Tamara Mousa | University of Jordan (original) (raw)
Papers by Tamara Mousa
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2024
This research validated an Arabic version of the Psychological General Well-being Index-Short ver... more This research validated an Arabic version of the Psychological General Well-being Index-Short version (PGWB-S) and examined the relationship between perceived psychological well-being, and food insecurity, academic achievement, and other risk factors in a sample of university students in Amman, Jordan, during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 translated and validated the Arabic copy of the PGWB-S in 122 students from the University of Jordan. In Phase 2, 414 students completed the demographic questionnaire, Arabic versions of the PGWB-S, the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The participants had a mean PGWB-S score of 15.82 ± 0.34, and 41.3% had a mean score below 15. Psychological well-being was better in students younger than 21 and/or who had a GPA ≥3.0, were of normal weight or overweight, physically inactive, and food secure, did not drink coffee or smoke, as well as in those whose neighbourhood contained grocery stores and/or public transportation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, during the pandemic, perceived mental well-being was moderate in a Jordanian sample of university students. Perceived psychological well-being was also positively associated with food security and academic performance. These findings suggest that improving food security and academic achievement may contribute to enhanced psychological well-being among university students. Therefore, higher education institutions with the help of the government are encouraged to facilitate the provision of mental health care services to students, mainly post the coronavirus, which according to our knowledge is limited.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Cogent Food & Agriculture
This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amm... more This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amman, Jordan and its association with food security and other risk factors. An Arabic Nutrition Knowledge Index (ANKI) was developed and validated in 122 college students (pilot study). In the replication study, the demographics scale, validated ANKI, and Arabic Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) were administered to 470 students. The ANKI was reliable (Cα = 0.82) and stable over time (ICC = 0.82, P < 0.001; paired t-test P = 0.57). Mean ANKI score was good for the pilot study (19.52±0.48) and replication study (19.68 ± 0.22). In the replication study, mean ANKI score was significantly larger among food secure (20.07 ± 0.23) than among moderately (18.28 ± 0.63) and severely food insecure students (14.22 ± 0.70) (F = 11.87, P = 0.000). Thus, measuring nutrition knowledge using the ANKI would provide baseline data for researchers and policy-makers to develop dietary guidelines for Jordanians. Finally, interventions are needed to raise nutrition awareness among college students, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cogent Food & Agriculture , 2023
This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amm... more This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amman, Jordan and its association with food security and other risk factors. An Arabic Nutrition Knowledge Index (ANKI) was developed and validated in 122 college students (pilot study). In the replication study, the demographics scale, validated ANKI, and Arabic Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) were administered to 470 students. The ANKI was reliable (Cα = 0.82) and stable over time (ICC = 0.82, P < 0.001; paired t-test P = 0.57). Mean ANKI score was good for the pilot study (19.52±0.48) and replication study (19.68 ± 0.22). In the replication study, mean ANKI score was significantly larger among food secure (20.07 ± 0.23) than among moderately (18.28 ± 0.63) and severely food insecure students (14.22 ± 0.70) (F = 11.87, P = 0.000). Thus, measuring nutrition knowledge using the ANKI would provide baseline data for researchers and policy-makers to develop dietary guidelines for Jordanians. Finally, interventions are needed to raise nutrition awareness among college students, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Dec 1, 2016
• The majority of dietary standards are based on Adequate Intakes derived from usual diets • Inte... more • The majority of dietary standards are based on Adequate Intakes derived from usual diets • International variability in dietary Mn is substantial due to food and culture diversity • With the nutrition transition, diets have shifted to processed foods that are low in Mn
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Apr 27, 2018
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Oct 1, 2014
Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovasc... more Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Current methods for weight loss are not very effective, particularly for those with morbid obesity. Surgical therapy may be recommended for those with a BMI≥40kg/m(2), or BMI≥35kg/m(2) with co-morbidities. This therapy can produce significant weight loss and improve/resolve co-morbidities including hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Yet successes may be tempered by adverse effects on trace element absorption and status. A PubMed literature search identified studies from January 1980 to February 2013 for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Publications that contained keywords &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;bariatric surgery or gastric bypass,&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;trace element or mineral or zinc or iron or copper or iodine or manganese&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;absorption or status or rate or level&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; were identified. Inclusion criteria were human markers that reflect changes in trace element status before and after bariatric surgery. The meta-analysis found a decrease in blood copper, zinc, hemoglobin, as well as an increase in iron, regardless of the type of surgery. The pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were 0.17 and -0.09 to 0.43 for plasma/serum iron (p=0.20); -0.49 and -0.67 to -0.31 for blood hemoglobin (p=0.00); -0.47 and -0.90 to -0.05 for plasma/serum copper (p=0.03); -0.77 and -1.20 to -0.35 for plasma/serum zinc (p=0.00). Differences in levels of these minerals pre- and post-surgery may have been influenced by the time period after surgery, a pre-existing deficiency, type and dose of vitamin-mineral supplements, and malabsorption due to elimination of parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
StatPearls Publishing, Aug 11, 2021
Appetite, Feb 1, 2010
Several studies have indicated that young females and adolescent girls are often experiencing eat... more Several studies have indicated that young females and adolescent girls are often experiencing eating disturbances associated with weight concerns, particularly in Western and developed countries (
Frontiers in sustainable food systems, Apr 27, 2023
Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 2023
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, ... more The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, and nutrition knowledge of 222 clients of a soup kitchen and food pantry. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Home Environment Scale, and Nutrition Knowledge Scale. The food pantry population consisted of more women, Blacks, Hispanics, and older clients than did those from the soup kitchen. Soup kitchen clients also exhibited lower socioeconomic status, and were mostly homeless, as compared to those of the food pantry. Both groups had a low level of nutrition knowledge (55%). Furthermore, most of the food pantry recipients were non-smokers and non-alcohol-drinkers, as compared to about half of the soup kitchen participants, who had lower availability of healthy foods at home and 50.9% of them consumed American foods. Thus, future research is essential to assess the impact of the home environment, socio-cultural influences, and nutrition knowledge on diet ...
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2022
The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, ... more The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, and nutrition knowledge of 222 clients of a soup kitchen and food pantry. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Home Environment Scale, and Nutrition Knowledge Scale. The food pantry population consisted of more women, Blacks, Hispanics, and older clients than did those from the soup kitchen. Soup kitchen clients also exhibited lower socioeconomic status, and were mostly homeless, as compared to those of the food pantry. Both groups had a low level of nutrition knowledge (55%). Furthermore, most of the food pantry recipients were non-smokers and non-alcohol-drinkers, as compared to about half of the soup kitchen participants, who had lower availability of healthy foods at home and 50.9% of them consumed American foods. Thus, future research is essential to assess the impact of the home environment, socio-cultural influences, and nutrition knowledge on diet quality and food security of food recipients in the U.S.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Over 20% of Arabs are food insecure; almost double the global figure (10.9%). Malnutrition also i... more Over 20% of Arabs are food insecure; almost double the global figure (10.9%). Malnutrition also is the greatest challenge that nations with conflict are facing, despite the presence of several agencies that redistribute surplus food to the impoverished. Yet, this society wastes 34% of its food. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss food insecurity, food waste, and redistribution in 22 Arabic-speaking countries. War, poverty, harsh climate conditions, limited agricultural resources, and food disposal are other risk factors for food insecurity. However, food redistribution would help in diminishing the gap between food waste and insecurity, which deserves further investigation. Other solutions include the development of agricultural projects; desalination of seawater and/or building dams, use of biotechnology to boost crop productivity and its nutrition quality, and resistance to drought and pests, adoption of food-waste reduction technologies; and development of new re...
Journal of Nutritional Science, 2024
This research validated an Arabic version of the Psychological General Well-being Index-Short ver... more This research validated an Arabic version of the Psychological General Well-being Index-Short version (PGWB-S) and examined the relationship between perceived psychological well-being, and food insecurity, academic achievement, and other risk factors in a sample of university students in Amman, Jordan, during COVID-19. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 translated and validated the Arabic copy of the PGWB-S in 122 students from the University of Jordan. In Phase 2, 414 students completed the demographic questionnaire, Arabic versions of the PGWB-S, the Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale, and the Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale. The participants had a mean PGWB-S score of 15.82 ± 0.34, and 41.3% had a mean score below 15. Psychological well-being was better in students younger than 21 and/or who had a GPA ≥3.0, were of normal weight or overweight, physically inactive, and food secure, did not drink coffee or smoke, as well as in those whose neighbourhood contained grocery stores and/or public transportation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, during the pandemic, perceived mental well-being was moderate in a Jordanian sample of university students. Perceived psychological well-being was also positively associated with food security and academic performance. These findings suggest that improving food security and academic achievement may contribute to enhanced psychological well-being among university students. Therefore, higher education institutions with the help of the government are encouraged to facilitate the provision of mental health care services to students, mainly post the coronavirus, which according to our knowledge is limited.
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Feb 8, 2023
Cogent Food & Agriculture
This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amm... more This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amman, Jordan and its association with food security and other risk factors. An Arabic Nutrition Knowledge Index (ANKI) was developed and validated in 122 college students (pilot study). In the replication study, the demographics scale, validated ANKI, and Arabic Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) were administered to 470 students. The ANKI was reliable (Cα = 0.82) and stable over time (ICC = 0.82, P < 0.001; paired t-test P = 0.57). Mean ANKI score was good for the pilot study (19.52±0.48) and replication study (19.68 ± 0.22). In the replication study, mean ANKI score was significantly larger among food secure (20.07 ± 0.23) than among moderately (18.28 ± 0.63) and severely food insecure students (14.22 ± 0.70) (F = 11.87, P = 0.000). Thus, measuring nutrition knowledge using the ANKI would provide baseline data for researchers and policy-makers to develop dietary guidelines for Jordanians. Finally, interventions are needed to raise nutrition awareness among college students, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Cogent Food & Agriculture , 2023
This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amm... more This cross-sectional research assessed nutrition knowledge in a sample of college students in Amman, Jordan and its association with food security and other risk factors. An Arabic Nutrition Knowledge Index (ANKI) was developed and validated in 122 college students (pilot study). In the replication study, the demographics scale, validated ANKI, and Arabic Individual Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) were administered to 470 students. The ANKI was reliable (Cα = 0.82) and stable over time (ICC = 0.82, P < 0.001; paired t-test P = 0.57). Mean ANKI score was good for the pilot study (19.52±0.48) and replication study (19.68 ± 0.22). In the replication study, mean ANKI score was significantly larger among food secure (20.07 ± 0.23) than among moderately (18.28 ± 0.63) and severely food insecure students (14.22 ± 0.70) (F = 11.87, P = 0.000). Thus, measuring nutrition knowledge using the ANKI would provide baseline data for researchers and policy-makers to develop dietary guidelines for Jordanians. Finally, interventions are needed to raise nutrition awareness among college students, to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Dec 1, 2016
• The majority of dietary standards are based on Adequate Intakes derived from usual diets • Inte... more • The majority of dietary standards are based on Adequate Intakes derived from usual diets • International variability in dietary Mn is substantial due to food and culture diversity • With the nutrition transition, diets have shifted to processed foods that are low in Mn
International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Apr 27, 2018
Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, Oct 1, 2014
Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovasc... more Obesity is a worldwide epidemic associated with diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Current methods for weight loss are not very effective, particularly for those with morbid obesity. Surgical therapy may be recommended for those with a BMI≥40kg/m(2), or BMI≥35kg/m(2) with co-morbidities. This therapy can produce significant weight loss and improve/resolve co-morbidities including hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Yet successes may be tempered by adverse effects on trace element absorption and status. A PubMed literature search identified studies from January 1980 to February 2013 for inclusion in a meta-analysis. Publications that contained keywords &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;bariatric surgery or gastric bypass,&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;trace element or mineral or zinc or iron or copper or iodine or manganese&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;, and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;absorption or status or rate or level&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; were identified. Inclusion criteria were human markers that reflect changes in trace element status before and after bariatric surgery. The meta-analysis found a decrease in blood copper, zinc, hemoglobin, as well as an increase in iron, regardless of the type of surgery. The pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were 0.17 and -0.09 to 0.43 for plasma/serum iron (p=0.20); -0.49 and -0.67 to -0.31 for blood hemoglobin (p=0.00); -0.47 and -0.90 to -0.05 for plasma/serum copper (p=0.03); -0.77 and -1.20 to -0.35 for plasma/serum zinc (p=0.00). Differences in levels of these minerals pre- and post-surgery may have been influenced by the time period after surgery, a pre-existing deficiency, type and dose of vitamin-mineral supplements, and malabsorption due to elimination of parts of the gastrointestinal tract.
StatPearls Publishing, Aug 11, 2021
Appetite, Feb 1, 2010
Several studies have indicated that young females and adolescent girls are often experiencing eat... more Several studies have indicated that young females and adolescent girls are often experiencing eating disturbances associated with weight concerns, particularly in Western and developed countries (
Frontiers in sustainable food systems, Apr 27, 2023
Front. Sustain. Food Syst., 2023
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, ... more The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, and nutrition knowledge of 222 clients of a soup kitchen and food pantry. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Home Environment Scale, and Nutrition Knowledge Scale. The food pantry population consisted of more women, Blacks, Hispanics, and older clients than did those from the soup kitchen. Soup kitchen clients also exhibited lower socioeconomic status, and were mostly homeless, as compared to those of the food pantry. Both groups had a low level of nutrition knowledge (55%). Furthermore, most of the food pantry recipients were non-smokers and non-alcohol-drinkers, as compared to about half of the soup kitchen participants, who had lower availability of healthy foods at home and 50.9% of them consumed American foods. Thus, future research is essential to assess the impact of the home environment, socio-cultural influences, and nutrition knowledge on diet ...
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2022
The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, ... more The present cross-sectional study examined the home environment, socio-cultural characteristics, and nutrition knowledge of 222 clients of a soup kitchen and food pantry. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, Multidimensional Home Environment Scale, and Nutrition Knowledge Scale. The food pantry population consisted of more women, Blacks, Hispanics, and older clients than did those from the soup kitchen. Soup kitchen clients also exhibited lower socioeconomic status, and were mostly homeless, as compared to those of the food pantry. Both groups had a low level of nutrition knowledge (55%). Furthermore, most of the food pantry recipients were non-smokers and non-alcohol-drinkers, as compared to about half of the soup kitchen participants, who had lower availability of healthy foods at home and 50.9% of them consumed American foods. Thus, future research is essential to assess the impact of the home environment, socio-cultural influences, and nutrition knowledge on diet quality and food security of food recipients in the U.S.
Jordan Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Over 20% of Arabs are food insecure; almost double the global figure (10.9%). Malnutrition also i... more Over 20% of Arabs are food insecure; almost double the global figure (10.9%). Malnutrition also is the greatest challenge that nations with conflict are facing, despite the presence of several agencies that redistribute surplus food to the impoverished. Yet, this society wastes 34% of its food. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to discuss food insecurity, food waste, and redistribution in 22 Arabic-speaking countries. War, poverty, harsh climate conditions, limited agricultural resources, and food disposal are other risk factors for food insecurity. However, food redistribution would help in diminishing the gap between food waste and insecurity, which deserves further investigation. Other solutions include the development of agricultural projects; desalination of seawater and/or building dams, use of biotechnology to boost crop productivity and its nutrition quality, and resistance to drought and pests, adoption of food-waste reduction technologies; and development of new re...
Reference Module in Food Science: Encyclopedia of Food Security and Sustainability, 2019
The amount of food that is disposed is alarming, especially that the number of individuals who do... more The amount of food that is disposed is alarming, especially that the number of individuals who do not have access to food is relatively high. In response, food rescue was initiated which is the process of collection of surplus food form food outlets and its redistribution to those in need. Thus a number of individuals and non-profit organizations participated in food rescue mission, and provided the recovered food to those in need.