption ( n 34 94 %). Of the 66 policy actions described, the most common involved food procurement within public facilities ( n 16 44 %) and establishing guidelines for school-feeding programs ( n 12 33 %). This review has demonstrated that urban local government authorities are implementing policies that consider multiple phases of the food supply chain to facilitate population-wide uptake of healthy and sustainable diet-related practices. Opportunities exist for local governments to leverage the dual benefits to human and planetary health of policy actions, such as those which discourage the overconsumption of food including less meat consumption and the regulation of ultra-processed foods.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2022
Abstract: Food insecurity is a threat to children's development and in Australia 13.5% of households experience food insecurity. Universal school food programs, however, are not provided nationally. Teachers and not-for-profit organisations have instead mobilised to tackle hunger. The strategies used and their effects on students have limited empirical evidence. The aim of this study is to gain perspectives on the causes and consequences of children's food insecurity in schools and describe food security strategies adopted. One hundred schools in Victoria, which participate in a not-for-profit lunch program provided by Eat Up were invited to take part in the study. Fifteen staff (including school principals and welfare officers) from 15 schools were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Results: There was evidence that children experience adverse quantity, quality, social and psychological impacts of food insecurity whilst in school settings. Participants described employing multiple strategies including free meals (e.g. lunch, breakfast) and food (e.g. parcels) for food insecure students and their families. Conclusions and implications for public health: In our s le, multiple strategies were being employed by schools to reduce food insecurity, but there remains unmet need for additional wide-scale initiatives to address this critical issue and its causes and consequences.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 04-05-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980023000873
Abstract: This systematic review aimed to summarise the level of quality and accuracy of nutrition-related information on websites and social media and determine if quality and accuracy varied between websites and social media or publishers of information. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021224277). CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and Academic Search Complete were systematically searched on 15 January 2021 to identify content analysis studies, published in English after 1989, that evaluated the quality and/or accuracy of nutrition-related information published on websites or social media. A coding framework was used to classify studies’ findings about information quality and/or accuracy as poor, good, moderate or varied. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Quality Criteria Checklist was used to assess the risk of bias. N/A. N/A. From 10 482 articles retrieved, sixty-four were included. Most studies evaluated information from websites ( n 53, 82·8 %). Similar numbers of studies assessed quality ( n 41, 64·1 %) and accuracy ( n 47, 73·4 %). Almost half of the studies reported that quality ( n 20, 48·8 %) or accuracy ( n 23, 48·9 %) was low. Quality and accuracy of information were similar on social media and websites, however, varied between information publishers. High risk of bias in s le selection and quality or accuracy evaluations was a common limitation. Online nutrition-related information is often inaccurate and of low quality. Consumers seeking information online are at risk of being misinformed. More action is needed to improve the public’s eHealth and media literacy and the reliability of online nutrition-related information.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 02-07-2022
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-07-2020
DOI: 10.3390/NU12082197
Abstract: Food literacy interventions are widely implemented to improve the food security and health of low-socioeconomic adults. The purpose of this study was to conduct an inquiry into the value of OzHarvest’s six-week NEST (Nutrition Education and Skills Training) program in promoting food security and food literacy, and to identify the barriers and enablers that participants experienced in sustaining food security, and in utilising their food literacy skills beyond the program. A descriptive evaluation study with pre-post surveys (n = 21) and post-program interviews (n = 17) was conducted, with a convenience s le of NEST program participants living in Sydney, Newcastle, and Melbourne, Australia. Participants demonstrated improvements in food security status (p = 0.030), cooking confidence (p = 0.001), food preparation behaviours (p = 0.006), nutrition knowledge (p = 0.033), vegetable consumption (p = 0.043), and a reduction in intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (p = 0.017), and salty snack foods (p = 0.011). The interviews revealed that participants learned to stretch their food budgets and make meaningful changes to their food utilisation (a key dimension of food security). Interviews also identified enablers (e.g., social support) and barriers (e.g., health conditions) to achieving food security. Acknowledging the need for a multi-faceted approach that also addresses upstream determinants, interventions like NEST may play a role in promoting food security and food literacy.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-2018
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2017-021120
Abstract: There is a growing body of evidence to indicate that both primary and subsequent caesarean sections are associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity. Efforts to reduce the number of clinically unnecessary caesarean sections are urgently required. Our objective is to systematically review published evidence on the effectiveness of maternity service organisational interventions, such as models of maternity care, that aim to reduce caesarean section rates. Databases will be searched, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, MEDLINE, Maternity and Infant Care, EMBASE and SCOPUS. Search terms related to caesarean section and organisational intervention will be used. Research published before 1980 will be excluded and only randomised controlled trials, cluster-randomised controlled trials, quasi-randomised controlled trials, controlled before and after studies and interrupted time series studies will be included. Data extraction and quality assessments will be undertaken by two authors. Ethics approval is not required for this systematic review. The results of this study will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publication and presentation at professional conferences. CRD42016039458.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-05-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-10302-0
Abstract: The promotion of healthy eating is a public health priority. Poor dietary behaviours, including low fruit and vegetable (F& V) consumption are of particular concern among children. Novel nutrition promotion strategies are needed to improve F& V consumption. Sustainability education could be used to support nutrition education within the school context. The purpose of this paper is to report the protocol for impact and process evaluation of the school-based Food Education and Sustainability Training (FEAST) program, designed to educate children about sustainability, food waste and nutrition, using hands-on cooking activities. A pragmatic, parallel, cluster non-randomized controlled trial with pre- and post-measures, will be implemented among 20 primary schools (10 intervention vs 10 wait-list-control) within NSW, Australia, involving children in Grades 5–6. FEAST is a curriculum-aligned program, delivered as a 1.5-h lesson/week, for a 10-week unit of inquiry, incorporating theory and cooking. FEAST was developed using theoretical frameworks which included Social Cognitive Theory and the Precede-Proceed Planning model. Primary outcomes include children’s self-reported F& V intakes (serves/day). Food literacy constructs such as: nutrition knowledge, food preparation and cooking skills, self-efficacy and behaviours, food waste knowledge and behaviours and food production knowledge, will be assessed as secondary outcomes. Process evaluation will assess program reach, adoption, implementation, maintenance, satisfaction and perceived benefits by teachers and students. An online survey (including quantitative and qualitative questions) was developed for administration at baseline (impact evaluation) and immediately post-intervention (impact and process evaluation). Intervention effects on quantitative study outcomes will be estimated with generalised linear mixed models, including random effects and will follow the intention-to-treat principles. Open-ended questions embedded within the surveys will be analysed qualitatively using content and thematic analyses. Results from this trial will provide valuable information on the value of adding environmental sustainability strategies to nutrition education in schools. Results will inform the design of future research and programs focused on primary-school children’s nutrition, sustainability-related behaviours and experiential school-based interventions. Trial registered 14th December 2020 with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( ACTRN12620001347954 ).
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 05-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/NU14194133
Abstract: Poor diet quality exacerbates risks for acute and chronic conditions. People experiencing food insecurity have an increased likelihood of lower diet quality however, this has not been investigated in the Australian context. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine whether the diet quality of Australian adults differed according to their household food security status. Data were analysed from a nationally representative s le (≥19 years n = 9115) collected as part of the National Nutrition and Physical Activity Survey 2011-12. Household food security status and socio-demographic and health characteristics were assessed using data from an 18-module health interview. A 24 h dietary recall was used to estimate food and nutrient intakes and to calculate the Dietary Guidelines Index (DGI). DGI is a food-based score (0 to 130) that assesses adherence to the 2013 Australian Dietary Guidelines. Survey-weighted linear regression models, adjusted for age and sex, were used to examine diet quality (total DGI and component scores), and total energy and nutrient intake by food security status. Adults from food-insecure households had a mean total DGI score 3.5 points lower (95% CI −5.57, −1.46) than food-secure adults (p = 0.001). Adults from households experiencing food insecurity, when compared to those who were food-secure, had several lower DGI component scores including for dietary variety (1.6 vs. 2.3, p = 0.009), fruit (3.8 vs. 5.0, p = 0.001) and vegetables (3.7 vs. 4.4, p = 0.010). Adults from food-insecure households consumed on average more carbohydrates (45.6 vs. 43.3, p = 0.004) and total sugar (21.8 vs. 19.0, p = 0.003) as a percentage of daily energy and less protein (18.5 vs. 17.2, p = 0.004), mono-unsaturated fats (11.2 vs. 11.8, p = 0.026) as a percentage of daily energy, and fibre (20.1 vs. 23.0, p = 0.003), than food-secure adults. Sub-optimal diet may be one of the contributing factors to, or outcomes of, poorer health in food-insecure populations. Food security interventions are required to better address nutrition in food-insecure households and should be tailored to the health and socio-demographic characteristics of this population.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 08-09-2022
DOI: 10.2196/37337
Abstract: Health-related misinformation can be propagated via social media and is a threat to public health. Several quality assessment tools and principles to evaluate health-related information in the public domain exist however, these were not designed specifically for social media. This study aims to develop Principles for Health-related Information on Social Media (PRHISM), which can be used to evaluate the quality of health-related social media content. A modified Delphi approach was used to obtain expert consensus on the principles and functions of PRHISM. Health and social media experts were recruited via Twitter, email, and snowballing. A total of 3 surveys were administered between February 2021 and May 2021. The first survey was informed by a literature review and included open-ended questions and items from existing quality assessment tools. Subsequent surveys were informed by the results of the proceeding survey. Consensus was deemed if ≥80% agreement was reached, and items with consensus were considered relevant to include in PRHISM. After the third survey, principles were finalized, and an instruction manual and scoring tool for PRHISM were developed and circulated to expert participants for final feedback. A total of 34 experts consented to participate, of whom 18 (53%) responded to all 3 Delphi surveys. In total, 13 principles were considered relevant and were included in PRHISM. When the instructions and PRHISM scoring tool were circulated, no objections to the wording of the final principles were received. A total of 13 quality principles were included in the PRHISM tool, along with a scoring system and implementation tool. The principles promote accessibility, transparency, provision of authoritative and evidence-based information and support for consumers’ relationships with health care providers. PRHISM can be used to evaluate the quality of health-related information provided on social media. These principles may also be useful to content creators for developing high-quality health-related social media content and assist consumers in discerning high- and low-quality information.
Publisher: Springer US
Date: 11-09-2013
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-06-2022
DOI: 10.3390/NU14122407
Abstract: With a global focus on improving maternal and child nutrition through the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, it is important to understand food insecurity in pregnant women and families with young children, as food insecurity at these life stages can have ongoing negative health consequences. However, factors that influence food insecurity among this population group are not well understood. This scoping review investigates the factors that influence food insecurity among pregnant women and households with young children aged 0–6 years living in high-income countries. A scoping literature review was conducted using four electronic databases. The search combined terms relevant to: food security, determinants, pregnancy and family and high-income countries. Only full text and English language articles were included. The search identified 657 titles and abstracts 29 articles were included in the review. A majority (70%) of the studies were conducted in the United States and were mostly either cross-sectional or secondary data analysis of existing population data. Factors associated with food insecurity were identified and grouped into 13 constructs. These included social, economic and health risk factors, food access and utilization factors and health and dietary outcomes. This scoping review identifies the factors associated with food insecurity among pregnant women and families with young children that could be used to better measure and understand food insecurity, which could assist in developing program and policy responses. This review also highlights the lack of literature from high-income countries outside the US.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 12-06-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S12889-021-11188-8
Abstract: To achieve zero hunger targets set within the United Nations’ Agenda 2030, high-income countries such as Australia must reconsider current efforts to improve food security. This study aimed to explore perspectives from public health nutrition experts on the usefulness of drawing on the international human right to food, and associated mechanisms, to address food insecurity identify potential roles of key stakeholders in Australia to implement a rights-based approach and examine barriers and enablers to achieving the right to food in Australia. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants ( 10 years professional experience). Braun and Clarke’s (2006) six-phase approach to thematic analysis was employed to analyse data, using Kingdon’s multiple streams framework (1984) to examine interactive variables which affect policy-making processes. Thirty interviews took place, with most participants representing academia ( n = 16), majority had 10–14 years of experience ( n = 12) and almost one quarter ( n = 7) were in senior leadership roles. Participants believed that framing food insecurity as a human rights issue could be effective when communicating with some audiences, however alternative rhetoric is more popular and potentially more effective. Citizens, government, food industry, non-profit sector, research/tertiary and legal institutions were described as playing critical roles. Barriers to progress were identified as lack of awareness and acknowledgement of the problem, prioritisation of the private sector, lack of political will and domestic laws, and an inefficient/ineffective charitable food sector. Participants identified various enablers and opportunities for implementing a rights-based approach such as grass-roots advocacy efforts to raise awareness of the issue, integrating human rights into government frameworks and community projects and the political will to support action aligned with sustainable development. Human rights language and mechanisms have the potential to trigger genuine commitment to addressing food insecurity however should be used with caution. Australia’s public health workforce requires increased capacity to implement a human-rights approach and framing such efforts to align with sustainable development may achieve greater political action. Ethics approval was received from the Deakin University Human Research Ethics committee (project ID HEAG 168_2018).
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-03-2021
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-04-2022
DOI: 10.1007/S10995-022-03440-3
Abstract: Food insecurity (FI), an inadequate access to healthy, affordable food, is a public health concern primarily driven by material hardship. Optimal antenatal nutrition promotes best health outcomes for the mother and baby. Pregnant women experiencing FI are less able to access healthy foods, increasing the risk of complications such as gestational diabetes and preterm labour. Little is known about the experiences of food-insecure pregnant women in obtaining sufficient, nutritious food, their perceptions regarding antenatal nutrition and how this contributes to their food choices. This qualitative study conducted from August to November 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, examined the experiences and coping strategies of food-insecure pregnant women, and the factors influencing their food choices. Seven English-speaking food-insecure pregnant women participated in semi-structured interviews. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed, informed by grounded theory methodology. Three themes were identified through analysis of the interviews related to strategies that managed household food supply, factors that influenced food choices, and experiences of pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of a limited food budget, pregnancy symptoms, the cognitive overload that attends the FI experience, and the acute yet significant impact of the pandemic, food-insecure pregnant women in this study defaulted to cheap and convenient food choices despite acknowledging the importance of eating well for pregnancy. FI during pregnancy is burdensome, relentless and undermines women’s wellbeing. Supportive strategies within antenatal healthcare settings are urgently required to deliver an equitable health response for vulnerable women.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-02-2021
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.324
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 29-04-2023
Abstract: Food insecurity is an important determinant of health and should be identified by clinicians during routine reproductive healthcare. The procedures used in reproductive healthcare settings to identify people experiencing food insecurity have not been fully researched. The objective of this study was to synthesize evidence from published studies that describe the procedures implemented by clinicians in healthcare settings to identify food insecurity in pregnant women, or women of reproductive age (15 years–49 years). Four databases were searched in April 2022 to identify studies that met the eligibility criteria. Studies that used tools that were both validated or newly developed were considered, as were studies that incorporated food insecurity screening as part of a multidomain screening tool. Two authors completed the screening, data extraction, and quality assessment independently. There were 1075 studies identified after screening, 7 studies were included in the narrative synthesis, including studies relating to women who were pregnant or in the postpartum period none of the included studies related to women in the preconception stage. Four screening tools were identified: 2- and 6-item tools specifically focused on food insecurity, a 58-item multidomain tool incorporating 4 food insecurity items, and a modified version of the 2-item tool. Methods of implementing screening varied across studies. Three described subsequent processes that supported food-insecure patients once identified. Few published studies have investigated optimal screening tools and their implementation within reproductive healthcare settings to address food insecurity for this priority population group. Further research is required to determine: the optimal tool, preferable screening methods from the perspectives of both patients and clinicians, and potential strategies for implementation in countries outside of the United States. An additional evidence gap remains about referral pathways and appropriate supports for this population once food insecurity is identified. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42022319687.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-09-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S12937-020-00606-Z
Abstract: EAT– Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet proposed a diet that integrates nutrition and sustainability considerations, however its affordability is unknown in many country-specific contexts, including Australia. The aim of this study is to develop a healthy and sustainable food basket modelled on the Planetary Health Diet to determine the affordability of the Planetary Health Diet basket across various socio-economic groups, and compare this affordability with a food basket modelled on the typical current diet, in an Australian setting. An Australian-specific Planetary Health Diet basket was developed for a reference household (2 adults and 2 children) modelled on the Planetary Health Diet reference diet, and compared to a previously-developed Typical Australian Diet basket. The cost of each food basket was determined by online supermarket shopping surveys in low, medium and high socio-economic areas in each Australian state. Basket affordability was determined for the reference household by comparing the basket cost to disposable income in each socio-economic group in each state. Mann-Whitney U tests then determined if there were significant differences between the median costs and the median affordability of both baskets. The Planetary Health Diet basket was shown to be less expensive and more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet basket nationally, in all metropolitan areas, in all socio-economic groups across Australia (median cost: Planetary Health Diet = AUD$188.21, Typical Australian Diet = AUD$224.36 median affordability: Planetary Health Diet = 13%, Typical Australian Diet = 16% p = 0.05). This study showed the Planetary Health Diet to be more affordable than the Typical Australian Diet for metropolitan-dwelling Australians. These results can help to inform public health and food policy aimed at achieving a healthy and sustainable future for all Australians, including reductions in overweight/obesity rates and increased food security.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-06-2018
DOI: 10.3390/NU10060756
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-06-2016
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 20-06-2020
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.13062
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-07-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 10-01-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2015
Abstract: Despite the importance of the charitable food sector for a proportion of the Australian population, there is uncertainty about its present and future contributions to wellbeing. This paper describes its nature and examines its scope for improving health and food security. The review, using systematic methods for public health research, identified peer-reviewed and grey literature relevant to Australian charitable food programs (2002 to 2012). Seventy publications met the criteria and informed this paper. The sector includes food banks, more than 3,000 community agencies and 800 school breakfast programs. It provides food for up to two million people annually. The scope extends beyond emergency food relief and includes case management, advocacy and other support. Weaknesses include a food supply that is sub-optimal, resource limitations and lack of evidence to evaluate or support their work towards food security. The sector supports people experiencing disadvantage and involves multiple organisations, working in a variety of settings, to provide food for up to 8% of the population. The limits on the sector's capacity to address food insecurity by itself must be acknowledged so that civil society, government and the food industry can support sufficient, nutritious and affordable food for all.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 08-03-2019
DOI: 10.1111/HSC.12737
Abstract: Like many high-income countries, in Australia there are a range of programmes in place, from social security to food banks, to help address food insecurity. So far, they have been unable to adequately alleviate and prevent this growing nutrition challenge. This paper presents an evaluation of a new type of intervention in the food security landscape, the social enterprise. The Community Grocer is a social enterprise that operates weekly fresh fruit and vegetable markets in Melbourne, Australia. The aim of the study was to examine the market's ability to increase access, use and availability of nutritious food in a socially acceptable way, for low socioeconomic status urban-dwelling in iduals. The mixed-method evaluation included: comparative price audits (n = 27) at local (<1 km) stores analysis of operational data from s le markets (n = 3) customer surveys (n = 91) and customer interviews (n = 12), collected in two phases (Autumn 2017, Summer 2018). The results found common (n = 10) fruit and vegetables cost, on average, approximately 40% less at the social enterprise, than local stores. Over twenty per cent of customers were food insecure and 80% of households were low income. Thirty-four different nationalities shopped at the market, and just over half (54%) shopped there weekly. More than 50 types of vegetables and fruit were available to purchase, varying for cultural preferences and seasonality, which supported variety and choice. Overall, this enterprise promotes food security in a localised area through low-cost, convenient, dignified and nutritious offerings.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 16-05-2023
DOI: 10.3390/NU15102332
Abstract: Social media is a popular source of nutrition information and can influence food choice. Instagram is widely used in Australia, and nutrition is frequently discussed on Instagram. However, little is known about the content of nutrition information published on Instagram. The aim of this study was to examine the content of nutrition-related posts from popular Australian Instagram accounts. Australian Instagram accounts with ≥100,000 followers, that primarily posted about nutrition, were identified. All posts from included accounts, from September 2020 to September 2021, were extracted and posts about nutrition were included. Post captions were analysed using Leximancer, a content analysis software, to identify concepts and themes. Text from each theme was read to develop a description and select illustrative quotes. The final s le included 10,964 posts from 61 accounts. Five themes were identified: (1) recipes (2) food and nutrition practices (3) body goals (4) food literacy and (5) cooking at home. Recipes and practical information about nutrition and food preparation are popular on Instagram. Content about weight loss and physique-related goals is also popular and nutrition-related Instagram posts frequently include marketing of supplements, food and online programs. The popularity of nutrition-related content indicates that Instagram may be a useful health-promotion setting.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 28-07-2023
DOI: 10.1017/S1368980022001598
Abstract: The health implications of excessive added sugar intakes have led to national policy actions to limit their consumption. Subsequently, non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) may be used to maintain product sweetness. We aimed to assess trends in quantities of added sugars and NNS sold in packaged food and beverages worldwide, and the association between these trends and the number of national policy actions across regions to reduce added sugar consumption. (i) Longitudinal analysis of Euromonitor sales data (2007–2019) to assess the quantity of added sugars (kg) and NNS (g) sold in packaged foods and beverages globally, across regions, and across country income categories (ii) policy-mapping of policy actions targeting added sugar consumption globally from the NOURISHING database and (iii) Spearman’s correlations to assess the association between national policy actions across regions and changes in added sugar/NNS sales. Worldwide. Not applicable. Per capita volumes of NNS from beverage sales increased globally (36 %). Added sugars from beverage sales decreased in high-income countries (22 %) but increased in upper-middle-income countries (UMIC) and lower-middle-income countries (LMIC) (13–40 %). Added sugars from packaged food sales increased globally (9 %). Regions with more policy actions had a significant increase in NNS quantities from beverage sales ( r = 0·68, P = 0·04). The sweetness of the packaged food supply (the sweetness of each NNS and added sugar, relative to sucrose, multiplied by sales volume) increased over time. The increasing use of NNS to sweeten beverages globally, and in packaged food in UMIC and LMIC, may have health and dietary implications in the future. Their use as a substitute for added sugar should be considered in public health nutrition policymaking.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-04-2018
DOI: 10.1002/HPJA.62
No related grants have been discovered for Rebecca Lindberg.