ABSTRACT

Introduction: In Thailand, rapid demographic ageing is closely linked to an increased incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Effective nutritional management is essential to mitigate NCD risks and delay progression. Given the widespread use of touchscreen devices among older adults, this study focused on developing a nutrition app tailored to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding healthy eating among Thai elderly people.
Methods: The project consisted of two main phases, namely content preparation and application development. Initial drafts and storyboards were refined through consultations with experts and discussions. The use of healthy menus was approved by a professional chef and nutritionists. The app prototype underwent comprehensive evaluations in terms of content accuracy, design, usability, and acceptability by experts. It was also field tested by elderly volunteers for four weeks.
Results: The developed “YoungYou” app features tools such as body mass index assessment, updates on elderly health, and dietary recommendations tailored to Thai elderly individuals based on the nutrition flag system. It includes 60 healthy recipes, 30 cooking tutorials, and an interactive community board. The app allows users to modify and recalibrate the nutritional content of recipes, which can then be saved or shared. Evaluations of the app showed high levels of agreement on its effectiveness across all metrics. The use of rice, vegetables, and meat by 41 elderly volunteers led to increased healthy eating behaviours.
Conclusion: The “YoungYou” app has demonstrated potential as a viable tool for promoting healthier eating habits among Thai elderly people, thereby addressing critical public health issues related to ageing and disease prevention.The “YoungYou” app has demonstrated potential as a viable tool for promoting healthier eating habits among Thai elderly people, thereby addressing critical public health issues related to ageing and disease prevention.
Key words: elderly people; healthy eating; nutrition app; tool development; touchscreen

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: The increasing number of homeless children is concerning. This study aimed to assess the dietary intake, diet quality, and nutritional status of homeless children in Klang Valley, as well as the relationship between diet quality and nutritional status.
Methods: Approximately 120 homeless children aged 7 to 12 years from four locations in Klang Valley were enrolled. Their dietary intake and nutritional status were assessed using a two-day 24-hour dietary recall and body mass index-for-age, respectively. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) was used to examine diet quality.
Results: Prevalence of normal weight respondents was 58.3% (mean±SD: -0.79±1.80), with 25.0% classified as moderately and severely thin. Mean energy intake was significantly lower than recommended nutrient intakes (RNI) (p<0.050), while protein intake was higher (p<0.050). Calcium and zinc intakes were also significantly lower (p<0.001). Boys aged 7-9 years had significantly higher iron intake (median=11.6, IQR=8.7 mg, p=0.003), whereas girls aged 10-12 years had significantly lower intakes of iron (mean±SD=11.4±5.1, 11.1±4.7) and vitamin A (median=416.6, IQR=450.4 µgRE, p<0.001 for both). Mean HEI score was 51.30±6.78, indicating a need for diet quality improvement. No significant association between diet quality and nutritional status was observed (p=0.380).
Conclusion: This study provided insights into dietary intake, diet quality, and nutritional status of homeless children. Further research is vital to shape evidence-based nutrition interventions.
Key words: dietary intake, diet quality, homeless children, Malaysia, nutritional status

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: Despite the many health benefits of a well-balanced vegetarian or vegan diet providing, vegetarians are at increased risk of deficiency in certain nutrients, such as calcium and iron, which could lead to health issues. Our study aimed to assess nutrient intakes and nutritional status between dietary patterns that include or do not include meat consumption.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. One hundred sixty respondents (80 vegetarians and 80 non-vegetarians) participated. Data were collected from interviews, a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, and Nutrisurvey tools. Nutrient intakes were also assessed, including energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin C. Body mass index (BMI) was used to determine nutritional status.
Results: There were no appreciable difference (p>0.05) in carbohydrate intake between vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups. In contrast, the vegetarian group’s energy, protein, and fat intakes significantly differed from that of non-vegetarians (p<0.05). No significant differences (p>0.05) were found in calcium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, and magnesium between the two groups. However, it was discovered that the two groups’ iron intake and BMI were significantly different (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Vegetarians and non-vegetarians demonstrated differences in BMI, energy intake, protein consumption, fat consumption, and iron consumption. With a well-curated variety of food options and efficient administration of vegetarian meal plans, it is possible to effectively meet the nutritional requirements of individuals in terms of both essential vitamins and minerals, as well as carbohydrates, protein, and fats.
Key words: non-vegetarian, nutrient intake, nutritional status, vegetarian

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ABSTRACT

Introduction: Limited information exists regarding the factors that determine the levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards aflatoxin contamination in food, including aflatoxin biomarker levels in populations at risk. This study examined the associations between KAP levels with sociodemographic characteristics and weight status of 359 healthy Malaysian adults.
Methods: The study was conducted among residents and workers in Selangor, Malaysia. Sociodemographic characteristics and KAP levels were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, and body weight was measured. Urine and fasting blood samples were collected for aflatoxin M 1 and aflatoxin B1 analyses, respectively.
Results: Most respondents were females, Chinese, aged 25–44 years, with poor knowledge but positive attitudes and acceptable practices in controlling aflatoxin contamination in food. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the knowledge level was remarkably high among females, unemployed, underweight or normal weight individuals, and those with a monthly income of >RM 10,000. The attitude score was high in those with tertiary education and those who were unemployed, while the practice score was high in those with tertiary education. The levels of aflatoxin biomarkers varied significantly according to ethnicity or age.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrated that sociodemographic characteristics and body weight status partly determined the levels of KAP and aflatoxin biomarkers; this may aid in identifying populations that would benefit from educational interventions to prevent aflatoxin contamination.
Key words: aflatoxins, attitude, healthy Malaysian adults, knowledge, practice

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