M Nicolaou
Biographic Data
| ID | 1740462 |
|---|---|
| NAME | M Nicolaou |
| GIVEN NAMES | M |
| FAMILY NAME | Nicolaou |
| SIGNATURE | NICOLAOU M |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Amsterdam |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0419-5816 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 34 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 7 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 34 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2008 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Connecting precariousness and depression
Precariousness and depression are closely linked, but the potential causal structure of this relationship and the extent to which feedback between them may shape intervention responses remain unclear. Using cross-sectional data from more than 21,000 adults in the multi-ethnic HELIUS study, we use constraint-based causal discovery methods that allow for latent confounding and feedback to generate hypotheses about candidate graph structures linking…
The clustering of disadvantage in different life dimensions across ethnic groups
Financial insecurity is an important aspect of precariousness, relating to many different precariousness experiences. For those of non-Dutch ethnic origin, health literacy and discrimination are also important
Exploring the mechanisms underlying increased risk of depressive disorder in ethnic minority populations in Europe
A system science perspective on burn-out
Introduction: Burn-out leads to reduced worker well-being, long-term absenteeism, and high costs for employers and society. Determinants at different levels may affect burn-out in an interrelated and dynamic manner. The aim of the present study was to apply a broader systems perspective by exploring and visualizing the complex system of determinants at different levels (living conditions, working conditions, and societal developments) underlying …
Exploring the Role of the Food Environment in Dietary Acculturation
Food environments play a role in immigrants' dietary acculturation, but little is known about the directionality of the relationship. The objective was to explore the interaction between the food environment and food procurement behaviors in the process of dietary acculturation. A qualitative study design using in-depth interviews and a mapping exercise was conducted. The immigrant group studied used a variety of factors to select which foods to …
Serum carotenoid concentrations and their association with ethnic differences in type 2 diabetes within the Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (Helius) study
Objective: Studies have reported an inverse association between a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and type 2 diabetes (T2D), but data on high-risk ethnic minority groups is limited. We investigated whether serum carotenoids, as biomarkers for fruit and vegetable intake, mediate ethnic differences in the prevalence of T2D. Design: Age-adjusted serum carotenoid concentrations were compared using ANCOVA. A cross-sectional analysis was performed u…
Does the neighbourhood food environment contribute to ethnic differences in diet quality? Results from the Helius study in Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Objective: The aim of the current study was to establish whether the neighbourhood food environment, characterised by the healthiness of food outlets, the diversity of food outlets and fast-food outlet density within a 500 m or 1000 m street network buffer around the home address, contributed to ethnic differences in diet quality. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants: Data on adult participants o…
Weight development between age 5 and 10 years and its associations with dietary patterns at age 5 in the ABCD cohort
We observed differential weight development per ethnic and SES group. Our results indicate that each ethnic and SES group follows its own path of weight development. Associations between dietary patterns and weight development showed some unexpected findings; follow-up research is needed to understand the association between dietary patterns and weight development
The role of food parcel use on dietary intake
Objective: To gain insight in Dutch food bank recipients’ perception on the content of the food parcels, their dietary intake and how the parcels contribute to their overall dietary intake. Design: Eleven semi-structured focus group discussions were conducted. Focus group topics were based on Andersons food insecurity definition: the lack of availability of nutritionally adequate foods and the assured ability to acquire foods in socially acceptab…
Sarcopenia and its relation to protein intake across older ethnic populations in the Netherlands
Objective : To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with protein intake in men and women in a multi-ethnic population. Design: We used cross-sectional data from the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study, which includes nearly 25,000 participants (aged 18-70 years) of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan, and Ghanaian ethnic origin. For the current study, we included 5161 individuals ag…
Do student and survey characteristics affect the quality of UK undergraduate medical education course evaluation? A systematic review of the literature
The explanatory role of maternal feeding practices
I cannot sit here and eat alone when I know a fellow Ghanaian is suffering”
Ethnicity and socioeconomic status are related to dietary patterns at age 5 in the Amsterdam born children and their development (ABCD) cohort
This study indicates that both ethnicity and SES are relevant for dietary patterns at age 5 and may enable more specific nutrition education to specific ethnic and low socioeconomic status target groups
Dietary acculturation among the South-Asian Surinamese population in the Netherlands
Objective To test Koctürk’s model of dietary change among South-Asian Surinamese in the Netherlands. The model categorizes foods into staple, complementary and accessory foods and postulates that dietary change after migration begins with accessory foods while foods associated with ethnic identity (staple foods) change at a slower rate. Design Cross-sectional data from the HELIUS study. Dietary intake was assessed with an FFQ. Acculturation was b…
A combined high-sugar and high-saturated-fat dietary pattern is associated with more depressive symptoms in a multi-ethnic population
Objective To identify a high-sugar (HS) dietary pattern, a high-saturated-fat (HF) dietary pattern and a combined high-sugar and high-saturated-fat (HSHF) dietary pattern and to explore if these dietary patterns are associated with depressive symptoms. Design We used data from the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study and included 4969 individuals aged 18–70 years. Diet was assessed using four ethnic-specific FFQ. Dietary patterns were …
The influence of migration on dietary practices of Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom
Participants retained, to a varying degree, some aspects of Ghanaian dietary practices, whilst adopting key features of UK food culture. This study demonstrates the complexity of dietary change, indicating that it is not a linear process and it is dependent on several factors
Association between socioeconomic position and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Ghanaians in different geographic locations
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes has been shown to be socially patterned but the direction of the association in low-income countries and among migrant populations in Europe has varied in the literature. This study examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diabetes in Ghanaians in Europe and in Ghana. METHODS: Data were derived from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study…
Acculturation and dietary patterns among residents of Surinamese origin in the Netherlands
Objective Insight into the role of acculturation in dietary patterns is important to inform the development of nutrition programmes that target ethnic minority groups. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how the adherence to dietary patterns within an ethnic minority population in the Netherlands varies by acculturation level compared with the host population. Design Cross-sectional study using data of the HELIUS study. Dietary patt…
Comparison of general health status, myocardial infarction, obesity, diabetes, and fruit and vegetable intake between immigrant Pakistani population in the Netherlands and the local Amsterdam populati…
Higher prevalence of MI, diabetes and obesity among Pakistanis than Amsterdam population indicates the need for health scientists and policy-makers to develop interventions for tackling non-communicable diseases and its determinants among Pakistanis living in the Netherlands
Educational differences in the validity of self-reported physical activity
The results confirm the hypothesis that self-report physical activity questionnaires are less valid in lower educated populations
Risk perception is not associated with attendance at a preventive intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus among South Asians at risk of diabetes
Objective To evaluate the association between risk perception and attendance in a diabetes prevention programme among South Asians with a high risk for diabetes. Design An observational study. We measured risk perception during the baseline interview with causal beliefs, perceived susceptibility and perceived controllability. We used logistic regression to examine the relationship between risk perception and attendance. We adjusted for relevant s…
Development of a diabetes prevention program for Surinamese South Asians in the Netherlands
Type 2 diabetes is highly prevalent among South Asian origin groups around the world. Not only is prevalence higher than in other ethnic groups, age at presentation is lower and these groups are more likely to experience complications. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. However, little is known about diabetes prevention in South Asians (SA). DH!AAN is a diabetes prevention program designed f…
Relationship between psychosocial stress and hypertension among Ghanaians in Amsterdam, the Netherlands – the GHAIA study
We did not find evidence for the association between psychosocial stress and hypertension among recent SSA migrants. More efforts are needed to unravel other potential factors that may underlie the high prevalence of hypertension among these populations
Overweight and obesity in young Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese migrants of the second generation in the Netherlands
Objective To examine differences in overweight and obesity of second-generation Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese migrants v . first-generation migrants and the ethnic Dutch. We also studied the influence of sociodemographic factors on this association. Design Data were collected in 2008 in a cross-sectional postal and online health survey. Setting Four major Dutch cities. Subjects In the survey 42 686 residents aged 16 years and over participated…
I cannot sit here and eat alone when I know a fellow Ghanaian is suffering”
Sarcopenia and its relation to protein intake across older ethnic populations in the Netherlands
Objective : To examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with protein intake in men and women in a multi-ethnic population. Design: We used cross-sectional data from the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study, which includes nearly 25,000 participants (aged 18-70 years) of Dutch, South-Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Turkish, Moroccan, and Ghanaian ethnic origin. For the current study, we included 5161 individuals ag…
Association between socioeconomic position and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Ghanaians in different geographic locations
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes has been shown to be socially patterned but the direction of the association in low-income countries and among migrant populations in Europe has varied in the literature. This study examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diabetes in Ghanaians in Europe and in Ghana. METHODS: Data were derived from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study…
Influences on body weight of female Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands
Considerations affecting dietary behaviour of immigrants with type 2 diabetes
For Surinamese diabetes patients, cooking and eating practices are related to deeply rooted cultural beliefs and values. The wish to maintain one's Surinamese identity may pose difficulty for patients' adherence to dietary guidelines, as these are perceived as being based on 'Dutch' habits. This suggests that immigrants with a long duration of residence in the host country like the Surinamese, who are seen as well integrated might benefit from cu…
Body size preference and body weight perception among two migrant groups of non-Western origin
Objectives To evaluate body size preference, body weight perception and their relationship with actual weight in two migrant groups of non-Western origin, Turks and Moroccans; additionally, to study the association between body size preference and acculturation. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Subjects and methods Males and females (18–30 years) were randomly selected from the population registry ( n 451); partic…
A prospective cohort study of dietary patterns of non-western migrants in the Netherlands in relation to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases
This study will allow us to investigate the contribution of the dietary patterns on CVD risk factors in a multi-ethnic population. Inclusion of five ethnic groups residing in one setting makes this study highly innovative as confounding by local environment characteristics is limited. Heterogeneity in the study population will provide variance in dietary patterns which is a great advantage when studying the link between diet and disease
Social and cultural factors underlying generational differences in overweight
The higher socio-economic position of second generation Turkish and Moroccan women may partly account for the lower prevalence of overweight in this group compared to first generation women. Further research is necessary to elucidate whether any postulated socio-biological or other processes are relevant to the opposite pattern of overweight among men
Considerations affecting dietary behaviour of immigrants with type 2 diabetes
For Surinamese diabetes patients, cooking and eating practices are related to deeply rooted cultural beliefs and values. The wish to maintain one's Surinamese identity may pose difficulty for patients' adherence to dietary guidelines, as these are perceived as being based on 'Dutch' habits. This suggests that immigrants with a long duration of residence in the host country like the Surinamese, who are seen as well integrated might benefit from cu…
P2-293 Helius
Introduction As a result of immigration, European societies are becoming increasingly ethnically diverse. In health (care) studies, however, ethnic minorities are usually excluded. There is now a growing awareness that it is necessary to redress the balance and initiate studies among ethnic minority populations as well. This applies in particular to population-based cohort studies. Therefore, a large multi-ethnic cohort study is being set up in A…
P2-3 A cross-national comparative study of diabetes prevalence between English and Dutch South Asian Indian and African origin populations
Background Ethnic minority groups in western European countries tend to have higher levels of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) than the majority populations for reasons that are poorly understood. Investigating differences between countries could enable an investigation of the importance of national context in determining these inequalities. We determined whether the lower prevalence of DM in England vs the Netherlands is also observed in South-Asia…
P1-19 The development of ethnic-specific food frequency questionnaires (FFQS) to measure diet of non-western migrants in The Netherlands
Introduction Diet is an important modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and appears relevant in migrant groups in Western Europe, including the Netherlands. However, no comprehensive picture of the dietary patterns of the main non-western migrants in the Netherlands exists. Research is limited by a lack of validated instruments to measure habitual diet. In this study we aimed to develop ethnic-specific FFQs in order to study the dieta…
Feasibility and effectiveness of a targeted diabetes prevention program for 18 to 60-year-old South Asian migrants
Dutch Trial Register: NTR1499
Influences on body weight of female Moroccan migrants in the Netherlands
Development of a diabetes prevention program for Surinamese South Asians in the Netherlands
Type 2 diabetes is highly prevalent among South Asian origin groups around the world. Not only is prevalence higher than in other ethnic groups, age at presentation is lower and these groups are more likely to experience complications. Evidence suggests that lifestyle interventions may prevent or delay the onset of diabetes. However, little is known about diabetes prevention in South Asians (SA). DH!AAN is a diabetes prevention program designed f…
Relationship between psychosocial stress and hypertension among Ghanaians in Amsterdam, the Netherlands – the GHAIA study
We did not find evidence for the association between psychosocial stress and hypertension among recent SSA migrants. More efforts are needed to unravel other potential factors that may underlie the high prevalence of hypertension among these populations
Overweight and obesity in young Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese migrants of the second generation in the Netherlands
Objective To examine differences in overweight and obesity of second-generation Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese migrants v . first-generation migrants and the ethnic Dutch. We also studied the influence of sociodemographic factors on this association. Design Data were collected in 2008 in a cross-sectional postal and online health survey. Setting Four major Dutch cities. Subjects In the survey 42 686 residents aged 16 years and over participated…
Educational differences in the validity of self-reported physical activity
The results confirm the hypothesis that self-report physical activity questionnaires are less valid in lower educated populations
Risk perception is not associated with attendance at a preventive intervention for type 2 diabetes mellitus among South Asians at risk of diabetes
Objective To evaluate the association between risk perception and attendance in a diabetes prevention programme among South Asians with a high risk for diabetes. Design An observational study. We measured risk perception during the baseline interview with causal beliefs, perceived susceptibility and perceived controllability. We used logistic regression to examine the relationship between risk perception and attendance. We adjusted for relevant s…
Acculturation and dietary patterns among residents of Surinamese origin in the Netherlands
Objective Insight into the role of acculturation in dietary patterns is important to inform the development of nutrition programmes that target ethnic minority groups. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate how the adherence to dietary patterns within an ethnic minority population in the Netherlands varies by acculturation level compared with the host population. Design Cross-sectional study using data of the HELIUS study. Dietary patt…
Comparison of general health status, myocardial infarction, obesity, diabetes, and fruit and vegetable intake between immigrant Pakistani population in the Netherlands and the local Amsterdam populati…
Higher prevalence of MI, diabetes and obesity among Pakistanis than Amsterdam population indicates the need for health scientists and policy-makers to develop interventions for tackling non-communicable diseases and its determinants among Pakistanis living in the Netherlands
Dietary acculturation among the South-Asian Surinamese population in the Netherlands
Objective To test Koctürk’s model of dietary change among South-Asian Surinamese in the Netherlands. The model categorizes foods into staple, complementary and accessory foods and postulates that dietary change after migration begins with accessory foods while foods associated with ethnic identity (staple foods) change at a slower rate. Design Cross-sectional data from the HELIUS study. Dietary intake was assessed with an FFQ. Acculturation was b…
A combined high-sugar and high-saturated-fat dietary pattern is associated with more depressive symptoms in a multi-ethnic population
Objective To identify a high-sugar (HS) dietary pattern, a high-saturated-fat (HF) dietary pattern and a combined high-sugar and high-saturated-fat (HSHF) dietary pattern and to explore if these dietary patterns are associated with depressive symptoms. Design We used data from the HELIUS (Healthy Life in an Urban Setting) study and included 4969 individuals aged 18–70 years. Diet was assessed using four ethnic-specific FFQ. Dietary patterns were …
The influence of migration on dietary practices of Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom
Participants retained, to a varying degree, some aspects of Ghanaian dietary practices, whilst adopting key features of UK food culture. This study demonstrates the complexity of dietary change, indicating that it is not a linear process and it is dependent on several factors
Association between socioeconomic position and the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Ghanaians in different geographic locations
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes has been shown to be socially patterned but the direction of the association in low-income countries and among migrant populations in Europe has varied in the literature. This study examined the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and diabetes in Ghanaians in Europe and in Ghana. METHODS: Data were derived from the multicentre Research on Obesity and Diabetes among African Migrants (RODAM) study…
Ethnicity and socioeconomic status are related to dietary patterns at age 5 in the Amsterdam born children and their development (ABCD) cohort
This study indicates that both ethnicity and SES are relevant for dietary patterns at age 5 and may enable more specific nutrition education to specific ethnic and low socioeconomic status target groups
Do student and survey characteristics affect the quality of UK undergraduate medical education course evaluation? A systematic review of the literature
The explanatory role of maternal feeding practices
I cannot sit here and eat alone when I know a fellow Ghanaian is suffering”
Weight development between age 5 and 10 years and its associations with dietary patterns at age 5 in the ABCD cohort
We observed differential weight development per ethnic and SES group. Our results indicate that each ethnic and SES group follows its own path of weight development. Associations between dietary patterns and weight development showed some unexpected findings; follow-up research is needed to understand the association between dietary patterns and weight development
Medicine (30 works) · Environmental health (25 works) · Demography (22 works) · Population (20 works) · Ethnic group (19 works) · Demography (17 works) · Gerontology (17 works) · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet (15 works) · Sociology (13 works) · Nutritional Studies and Diet (12 works)