Higher dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. However, these phytochemicals are predominantly present in fruits and vegetables, which are inadequately consumed by some populations, including Filipinos. This narrative mini-review explores the potential role of polyphenol-containing pigmented rice consumption in modulating risk through a range of mechanisms identified in animal studies. Further, human studies have demonstrated promising but inconsistent effects on risk factors associated with the development of CVD, such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, overweight and obesity. Therefore, this review identifies the need for more clinical trials to examine the effect of pigmented rice on CVD risk factors.
Cholesterol ; Glucose ; Polyphenols

BACKGROUND

Polyphenol intake is associated with reduced cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity. Pigmented rice varieties such as red, purple, and black rice contain polyphenols; however, are not commonly consumed. Apart from price and sensory properties, awareness of its availability, perception of health benefits, and intent to purchase may influence consumer preference and consumption.

This study aimed to develop and validate a short questionnaire designed to determine awareness of the availability, perception of health benefits, and intent to purchase pigmented rice.

The study included three phases: (1) tool development, (2) expert validation, and (3) reliability testing. Questions were initially evaluated for clarity and relevance by two Nutritionist-Dietitians and then by seven lay individuals through a focus group discussion. Following the revision, seven food and nutrition experts evaluated the face and content validity of the questionnaire. Validity was assessed via computation of Item and scale content validity indices and kappa statistics. The validated tool was then tested for internal consistency and parallel form reliability of English and Filipino versions among lay individuals (n=31) and then evaluated for reliability based on Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass correlation coefficients.

The questionnaire was found to have an acceptable face (I-CVI: 1.00; S-CVI/UA: 1.00; K=1.00) and content validity (I-CVI: 0.86-1.00; S-CVI/UA: 0.96-1.00; K= 0.85-1.00) and reliability (α=0.96-1.00).

The developed questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for assessing awareness of the availability, perception of health benefits, and intent to purchase pigmented rice.