Silvia Maria Voci

Bio: Silvia Maria Voci is an academic researcher from Universidade Federal de Sergipe. The author has contributed to research in topics: Population & Low birth weight. The author has an hindex of 5, co-authored 17 publications receiving 89 citations.

The relative validity of a food record using the smartphone application MyFitnessPal.

Abstract: Aim The present study aimed to validate food records on the application MyFitnessPal (MFP), comparing them with paper-based food records (P-FR). Methods Thirty university students, including males and females, volunteered and recorded dietary intakes on P-FR and MFP food records (MFP-FR). The values of energy, macronutrients and fibre from MFP-FR were compared with data from P-FR, calculated using Brazilian food composition tables. Adjustments for in-person variability and energy intake were performed, and comparisons were made between each data set, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman's correlation and Bland-Altman agreement plots. Results Positive moderate correlations between P-FR and MFP-FR for all variables, and non-significant associations for energy and fibre were found. The Bland-Altman plots showed tendency to underestimation and relatively narrow limits of agreement. Carbohydrate and lipids show trends of increasing the degree of overestimation with increased intake, even after data normalisation. Conclusions MFP tends to underestimate ingestion of nutrients probably due to inadequacies in the MFP database. However, MFP showed good relative validity, especially for energy and fibre. Its use, as well as other similar applications, should be encouraged, due to ease of assessing dietary information, although careful usage is recommended because of database gaps.

Low adherence to traditional dietary pattern and food preferences of low-income preschool children with food neophobia.

Abstract: Objective To associate dietary patterns and food neophobia in low-income preschoolers. Design This was a cross-sectional study using a semi-structured questionnaire for socio-demographic data, birth conditions and breast-feeding history. Food neophobia was assessed using an adapted version of the Child Food Neophobia Scale. Children's nutritional status was assessed using BMI-for-age and height-for-age Z-scores. Dietary patterns were estimated using a semi-quantitative FFQ through exploratory factor analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to test for an association between food neophobia and dietary pattern adherence. Setting Philanthropic childhood education schools in Aracaju, an urban community in northeastern Brazil, between July and December 2017. Participants Two hundred fourteen children aged 3-6 years and their parents. Results The percentages of low/medium and high food neophobia among preschoolers were 85·9 % and 11·2 %, respectively. Children with high food neophobia more frequently consumed ultra-processed foods rich in sugars (snacks, filled and unfilled cookies and sweets), as well as protein-rich foods (white meat, cheese and yogurt). Three dietary patterns were identified (traditional, snacks and school snacks). Children with a high level of neophobia had lower adherence to traditional dietary patterns. Conclusions A high level of food neophobia among socially vulnerable preschoolers is an eating behaviour related to unhealthy eating and is associated with the poorest diet in typical foods.

Food and nutritional security of semi-arid farm families benefiting from rainwater collection equipment in Brazil.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to identify and describe the experience of family farmers and their respective families after using the Boardwalk Cistern rainwater collection system and consequent impacts on nutrition profile and food security. This is a qualitative-quantitative study conducted in two municipalities in the semi-arid region of the state of Alagoas, northeastern Brazil. A structured questionnaire was applied to collect information on demographic and socioeconomic status and household access to food, based on the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale of 29 family farmers' households. Food intake was assessed by food intake markers of the Ministry of Health, while nutritional status was determined by measuring the weight and height of all family members and waist circumference of adults. Nutrition diagnosis was performed using the cutoff points of body mass index for age. Three focus groups were conducted, and the information collected was analyzed through Content Analysis with the aim of knowing the participants' perception of the effects of the received water equipment. The study showed a high prevalence of excess weight (52.7%) and high risk for cardiovascular diseases (35.9%) marked by a high salt and sugar in the food intake. Food Insecurity Scale showed that food insecurity is a problem occurring in 75% of these families. However, focus groups showed that families have a positive perception of Boardwalk Cisterns for their food security. They believe that agricultural production has improved, thereby offering a wider range of foods and, consequently, improving food security. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of water access programs for food production within public policies to guarantee FNS.

Evolução da produção e disponibilidade de alimentos no município de são cristóvão (evolution of food production and availability in the municipality of são cristóvão)

Abstract: RESUMO:O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a evolucao da producao e a disponibilidade de alimentos no municipio de Sao Cristovao-SE na perspectiva da Seguranca Alimentar e Nutricional, para isso foi realizado um estudo descritivo com base na analise dos indicadores municipais de Producao de Alimentos e Disponibilidade de Alimentos utilizando dados secundarios de acesso publico do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica (IBGE). A producao agricola tem grande importância economica para o municipio e esta relacionada com a seguranca e a soberania alimentar e nutricional da populacao. Este estudo mostrou que a producao de alimentos no municipio esta voltada principalmente para a exportacao e que o modelo agricola predominante contribui para isto, e esse modelo pode influenciar a Seguranca Alimentar e Nutricional da populacao. Palavras-chave: Producao agricola; Seguranca Alimentar e Nutricional; Soberania alimentar. ABSTRACT:The objective of this work was to analyze the evolution of production and food availability in the city of Sao Cristovao-SE from the perspective of food and nutritional security, for this was carried out a descriptive study based on the analysis of the municipal indicators of Food Production and Availability of Food using secondary data of public access of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Agricultural production has great economic importance for the municipality and is related to the food and nutritional security and sovereignty of the population. This study showed that food production in the municipality is mainly focused on exports and that the predominant agricultural model contributes to this, and this model can influence the food and nutritional security of the population.Keywords: Agricultural production; Food and nutrition security; Food sovereignty.

Percepção de Profissionais e Usuários de Unidades Básicas de Saúde sobre a Inserção do Nutricionista

Abstract: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a importância da insercao do nutricionista em Unidades Basicas de Saude (UBS), bem como as dificuldades de acesso aos seus servicos a partir da percepcao de profissionais e usuarios do servico de saude. Foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal de abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa, para o qual foram entrevistados profissionais e usuarios de duas unidades basicas de saude de Aracaju-SE utilizando-se um roteiro semiestruturado especifico pre-testado e com gravacao de audio. Para a analise das informacoes foi utilizada a tecnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC) proposta por Lefevre e Lefevre. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que os profissionais e usuarios tem conhecimento da importância do nutricionista nas UBS para melhoria da qualidade de vida da comunidade bem como para as trocas de informacoes e agregacao de seu conhecimento aos demais profissionais da unidade, porem os mesmos relataram dificuldades para a ampliacao e acesso a esse servico, tais como: recursos humanos insuficientes, demora e burocracia no agendamento, e a falta de divulgacao da presenca do nutricionista nas unidades. Concluimos que, embora com sua importância reconhecida, a insercao do nutricionista na UBS esbarra em dificuldades relacionadas a burocracia, a falta de informacao e aspectos relacionados a gestao.

15 Smartphone Apps for Older Adults to Use While in Isolation During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Abstract: The maintenance of well-being, healthcare, and social connection is crucial for older adults (OA) and has become a topic of debate as much of the world faces lockdown during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. OAs have been advised to isolate themselves because they are at higher risk for developing serious complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Additionally, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across the country have closed their doors to visitors to protect their residents. Mobile technology such as applications (apps) could provide a valuable tool to help families stay connected, and to help OAs maintain mobility and link them to resources that encourage physical and mental well-being. Apps could address cognitive, visual, and hearing impairments. Our objective was to narratively summarize 15 apps that address physical and cognitive limitations and have the potential to improve OAs' quality of life, especially during social distancing or self-quarantine.

A Comparison of Self-reported and measured height, weight and BMI in Australian adolescents

Abstract: Objective: To explore the relationship between self‐reported weight and height to actual weight and height in older Australian adolescents

A Focused Review of Smartphone Diet-Tracking Apps: Usability, Functionality, Coherence With Behavior Change Theory, and Comparative Validity of Nutrient Intake and Energy Estimates.

Abstract: Smartphone diet-tracking apps may help individuals lose weight, manage chronic conditions, and understand dietary patterns; however, the usabilities and functionalities of these apps have not been well studied. : The aim of this study was to review the usability of current iPhone operating system (iOS) and Android diet-tracking apps, the degree to which app features align with behavior change constructs, and to assess variations between apps in nutrient coding. : The top 7 diet-tracking apps were identified from the iOS iTunes and Android Play online stores, downloaded and used over a 2-week period. Each app was independently scored by researchers using the System Usability Scale (SUS), and features were compared with the domains in an integrated behavior change theory framework: the Theoretical Domains Framework. An estimated 3-day food diary was completed using each app, and food items were entered into the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Composition Databases to evaluate their differences in nutrient data against the USDA reference. : Of the apps that were reviewed, LifeSum had the highest average SUS score of 89.2, whereas MyDietCoach had the lowest SUS score of 46.7. Some variations in features were noted between Android and iOS versions of the same apps, mainly for MyDietCoach, which affected the SUS score. App features varied considerably, yet all of the apps had features consistent with Beliefs about Capabilities and thus have the potential to promote self-efficacy by helping individuals track their diet and progress toward goals. None of the apps allowed for tracking of emotional factors that may be associated with diet patterns. The presence of behavior change domain features tended to be weakly correlated with greater usability, with R2 ranging from 0 to .396. The exception to this was features related to the Reinforcement domain, which were correlated with less usability. Comparing the apps with the USDA reference for a 3-day diet, the average differences were 1.4% for calories, 1.0% for carbohydrates, 10.4% for protein, and −6.5% for fat. : Almost all reviewed diet-tracking apps scored well with respect to usability, used a variety of behavior change constructs, and accurately coded calories and carbohydrates, allowing them to play a potential role in dietary intervention studies.

The history and future of digital health in the field of behavioral medicine.

Abstract: Since its earliest days, the field of behavioral medicine has leveraged technology to increase the reach and effectiveness of its interventions. Here, we highlight key areas of opportunity and recommend next steps to further advance intervention development, evaluation, and commercialization with a focus on three technologies: mobile applications (apps), social media, and wearable devices. Ultimately, we argue that future of digital health behavioral science research lies in finding ways to advance more robust academic-industry partnerships. These include academics consciously working towards preparing and training the work force of the twenty first century for digital health, actively working towards advancing methods that can balance the needs for efficiency in industry with the desire for rigor and reproducibility in academia, and the need to advance common practices and procedures that support more ethical practices for promoting healthy behavior.