Findings from this study provide an understanding of the dynamics between DE, ED, and key personality, emotion-related, and social factors in youth. Lastly, implications and recommendations for future studies are advanced.

No abstract

Intuitive eating (IE) is a concept based on mind-body integration of instinct, emotion and rational thought, to improve eating behaviors, physical and mental health. Several attempts were developed to teach IE principles including text-messaging interventions given that they are easy to implement and low-cost. Objective The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a five-week text-message-based IE intervention on IE, while correcting for perceived stress (PS) and self-compassion (SC). Design A randomized control trial. Setting Online, in Lebanon. Participants Adults (n=195) were randomized into one of three groups: the active IE group receiving IE-related messages with a practice exercise, the passive IE group receiving only IE-related messages and the control group receiving general health-related tips. Ten messages were delivered over five weeks. Two follow-ups were made: directly post-intervention and five weeks later. Baseline data and follow-ups included demographics, nutrition-related variables and measures of IE, SC and PS. Results Results indicated improvements in IE scores in the two intervention groups (p=0.05), with the passive IE group showing the most improvement. Also, a significant improvement in SC (Λ= 0.88, F (2, 63)=4.40, p=0.01), and reduction in PS (Λ= 0.86, F (2, 63)=5.21, p=0.008) were observed in the active IE group. Conclusion Text-messaging interventions might be efficient in enhancing IE. Results shed light on the need for further large-scale interventions that use visual aids and provide practical guidance to teach IE, while further characterizing the relation between IE, SC and stress.

The World Food Programme (WFP) offers yearly health and nutrition summer camps hosting vulnerable Syrian and Lebanese children and aiming at improving physical, mental, and social wellbeing while contributing to better social cohesion. The present study aimed to assess the 2019 WFP summer camps’ effectiveness in reaching the intended outcomes and to provide recommendations for improvement. A multi-method approach using (1) quantitative student pre/post surveys (n =443), (2) focus group discussions and (3) key informant interviews and surveys (n =42) was adopted. Test results showed improvements in nutrition (M = 4.79; SD =1.9 vs M = 5.34; SD = 2.7); t(269) = 4.51, p = 0.000) and life skills knowledge (M = 4.97; SD = 1.9 vs M = 5.55; SD =2); t(294) = 4.52, p = 0.000) but no improvement in health knowledge and social cohesion scores. Qualitative data revealed positive changes in social cohesion and an increase in health knowledge. In addition, there was a positive attitude towards the summer camps from students, instructors, and administrators specifically regarding the integrated content, snacks, and atmosphere of fun and learning. The main weaknesses identified were the short time to prepare for the camps, shortage in instructor training, and short camp duration. There were also points of debate regarding sexual and reproductive health-related topics and how they should be delivered. All in all, the camps were shown to be a commendable initiative for incorporating an integrated and holistic approach in the support of education and development among vulnerable children and adolescents.