https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148514 2026-09-04T16:07:55Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148710 Title: Editorial : home economics as a vehicle for sustainability, food literacy, wellbeing, social transformation, and community engagement in Mediterranean societies Authors: Mugliett, Karen; Piscopo, Suzanne Abstract: Home Economics (HE) has a noble vision. It is concerned with the quality of life of individuals, families and communities through sustainable living and the responsible use of resources (IFHE, 2008). As a discipline, it equips individuals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to make informed decisions about food, health, consumption, family life and sustainability in an increasingly complex world (Erjavšek 2021). In its 100th Anniversary Position Statement, the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE, 2008) defines HE as a field encompassing education, research and professional practice that seeks to support optimal and harmonious living for individuals, families and communities based on personal holistic health, mutual respect and stewardship of the natural environment. [excerpt] 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148709 Title: Introduction : aspects of home economics in the Mediterranean region : from food to sustainability; from curriculum to community Authors: Piscopo, Suzanne; Mugliett, Karen Abstract: Every four years the International Federation of Home Economics (IFHE) holds a World Congress where Home Economics (HE) professionals and students gather to discuss current global issues as they impact individuals, families, communities and our planet. The congress focuses on the role of HE education and Home Economists in fostering wellbeing by sharing research and best practice, whilst considering emerging trends. The first World Congress in 1908 in Fribourg Switzerland had the theme The Training of Home Economics teachers. The most recent Congresses had the themes Home Economics: Soaring Toward Sustainable Development (Atlanta, 2022) and Bridging the Past – Charting the Future (Galway, 2024). These three themes alone reflect the value that the HE discipline gives to quality education, to responsible and smart resource management for global sustainability, and to the need to recognise what works in different contexts and what requires changing and researching so that HE education and professional service can truly help improve quality of life for all. [excerpt] 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148706 Title: Impact of a nutrition education intervention on adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Moroccan adolescents Authors: Benaddi, Ghizlane; Daif, Halima; Angua, Soukaina Ben; Rafik, Anouar; El Hiba, Omar; Belahsen, Rekia Abstract: Promoting sustainable dietary choices is a public health priority. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a nutrition education intervention using the KIDMED index among Moroccan adolescents. A before-and-after intervention study was conducted among adolescents aged 14–18 years. Sociodemographic, socioeconomic, anthropometric and dietary data were collected at baseline and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed before and after the intervention using the KIDMED index. Gender differences were observed for some anthropometric parameters, with more pronounced central adiposity in girls. The mean KIDMED score increased significantly after the educational intervention (p<0.001).; CONCLUSION: This study suggests that nutrition education can improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet among Moroccan adolescents, even in a socioeconomically disadvantaged context. These findings support the development of locally adapted nutrition education programmes. 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148692 Title: Impact of a nutrition education programme focused on the sustainability of the Mediterranean diet among health science students in Morocco : a pilot study Authors: Rafik, Anouar; Benaddi, Ghizlane; Angua, Soukaina Ben; Elayachi, Mohammed; El Habazi, Abdellah; Belahsen, Rekia Abstract: Sustainability is a major public health and environmental issue today. The Mediterranean diet, recognised for its health benefits and its compatibility with sustainability principles, offers a relevant model for promoting responsible eating habits in which healthcare professionals can play a key role. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutrition education programme focused on the sustainability of the Mediterranean diet on the knowledge, perceptions and eating habits of nursing students. An educational intervention was conducted with nursing students (mean age 20.65 ± 2.01 years, range 18–30) at the ISPITS in Safi, using a participatory and contextualised approach. The evaluation was based on a KnowledgeAttitudes-Practices (KAP) questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The data obtained were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively to measure changes in cognitive, perceptual and behavioral dimensions. The results revealed a clear increase in knowledge and perceptions regarding food sustainability, while the observed behavioural changes, although positive, remain more limited. Nutrition education based on adherence to the Mediterranean diet appears to be an effective educational tool in nursing training for promoting sustainable eating. Such an approach can contribute to the transition towards more equitable food systems that respect health and the environment. 2026-06-01T00:00:00Z