Mireille H. Serhan, Mira Yakan and Carole Serhan
Adequate nutrition knowledge forms the foundation for optimal physical health and performance. In Lebanon, there are limited studies on the effect of nutrition knowledge on the…
Abstract
Purpose
Adequate nutrition knowledge forms the foundation for optimal physical health and performance. In Lebanon, there are limited studies on the effect of nutrition knowledge on the athletes’ performance. This study aims to evaluate university athletes’ nutrition knowledge status and to identify the factors predicting athletes’ performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 university student-athletes, using a validated tool with modifications (Furber et al., 2017) to assess nutrition knowledge. The modified questionnaire includes seven subsections (vitamins and minerals, general nutrition, fluid, fat, carbohydrate, protein and sporting performance). Further, anthropometric measurements were taken; body composition was determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. Handgrip strength, as an indirect measure of athlete performance, was assessed with the hand dynamometer. To measure the existence and degree of significance among different variables, Pearson correlation coefficients, χ2 and linear regression were used.
Findings
The health group had a higher level of nutritional knowledge, compared with the non-health group. The overall mean sports nutrition knowledge score for the student-athletes was 63.54%, which was considered inadequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean < 75%). Further, athletes’ performance was significantly predicted by the resting metabolic rate, lean muscle mass and weight.
Originality/value
The findings may help the university administration to implement a nutrition education program for athletes enrolled in non-health majors. Information gained serve to help dietetics professionals in Lebanon refine education strategies and sports clubs in universities to start to budget for hiring dietitians.
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Mireille Serhan, Batoul Toutounji and Carole Serhan
The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing literature on the relationship between different service attributes and patient satisfaction at outpatient nutrition clinics…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the existing literature on the relationship between different service attributes and patient satisfaction at outpatient nutrition clinics to propose and test a culture-specific conceptual model interlinking the drivers of patient satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
Over a 7-week period in Fall 2019 (November 2–December 19), 600 patients from a Lebanese-Middle Eastern hospital (396 females and 204 males) completed an anonymous-designed survey with closed questions (n = 30). Statements were considered to represent specific attributes of nutrition services. In order to measure the existence and degree of significant relationships between different research variables, Pearson correlation coefficients and Fisher's Z test were employed to analyze the collected data, before and while joining the clinic, during and after the appointment. Means of scores and frequencies were calculated.
Findings
The results show that the nutrition service attributes with reference to “after the appointment” may improve the patients' satisfaction level more than attributes with reference to “while joining the clinic” and “during the appointment”. Most patients were satisfied with their overall outpatient clinic experience. The patient experience is a direct result of positive interactions with the entire services offered.
Practical implications
The conceptual model sets the foundations for testing and for further research to develop. Moreover, the findings of this study are important for assessing the quality of nutrition service attributes and for reporting on the ability of this service to meet the needs and preferences of patients in the health care sector.
Originality/value
This study attempts to fill the gap in knowledge on nutrition service quality as indicators for overall patient satisfaction, while opening clear research avenues for further studies to follow. It is the basis for the development of clinical practice guidelines and other quality enhancement tools.
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Joanne Karam, Wissam Ghach, Carol Bouteen, Mary-Joe Makary, Marwa Riman and Mireille Serhan
The purpose of this study is to assess the adherence to MedDiet among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, using the validated 14-item MedDiet assessment…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to assess the adherence to MedDiet among adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, using the validated 14-item MedDiet assessment tool.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach, based on the distribution of an online survey throughout the social media platforms, via networking, was the applied method. The structure of the survey included the socio-economic and demographic data along with the weekly adherence to physical activity; and the validated MedDiet assessment tool. The target population included 1,030 Lebanese adults from all provinces. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the characteristics of the sample population. Adherence to the MedDiet was determined by the Med-Diet score ≥ 9. Significant differences among the variables and the adherence to the MedDiet were examined using the chi-square test.
Findings
Mean adherence to the MedDiet was found to be lower than an adequate score among 60.8% of participants [mean adherence 8/14 < 9 (S.D. 2.2)]. Participants from North Province, those aged 45 years and above, university graduates, participants with an average income and those who exercised for a minimum of 30 min for three times/week had a higher mean of adherence compared to other groups. Higher percentage of those who exercised had adequate adherence compared to those who exercised less or did not. More than 50% of the participants consumed olive oil, vegetables, red meat, butter/margarine, sugary drinks, commercial sweets and sofrito according to recommendations. Less than 50% of the participants consumed fruits, nuts, fish and wine according to the MedDiet standards. More men consumed fruits (55.1%), wine (21%), fish (29%) and nuts (48.5%) than women according to the MedDiet recommendations; however, more women consumed legumes (69.7%) and Sofrito (88.4%) than men, in addition more women preferred consuming chicken over meat (72.3%).
Originality/value
The findings call for an urgent need of spreading national awareness among adult population in Lebanon to increase the adherence to MedDiet. To add, information gained from this study serve to help understanding nutritional behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, so public health authorities can start planning to save the threatened health-care system and preserve the wellness of the population.
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Mira Sabat, Roula M. Abdel-Massih, Amjad Kanaan, Sara Salloum, Mireille Serhan, Roula Fares, Nicolas Haddad and Antoine Melki
The purpose of this paper is to: (1) explore existing practices of STEM faculty at a private Lebanese university and (2) assess the extent of implementation of active learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to: (1) explore existing practices of STEM faculty at a private Lebanese university and (2) assess the extent of implementation of active learning among faculty members of selected STEM departments.
Design/methodology/approach
The Working Group on “Integrating Modern Scientific teaching methodologies in STEM” (IM-STEM) at a tertiary university in Lebanon advocates for novel research-based methods to enhance STEM education. This pilot study investigated, using a modified version of the Wieman and Gilbert “Teaching Practices Inventory”, the current teaching methods used by faculty members in selected STEM departments.
Findings
Remarkably, most respondents admit a willingness to incorporate new teaching methods. Main findings indicate that traditional teaching via didactic lecturing remains prevalent in the STEM classrooms at the tertiary academic institution in Lebanon despite sporadic individual efforts by faculty members to utilize unconventional methods and active learning.
Research limitations/implications
One major limitation that influenced the efficiency of this study is the small number of respondents (71 faculty members). More in-depth data collection combining quantitative and qualitative data should be done in future studies.
Practical implications
Gaining insight into the actual methods used in STEM fields in various departments can help the university management to better understand the key importance of educational reform.
Originality/value
The main value of this paper is to serve as a prelude for educational reform at a tertiary academic institution.