https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/63870 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:21:37 GMT 2026-04-24T17:21:37Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46016 Title: Diabetic adolescents and diet. Abstract: Recently, new nutritional recommendations for people with diabetes have been published, however, few studies have focused on the dietary intake and glucose control of adolescents with type 1 diabetes. The aim of this descriptive study was to establish the nutrient intake and glycaemic control of local adolescents diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. A Semi Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SFFQ) and a general information questionnaire were used to study dietary intake, among 35 adolescents aged 12 -18 years. Height, weight and frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes were also measured; whilst the mean HbA 1 c of the previous year was calculated from the medical records and the body size category were determined using growth curve charts. This study indicated that the mean daily calorie intake by young male and female diabetic adolescents was according to the recommendations issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1990), whilst for the older male type 1 diabetic adolescents this intake was statistically lower than recommended by the same organisation, and for the older female type 1 diabetic adolescents the mean daily calorie .intake was statistically higher than recommended by the WHO (1990). The results also showed that overall the proportions of carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the diet of these adolescents was in accordance with the recommendations published by the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) (2000) however, there seemed to be a tendency by some of the adolescents to consume fats in exchange of carbohydrates. With regards to glucose control, few were the adolescents who managed to achieve a satisfactory glucose control according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) (2005) guidelines. In fact, the participants' mean HbAlc level over the preceding year was higher than the stated guidelines. Adding to this, the frequency of hypoglycaemic symptoms reported by these adolescents was high, and although not statistically proven, there was a tendency that the frequency of hypoglycaemic symptoms increased with better glucose control. Another observation showed that nearly half of the participating type 1 diabetic adolescents had a problem with weight control, where one forth of the adolescents where found to be underweight for their age and height and another one forth of the study sample were categorised as overweight. From this study it could be concluded that whilst for most of the adolescents the macronutrient proportions in the diet seem to be in line with the guidelines, the mean daily calorie intake for the older adolescents needs to be reviewed. Better glucose control is also needed for the majority of the participants. However, this might be hindered by the frequency of hypoglycaemic symptoms. Attention should also focus on the weight of these adolescents as a good number of them have a problem with weight control. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46016 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46015 Title: Dietary intake and colorectal cancer. Abstract: Dietary Intake and Colorectal Cancer The purpose of this research study was to investigate whether the Maltese population is aware of certain risk factors which contribute to Colorectal cancer. For this study, the lifestyle and diet of each individual were important factors. Factors such as age, inappropriate dietary habits, colorectal polyps, family medical history of Colorectal Cancer, genetic alterations, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, cigarette smoking and lack of physical activity increase the person's risk of developing Colorectal cancer. An interview was the research tool used in the study. For the purpose of this study given the limitations, mainly time and financial, it was decided to adopt a nonprobability sampling. Therefore the results presented are only indicative and cannot be inferred on the population. Each interview helped to identify a)what food the individual eats b) his/her lifestyle, c) if the individual is aware of certain food which could cause or prevent colorectal cancer or disease. This study involved a group of eighty five individuals nearly half of them males and half females visiting Fgura pharmacy. A clinic room in the pharmacy was used in which all interviews were conducted. This study shows that more females tend to follow a special diet than males, one of the reasons being weight consciousness. Another reason is that nearly all females interviewed have a family medical history. However all interviewees who suffer from diabetes follow a special diet. There seems to be a good level of awareness about the effect of high levels of cholesterol and hypertension in health due to regular yearly check ups. From the evaluation of this study the majority of those interviewed were reluctant to change their eating habits even though many of them were aware that certain large quantities of and certain types of food can lead to serious illness. Nearly everyone agreed that there are certain types of food which help to prevent colorectal cancer however most had confused ideas about the right type of diet that contributes to the prevention of this disease although there were some who mentioned one or more types of food that contributes towards the prevention of colorectal disease. Although most interviewees agreed that certain types of fats are bad for our health, consumption of fatty food is still higher than recommended for health. The same applies to alcohol, soft drinks, tea and coffee. However nearly everyone was aware of the beneficial effect of drinking water. Although there was a high level of awareness that sweet food is not good for our health the majority of the interviewees still consumed sweet food daily. With regards to fruit and vegetables there was a high level of awareness about their importance to health as prevention of colorectal cancer and other types of disease. A similar conclusion can be drawn in the case of consumption of fibre. This study strongly indicate that although persons interviewed are aware which type of food is healthy they still continue to eat the wrong food and find it difficult to change their lifestyle. The challenge therefore is not so much to averse awareness of such knowledge of the interviewees with colorectal cancer but to convince people of the need to change their bad eating habit and lifestyle. Tutor: Prof. V. Ferrito Post Qualification Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics June 2007 Louise Farrugia Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46015 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46014 Title: The impact of food marketing on the food choices of Maltese teenagers. Abstract: Food availability is influenced by (a) geography, season, food preservation and distribution systems, which affect physical availability and (b) the ability of the individual to acquire what is available. These two elements are closely linked and the relative importance of each will depend on the situation. Geissler and Powers (2005) furthermore maintain that the spread of mass media with its huge amounts of money, amounting to millions, being spent each year offer a powerful influence on the two elements mentioned above. This is more so with children and youths who on their part cannot fully distinguish the impact the media of communication has on them. In their tum they will then pester their parents to choose their likes in food preferences. As they grow up and have their own money to spend they would be in a better position to make their own choices. Throughout these last years many studies tried to establish the influence of media of communication on children and youths. This is mainly due to the social dimension of food. Its readily available in certain parts of the world and lacking in others. This gives rise to various circumstances, from people dying of hungry to people dying out of the will not to eat to keep their figure (anorexia nervosa). This study tried to show, using focus groups, how different marketing techniques are influencing the eating behaviour of Maltese youths. We have tried to show how the local media is influencing our youths sometimes even using foreign advertising. In this study it was shown how our youths are not different from their counter parts in other parts of the westernised world. This was achieved by making use of focus groups using the qualitative interpretation of the facts gathered during the focus group sessions. The group sessions were directed by the use of a number of advertising materials which is published in local magazine. It should also be noted that during the sessions, the youths themselves made reference to other advertising material they regularly meet during the day starting from the posters placed along our roads, the screens on the buses and the local and foreign television stations. It must be said that results also confirm and compliment other studies conducted locally. This study along with others previous published considers the need of all concerned to act immediately to counteract the effects of marketing and mass media is having on our youths. This could be effectively done if all stake holders recognise their responsibility towards a healthier society. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46014 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46010 Title: Eggs : a nutritious food and their role in a healthy diet. Abstract: Objectives: A research study was carried out to provide statistical evidence on the perception of young mothers on the nutritional and health aspects of eggs, together with a thorough literature review presenting scientific information on health issues relating to the consumption of eggs and the cholesterol myth, egg allergy and microbiological safety of eggs. Methodology: A qualitative questionnaire was designed to assess the knowledge of mothers having children attending kindergarten school, on health concerns and nutritional aspects of eggs. The questionnaires were distributed in kindergarten schools in four different locations. The data collected was analysed using SPSS statistical program. Results: The population under study is unaware of the benefits of eggs and has not been adjourned with the latest finding as regards the cholesterol issue. This was also confirmed by the low amount of eggs consumed. Participants showed a rather low level of education in nutrition and were easily mixed up when questions were rephrased. Conclusions: For the egg to regain popular acceptance, the controversy surrounding the dietary cholesterol content of eggs must be revisited and revised. Scientists, medical professionals and media communicators should be challenged with changing consumer attitudes and behaviours about eggs. Positive publicity can be as bad as negative publicity thereby eggs should be promoted as one of the food sources that can be easily assimilated in a balanced diet. Recommendations: Nutritional education should form part of educational curricula at all levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. Description: P.Q.DIP.NUTRITION&DIETETICS Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/46010 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z