• Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and its correlates among Lebanese adults in Mount Lebanon before and during the economic crisis : a cross-sectional study 

  Ayoub, Faten (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2023-11-20)

  Introduction: Mediterranean diet (MD) is one of the healthiest and most sustainable evidence-based diet. Lebanon located in the Middle East region is a middle-income country facing a severe economic crisis. Many individual and environmental factors affect the adherence to the MD, in particular the economic crisis. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the level of adherence to the MD before and during the economic crisis, to assess its correlates during the economic crisis, and to identify the changes in the frequency of the MD food groups consumption affected by the economic ...
• Insect-based food in Lebanon and Mena: consumer knowledge, perception and acceptability 

  Al Mashtoub, Layal (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2023-12)

  The world population has increased in the last decade, this fact made the demand on food higher. Doubling the current food production or producing more sustainable products is a must in order to ensure sufficient nutritious and safe food. Insect-based food had been suggested as a more sustainable alternative of conventional animal based food. The aim of this study is to assess consumer perception, knowledge and acceptability of insect-based food among Lebanese and MENA consumers. A cross-sectional study recruited a convenience sample of 375 adults living in MENA, mainly females (68.5%), with a ...
• Dietary exposure assessment of penicillin residues in beef products on the lebanese population 

  Makhlouf, Joelle (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2017)

  Background information -- Antibiotics are veterinary drugs, mainly used for growth promotion and disease control in livestock. The World Health Organization (WHO) classified penicillin as a critically important antibiotic agent for humans. In different edible cattle issues, penicillin residues should be kept below the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) and the Maximum Residual Levels (MRLs) of 30μg/ person/day and 50μg/kg, respectively. In Lebanon, accurate data on antibiotic residues in cattle meat as well as meat products and risk assessment to antibiotic residues from cattle meat consumption are ...
• Impact of source, packaging and implementation of food safety management system on the occurrence of heavy metals in spices and herbs 

  Moussa, Layale (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022)

  Spices and herbs were widely used in cooking for flavoring, coloring, and aroma. They were also applied in medicine because of their antioxidant activities and nutritional benefits. However, they are exposed to a variety of contaminants such as mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals. The aim of our study was to determine the level of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) in 96 composite samples of 13 commonly consumed spices that were available in the Lebanese market, and to assess their safety and compliance to international standards. Ninety- nine percent and 39.6% of the ...
• Consumption and perceptions of plant-based meat, milk, and dairy products as an alternative protein among Generation z in Lebanon 

  Sarieddin, Ghenwa (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2026-06)

  Introduction: Plant-based alternatives (PBAs) are meat and dairy analogues manufactured from non-animal raw materials to mimic the sensorial and functional characteristics of conventional meat and dairy products. With the growing market of PBAs, more research is dedicated to examining consumption trends as well as the drivers and barriers that affect them. This is particularly crucial for generation Z (born between the years 1997 and 2010) since this cohort drives future market trends. To our knowledge, no study has evaluated consumption patterns or perceptions of plant-based alternatives among ...
• Uncovering pesticide occurrence in food commodities in the Arab and Middle East and North Africa regions : a systematic review 

  Al Bouna, Jennifer (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2023-12)

  Pesticides are crucial tools in modern agriculture, contributing to increased crop yields and food security. However, a growing concern worldwide has been drawn due to potential risks associated with pesticide residues found in food commodities. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to understand the occurrence of pesticides in food commodities in the Arab and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions. This systematic review investigated the presence of pesticide residues in these regions gathering insights from 137 studies done in 22 countries in the Arab and MENA regions. Due to their ...
• Knowledge, perception and adherence to lifestyle medicine pillars : a cross-sectional study among Lebanese adults. 

  Darwish, Fatima (2023-06-07)

  Background: The six pillars of lifestyle medicine (LM) (nutrition, physical activity, stress management, quality sleep, social relationships and addiction cessation) improve behaviours that play a causal role in the occurrence of chronic diseases and medical deterioration among adults. LM has shown a positive impact on health outcomes for the last few decades. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to implement it in primary care practice in Lebanon and the Middle East for the prevention and treatment of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs). To our knowledge, no study has been performed on the ...
• Eating disorders and dietary patterns : a cross-sectional study among students of a Lebanese private university 

  Chammas, Romy (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2017)

  Background -- Eating disorders (EDs) and related risk factors have become an area of interest for researchers, and a challenge to manage for health care practitioners. EDs were considered mainly as western culture disorders; however recent studies showed a comparable raise of EDs in the Middle Eastern countries. Objective -- The purpose of this study was to estimate the proportion of Notre Dame University students (NDU) who are at risk of developing EDs, and examine the association of ED’s risk with socio-demographic, lifestyle, dietary factors and dietary patterns Methods -- This was a ...
• Associations of dietary patterns, socio-demographic, lifestyle characteristics and stressful life events with severity of depressive symptoms among NDU students in Lebanon : a cross-sectional study 

  Helou, Lea Gabriel (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2016)

  Background: major depression is classified as a global health priority and burden on societies. Lately, the role of diet and lifestyle factors in aggravating or attenuating depressive symptoms has started to gain interest among the scientific community worldwide. Objective: the purpose of this study is to identify the association of dietary patterns, socio-demographic, lifestyle factors, and stressful life events, with severity of depressive symptoms among NDU students. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study of 457 randomly selected undergraduate students at NDU who were asked to complete a ...
• Determination of toxic element contamination in thyme and thyme-containing products consumed in Lebanon 

  Baroud, Caline (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022-06)

  Thyme herbs constitute a major part of the Mediterranean diet and are gaining worldwide popularity. However, their chemical contamination with toxic metals may put consumers at a health risk. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the incidence of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) in thyme herbs and thyme-containing products. For this, 180 samples pooled into 36 composite samples of the most consumed types of thyme-containing products and thyme herbs were collected twice at three-month intervals. Samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) ...
• Development of plant-based strained yogurt 

  Raad, Christy (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022)

  Following the developments of the world's population, alternative sources of protein to the complement and / or replacement of animal proteins are subject to intense development efforts in research and industries. Climate change and a better understanding of the environmental impact of food production have created an urgent need to develop sustainable food systems. The demand for plant-based proteins is due to multiple factors, the vegetarian, vegan and flexitarian populations have promoted the use of plant-based proteins in the production of food products. In addition, there is a global challenge ...
• Factors associated with adherence to recommended dietary regimen among adults with diabetes in Lebanon 

  Ghemrawi, Sarah (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022)

  Background: Diabetes is a major health disease reaching epidemic levels in the Middle East Regions. It is associated with many complications that have an adverse effect on patient’s quality of life. Nutrition therapy is essential, where dietary modification and improved dietary habits are important for its management and control. Objective: This study aimed to assess the adherence to dietary recommendations of adult patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) diagnosed since at least one year residing in north Lebanon and to explore factors associated with this adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional ...
• Assessing the need for baby food production in the Lebanese market and the manufacturing & testing of a new product 

  Cherfane, Stephanie (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022)

  Providing infants and young children with food that is highly nutritious is essential for their growth and development. It is also crucial to maintain high quality, safe meals that contain a great variety of ready-to-eat options which are both convenient for the parents and the baby. The purpose of this study is to learn the current demand in the Lebanese market on ready-to-eat baby food by interviewing a sample of 150 mothers or mothers-to-be living in Lebanon on baby food patterns. In addition, seven locally made and organic baby food prototypes will be manufactured using different recipes ...
• Perception, preferences of parents living in Lebanon and the factors that affect the baby food purchasing behavior 

  Abi Rizk, Lynn Youssef (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022)

  Purpose: The aim of this study was to present and evaluate the perception, preferences of parents. Living in Lebanon and the factors that affect the baby food purchasing behavior. Design/methodology/approach: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 expecting moms and parents of babies between 0 and 3 years old living in Lebanon, between April and June. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS v.22 with a statistically significant p value < 0.05. Findings: As a result of the conducted research, the most important conditions, shopping habits, attitudes, and preferences of parents ...
• Dictary exposure and risk assessment of mycotoxins in thyme and thyme-based products marketed in Lebanon 

  Koaik, Lara (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2022-02)

  Thyme is a Mediterranean herb widely used worldwide. However, it is produced in areas of high humidity and temperature which is favorable conditions for mold growth and mycotoxins production which pose public health risk. In Lebanon, no studies have been done to investigate aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in thyme and thyme-based products. This study aimed at evaluating the incidence of AFB1 and OTA in those products, related dietary exposure and cancer risk for regular and high consumption. A total of 160 samples of thyme and thyme-based products were collected and ...
• Prevalence and Correlates of Classical and Non-Classical Eating Disorders during COVID-19 Lockdown 

  Younes, Lynn (Notre Dame University - Louaize, 2022-03-15)

  Introduction: Eating Disorders (EDs) are mental illnesses that affect all individuals worldwide, causing severe complications. EDs can be divided into classical (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge-Eating Disorder), and non-classical (Pica, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, and Night Eating Syndrome). Several risk factors might lead to their development, in particular, stressful life events. The current COVID-19 pandemic is imposing psychological distress, mainly on individuals with existing mental health issues. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed the prevalence of ...
• Comparison of micronutrient intakes from food with dietary reference values in a Lebanese adult sample 

  Mezher, Nayla George (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2017)

  Background: Micronutrients which include vitamins and minerals are present in small quantities in food and are essential in a healthy diet for disease prevention and well­ being. They enable the body to produce enzymes, hormones and other substances and provide a range of critical biological functions. Objective: The objective of this study was to quantify and compare the dietary intakes of 19 micronutrients to recommended micronutrient intakes, in order to identify inadequate/ excess micronutrient intakes among a sample of Lebanese adults. Subjects and methods: Dietary Intakes of individuals ...
• "Food safety knowledge attitude and practices of oncology nurses, in Lebanese hospitals” 

  Al Mallah, Angy (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2020)

  Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, have a higher risk to foodborne infections as compared to other populations. Oncology nurses, having a direct significant contact with these patients, could be the first information source concerning food safety and play a pivotal role in reducing these risks. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge regarding food safety among oncology nurses, as well as their attitudes and practices in private hospitals in Lebanon. An observational cross-sectional study was carried out, using a self-administered questionnaire, recruiting 134 oncology ...
• Nutritional and psychological profile of constitutionally thin individuals : a cross-sectional study in a sample of lebanese adults 

  Ibrahim, Maryta (Notre Dame University-Louaize, 2021)

  Background: Constitutional thinness is characterized by a low body mass index, the absence of signs of under nutrition and is still misdiagnosed as anorexia nervosa. This rare entity was most often described in European countries. Data concerning their nutritional and psychological profile are missing in other populations or cultures, especially in the Middle East. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the psychological, nutritional, and hormonal status in a group of Lebanese constitutionally thin adults in comparison with a control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried ...
• Socio-demographic and lifestyle determinants of adherence to the Mediterranean diet in seemingly healthy Lebanese adults: a cross-sectional study 

  Malakieh, Roubina (2021)

  Background: Mediterranean diet (MD) is a traditional dietary pattern mainly followed in the Mediterranean regions and is shown to have positive health impacts, decreasing morbidity and mortality of major chronic diseases. A global shifting from the MD was documented especially in the Mediterranean regions, including Lebanon. Multiple individual and environmental factors were found to impact adherence to MD. In Lebanon, there is a shortage of recent information about adherence to the MD and its associated factors. Objective: The objectives of this study are to 1) evaluate the level of adherence ...

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