Paula Acevedo Cantero

Associations between food consumption habits with meal intake behaviour in Spanish adults.

The aim of the present study is to explore the contribution of different types of meal intake behaviour on a healthy diet and seeks to find associations with food consumption habits. A cross-sectional survey with data from 1332 Spanish adults aged between 20 and 79 years was conducted. The survey was carried out during the cardiovascular health event Semanas del Corazon 2008 in four Spanish cities. Several food consumption habits such as the recommended intake of fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, as well as the regular consumption of fatty and salty food and ready-made meals, were used as dependent variables in logistic regression. We evaluated different meal intake behaviour such as the type of meals, snacking, and drinks taken with a meal. Our survey revealed that snacking is positively associated with the regular consumption of salty and fatty food, and having sugary drinks with meals was positively associated with the regular consumption of ready-made meals. Having a forenoon meal is positively associated with the consumption of two or more portions of milk and dairy products and vegetables, and taking an afternoon meal with the recommended intake of milk and dairy products and fruits. Drinking water during a meal increases the probability of consuming two or more portions of fruits and vegetables. Our results enhance the understanding of the contribution that meal intake behaviour makes to a healthy diet based on food consumption habits. This work provides an insight into eating behaviour and would make a useful contribution to interventions aimed at promoting healthier eating habits.

Socio-economic Factors Associated with the Reproductive Behaviour in Rural Population of the Granada Province, Spain

Abstract This study was aimed towards the characterization of the reproductive behaviour of women, living in mid-size populations of the rural context of the Granada province (Andalusia, Spain). The analysis focused on the role of the women’s socio-economic status as a modulator of these patterns, as well as their variation according to the age of the woman. A total of 214 residents of Guadix and Motril, within 20 to 82 years of age, were interviewed, getting information regarding several reproductive variables (age at first marriage and first birth, number of pregnancies and children, among others) along with socio-economic related ones (level of education and economic activity). Results showed that, apart from the youngest ones, within the range of age comprised in the study, the reproductive behaviour of these women has not varied noticeably. Besides, compared to available data for the rest of the territory, it could be classified as traditional. For the other aspects included in the research, the level of education, unlike in other populations, happens to have no effect, while economic activity has greater weight as a conduct modifier. Because of this all, it can be inferred that, at least for their reproductive patterns, the women of these two populations maintain deeply-rooted customs.