Barbara J. Stewart-Knox

Smoking and peer groups: results from a longitudinal qualitative study of young people in Northern Ireland.

Previous research has indicated that young people are under considerable social pressure to take up smoking. This study has therefore sought to explore and better understand the mechanisms through which peer-related social factors operate to encourage young people to smoke. Individual qualitative interviews were held with adolescent children aged 11-12 years (N = 102) within youth clubs based in economically deprived areas of Northern Ireland, and then followed up on two occasions during the subsequent 3 years (N = 51/39). The data implied that, although peers influence smoking uptake, this seldom happens through direct persuasion, but rather as the result of the young person striving to conform to the normative behaviour of the peer group with which they identify. The findings are consistent with social identity theory and self-categorization theory in that for both smoking and nonsmoking 14-year-olds smoking activity appears to provide a means through which to define social groups, to accentuate similarity within groups and differences between groups. In-group favouritism was expressed in the sharing of cigarettes within the in-group and in the negative stereotyping of out-group members. There was some evidence that group affiliation may be negotiated differently for boys and girls. These findings imply that successful intervention needs to reconsider the normative processes that encourage young people to smoke.

Attitudes toward genetic testing and personalised nutrition in a representative sample of European consumers

Negative consumer opinion poses a potential barrier to the application of nutrigenomic intervention. The present study has aimed to determine attitudes toward genetic testing and personalised nutrition among the European public. An omnibus opinion survey of a representative sample aged 14-55+ years (n 5967) took place in France, Italy, Great Britain, Portugal, Poland and Germany during June 2005 as part of the Lipgene project. A majority of respondents (66 %) reported that they would be willing to undergo genetic testing and 27 % to follow a personalised diet. Individuals who indicated a willingness to have a genetic test for the personalising of their diets were more likely to report a history of high blood cholesterol levels, central obesity and/or high levels of stress than those who would have a test only for general interest. Those who indicated that they would not have a genetic test were more likely to be male and less likely to report having central obesity. Individuals with a history of high blood cholesterol were less likely than those who did not to worry if intervention foods contained GM ingredients. Individuals who were aware that they had health problems associated with the metabolic syndrome appeared particularly favourable toward nutrigenomic intervention. These findings are encouraging for the future application of personalised nutrition provided that policies are put in place to address public concern about how genetic information is used and held.

Feeding preferences and attitudes to breastfeeding and its promotion among teenagers in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has one of the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates in the world. Given that attitudes toward infant feeding are formed at an early age and a high rate of teenage pregnancy, it has become necessary to survey attitudes to infant feeding and breastfeeding promotion preferences in teenagers in Northern Ireland. Questionnaires were distributed to teenagers aged 14 to 18 years (n = 419) based in 7 schools selected by type and location throughout Northern Ireland. Attitudes to breastfeeding in public reflected preferred infant-feeding method and were positively influenced by prior exposure to breastfeeding (P = .024). Females were more positive than males both in relation to breastfeeding in public (P = .002) and breastfeeding promotion (P = .003). Recommendations for breastfeeding promotion include specific targeting of young people (both male and female) and enabling contact between teenagers and nursing mothers as much as possible. J Hum Lact. 19(1):57-65. Preferencias alimenticias y actitudes hacia la lactancia y su promoción entre adolescentes del Norte de Irlanda El Norte de Irlanda tiene uno de los índices de iniciación de lactancia materna más bajos del mundo. Actitudes hacia la alimentación infantil se forman desde edades tempranas, y el alto índice de embarazo en adolescentes, ha hecho necesario hacer una encuesta de actitudes hacia la alimentación infantil y las preferencias de promoción de la lactancia materna en adolescentes en el Norte de Irlanda. Se distribuyeron cuestionarios a adolescentes de 14 a 18 años (n = 419) en 7 escuelas seleccionadas por el tipo y localización en todo el Norte de Irlanda. Actitudes sobre amamantar en público mostró que la lactancia es el método preferido de alimentación infantil y la exposición a la lactancia anteriormente fue una influencia positiva (P = .024). Las mujeres se mostraron mas positivas que los hombres en ambos tanto en la lactancia en público (P = .002) como en la promoción de la lactancia (P = .003). Recomendamos que para la promoción de la lactancia materna se incluyan a los grupos de jóvenes (ambos hombres y mujeres), y proveer mas contacto entre adolescentes y madres que amamanta.

Vitamin D status and measures of cognitive function in healthy older European adults

Background/Objectives:Data from human studies that have investigated the association between vitamin D status and cognitive function in elderly adults are conflicting. The objective of this study was to assess vitamin D status (reflected by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) in older European subjects (n=387; aged 55–87 years) and examine its association with measures of cognitive function.Subjects/Methods:Serum 25(OH)D was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas measures of cognitive function were assessed using a comprehensive Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB).Results:In all, 12, 36 and 64% of subjects had serum 25(OH)D concentrations <30, <50 and <80 nmol/l, respectively, throughout the year. Serum 25(OH)D was significantly and inversely correlated with four assessments within the spatial working memory (SWM) test parameter (SWM between errors (r=−0.166; P=0.003); SWM between errors 8 boxes (r=−0.134; P=0.038); SWM strategy (r=−0.246; P<0.0001); and SWM total errors (r=−0.174; P<0.003)). When subjects were stratified on the basis of tertiles (T) of serum 25(OH)D (<47.6 (T1); 47.6–85.8 (T2); and >85.8 (T3) nmol/l), fewer errors in SWM test scores occurred in subjects in the third T when compared with the first T (P<0.05–0.084). Stratification by sex showed that these differences between tertiles strengthened (P<0.001–0.043) in the females, but the differences were not significant (P>0.6) in males.Conclusions:Vitamin D insufficiency, but not deficiency, is widespread in the older population of several European countries. Low vitamin D status was associated with a reduced capacity for SWM, particularly in women.

Zinc status and taste acuity in older Europeans: the ZENITH study

Background:Age-related decline in taste acuity may be both a cause and an effect of depleted zinc and/or increased zinc requirement.Objective:The aim of this study was to explore associations between zinc status and taste acuity in healthy older European adults aged 55–90 y.Sample:Volunteers were recruited within Italy (n=108 aged 70–90 y), the United Kingdom (UK) (n=93 aged 55–70) and two regions of France (n=186), Grenoble (aged 70–90 y) and Clermont-Ferrand (aged 55–70 y).Methods:A signal detection theory approach was adopted, employing a three-alternative, forced-choice procedure. The data were converted to R-indices and bivariate correlations were computed to explore relationships between serum zinc, erythrocyte zinc and taste acuity. ANOVA was undertaken to determine regional differences in zinc status.Results:Higher erythrocyte zinc status was associated with better acuity for salt (sodium chloride) taste in the sample as a whole (P=0.012) (n=385). Higher serum zinc levels were associated with greater sensitivity to sour taste (citric acid) (P=0.015) only in the older groups (aged 70–90 y). There were no apparent associations between serum or erythrocyte zinc status and acuity for bitter (quinine) or sweet (sucrose) tastes irrespective of age.Conclusion:These results agree with those previously suggesting that age-related detriment in sensitivity for salt taste may be associated with depleted zinc.Sponsorship:ZENITH is supported by the European Commission ‘Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources’, Fifth Framework Programme, Contract no. QLK1-CT-2001-00168.

Consumer perceptions of poultry meat: a qualitative analysis

Consumer studies of meat have tended to use quantitative methodologies providing a wealth of statistically malleable information, but little in‐depth insight into consumer perceptions of meat. The aim of the present study was therefore, to understand factors perceived important in the selection of chicken meat, using qualitative methodology. Focus group discussions were tape recorded, transcribed verbatim and content analysed for major themes. Themes arising implied that “appearance” and “convenience” were the most important determinants of choice of chicken meat and these factors appeared to be associated with perceptions of freshness, healthiness, product versatility and concepts of value. A descriptive model has been developed to illustrate the interrelationship between factors affecting chicken meat choice. This study indicates that those involved in the production and retailing of chicken products should concentrate upon product appearance and convenience as market drivers for their products.

Taste acuity in response to zinc supplementation in older Europeans

Taste acuity declines with age and may be dependent upon Zn status. The aim of the present double-blind, randomised controlled intervention trial has been to determine taste acuity in response to Zn supplementation (placebo, or 15 or 30 mg Zn/d). Healthy older European adults aged 70-87 years were recruited within Italy (Rome) (n 108) and France (Grenoble) (n 91) to the European Commission-funded Zenith project. A signal detection theory approach was adopted for taste assessment. The data were converted to R indices and analysed by repeated-measures ANOVA controlling for baseline taste acuity as well as serum and erythrocyte Zn. Serum Zn increased post-intervention, indicating compliance with the intervention. Results differed across geographical region. Salt taste acuity was greater in response to Zn (30 mg) than placebo post-intervention among those recruited in Grenoble. There was no apparent change in acuity for sweet, sour or bitter taste in response to Zn. Supplemented Zn may have potential to enhance salt taste acuity in those over the age of 70 years. Further research is required to determine if enhanced salt taste acuity is reflected in the eating experiences of older individuals.

Effects of zinc supplementation on cognitive function in healthy middle-aged and older adults: the ZENITH study

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled design was employed to investigate the effects of Zn supplementation on cognitive function in 387 healthy adults aged 55-87 years. Several measures of visual memory, working memory, attention and reaction time were obtained using the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery at baseline and then after 3 and 6 months of 0 (placebo), 15 or 30 mg Zn/d. Younger adults (< 70 years) performed significantly better on all tests than older adults (> 70 years), and performance improved with practice on some measures. For two out of eight dependent variables, there were significant interactions indicating a beneficial effect (at 3 months only) of both 15 and 30 mg/d on one measure of spatial working memory and a detrimental effect of 15 mg/d on one measure of attention. Further work is required to establish whether these findings generalise to older adults in poorer mental and physical health and with less adequate Zn intake and status than the present sample.

Salivary cortisol, stress and mood in healthy older adults: The Zenith study

The aims of this study were to investigate the relationship between salivary cortisol, stress and mood and to look at the circadian rhythms of positive (PA) and negative (NA) mood in older adults. The participants were 41 healthy adults aged 55-69 years, recruited in Northern Ireland as part of the European Commission-funded Zenith project. Salivary cortisol samples were obtained twice a day (2.30 p.m. and 10.30 p.m.) for 7 consecutive days in conjunction with momentary measures of positive (PA) and negative mood (NA), using PANAS and a trait measure of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale). Salivary cortisol levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. Higher perceived stress levels were associated with lower afternoon PA (r=-0.46, p=0.003) and higher afternoon (r=0.43, p=0.007) and evening (r=0.45, p=0.004) NA. Lower afternoon PA was correlated with higher evening cortisol concentrations (r=-0.47, p=0.002). Greater afternoon PA variability was associated with higher evening cortisol concentrations (r=0.38, p=0.015). A high intra-class correlation between cortisol and positive mood was found (r=0.67, p=0.009). Previously established rhythms for positive and negative mood were confirmed. Interestingly, there was no association between salivary cortisol levels and perceived stress in these healthy older adults. Further, more extensive research is required to better understand the apparent interplay between these variables and ageing.

Associations between obesity (BMI and waist circumference) and socio-demographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits, life events, resilience, mood, perceived stress and hopelessness in healthy older Europeans.

BackgroundIt is important to understand the psycho-social context of obesity to inform prevention and treatment of obesity at both the individual and public health level.MethodsRepresentative samples of middle-aged adults aged ≥43 years were recruited in Great Britain (GB) (n = 1182) and Portugal (n = 540) and interviewed to explore associations between body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), demographic factors, physical activity, dietary habits (FFQ), life events (LES), Resilience (RS11), Mood (MS), Hopelessness (BDI) and Perceived Stress (PSS4). BMI (kg/m2) and WC (cm) were dependent variables in separate multiple linear regression models for which predictors were entered in 4 blocks: 1. demographic factors; 2. stressful life events; 3. diet/activity; and, 4. psychological measures.ResultsIn the GB sample, BMI (kg/m2) was predicted by less education, illness in a close friend or relative, frequent alcohol consumption and sedentary behaviour. Among the Portuguese, higher BMI (kg/m2) was predicted by lower resilience. Being male and less education were independent predictors of having a larger WC (cm) in both countries. Within GB, not working, illness in a close friend or relative, sedentary lifestyle and lower resilience were also independent predictors of a larger WC (cm).ConclusionsThese data suggest that intervention to treat and/or prevent obesity should target males, particularly those who have left education early and seek to promote resilience. In GB, targeting those with high alcohol consumption and encouraging physical activity, particularly among those who have experienced illness in a close friend or relative may also be effective in reducing obesity.