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Background/Objectives: Beyond health benefits, plant-based diets are increasingly recognized for their contribution to environmental sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge of the health benefits of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), and propensity toward sustainable food purchasing in an adult population from Southern Italy, and to explore the relationships among these factors. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 311 adults living in the Campania region. Data were collected on knowledge of fruit and vegetable health benefits, antioxidant knowledge, adherence to the MD assessed using the Medi-Lite score, and attitudes toward sustainable food purchasing. Differences were examined according to gender, age, and educational level. Pearson’s correlation analyses and multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between nutrition knowledge, dietary adherence, and sustainability-related behaviors. Results: Participants showed a medium–high level of knowledge regarding the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, while knowledge of antioxidants was moderate and significantly higher among older adults. Overall adherence to the MD was moderate, with lower consumption of vegetables, legumes, and fish. Most participants reported limited attention to sustainability when purchasing food. Both knowledge of fruit and vegetable health benefits and antioxidant knowledge were positively associated with sustainable food purchasing. In regression analyses, lower nutrition knowledge was independently associated with reduced odds of sustainable purchasing, whereas adherence to the MD was not a significant predictor. Conclusions: Although nutrition knowledge was generally adequate, its translation into sustainable food choices remained limited. These findings support the need for integrated public health strategies to encourage healthier and more environmentally responsible dietary behaviors.

: Schools may represent an ideal setting for increasing vaccine literacy and uptake. This quasi-experimental study took place between February and June 2025 with the aim of assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of a school-based educational intervention about vaccination among Italian adolescents. : The European Commission's e-Bug methodology was used to enhance vaccine knowledge in a sample of students attending four randomly chosen middle schools from Southern Italy. Pre and post-intervention vaccination knowledge was assessed through a questionnaire and compared through the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Regression models were used to identify predictors of intervention-related outcomes. : A total of 262 students (mean age 12.3 ± 0.7 years, 52.3% female) participated in the study. A significant increase in vaccination knowledge score was registered from pre (5.6 ± 1.43) to post-intervention (6.79 ± 1.77). A significant improvement was found to be related to a lower number of cohabitants (OR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.45-0.82), a lower score in the pre-test (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.47-0.77), having considered the information provided completely clear (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.05-3.74), and being willing to participate in similar future interventions (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = 1.12-4.42). : These results show the effectiveness of school-based education strategies in increasing vaccine literacy within the targeted adolescent population. Similar interventions can be useful to increase compliance with vaccination in this age class. Randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Previous physical activity interventions for children (5-12yrs) have aimed to change determinants associated with self-report physical activity behaviour (PAB) and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), however, the associations between these determinants and PAB/SB in different settings are uncertain. The present study aimed to identify modifiable determinants targeted in previous PAB/SB interventions for children. Intervention effects on the determinants and their associations with self-report PAB/SB were assessed across settings. Search of relevant interventions from pre-defined databases was conducted up to July 2023. Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials with modifiable determinants were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were conducted by two independent researchers. Where data could be pooled, we performed Robust Bayesian meta-analyses. Heterogeneity, publication bias and certainty of evidence were assessed. Fifteen studies were deemed eligible to be included. Thirty-seven unique determinants within four settings were identified–school, family, school with family/home, and community with(out) other settings. Ninety-eight percent of determinants belonged to individual/interpersonal determinant categories. Narratively, intervention effects on student perception of teachers’ behaviour (school), self-management, perceived barriers, external motivation, exercise intention, parental modeling on SB (school with family/home) and MVPA expectations (community) were weak to strong, however, corresponding PAB/SB change was not evident. There were negligible effects for all other determinants and the corresponding PAB/SB. Meta-analyses on self-efficacy, attitude, subjective norm and parental practice and PAB/SB in two settings showed weak to strong evidence against intervention effect, while the effect on knowledge could not be determined. Similarly, publication bias and heterogeneity for most analyses could not be ascertained. We found no concrete evidence of association between the modifiable determinants and self-report PAB/SB in any settings. This is presumably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Design of future interventions should consider to follow the systems-based approach and identify determinants unique to the context of a setting, including policy and environmental determinants.

The promise of sustainability and alternative agricultural methods to lessen the environmental impact of food production has drawn more attention in recent years. This study aimed to assess consumers’ knowledge and attitudes toward soilless cultivation, sustainable and organic foods, to identify socio-demographic correlates of these attitudes, and to evaluate the sensory perception of strawberries grown using traditional versus soilless methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 298 adults in Southern Italy using an anonymous questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and purchasing behaviors related to sustainability and agricultural practices. A subsample of participants also took part in a blind sensory evaluation comparing soil-grown and soilless-grown strawberries. Results showed moderate awareness of sustainability and organic food concepts, but limited knowledge of soilless and hydroponic cultivation, with only 26% of participants correctly identifying all definitions. Sustainability and hydroponic production were rarely considered in food purchasing decisions. Higher educational attainment was associated with greater knowledge and a higher propensity to purchase sustainable and organic foods. Sensory analysis revealed a significant preference for soilless-grown strawberries in terms of odor, flavor, and overall sensory quality, while color and texture did not differ between cultivation methods. In conclusion, increasing consumer knowledge appears essential to enhance acceptance of innovative and sustainable agricultural systems.

Background/Objectives: Food technology neophobia (FTN), defined as the reluctance to accept or consume foods produced with novel or emerging food technologies, represents a psychological barrier to the adoption of sustainable and innovative dietary practices. This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of food technology neophobia and its associated factors among Italian university students. Methods: A total of 1788 undergraduates from 13 universities completed a validated online questionnaire between February and October 2024. The instrument included the Food Technology Neophobia Scale (FTNS), environmental attitude items, and demographic and dietary questions. Results: The mean FTNS score was 51.2 ± 14.0, suggesting moderate levels of neophobia. Multivariate logistic regression identified several factors inversely associated with neophobia: male gender (OR = 0.73, p = 0.003), paternal university education (OR = 0.73, p = 0.024), studying in Northern Italy (OR = 0.64, p < 0.001), dietary supplement use (OR = 0.74, p = 0.003), and pro-environmental attitudes (OR = 0.97, p < 0.001). Conversely, being a commuter student was associated with increased neophobia (OR = 1.29, p = 0.031). Conclusions: These findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal factors on the acceptance of new food technologies. Tailored strategies are recommended to address FTN in specific subgroups, particularly among female, commuter, and Southern Italian students, to enhance receptivity to food innovation and support sustainable dietary transitions.

Background Although physical activity (PA) is associated with significant health benefits, only a small percentage of adolescents meet recommended PA levels. This systematic review with meta-analysis explored the modifiable determinants of adolescents’ device-based PA and/or sedentary behaviour (SB), evaluated in previous interventions and examined the associations between PA/SB and these determinants in settings. Methods A search was conducted on five electronic databases, including papers published from January 2010 to July 2023. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) or Controlled Trials (CTs) measuring adolescents’ device-based PA/SB and their modifiable determinants at least at two time points: pre- and post-intervention were considered eligible. PA/SB and determinants were the main outcomes. Modifiable determinants were classified after data extraction adopting the social-ecological perspective. Robust Bayesian meta-analyses (RoBMA) were performed per each study setting. Outcomes identified in only one study were presented narratively. The risk of bias for each study and the certainty of the evidence for each meta-analysis were evaluated. The publication bias was also checked. PROSPERO ID: CRD42021282874. Results Fourteen RCTs (eight in school, three in school and family, and one in the family setting) and one CT (in the school setting) were included. Fifty-four modifiable determinants were identified and were combined into 33 broader determinants (21 individual–psychological, four individual–behavioural, seven interpersonal, and one institutional). RoBMAs revealed none or negligible pooled intervention effects on PA/SB or determinants in all settings. The certainty of the evidence of the impact of interventions on outcomes ranged from very low to low. Narratively, intervention effects in favour of the experimental group were detected in school setting for the determinants: knowledge of the environment for practicing PA, d  = 1.84, 95%CI (1.48, 2.20), behaviour change techniques, d  = 0.90, 95%CI (0.09, 1.70), choice provided, d  = 0.70, 95%CI (0.36, 1.03), but no corresponding effects on PA or SB were found. Conclusions Weak to minimal evidence regarding the associations between the identified modifiable determinants and adolescents’ device-based PA/SB in settings were found, probably due to intervention ineffectiveness. Well-designed and well-implemented multicomponent interventions should further explore the variety of modifiable determinants of adolescents’ PA/SB, including policy and environmental variables.

Background: On February 2020, the novel coronavirus (2019−nCoV) epidemic began in Italy. In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Italian government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. This survey was carried out among Italian undergraduates to explore their level of knowledge about the epidemic and the behaviors they adopted during the lockdown. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered to the students attending three Italian universities. Results: A good level of knowledge about the epidemic and its control was registered in the sample, mainly among students attending life sciences degree courses. The majority of the students did not modify their diet and smoking habits, while a great part of the sample reported a decrease in physical activity (PA). Conclusions: Students from life sciences courses showed a higher awareness regarding the infection and the control measures. The lockdown caused an important reduction of PA. Preventive interventions should transform the restrictive measures also as an opportunity to improve lifestyle.

Background: From March to May 2020, lockdown measures were adopted in Italy to contain the epidemic of the novel Coronavirus. People were forced to restrict their movement and social contacts, therefore having a higher risk of inactivity. This study, carried out among Italian undergraduates, explored their sedentary and physical activities (PA) during the lockdown with respect to their previous habits. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered once to students attending three Italian universities after the end of lockdown. Results: A total of 1430 students (mean age 22.9 ± 3.5 years, 65.5% females) completed the questionnaire. All the sedentary behaviors increased significantly, and all the physical activities decreased significantly during the lockdown. Time spent using electronic devices showed the highest increase (+52.4 min/day), and walking the greatest decrease (−365.5 min/week). Being younger than 22 years old, female, and previously active, attending the universities of Naples and Rome and having at least one graduate parent were associated with the achievement of recommended levels of PA even during the lockdown. Conclusions: This study highlights the reduction of PA among Italian undergraduates in the course of home-confinement due to the CoViD-19 pandemic. The practice of adequate PA during the lockdown was mainly associated with the previous adoption of an active lifestyle. Promoting active lifestyles during the non-pandemic period may have had positive effects also in case of lockdown.

Climate Change, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19, and Wars are some of the great challenges of our time. The consequences will affect psychological well-being and could have a harmful impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the level of preoccupation and fears surrounding issues of the 21st-century and the implication for psychological well-being of the general population from Central/Southern Italy among different age groups. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, topics formulated ad-hoc about preoccupation, fears, habits, and willingness to change habits in the future related to the 21st-century challenges, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21) was administered online. A sample of 1831 participants (61% F; mean age 47.71 ± 17.30) was obtained. Results showed that young adults and older adults, respectively, reported greater and less psychological well-being. Young adults reported higher scores for preoccupation, changing habits, and willingness to change habits in the future, while older adults reported the lowest scores except for changing habits, also controlling for gender. Results for this variable, as well as correlations between the many variables described, rely on the specificity of age, and 21st-century challenges. Moreover, the main fears related to the 21st-century concerns were different based on both age and gender. In conclusion, the various stresses of the 21st-century discussed in this study have a relationship with personal well-being, and it is important to consider potential global mental health issues resulting from these stressors.

Background: Control measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on human daily life and lifestyles. Adherence to the recommended measures is influenced by knowledge and attitudes towards the disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, the related control measures, and lifestyle behaviors adopted during the pandemic in a sample of elderly Italian people. Methods: A web-based questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19, the related preventive measures, and lifestyle changes that occurred during the pandemic, were distributed to ≥65 years old people living in South Italy. Results: A satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19 and the related control measures has been found in the enrolled sample. However, a decrease in physical activity, as well as worsening sleeping and dietary habits, were found in roughly 60% of participants. Females were impacted greater by these lifestyle changes. Conclusions: Participants in this study showed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and its prevention. Nevertheless, they reported an increase in unhealthy habits that may have important health consequences in the long term and should be addressed by public health interventions targeted at older people.