Purpose This study aims to evaluate the awareness of customers of second-wave coffee shops, commercial coffee chains which popularise specialty coffee culture, regarding microplastic pollution, particularly the migration of microplastics from disposable beverage cups into beverages, as well as their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to plastic use. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 557 participants who frequented second-wave coffee shops in Ankara, Türkiye at least once a month. Data were collected using a literature-based questionnaire that included the Microplastic Pollution Awareness Scale (MPAS). Findings Most participants purchased paper cup beverages 1–3 times weekly (37.5%) and preferred hot coffee (75.4%). Higher microplastic awareness was significantly associated with viewing disposable cup reuse as unsafe, supporting reusable alternatives, avoiding microwaving plastics (p < 0.001), carrying personal thermoses (p = 0.010) and recognizing that microplastics migrate from paper cups into beverages (p < 0.001). Conversely, the small minority who reused paper cups (2.2%) showed markedly lower awareness (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis further indicated that higher MPAS scores were associated with lower odds of engaging in certain risky plastic-use behaviors, particularly using plastic utensils when heating food in a microwave and reusing paper cups after washing them. MPAS scores were positively associated with education level, technical knowledge about microplastics and pro-environmental attitudes. Originality/value This study addresses a gap in the literature by examining consumer awareness of microplastic migration from disposable beverage cups in second-wave coffee shops. It identifies key misconceptions and demonstrates how awareness is associated with both protective and risky consumer behaviors.
Purpose This study aimed to examine the relationships between plant-based diet adherence, sleep quality and salivary oxidative stress markers in university students. Design/methodology/approach This descriptive cross-sectional study included 89 healthy female university students aged 18–25 years with a normal body mass index (BMI). Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire to calculate the plant-based diet index (PDI). Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and oxidative stress markers total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured from fasting saliva samples. Findings The principal finding of this study was the absence of significant differences in oxidative stress markers and sleep quality across PDI quartiles. When evaluated according to sleep quality, salivary MDA levels were found to be significantly higher in participants with poor sleep quality (p = 0.007). The correlation analysis revealed that a higher unhealthful PDI was positively associated with poorer sleep quality (r = 0.26; p = 0.013), whereas a higher healthful PDI was inversely correlated with salivary MDA levels (r = −0.21; p = 0.044). Practical implications The findings suggest that certain aspects of plant-based dietary patterns and sleep quality may be related to oxidative stress markers in young adults. However, these associations should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in larger studies. Originality/value This study provides novel preliminary evidence linking a plant-based diet, sleep quality and salivary oxidative stress markers in university students. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine these relationships simultaneously.
Purpose Dietary transitions towards reduced meat consumption are widely promoted for health and sustainability reasons, but empirical knowledge of current patterns of protein source consumption is limited. This study aims to examine consumer motivations and reported protein source choices among Finnish survey respondents following the publication of the updated Finnish Nutrition Recommendations, which were released in November 2024. Design/methodology/approach An exploratory online cross-sectional survey (n = 617) was conducted in April 2025, approximately six months after the publication of the updated recommendations. The questionnaire assessed dietary patterns, the frequency of consumption of meat and plant-based meat alternatives and factors influencing protein source selection. The use of plant-based fish alternatives was also assessed to provide additional context for the study. Findings Meat was the most frequently reported protein source, particularly among men and younger respondents. Women and older age groups reported more frequent use of plant-based meat alternatives and women placed greater importance on ethical considerations, sensory attributes, price, ease of use, availability and naturalness. Age-related patterns suggest that frequent meat consumption may coexist with experimentation with plant-based meat alternatives, especially among younger adults. Regional differences were modest, with lower use of plant-based meat alternatives in South Ostrobothnia compared with other regions. Overall, the reported consumption patterns were only partially consistent with the direction of the updated nutrition recommendations. Originality/value By providing timely post-policy evidence from a high-income Nordic context, this exploratory study contributes to understanding associations between demographic characteristics, consumer motivations and protein source choices.
Purpose This study aims to analyze the biological crosstalk between a diet rich in fiber, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and intestinal calcium channels such as Anoctamin 1(ANO1) and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A member 1(TRPA1). Design/methodology/approach Based on a structured literature search conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, Clarivate and Scopus databases by including combinations of keywords and MeSH terms. Findings The current study highlights the effects of SCFAs in an inflamed intestinal environment, as well as the mechanisms by which SCFAs regulate the inflammation and enhance the gut epithelial barrier against permeability. It also reviews current evidence about the relationship between low SCFAs production, the ion channel disorder and the progression of inflammatory symptoms in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Research limitations/implications This research is based on the available published evidence. Evidence linking dietary fiber, SCFAs, calcium channels, ANO1 and TRPA1 in IBD is limited. This calls for further studies to confirm potential therapeutic mechanisms. Originality/value This review concluded that integrating nutrition, microbiome and ionic conductivity represents a promising path in IBD and developing targeted therapies is more effective. Review recommendation intensifying clinical and molecular research in the future to understand the exact mechanisms for this triple reaction and identify the potential uses of SCFAs or their stimulants as a novel therapeutic agent.
Purpose The expansion of online food delivery platforms has reshaped how people access meals. Although convenience and platform accessibility have dominated studies, less attention has been given to how consumer safety attitudes relate to cost perceptions and willingness to pay a premium. This study aims to investigate these relationships by analysing how food safety concerns influence affordability judgements and price premium acceptance in food delivery behaviour. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data from 573 Chinese respondents, the study examines patterns in safety attitudes and applies chi-square tests, multinomial logistic regression and hierarchical clustering to explore behavioural associations. Findings The results show that passive food safety preferences are widespread, but active safety behaviours such as avoiding unsafe outlets are less common and more predictive of affordability perceptions. Paradoxically, respondents with stronger safety concerns were less willing to pay a premium for ready-to-eat food. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct consumer segments; these were time-savers, quality-seekers and socially driven consumers, each characterised by differing motivations, levels of safety concern and sensitivity to cost. These findings suggest that food safety in delivery contexts operates more as a behavioural filter than a value premium. For food delivery platforms, this means safety should be treated as a basic service expectation. A more granular understanding of how safety concerns intersect with cost perceptions across user types can support context-appropriate interventions to enhance both the safety and inclusiveness of food delivery systems. Originality/value The study provides a novel behavioural analysis of food delivery choices by linking safety concerns, affordability judgements and consumer segmentation.
Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between cooking skills (CSs), food skills (FSs), mindful eating and sociodemographic factors among women of reproductive age. Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study included 1,337 women aged 18-49 years. The online questionnaire included demographic data, anthropometric measurements, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) and the CS and FS Scale. Findings A significant positive link was identified between CSs and FSs and the MEQ (p < 0.001). Conversely, frequent consumption of processed meats, packaged foods, fast food, sugary drinks, baked goods and sandwiches was negatively associated with CSs and FSs (p < 0.05). Linear regression analysis showed that age, marital status, body mass index and MEQ scores significantly influenced CSs and FSs (p < 0.001). Research limitations/implications One strength of this study is its novel examination of the relationship between CSs, FSs and mindful eating, supported by a relatively large sample that strengthens reliability. However, the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, underscoring the need for longitudinal research. Reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias, and the online survey format likely attracted younger, more educated and digitally active participants, reducing representativeness. Still, this method facilitated the collection of a large data set. Practical implications The current results indicate that mindful eating and sociodemographic factors, particularly age and marital status, may serve as critical determinants in CSs and FSs among women. Main results highlight the necessity of educational and community strategies that jointly promote mindful eating and practical culinary skills. Originality/value As far as we know, no studies in the literature have directly examined the interplay between CSs and FSs and mindful eating.
Purpose Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease. Several studies have shown that quercetin supplementation may be effective in the prevention and management of RA. To systematically review and analyze the preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the efficacy and mechanisms of quercetin in the treatment of RA. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive search was conducted to identify laboratory, animal and human studies investigating the effects of quercetin on RA complications through November 2025. Two independent reviewers assessed studies against inclusion/exclusion criteria and extracted data. Findings All studies investigating the effects of quercetin supplementation on RA complications were included. Of the total 1,233 retrieved articles, 50 studies (28 animals, 20 in vitro studies and two RCT) were eligible for the current systematic review. The evidence reviewed here suggests that quercetin supplementation may have beneficial effects on RA complications by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress and modulating the immune response. Originality/value Given the promising therapeutic effects of quercetin on complications of RA and the limited number of human studies in this area, further clinical trials are recommended.
Purpose Today, the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) is increasing, particularly among young adults, contributing to unhealthy dietary patterns. Digital nutrition literacy may be associated with food choices related to UPF consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the relationship between e-healthy diet literacy and UPF consumption among university students and to explore whether this association differs between students enrolled in Nutrition and Dietetics programs and those studying in other departments. Design/methodology/approach The descriptive and cross-sectional study included 262 female university students. Participants' e-healthy diet literacy level was assessed using the E-healthy Diet Literacy Scale. At the same time, UPF consumption was evaluated using the Screening Questionnaire of Highly Processed Food Consumption. Findings Nutrition and dietetics students had a significantly lower UPF consumption score compared to students in other departments (5.5 +/- 2.1 vs. 6.8 +/- 2.3, p < 0.001). E-healthy diet literacy total and subscale scores (excluding the understanding score) were significantly higher in this group (p<0.001). Students with the lowest level of e-healthy diet literacy consumed more UPFs than those with the highest level of e-healthy diet literacy (p = 0.024). However, after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption and department of study, the significance disappeared (p = 0.592). Originality/value The findings suggest that formal nutrition education and educational context may be associated with higher e-healthy diet literacy and lower UPF consumption among university students. The study also highlights the possible contribution of educational environment to dietary behaviors related to UPF consumption.
Purpose The potential protective effect of tea consumption on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains controversial. This study aims to investigate the association between tea consumption and AMD in a population-based cross-sectional analysis and evaluated causality using Mendelian randomization (MR), with external validation in an independent cohort. Design/methodology/approach A cross-sectional study combined with MR and external validation. The study included 2,328 adults aged >= 40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2006, including 227 participants with AMD. A multivariable logistic regression model was constructed to examine the association between tea consumption and AMD after adjustment for potential confounders. In a two-sample MR analysis, the authors analyzed summary-level data on tea consumption from the UK Biobank (447,485 cases) alongside published AMD genome-wide association study data (14,034 cases, 91,214 controls). External validation was conducted in 22,901 randomly selected adults aged >= 50 years from the community health service centers in Shanghai. Findings In the cross-sectional data, no significant dose-response relationship between tea consumption and AMD was observed (no tea consumption vs. 0-1 cup/day vs. > 1 cup/day: 8.8%, 7.5%, 8.0%, p = 0.74). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that, compared to non-tea-drinking, the odds ratios (ORs) for AMD in the 0-1 cup/day and > 1 cup/day groups were 1.146 (p = 0.51) and 1.098 (p = 0.75), respectively. In the inverse variance-weighted MR analysis, no causal relationship was found between tea consumption and AMD (OR = 1.21, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.91-1.62, p = 0.18). In external validation, the prevalence of AMD was 6.7% among tea-drinking group, which was comparable to that of non-tea-drinkers (6.9%, p = 0.64). Originality/value Drinking tea does not reduce the risk of AMD. No causal relationship between tea consumption and AMD could be established.
Purpose The increasing influence of food influencers on social media platforms has raised concerns about health-washing, where misleading health claims shape consumer perceptions and dietary choices. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a strategic mapping approach to analyze academic knowledge on food influences and health-washing along with bibliometrics. Using Biblioshiny and VOSviewer, we examine 295 articles to understand publication trends, evolving trends through time slices and Sankey charts in this field. Findings Based on the analysis, this study offers a comprehensive summary based on stimuli, organisms and response framework and recommends future research directions to offer the potential to advance research on food influencers and health-washing. Originality/value This paper contributes to that existing literature by presenting an in-depth understanding of how food influencers create and reinforce health-washing discourse through a bibliographic and strategic clustering of themes.
Purpose This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of CoQ10 supplementation on anthropometric measures, lipid profile and glycemic indices in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Design/methodology/approach A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Relevant studies published up to May 2025 were identified through comprehensive searches of PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Findings Sixteen RCTs involving 786 participants were included. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood glucose (weighted mean difference: −17.76 mg/dL [ −1.0 mmol/L]; 95% CI: −25.42 to −10.11; p < 0.001). Pooled analyses showed no significant effects on body weight, glycated hemoglobin, insulin resistance, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C or HDL-C. Originality/value This meta-analysis suggests that CoQ10 supplementation may be associated with reductions in fasting blood glucose in patients with T2DM. However, the results of the sensitivity analysis indicate that this effect is not fully stable; therefore, the findings should be interpreted with caution.
PurposeThe purpose of this study was to review the production technology and functional attributes of a tea based fermented beverage - Kombucha. Functional beverages are the drinks either nonalcoholic or having alcohol content below 0.5% and containing nontraditional ingredients. These ingredients can be minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, organic acids, digestive fibers, probiotics and antioxidants, which are beneficial for human health. These beverages are considered to be most actively proliferating sector because of their ease of product formulations by incorporating desirable nutrients and bioactive compounds accompanied by easy distribution due to better shelf life. Design/methodology/approachThis review focuses on the therapeutic properties of Kombucha that can be useful in ameliorating the metabolic syndrome (MetS). FindingsOver 1.9 billion individuals worldwide are overweight, and 650 million are obese, as per World Health Organization report. Since Haller first proposed the term “metabolic syndrome” in 1977, many of its components, especially obesity and diabetes, have become much more common. This study reviews the findings related to prevalence of MetS syndrome and role of kombucha in controlling its important indicators/markers. Research limitations/implicationsThe research studies on the said topic is limited to cell lines or animal models. Practical implicationsA thorough understanding of outcomes of in vitro and in vivo trials along with salient findings of the human trials can be useful for its utilization as a dietary intervention for controlling MetS. Social implicationsKeeping in mind, the significance of ever increasing cases of MetS. Originality/valueAn attempt has been made to highlights the significant findings available from the clinical trials on human subjects regarding uses of kombucha as dietary intervention.
PurposeAlpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant that has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects on various health conditions. Key outcomes assessed include changes in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and other related mediators in response to ALA treatment. Design/methodology/approachThis systematic review aimed to comprehensively analyze the available evidence on drug interactions between ALA and prostaglandin pathways and highlight their potential therapeutic implications. A comprehensive search of multiple scientific databases, including Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar, was conducted from database inception until 31 August 2025 using keywords related to ALA and prostaglandins. FindingsThe findings consistently show that ALA inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, leading to a reduction in prostaglandin production. This inhibition contributes to ALA’s anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties by modulating downstream signaling pathways such as MAPK, TNF and PI3K-Akt. ALA also reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and markers, such as TNF-α, interleukin-6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase, in immune cells. Originality/valueThe findings underscore the need for more rigorous clinical trials to establish definitive conclusions regarding ALA’s efficacy and safety in this context.
PurposeLuteolin, a naturally occurring dietary flavonoid, has attracted increasing attention as a potential therapeutic and chemosensitizing agent in gastric cancer. This study aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the available preclinical evidence on the anticancer effects and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of luteolin in gastric cancer. Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to December 31, 2025. Eligible preclinical studies, in vitro and in vivo, investigating the effects of luteolin on gastric cancer models were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, and the findings were narratively synthesized. FindingsA total of 27 preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria. Across the included in vitro studies, luteolin consistently reduced gastric cancer cell viability and proliferation, induced apoptosis and caused cell-cycle arrest at the G0/G1 and/or G2/M phases. Luteolin suppressed migration and invasion, decreased epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers and modulated oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. In vivo, luteolin inhibited tumor growth, reduced metastatic burden without overt toxicity and enhanced the chemosensitivity of gastric tumors to conventional agents in combination settings. Originality/valueThe available evidence from preclinical in vitro and in vivo models supports the anticancer potential of luteolin in gastric cancer and highlights its capacity to modulate multiple cellular and molecular targets. Nonetheless, these findings are derived exclusively from preclinical studies, and well-designed clinical trials are required before any definitive therapeutic conclusions can be drawn.
Purpose - This study aims to determine the current prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia and to document the double burden of malnutrition in a region experiencing rapid socioeconomic transition. Design/methodology/approach - A cross-sectional study analyzed electronic medical records from primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia. A total of 1,191 participants aged 6-18 years were enrolled between August 2023 and November 2024. Body mass index (BMI) was classified according to World Health Organization (WHO) percentile criteria. Findings - Among 437 children (6-13 years), combined overweight/obesity prevalence was 26.3%. Among 754 adolescents (14-18 years), it was 32.9%. Female children showed significantly higher overweight rates than males (19.3% vs 14.8%, p < 0.001). A high underweight prevalence (23.1%) was observed among adolescents, indicating the double burden of malnutrition. Research limitations/implications - The cross-sectional design and recruitment from PHC attendees preclude causal inference and limit generalizability to the wider population. Practical implications - These findings provide essential baseline data for developing integrated, culturally sensitive interventions that address both undernutrition and overnutrition within the Saudi Vision 2030 framework. Social implications - The coexistence of underweight, overweight and obesity within the same population reflects the complex nutritional transition in developing nations and calls for comprehensive multilevel public health strategies. Originality/value - This study provides the first systematic assessment of the double burden of malnutrition in the Northern Region of Saudi Arabia using WHO criteria, filling a regional gap in national data and supporting targeted policy development.
Purpose-Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs), including type 2 diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, are highly prevalent in Qatar. This study aimed to identify major dietary patterns among adults in the Qatar Biobank (QBB) cohort and examine their associations with anthropometric and biochemical markers of CMDs. Design/methodology/approach-This cross-sectional study included adults aged >= 18 years from the Qatar Precision Health Initiative (QPHI)-QBB data. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally adapted food-frequency questionnaire. Principal component analysis was used to derive dietary patterns, and multivariable regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between identified dietary patterns and CMDs indicators. Findings-Participants with CMDs had significantly higher visceral adiposity (p = 0.004), glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, CRP and insulin levels (all p <0.001) compared to CMDs-Free individuals, despite similar sociodemographic characteristics. The fast food and meat-heavy pattern was positively associated with waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.01), waist size (p < 0.05), insulin (p <0.05) and inversely with HDL (p < 0.05). The fruit and vegetable-based pattern showed no significant associations. The traditional rice and meat pattern was associated with HDL (p <0.05) and vitamin D (p < 0.05). The dairy and bread-based pattern was associated with central adiposity (p < 0.05), while the dessert and snack pattern showed no significant associations. Research limitations/implications-The cross-sectional design limits the ability to establish causal relationships between dietary patterns and cardiometabolic outcomes. Future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these associations and further investigate the role of dietary patterns in the development of CMDs in Middle Eastern populations. Practical implications-The findings highlight the importance of promoting healthier dietary patterns, particularly increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, while reducing fast food and energy-dense dietary habits. These insights may inform nutrition interventions and public health strategies to reduce CMD risk in Qatar. Originality/value-This study provides valuable evidence on culturally relevant dietary patterns and their associations with cardiometabolic health in Qatar using QBB data. The findings contribute to the limited literature on dietary patterns and cardiometabolic risk in Middle Eastern populations and may inform region-specific dietary guidelines and preventive health policies.
Purpose This study aims to examine the independent associations between diet quality, emotional eating (EE), muscle strength (MS), and visceral fat among young female samples.Design/methodology/approach This cross-sectional study involved 57 overweight respondents aged 19-24 years. Diet quality score (DQS) was assessed using the Indonesian HEI-(Health Eating Index) questionnaire from 2x24 hour food recalls, EE was assessed by Eating Appraisal Due to Emotions and Stress questionnaire. Hand grip MS was measured by a grip strength dynamometer while visceral fat (VF) was measured by Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. Correlations and multivariable linear regression analyses were performed.Findings The DQS (r = -0.30), MS (r = -0.39) and EE (r = 0.77) were significantly associated with VF. Only EE remains significantly and positively associated with VF in both main (Unstandardized ss = 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.53, p-value = 0.001) and adjusted models (Unstandardized ss = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08-0.24, p-value = 0.001).Originality/value Emotional eating is significantly associated with visceral fat in this young female samples, whereas diet quality and muscle strength were not significant after adjustment. These findings highlight the importance of addressing emotional eating behaviors as a potential strategy for reducing visceral adiposity in early adulthood.
Purpose-Osteoporosis is a major public health concern characterized by reduced bone mass and increased fracture risk. In the Middle East and North Africa region, including Palestine, its burden is increasing due to multiple factors. While aging, low calcium intake, vitamin D deficiency and limited awareness contribute, they do not fully explain the trend. In Palestine, as in other Middle Eastern countries, nutritional transition, marked by increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity, particularly outdoors, may further exacerbate vitamin D deficiency and impair calcium absorption. This study aims to assess osteoporosis-related knowledge and health beliefs among Palestinian women and evaluate the effect of a brief educational intervention. Design/methodology/approach-A pre-post cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 women aged 20-70 years recruited from community settings in two cities in northern Palestine. Data were collected using the osteoporosis knowledge and beliefs survey before and after a brief educational intervention on osteoporosis risk factors and prevention through diet and exercise. Paired t-tests and subgroup analyses were conducted using SPSS. Findings-Participants showed moderate baseline knowledge, with an overall score of 73.3%. After the intervention, knowledge of risk factors improved significantly from 2.93 to 3.52 (p < 0.001). General health beliefs and calcium-related beliefs also improved significantly, while exercise-related beliefs did not change significantly. Women with higher education showed higher improvement in risk-factor knowledge (p = 0.022), while younger women demonstrated stronger gains in general health beliefs (p = 0.039) and exercise-related knowledge (p = 0.005). Research limitations/implications- This study offers valuable insights into the knowledge and health beliefs of osteoporosis among Palestinian women, providing evidence that even brief, targeted educational interventions can produce meaningful improvements. A key strength is the use of a pre-post design, which allowed direct measurement of change attributable to the intervention. Additionally, the study examined multiple belief domains and conducted subgroup analyses, providing a more nuanced understanding of which populations may benefit most from specific educational messages. However, certain limitations should be acknowledged. The sample was limited to women attending a specific setting, which may reduce generalizability to the wider population. Self-reported data may also be subject to recall or social desirability bias. Furthermore, the short follow-up period precludes drawing conclusions about the long-term retention of knowledge or sustained behavioral change. Practical implications-Despite these limitations, the findings highlight important implications for practice: osteoporosis education initiatives should be culturally adapted, address both knowledge and behavioral barriers and consider broader contextual factors, such as healthcare access and social constraints that influence preventive behaviors. In Palestine, where ongoing conflict may further restrict preventive care, integrating osteoporosis awareness into existing community health programs could be a practical approach to ensuring wider reach and sustainability. Originality/value-This study provides one of the few empirical assessments of osteoporosis knowledge and health beliefs among women in Palestine and suggests that brief, low-cost educational interventions may improve awareness and support community-based prevention strategies.
Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate diet diversity, dietary patterns, and their associated factors among university students. Design/methodology/approach Following informed consent and enrolment in the study, participants completed a questionnaire comprising a diet diversity questionnaire, physical activity behaviours, anthropometric measures and socio-demographic items. Diet diversity was evaluated using four indicators from the Diet Quality Questionnaire (DQQ) namely; Food Group Diversity (FGD), NCD-protect, NCD-risk, and Global Recommended Dietary (GRD) scores. Participation was voluntary. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify dietary patterns based on food items consumed. The study was approved by the University’s Ethics Committee. Findings PCA identified six dietary patterns that accounted for 53.5% of foods consumed. These were “Foods High in Salt, Sugar and Fats (HSSF) (12.5%); “Traditional” (10.8%); “Pescatarian” (8.3%); “Meat-based/Animal protein” (7.5%); “Typical” (7.5%); “Pollotarian” (7.1%). Dietary patterns were highly significantly associated with diet diversity scores. In addition, FGD was positively associated with time spent in vigorous physical activity (p < 0.001), while the NCD-Risk score was significantly inversely associated with the GRD score. Originality/value This paper provides additional insights into dietary practices and their correlates among tertiary-level students. The consistently significant associations between diet diversity scores and lifestyle practices may serve as useful proxies for identifying unhealthy dietary behaviours and physical activity levels in this population.
PurposeHigh inflammation and side effects of cancer treatments may make survivors liable to some disorders, like poor sleep quality and mental disorders. Along with pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies, a healthy dietary intake may have therapeutic effects by changing the inflammation status. So, this study aims to derive a cross-sectional association of an empirical dietary inflammatory index with depression, anxiety, stress and sleep quality in breast cancer survivors (BCSs). Design/methodology/approachIn total, 223 BCSs were invited to the main centers of cancer diagnosis and treatment [Seyyed Al-Shohada Hospital and the Iranian Cancer Control Charity Institute (MACSA)]. Sleep quality and mental status (depression, anxiety and stress) of participants were assessed by validated questionnaires. The Empirical Dietary Inflammatory Index (EDII) was calculated in two anti- or pro-inflammatory groups. Using linear and logistic regression, the association between EDII, sleep and the mental status of BCSs was assessed. FindingsMore than 50% of participants have reported impaired sleep quality or mental status. Results of linear and logistic regression did not show any significant relationship between total EDII and these variables. However, supplementary linear regression showed a potentially positive relationship between increased consumption of some pro-inflammatory items of EDII score and worsening scores of study outcomes. Moreover, a potentially inverse linear relationship between anti-inflammatory food items and better sleep and mental status was observed. Originality/valueFindings of this study showed that having more anti-inflammatory food items might be associated with better sleep quality and mental status. More research will be required to find out the association between EDII and the higher risk of these abnormalities.
