The Campuses Of The Universities In Manchester

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

L;;;;;;;;

High levels of trans fatty acids and sodium in fast foods. A study on the dietary habits change of students before and after a nutrition Education intervention on the topic

Krish Jethani – Student 09450369

Research Proposal BSc Human Nutrition

Introduction/Rationale

The campuses of the Universities in Manchester are surrounded by hundreds of fast food restaurants, this puts at the reach of students a big variety of unhealthy, low-cost fast food. Fast foods mainly offer foods that are high in trans fatty acids and sodium, these two elements are harmful to our health as they can produce various cardiovascular diseases (Torrejón. C. and Uauy. R., 2011). Reducing the consumption of trans fatty acids is a pillar of international dietary recommendations to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, the major cause of death among people aged 15-59 (WHO, 2002). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends consuming less than 1% of trans fatty acids in account of our total energy intake (WHO, 2003).

High levels of sodium in a diet can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), people suffering from high blood pressure have higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (stroke and coronary heart disease) (Karppanen. H. and Mervaala. E., 2006). The recommended amount of sodium intake a day is 100mmol per day, but the majority of people exceed that recommendation.

About 77% of dietary sodium is derived from salt added by food manufacturers (Mattes et al. 1991). Thus, identification of the sodium content of processed foods should be a critical part of nutrition education about sodium.

The majority of student population is not aware of the risks it involves consuming fast foods so frequently, it is fair to state that they are not nutritionally educated. This big problem because the rates of cardiovascular diseases are increasing because of two main factors:

Poor nutrition knowledge: The population is not educated about the benefits and dangers of consuming certain foods and continue consuming the foods that increase cardiovascular diseases and.

Physical Inactivity: Being physically inactive is an important factor that influences the index of cardiovascular diseases. Practicing 30 minutes of exercise a day, 5 days a week can drastically decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases (DH, 2011)

Nutrition education (Nutrition Intervention)

Nutrition education interventions have been shown to decrease the intakes of fat and sodium and increase the intakes of calcium, fruits, and vegetables (Sahyoun et al. 2004). Its proven that these nutrients and foods play a role in the risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease (USDHHS and USDA 2005a), it is fair to expect that these dietary changes would improve quality of life.

The benefits of nutrition education interventions for older adults have been summarized in the study of "Sahyoun et al, 2004". Sahyount et al (2004) base their work (Meta Analysis) on the review of 128 studies related to nutrition educational interventions and the results shown are positive, proving that nutrition interventions in older adults can have an effect on behavioral change and dietary habits on this group of people.

The reason of this study is to prove that the study of Sahyoun et al (2004) can be also done in University level students at the Manchester Metropolitan University and investigate whether having nutrition interventions will have the same results in young adults.

This research is necessary to observe the effect of a nutrition intervention about the risks frequent consumption of fast food has over general health and wellbeing on students of Manchester Metropolitan University. Other reasons that increase interest in this research are to observe the interest University students have in learning about health and nutrition and the effects it has on their lives.

Aims and Objectives

Aim 1: To assess the attitude towards fast food in students after educating them on the risks of eating fast foods

Objective: Analyze the dietary intake of 30 to 50 students that consume fast foods frequently (3 or more times a week) by giving them a 5 day food diary that will be analyzed with Netwisp or other food data analyzer to view their nutritional intake focusing on trans fatty acids and sodium.

Aim 2: Educate Students on the risks of eating fast food frequently.

Objective 2: These students that eat fast food frequently will be given an intense presentation on consuming fast foods and the health risks it involves and how it could affect their lives.

Aim 3: To observe the behavioral change and diet change these students have after being educated on the dangers of consuming fast foods frequently.

Objective 3: These students will be given 5-day food diaries again and these will be analyzed with Netwisp or other food data analyzer.

Methodology

A conveniently selected group of 30 to 50 students from Manchester Metropolitan University of both genders that consume fast foods frequently (3 or more times a week) will be handed food diaries and instructions of how to fill them in correctly. These food diaries will record 5 days food intake of those students (2 weekend days and 3 week-days).

The data obtained will be inserted into Netwisp or another validated food data analyzer and will assess the nutrients intake of each participant focusing on the levels of trans fatty acids and sodium.

All the participants will be given a presentation (Lecture) on the health risks of high intake of fat and sodium can cause.

The participants will be given again food diaries and the instructions to fill them in correctly. These food diaries will record 5 days food intake of those students (2 weekend days and 3 week-days).

The data obtained will again be inserted into Netwisp or another validated food data analyzer and will assess the nutrients intake of each participant (from the new food diaries) focusing on the levels of trans fatty acids and sodium.

A Paired T-Test will be performed to compare the levels of trans fatty acids before and after the intervention. This will be done with a SPSS Software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences).

Other data that will also be recorded along with the food diaries is: Gender, Age, Area of Study.

A conclusion will be drawn

The group sample size is an achievable number of individuals to study in the given time. The targeted individuals are Manchester Metropolitan Students because there will not be complications to find and involve them. Students will be adults of both genders.

The method selected to collect data food intake is a 5-day food diary including 2 days of the weekend and 3 week-days, because it’s a viable source to obtain the information needed. It should not have limitations if used correctly and with precision. This method has been used to record food intake in numerous studies such as Crispim et al in 2011 and Curtis et al in 2011.

Difficulties and Limitations

The difficulties this research might find are:

Volunteers not completing their food diary accurately

Volunteers not showing up for the presentation, notes will be sent by email.

Not having enough volunteers

The limitations this research might find are:

The findings will not apply to all the students, only the general population that leads an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

There is no possibility for follow up the project maybe not long term, there is no possibility of follow up due to time restrictions. Optimally there should be a follow up of food diaries once every 3 months for the time period of 9-12 months.

CONCLUSION

This Research’s main purpose is to test the hypothesis "A Nutrition Education Intervention is Effective to Achieve Dietary Change in Trans Fatty Acids and Sodium Foods".

The expected result is that that most of the students do change their diet after receiving education over consuming foods with high levels of trans fatty acids and sodium and the risks that it carries.