Skip to main content

Maryam Amini

Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, NNFTRI, Faculty Member

Followers

50

Following

54

Co-authors

7

Mentions

1

Public Views

I am an assistant professor (research) at SBMU. I am selected as a distinguished researcher in the 7th (2006) and the 9th (2008) research festival of SBMU. My article was also awarded in the “National Symposium for Organizing Media Advertisements in Health, 2008. Overview of the peer-review publications: Number of published articles in September 2021:56, H-Index:15

less

InterestsView All (10)

Uploads

Papers by Maryam Amini

Dietary Diversity and Its Relationship with Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults in Rural India

Journal of Biosocial Science, 2017

SummaryDietary diversity is associated with household or individual food availability and intake ... more SummaryDietary diversity is associated with household or individual food availability and intake of nutrients from different food groups and is an important component of nutritional outcome. This study examined the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) and the Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) of three dietary diversity indices and their relationship with the nutritional status of adolescents and adults in rural regions of two states in India, Wardha district in Maharashtra and Koraput district in Odisha, in 2014. Individual dietary diversity was calculated using 24-hour diet recall (FS24hr) data and household dietary diversity was measured with food frequency data using Berry’s index (DDI) and food scores (FSFFQ). The nutritional status of individuals was assessed using anthropometric indices. The diets in both locations were cereal dominated. It was observed that 51% of adolescent boys and 27% of adolescent girls had ‘thinness’ and stunting. The prevalence of undernutrition was higher among adult...

Dietary Risk Reduction Projects in Industrial Foods in Iran

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major cause of death worldwide. High intake of salt, suga... more Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major cause of death worldwide. High intake of salt, sugar and fat are known as main risk factors for NCD. To address the issue some projects have been implemented in the country. This study aimed to seek for the initiatives targeting salt, sugar, and fat reduction in industrial foods and the status of implementation of food labeling. Meanwhile, we searched for studies which evaluated the above mentioned projects. Methods: We conducted an extensive review in domestic sources namely reports of national plans, protocols, dissertations, and progress reports of ongoing and terminated projects as well as rules and standards of Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) and Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Findings: There were several main projects in the country regarding reduction of dietary risk factors in industrial foods. Traffic light food labeling scheme and restrictions on imports of palm oil or food containing i...

A School-Based Intervention to Reduce Excess Weight in Overweight and Obese Primary School Students

SAGE, 2016

Background: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in... more Background: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary school-age children in Tehran. Methods: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 primary schools in Tehran. Three hundred thirty- four pupils, 167 in the intervention and 167 in the comparison group, determined to be overweight or obese based on World Health Organization standards, were recruited for the study. The intervention included nutrition education and increased physical activity (PA) for the pupils, lifestyle modification for parents, and a change in food items sold at the schools’ canteens. The entire intervention lasted approximately 18 weeks. Measures were taken before and immediately after the intervention. Results: The intervention significantly reduced body mass index Z-score and hip circumference (p 1⁄4 .003 and p < .001, respectively). Waist circumference increased in both groups, but the increase was higher in the comparison group (p 1⁄4 .001). No significant difference was seen in time spent on TV viewing between groups (p 1⁄4 .08). Vigorous PA increased in the intervention group (p < .001), while the comparison group showed an increase in moderate activity only (p < .001). Energy intake increased significantly in the intervention group (p < .001). Neither triceps skinfold thickness nor time spent on the computer changed in the intervention group (p 1⁄4 .51 and p 1⁄4 .1, respectively), while they increased in the comparison group (p < .001 and p 1⁄4 .004, respectively). Conclusion: The study provides a successful model for the implementation of similar interventions throughout the country.

Relationship between Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Adolescent Girls, and Socio-Economic Status of their Families: A case study in Tehran

Journal of Nutrition & Health, 2016

Nutritional Intakes of Zinc, Iron, and Vitamins Relations with Serum Levels of Zinc and Iron in Early Pregnancy

Urmia Medical Journal, May 15, 2015

Considering the important role of pregnancy nutrition on maternal and fetal health, this study wa... more Considering the important role of pregnancy nutrition on maternal and fetal health, this study was performed to define the effects of nutritional intakes of some vitamins, zinc, and iron on serum levels of zinc and iron in the first half of pregnancy. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 538 pregnant women attending Tehran prenatal clinics in their first half of pregnancy in 2011. Upon entry into the study, a general demographic and a food frequency questionnaire were completed for all participants and then a venous blood sample was taken from them. The data were analyzed by N4 (nutritional software) and SPSS. Results: In correlation analysis, iron serum levels had direct correlation with daily intakes of vitamin K (r: 0.095, p-value: 0.027) and vitamin A (r: 0.16, p-value<0.001). In linear regression analysis, there was a significant relation between zinc serum levels and consumption of folic acid (β: 0.131, p-value: 0.003) and iron supplementation (β: -0.094, p-value: 0.034). Also in linear regression analysis, there were significant relation between iron serum levels and dietary intakes of zinc (β: -0.142, p-value: 0.053), and vitamin A (β: 0.150, p-value: 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the obtained results about the dietary intakes of zinc and iron not affecting their serum levels in early pregnancy, these findings need further investigation. Also, considering the negative effect of iron supplementation on zinc serum levels, this supplement should be provided with more precaution in pregnancy.

Obesity and Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Gene in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2015

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity an... more Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults. Summary: Weighted mean differences (WMDs) of body mass index (BMI) were calculated for different inheritance models and subgroups. Fifty-six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The result shows that the Ala allele of this polymorphism was associated with increased WMD in mean BMI (WMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.48, p = 0.003). The Ala carriers were associated with increased WMD in mean BMI values in both genders and in the Caucasian subgroup. The associations were seen among people with higher levels of BMI (BMI ≥35). Message: The Ala allele of the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults was associated with increased BMI under a dominant model of inheritance.

Effect of school-based interventions to control childhood obesity: A review of reviews

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2015

Effectiveness of school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight and obesity among sc... more Effectiveness of school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight and obesity among school children was reviewed for a 11-year period (January 2001 to December 2011). All English systematic reviews, meta-analyses, reviews of reviews, policy briefs and reports targeting children and adolescents which included interventional studies with a control group and aimed to prevent or control overweight and/or obesity in a school setting were searched. Four systematic reviews and four meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results of the review indicated that implementation of multi-component interventions did not necessarily improve the anthropometric outcomes. Although intervention duration is a crucial determinant of effectiveness, studies to assess the length of time required are lacking. Due to existing differences between girls and boys in responding to the elements of the programs in tailoring of school-based interventions, the differences should be taken into consideration. While nontargeted interventions may have an impact on a large population, intervention specifically aiming at children will be more effective for at-risk ones. Intervention programs for children were required to report any unwanted psychological or physical adverse effects originating from the intervention. Body mass index was the most popular indicator used for evaluating the childhood obesity prevention or treatment trials; nonetheless, relying on it as the only indicator for adiposity outcomes could be misleading. Few studies mentioned the psychological theories of behavior change they applied. Recommendations for further studies on school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight/obesity are made at the end of this review.

Poor Breastfeeding as a Probable Cause of Childhood Malnutrition: Exploring Mothers' and Caregivers' Views on Breastfeeding via a Qualitative Study in Damavand, Iran

Razavi International Journal of Medicine, 2013

Food Advertising on Iranian Children’s Television: A Content Analysis and an Experimental Study with Junior High School Students Keywords

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2005

... Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition &amp; Food Technology Research Insti... more

A School-Based Intervention to Reduce Excess Weight in Overweight and Obese Primary School Students

Biological research for nursing, Oct 29, 2016

This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary sch... more This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary school-age children in Tehran. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 primary schools in Tehran. Three hundred thirty-four pupils, 167 in the intervention and 167 in the comparison group, determined to be overweight or obese based on World Health Organization standards, were recruited for the study. The intervention included nutrition education and increased physical activity (PA) for the pupils, lifestyle modification for parents, and a change in food items sold at the schools' canteens. The entire intervention lasted approximately 18 weeks. Measures were taken before and immediately after the intervention. The intervention significantly reduced body mass index Z-score and hip circumference (p = .003 and p < .001, respectively). Waist circumference increased in both groups, but the increase was higher in the comparison group (p = .001). No significant difference w...

ارتباط چاقی با عادات غذایی و تصور از بدن در دانش آموزان استان ناخن پاتوم تایلند سال 2004

In order to assess the relationship between obesity with food habit and body image , this case co... more In order to assess the relationship between obesity with food habit and body image , this case control study was conducted among 85 urban primary school children male and female aged 10-12 years old, attending Anuban school in Nakhon Pathom Province, in Thailand. Two different questionnaires were used for data collection for caregivers and students. The standard used for definition of overweight and obesity was body mass index [BMI]. Obesity was defined as percentile ≥ 95th of the sex-specific BMI-for-age growth chart, CDC. Obese children commonly (>4 times per week) ate blanched /steamed foods as well as spicy foods. While sugar consumption was the same between the two groups, oil consumption was higher among the obese group. Compared with control children, obese children had more snacks before breakfast as well as during lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends. Normal students had more foods- except for leafy vegetable and fried BBQ snacks. Two-thirds of the children knew abo...

Vitamin B12 supplementation in end stage renal diseases: a systematic review

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease particularly in pati... more Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease particularly in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Vitamin B12 supplementation on its own still remains as a controversial issue for clinicians in decreasing the level of homcysteine in this group of patients. Methods: Using all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials and pre-post-trial studies found during January 1999 to March 2014, we conducted a systematic review which assessed the effects of vitamin B12 in decreasing homocysteine levels in patients with ESRD. Results: The findings of this study revealed that, overall, the greatest effect of B12 supplementation on decreasing homocysteine levels in patients with ESRDs occurred when it was combined with folate supplementation. It was also demonstrated that injection treatments might be more beneficial than oral intake treatments. Conclusion: More rigorous studies are needed to draw a firm conclusion about B12 therapy and the level ...

Assessment of nutritional status of hospitalized patients including their food intake and evaluation of food waste, its causes and consequences in some selected Tehran hospitals: a cross-sectional study protocol

Background: Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may occasionall... more Background: Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may occasionally be accompanied by malnutrition development or aggravation. Food intake is often altered during hospitalization, which is tightly connected to malnutrition. On the other hand, a huge amount of plate food wasted by patients, in addition to its health consequences, has enormous economic and environmental expenses for governments and societies. This investigation aims firstly to assess nutritional status of the patients hospitalized in general wards and secondly to evaluate the quantity and financial burden of patients’ food waste along with its possible nutritional outcomes.Methods: A cross-sectional study is performed on 171 adult inpatients with eligibility criteria from medical and surgical wards of three general hospitals in Tehran. Nutritional status of patients is evaluated through the following methods: 1. Assessment of malnutrition using subjective criteria (Mini Nutritional Asses...

Children with Obesity Prioritize Social Support against Stigma: A Qualitative Study for Development of an Obesity Prevention Intervention

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2014

Background: Childhood obesity is a world-wide health problem and development of interventions to ... more Background: Childhood obesity is a world-wide health problem and development of interventions to prevent or control it is a priority. Obesity is prevalent and on the increase among school-students in Iran, too. As the first step for development of an intervention, the current study was designed to complete our understanding of ideas, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of primary school children in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Twenty-seven primary school-students (11 boys, 16 girls) in grade-five, most of whom were overweight or obese, participated in four focus-group discussions (FGDs). All FGD notes were analyzed to find the main themes. Results: Nine themes in three main categories emerged after analysis. The themes in the category of barriers of losing weight included environmental, psychological and physiological barriers. Category of intervention components included nutrition improvement, physical activity promotion, social support and education. Setting and deliverer of the interve...

Changes in fast food intake in Iranian households during the lockdown period caused by COVID‐19 virus emergency, National Food and Nutrition Surveillance

Food Science & Nutrition

Validity of a Modified Food and Nutrition Literacy (M-FNLIT) Questionnaire in Primary School Children in Iran

British Journal of Nutrition

The present study aimed to assess the relative validity and reliability of a modified Food and Nu... more The present study aimed to assess the relative validity and reliability of a modified Food and Nutrition Literacy (M-FNLIT) questionnaire in primary school children in the city of Mashhad. The study was conducted in four phases. In the first step, the content and face validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by Delphi consensus as well as interviewing the students. Then, construct validity was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA). The internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire were also assessed using Cronbach α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Finally, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect the cut-off scores of the M-FNLIT scale. Findings of two rounds of Delphi showed satisfactory levels of Content Validity Ratio (CVR): 0.72 and 0.92, Content Validity Index (CVI): 0.92 and 0.98, respectively. The results of CFA for domains and subscales of M-FNLIT questionnaire including cognitive domain...

Evaluation of nutritional status, food intake and food waste costs in ‎hospitalized patients, considering relevant causes and finding possible ‎solutions: Protocol of a mixed-method study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may ‎occasionall... more BACKGROUND Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may ‎occasionally be accompanied by malnutrition development or aggravation. Food intake is ‎often altered during hospitalization, which is tightly connected to malnutrition. On the other ‎hand, a huge amount of plate food wasted by patients, in addition to its health consequences, ‎has enormous economic and environmental expenses for governments and societies. OBJECTIVE This ‎investigation aims firstly to assess the nutritional status of the patients hospitalized in general ‎wards and secondly to evaluate the quantity and financial burden of patients’ food waste ‎along with its possible nutritional outcomes.‎ METHODS A mixed-method study is performed in three general hospitals in Tehran. Adult ‎inpatients with eligibility criteria are recruited to the study from medical and surgical ‎wards. Anthropometric and demographic data are collected and energy and protein intakes ‎are extracted from a 24-hour fo...

Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire

PsycTESTS Dataset

Iranian television advertisement and children′s food preferences

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2016

Background: In this study, the nature of food commercials in children's television (TV) was monit... more Background: In this study, the nature of food commercials in children's television (TV) was monitored and analyzed; simultaneously, the relationship between recalling TV food commercials and children's interest in them and in the consumption of the same food products was evaluated. Methods: A total of 108 h children's programs broadcast on two channels (Two and Amouzesh) of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) media organization were monitored (May 6-12, 2015). Simultaneously, a cross-sectional study using 403 primary schoolchildren (201 boys) in four schools of Shirvan, Northeast of Iran, was executed. The children were prompted to recall all TV commercials broadcast on IRIB. Meanwhile, they were directed to define in the list of recalled TV food commercials those were interested in and the commercials (food products) they actually were willing to consume. Results: Regarding the frequency and duration of broadcasting, food commercials ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Fruit leather and plum paste were the most frequently broadcast food commercials. "High quality" (19%), "good taste" (15%), "novelty," and "message on nutritional composition" (13%) were the most frequent messages used in promoting the sale of food products, respectively. In addition, focus on "high quality/precision in the preparation of the food products" was the most frequently used appeals in TV commercials. There was a significant relationship between recalling TV food commercials and the interest in five out of eight of the commercials (62.5%) (P < 0.05). The relationship between recalling TV food commercials and the interest in the consumption of the same food product ("Tomato paste B") was statistically significant for 12.5% of the commercials (P < 0.05). Conclusions: TV food commercials do not encourage healthy eating. The current study provides convincing evidence for policy-makers and researchers to pay more attention to this area.

Association of obesity with food habits and body image in school children in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand

Dietary Diversity and Its Relationship with Nutritional Status Among Adolescents and Adults in Rural India

Journal of Biosocial Science, 2017

SummaryDietary diversity is associated with household or individual food availability and intake ... more SummaryDietary diversity is associated with household or individual food availability and intake of nutrients from different food groups and is an important component of nutritional outcome. This study examined the Nutrient Adequacy Ratio (NAR) and the Mean Adequacy Ratio (MAR) of three dietary diversity indices and their relationship with the nutritional status of adolescents and adults in rural regions of two states in India, Wardha district in Maharashtra and Koraput district in Odisha, in 2014. Individual dietary diversity was calculated using 24-hour diet recall (FS24hr) data and household dietary diversity was measured with food frequency data using Berry’s index (DDI) and food scores (FSFFQ). The nutritional status of individuals was assessed using anthropometric indices. The diets in both locations were cereal dominated. It was observed that 51% of adolescent boys and 27% of adolescent girls had ‘thinness’ and stunting. The prevalence of undernutrition was higher among adult...

Dietary Risk Reduction Projects in Industrial Foods in Iran

Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major cause of death worldwide. High intake of salt, suga... more Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are the major cause of death worldwide. High intake of salt, sugar and fat are known as main risk factors for NCD. To address the issue some projects have been implemented in the country. This study aimed to seek for the initiatives targeting salt, sugar, and fat reduction in industrial foods and the status of implementation of food labeling. Meanwhile, we searched for studies which evaluated the above mentioned projects. Methods: We conducted an extensive review in domestic sources namely reports of national plans, protocols, dissertations, and progress reports of ongoing and terminated projects as well as rules and standards of Iran Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) and Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran (ISIRI). Findings: There were several main projects in the country regarding reduction of dietary risk factors in industrial foods. Traffic light food labeling scheme and restrictions on imports of palm oil or food containing i...

A School-Based Intervention to Reduce Excess Weight in Overweight and Obese Primary School Students

SAGE, 2016

Background: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in... more Background: This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary school-age children in Tehran. Methods: A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 primary schools in Tehran. Three hundred thirty- four pupils, 167 in the intervention and 167 in the comparison group, determined to be overweight or obese based on World Health Organization standards, were recruited for the study. The intervention included nutrition education and increased physical activity (PA) for the pupils, lifestyle modification for parents, and a change in food items sold at the schools’ canteens. The entire intervention lasted approximately 18 weeks. Measures were taken before and immediately after the intervention. Results: The intervention significantly reduced body mass index Z-score and hip circumference (p 1⁄4 .003 and p < .001, respectively). Waist circumference increased in both groups, but the increase was higher in the comparison group (p 1⁄4 .001). No significant difference was seen in time spent on TV viewing between groups (p 1⁄4 .08). Vigorous PA increased in the intervention group (p < .001), while the comparison group showed an increase in moderate activity only (p < .001). Energy intake increased significantly in the intervention group (p < .001). Neither triceps skinfold thickness nor time spent on the computer changed in the intervention group (p 1⁄4 .51 and p 1⁄4 .1, respectively), while they increased in the comparison group (p < .001 and p 1⁄4 .004, respectively). Conclusion: The study provides a successful model for the implementation of similar interventions throughout the country.

Relationship between Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity in Adolescent Girls, and Socio-Economic Status of their Families: A case study in Tehran

Journal of Nutrition & Health, 2016

Nutritional Intakes of Zinc, Iron, and Vitamins Relations with Serum Levels of Zinc and Iron in Early Pregnancy

Urmia Medical Journal, May 15, 2015

Considering the important role of pregnancy nutrition on maternal and fetal health, this study wa... more Considering the important role of pregnancy nutrition on maternal and fetal health, this study was performed to define the effects of nutritional intakes of some vitamins, zinc, and iron on serum levels of zinc and iron in the first half of pregnancy. Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 538 pregnant women attending Tehran prenatal clinics in their first half of pregnancy in 2011. Upon entry into the study, a general demographic and a food frequency questionnaire were completed for all participants and then a venous blood sample was taken from them. The data were analyzed by N4 (nutritional software) and SPSS. Results: In correlation analysis, iron serum levels had direct correlation with daily intakes of vitamin K (r: 0.095, p-value: 0.027) and vitamin A (r: 0.16, p-value<0.001). In linear regression analysis, there was a significant relation between zinc serum levels and consumption of folic acid (β: 0.131, p-value: 0.003) and iron supplementation (β: -0.094, p-value: 0.034). Also in linear regression analysis, there were significant relation between iron serum levels and dietary intakes of zinc (β: -0.142, p-value: 0.053), and vitamin A (β: 0.150, p-value: 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the obtained results about the dietary intakes of zinc and iron not affecting their serum levels in early pregnancy, these findings need further investigation. Also, considering the negative effect of iron supplementation on zinc serum levels, this supplement should be provided with more precaution in pregnancy.

Obesity and Pro12Ala Polymorphism of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Gene in Healthy Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism, 2015

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity an... more Background: The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between obesity and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults. Summary: Weighted mean differences (WMDs) of body mass index (BMI) were calculated for different inheritance models and subgroups. Fifty-six studies were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The result shows that the Ala allele of this polymorphism was associated with increased WMD in mean BMI (WMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.10-0.48, p = 0.003). The Ala carriers were associated with increased WMD in mean BMI values in both genders and in the Caucasian subgroup. The associations were seen among people with higher levels of BMI (BMI ≥35). Message: The Ala allele of the PPARγ Pro12Ala polymorphism in healthy adults was associated with increased BMI under a dominant model of inheritance.

Effect of school-based interventions to control childhood obesity: A review of reviews

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2015

Effectiveness of school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight and obesity among sc... more Effectiveness of school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight and obesity among school children was reviewed for a 11-year period (January 2001 to December 2011). All English systematic reviews, meta-analyses, reviews of reviews, policy briefs and reports targeting children and adolescents which included interventional studies with a control group and aimed to prevent or control overweight and/or obesity in a school setting were searched. Four systematic reviews and four meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Results of the review indicated that implementation of multi-component interventions did not necessarily improve the anthropometric outcomes. Although intervention duration is a crucial determinant of effectiveness, studies to assess the length of time required are lacking. Due to existing differences between girls and boys in responding to the elements of the programs in tailoring of school-based interventions, the differences should be taken into consideration. While nontargeted interventions may have an impact on a large population, intervention specifically aiming at children will be more effective for at-risk ones. Intervention programs for children were required to report any unwanted psychological or physical adverse effects originating from the intervention. Body mass index was the most popular indicator used for evaluating the childhood obesity prevention or treatment trials; nonetheless, relying on it as the only indicator for adiposity outcomes could be misleading. Few studies mentioned the psychological theories of behavior change they applied. Recommendations for further studies on school-based interventions to prevent or control overweight/obesity are made at the end of this review.

Poor Breastfeeding as a Probable Cause of Childhood Malnutrition: Exploring Mothers' and Caregivers' Views on Breastfeeding via a Qualitative Study in Damavand, Iran

Razavi International Journal of Medicine, 2013

Food Advertising on Iranian Children’s Television: A Content Analysis and an Experimental Study with Junior High School Students Keywords

Ecology of Food and Nutrition, 2005

... Department of Nutrition Research, National Nutrition &amp; Food Technology Research Insti... more

A School-Based Intervention to Reduce Excess Weight in Overweight and Obese Primary School Students

Biological research for nursing, Oct 29, 2016

This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary sch... more This study evaluated the effect of an intervention for reducing excess weight gain in primary school-age children in Tehran. A cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 12 primary schools in Tehran. Three hundred thirty-four pupils, 167 in the intervention and 167 in the comparison group, determined to be overweight or obese based on World Health Organization standards, were recruited for the study. The intervention included nutrition education and increased physical activity (PA) for the pupils, lifestyle modification for parents, and a change in food items sold at the schools' canteens. The entire intervention lasted approximately 18 weeks. Measures were taken before and immediately after the intervention. The intervention significantly reduced body mass index Z-score and hip circumference (p = .003 and p < .001, respectively). Waist circumference increased in both groups, but the increase was higher in the comparison group (p = .001). No significant difference w...

ارتباط چاقی با عادات غذایی و تصور از بدن در دانش آموزان استان ناخن پاتوم تایلند سال 2004

In order to assess the relationship between obesity with food habit and body image , this case co... more In order to assess the relationship between obesity with food habit and body image , this case control study was conducted among 85 urban primary school children male and female aged 10-12 years old, attending Anuban school in Nakhon Pathom Province, in Thailand. Two different questionnaires were used for data collection for caregivers and students. The standard used for definition of overweight and obesity was body mass index [BMI]. Obesity was defined as percentile ≥ 95th of the sex-specific BMI-for-age growth chart, CDC. Obese children commonly (>4 times per week) ate blanched /steamed foods as well as spicy foods. While sugar consumption was the same between the two groups, oil consumption was higher among the obese group. Compared with control children, obese children had more snacks before breakfast as well as during lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends. Normal students had more foods- except for leafy vegetable and fried BBQ snacks. Two-thirds of the children knew abo...

Vitamin B12 supplementation in end stage renal diseases: a systematic review

Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease particularly in pati... more Background: Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease particularly in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). Vitamin B12 supplementation on its own still remains as a controversial issue for clinicians in decreasing the level of homcysteine in this group of patients. Methods: Using all randomized controlled trials (RCTs), clinical trials and pre-post-trial studies found during January 1999 to March 2014, we conducted a systematic review which assessed the effects of vitamin B12 in decreasing homocysteine levels in patients with ESRD. Results: The findings of this study revealed that, overall, the greatest effect of B12 supplementation on decreasing homocysteine levels in patients with ESRDs occurred when it was combined with folate supplementation. It was also demonstrated that injection treatments might be more beneficial than oral intake treatments. Conclusion: More rigorous studies are needed to draw a firm conclusion about B12 therapy and the level ...

Assessment of nutritional status of hospitalized patients including their food intake and evaluation of food waste, its causes and consequences in some selected Tehran hospitals: a cross-sectional study protocol

Background: Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may occasionall... more Background: Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may occasionally be accompanied by malnutrition development or aggravation. Food intake is often altered during hospitalization, which is tightly connected to malnutrition. On the other hand, a huge amount of plate food wasted by patients, in addition to its health consequences, has enormous economic and environmental expenses for governments and societies. This investigation aims firstly to assess nutritional status of the patients hospitalized in general wards and secondly to evaluate the quantity and financial burden of patients’ food waste along with its possible nutritional outcomes.Methods: A cross-sectional study is performed on 171 adult inpatients with eligibility criteria from medical and surgical wards of three general hospitals in Tehran. Nutritional status of patients is evaluated through the following methods: 1. Assessment of malnutrition using subjective criteria (Mini Nutritional Asses...

Children with Obesity Prioritize Social Support against Stigma: A Qualitative Study for Development of an Obesity Prevention Intervention

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2014

Background: Childhood obesity is a world-wide health problem and development of interventions to ... more Background: Childhood obesity is a world-wide health problem and development of interventions to prevent or control it is a priority. Obesity is prevalent and on the increase among school-students in Iran, too. As the first step for development of an intervention, the current study was designed to complete our understanding of ideas, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of primary school children in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Twenty-seven primary school-students (11 boys, 16 girls) in grade-five, most of whom were overweight or obese, participated in four focus-group discussions (FGDs). All FGD notes were analyzed to find the main themes. Results: Nine themes in three main categories emerged after analysis. The themes in the category of barriers of losing weight included environmental, psychological and physiological barriers. Category of intervention components included nutrition improvement, physical activity promotion, social support and education. Setting and deliverer of the interve...

Changes in fast food intake in Iranian households during the lockdown period caused by COVID‐19 virus emergency, National Food and Nutrition Surveillance

Food Science & Nutrition

Validity of a Modified Food and Nutrition Literacy (M-FNLIT) Questionnaire in Primary School Children in Iran

British Journal of Nutrition

The present study aimed to assess the relative validity and reliability of a modified Food and Nu... more The present study aimed to assess the relative validity and reliability of a modified Food and Nutrition Literacy (M-FNLIT) questionnaire in primary school children in the city of Mashhad. The study was conducted in four phases. In the first step, the content and face validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by Delphi consensus as well as interviewing the students. Then, construct validity was examined using Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA). The internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire were also assessed using Cronbach α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), respectively. Finally, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to detect the cut-off scores of the M-FNLIT scale. Findings of two rounds of Delphi showed satisfactory levels of Content Validity Ratio (CVR): 0.72 and 0.92, Content Validity Index (CVI): 0.92 and 0.98, respectively. The results of CFA for domains and subscales of M-FNLIT questionnaire including cognitive domain...

Evaluation of nutritional status, food intake and food waste costs in ‎hospitalized patients, considering relevant causes and finding possible ‎solutions: Protocol of a mixed-method study (Preprint)

BACKGROUND Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may ‎occasionall... more BACKGROUND Hospitalization may seriously affect patients’ nutritional status and may ‎occasionally be accompanied by malnutrition development or aggravation. Food intake is ‎often altered during hospitalization, which is tightly connected to malnutrition. On the other ‎hand, a huge amount of plate food wasted by patients, in addition to its health consequences, ‎has enormous economic and environmental expenses for governments and societies. OBJECTIVE This ‎investigation aims firstly to assess the nutritional status of the patients hospitalized in general ‎wards and secondly to evaluate the quantity and financial burden of patients’ food waste ‎along with its possible nutritional outcomes.‎ METHODS A mixed-method study is performed in three general hospitals in Tehran. Adult ‎inpatients with eligibility criteria are recruited to the study from medical and surgical ‎wards. Anthropometric and demographic data are collected and energy and protein intakes ‎are extracted from a 24-hour fo...

Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire

PsycTESTS Dataset

Iranian television advertisement and children′s food preferences

International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2016

Background: In this study, the nature of food commercials in children's television (TV) was monit... more Background: In this study, the nature of food commercials in children's television (TV) was monitored and analyzed; simultaneously, the relationship between recalling TV food commercials and children's interest in them and in the consumption of the same food products was evaluated. Methods: A total of 108 h children's programs broadcast on two channels (Two and Amouzesh) of Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) media organization were monitored (May 6-12, 2015). Simultaneously, a cross-sectional study using 403 primary schoolchildren (201 boys) in four schools of Shirvan, Northeast of Iran, was executed. The children were prompted to recall all TV commercials broadcast on IRIB. Meanwhile, they were directed to define in the list of recalled TV food commercials those were interested in and the commercials (food products) they actually were willing to consume. Results: Regarding the frequency and duration of broadcasting, food commercials ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Fruit leather and plum paste were the most frequently broadcast food commercials. "High quality" (19%), "good taste" (15%), "novelty," and "message on nutritional composition" (13%) were the most frequent messages used in promoting the sale of food products, respectively. In addition, focus on "high quality/precision in the preparation of the food products" was the most frequently used appeals in TV commercials. There was a significant relationship between recalling TV food commercials and the interest in five out of eight of the commercials (62.5%) (P < 0.05). The relationship between recalling TV food commercials and the interest in the consumption of the same food product ("Tomato paste B") was statistically significant for 12.5% of the commercials (P < 0.05). Conclusions: TV food commercials do not encourage healthy eating. The current study provides convincing evidence for policy-makers and researchers to pay more attention to this area.

Association of obesity with food habits and body image in school children in Nakhon Pathom province, Thailand