9:00 am - 9:30 am
Event details: A graduate exam seminar is a presentation of the student’s final research project for their degree.
This is an ALES MSc Final Exam Seminar by Xinyi (Nicole) Wang. This seminar is open to the general public to attend.
Zoom Link: https://ualbertaca.zoom.us/j/99057474178?pwd=cagm2oRAw0ue7lCQDIlFRLiHhiMiJy.1
MSc with Dr. Diana Mager
Thesis Topic: Food environment and child diet quality in gluten-free food insecure households with children with celiac disease
Abstract:
Introduction
Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune gastrointestinal disease requiring a lifelong gluten-free diet (GFD). The high prevalence of gluten-free food insecurity (GF-FI) in households with children with CD has been associated with child poor diet quality (DQ). The study aimed to evaluate the differences in the food environment and child DQ/GFD adherence between households with gluten-free food security (GF-FS) and GF-FI.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in parents-CD youth (2-18 yrs) dyads/triads with CD through a 2.5-hour Zoom interview. Household GF-FI was determined using validated questionnaires. Validated Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS-P) was used to examine the food environment. DQ was examined by the Healthy Eating Food Index-2019 (HEFI-2019) and the NOVA classification system. GFD adherence was measured by self-reporting/dietary gluten intake.
Results
This is a subset analysis including 38 parent-CD youth dyads and three parent-CD youth triads. Approximately 22.7% (n=10) of CD children lived in GF-FI households. More GF-FI households (20-30%) expressed difficulty in accessing either fresh fruits and vegetables (p=0.037) or low-fat products (p=0.009) in their neighbourhood compared to GF-FS households (6-9%), with no significant differences in food quality and selection (p>0.05). GF-FI households (60%) were more frequently concerned about having enough money to eat nutritious meals compared to GF-FS households (32%) (p<0.001). Children with household GF-FI had a higher sodium intake compared to those with household GF-FS (p=0.026), with no significant differences in the HEFI-2019 total score. CD children with GF-FI also had a greater consumption of GF-processed food than those with GF-FS (GF-FS: 11.0% vs. GF-FI: 17.6%, p=0.024). No significant differences were found in GFD adherence by self-report (GF-FS: 94% vs. GF-FI: 90%) (p=0.548) or gluten intake (GF-FS: 3.0 ± 1.3 mg/day and GF-FI: 3.2 ± 1.1 mg/day) (p=0.755).
Conclusion
Children living in GF-FI households have poorer DQ than those living in GF-FS households, with no significant differences in GFD adherence. Policy interventions are needed to address food accessibility and affordability related to GF-FI.
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