Digital Commons Network^™

Sex Differences In Cardiometabolic Risk Factors In Youth With Obesity, Lucrecia Valdez

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: The prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents is rising, with 13% having elevated blood pressure and 5% having hypertension. Sex differences play a role in cardiovascular diseases in adults but are not well defined in youth. The objective of this study is to identify sex differences in obesity-mediated cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents. Methods: This is a pilot study of n=82 youth with obesity recruited from a High BMI Clinic. Clinical data and blood samples were collected at a single time point. Serum sterols were quantified via LC-MS/MS. Number of cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated. Data are mean …

Attentional Bias, Inhibitory Control, And Food Reinforcement As Mechanisms Promoting Eating Behavior After Exercise, Kylie F. L. Mcfee

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Excess weight and obesity are serious health conditions characterized by modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Exercise is a common method for achieving weight loss; however, results are not always achieved due to post-exercise compensatory behaviors. Increased energy intake (EI) is thought to be the main compensatory behavior hindering weight loss among overweight and obese adults. It is important to determine and understand the mechanisms behind energy compensation following exercise, as this will allow for the discovery of future interventions that may provide individuals with ways to improve exercise as a weight loss treatment.

Objective: To determine if a single …

Maximal Strength Training Increases Metabolic Energy Expenditure In Sedentary Adults Classified As Obese, Robert E. Anderson Iii

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Metabolic adaptations reduce resting and non-resting energy expenditure to account for approximately 120 kcal/day. Weight loss promotes greater skeletal muscle efficiency, reducing the energy cost of physical activity and is correlated with declines in skeletal muscle glucose oxidation. Maximal Strength Training (MST) has the potential to upregulate glucose utilization and may offset these metabolic adaptations. Objective: To determine if MST offsets markers of metabolic adaptation by increasing resting and non-resting energy expenditure in sedentary individuals classified as obese. Methods: Five (5) participants (2 females, 3 males), ages 18-35 years, with obesity (BMI 30–45 kg/m2) were enrolled in an 8-week …

Nutritional Status In Critical Care Of Covid-19 Patients, Dolph Lewis Davis Iii

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Critical care nutrition is a poorly researched, and such a sudden pandemic event requiring manipulation of nutritional status via propofol-induced sedation for mechanical ventilation is potentially impactful on patient outcomes. This paper seeks to provide context to the impact of critical care protocols on the nutritional status of obese patients suffering from COVID-19.

Exploring The Relationships Between Cultural Values And Diet Patterns Among Mexican And Cuban Immigrants In Kentucky, Nasreen Omran

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The number of Latinx in the U.S. is expected to grow to about 28 percent of the population by the year 2060. As the number of Latinx increases in the U.S. it is important to understand how cultural beliefs influence dietary behaviors as Latinx are disproportionately affected by diet related disease such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this secondary data analysis is to examine the relationship between family values, gender roles, and religious values on diet patterns in adult Mexican and Cuban immigrants in Kentucky utilizing the Mexican American Cultural Values Scale. The study findings …

Examining Cultural Influences On Dietary Behaviors Among Mexican Americans With Low Acculturation, Austyn Erickson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Mexican Americans represent approximately 63 percent of the total Hispanic population in the US and are disproportionately affected by health disparities related to poor nutrition status. With this community among the fastest growing populations in the US, it is critical to address the health disparities and the relationship between culture and diet to provide evidence-based nutrition interventions that are culturally sensitive to specific communities. The purpose of this cross-sectional exploratory study is to examine the relationship between cultural values and dietary behaviors among a low-income, urban, clinical sample of Mexican Americans using the Mexican American Cultural Values Scale, dietary assessment, …

Energy Compensation With Exercise Is Not Dependent On Dose, H. Michael Hays

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Exercise induced weight loss is often less than expected due to a coordinated set of compensatory mechanisms that serve to maintain energy homeostasis. The extent to which exercise frequency, duration, intensity and exercise energy expenditure (ExEE) influences the compensatory response to an exercise-induced energy deficit (energy compensation) is controversial. Determining how these variables impact energy compensation would help health care providers prescribe exercise with greater probability of creating a sustained negative energy balance and subsequent weight loss.

Methods: 44 Overweight/obese men and women (BMI=25-35kg/m²) aged 18 to 40 years were randomized to perform aerobic exercise 2 or 6 days/week …

The Impact Of A Fruit And Vegetable Farmers' Market Voucher Prescription Program On A Low-Income Rural Population, Kevin Anthony Richie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objective: Measures the impact of the Farmers’ Market Voucher program on weight, body mass index, waist circumference, during the 2016 summer on a rural, low-income population residing in Appalachian Kentucky.

Background: Rural communities often have limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables (FV) which contributes to low levels of consumption. FV are calorie poor, nutrient dense and are inversely associated with inflammation markers, obesity, hypertension, and high blood glucose levels. Appalachian rural communities have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, strokes, and death by heart attack when compared to the U.S. Farmers’ markets

Methods: Pre-experimental intervention design examining FV consumption …

A Comparison Of Body Composition Estimates Between The Norland Dxa, The Idxa, And The Bodpod® In Overweight To Obese Adults, Jalyn Mason

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: Body composition measures include fat mass (FM), fat free mass (FFM), and percent body fat (%BF), which are markers of health status and disease risk. Accurate body composition assessment is needed to evaluate an individual’s health and the efficacy of treatment strategies. Objective: Compare body composition estimates obtained from the Norland DXA, BodPod®, and iDXA before and after a 12-week exercise intervention. Subjects/setting: Overweight to obese (BMI 25–35 kg/m²) sedentary men and women (n=30) aged 18 to 40 years were recruited from central KY. Main outcome measure: Agreement in FM, FFM, and %BF between Norland DXA, iDXA, …

Promotion Of Fruit And Vegetable Intake Through Recipe Card Distribution And Sampling At Farmers’ Markets Throughout Kentucky, Umaima Sidra Afsheen Syeda

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports indicate that 8% and 6.3% of Kentuckians consume enough fruits and vegetables, respectively. The Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud (PIUKP) project is a recipe-development project that aims to boost produce consumption by incorporating local fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this study was to implement promotional strategies using PIUKP recipes at farmers’ markets and determine their effects on consumers’ intent of purchasing and preparing the produce. The study was conducted at nine farmers’ markets across Kentucky (n=300) in collaboration with Cooperative Extension agents/assistants.

The consumers’ impression of the sample was positively …

Tanglewood Trail Walking And Voucher Program, Kelci Marie Mchugh

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Rural Appalachian populations have greater rates of obesity and chronic diseases attributed to lesser consumption of fruits and vegetables (F/V) and physical inactivity. Barriers to F/V consumption and physical activity include poor access and affordability. To help overcome these barriers, a community-initiated walking and farmers market F/V voucher program was implemented.

Participants were encouraged to walk (1.2 miles roundtrip) to the local farmers market to redeem a $10 voucher which could only be spent on F/V. The 16-week program (June – Sept) included 121 participants. Data was analyzed by creating two groups, low-engagers and high-engagers that differed significantly in the …

Comparison Of The Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Healthy Eating Index Pre- And Post- Test Data For 2012-2013, Corey Joe Shepherd

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Nutrition education has become a topic of significant concern in today’s society. An area prominent in the interest of nutrition is the battle against food security. Programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Education (SNAP-Ed) is helping to improve its participants’ food security by providing nutrition education. Kentucky SNAP-Ed participants were asked to complete a survey and a 24-hour food recall to evaluate their knowledge in the following areas: Healthy Eating Index (HEI) scores, food resource management and nutrition practices. Each participant completed an average of 7-12 nutrition education lessons throughout the year. To graduate from the program participants …

The Utilization Of Technology As An Approach To Improve Meal Planning And Dietary Intake, Alexa Lauren Kuziel

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The prevalence of obesity is rising in the United States and one factor that contributes to it is the lack of cooking at home and planning out meals. Since text messaging is now a main avenue of communication, it could be used to motivate people to plan out their meals and cook at home instead of consuming fast food. Current research on how weekly nudges might relate to peoples’ goals about meal preparation and dietary intake is very limited. The purpose of this study was to examine if sending weekly nudges, focusing on specific dietary goals, improves meal planning and …

Dive Into The Hunger Pool: Exploring Students’ Experiences, Coping Strategies, And Suggestions Related To Elements Of Food Security At The University Of Kentucky, The Nu Sandar Oo

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Background: College food insecurity (CFI) is a prevalent social justice and public health issue in the U.S. with the prevalence ranging between 15-59%. Though numerous quantitative studies were first conducted in the past decade, little qualitative research was conducted to assess CFI.

Objective: To explore and deeply understand the contexts of CFI at a land-grant university in Kentucky.

Methods: This qualitative study used a validated food insecurity survey tool and hour-long focus groups that were audio recorded and transcribed. Three theoretical models were combined into an adapted model and utilized for the thematic analysis.

Results: Thirty-three students participated in one …

Utilization Of Web‐Based App To Target Obesogenic Factors In Rural Kentucky Counties With High Rates Of Obesity, Erin M. Casey

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Due to socioeconomic disparities and geographic isolation, rural Kentucky residents bear a greater burden of poor health compared to national averages. Specifically, rural Kentucky residents are at greater risk of becoming obese and suffering from comorbidities of obesity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was two-fold. First, we the barriers to nutrition and physical activity unique to rural Kentucky counties which high proportions of obese adults (< 40%) were examined and extrapolated. Second, this information was used to develop a health and wellness app tailored to rural Kentucky counties. The objective was met via a formative assessment regarding causes for obesity in three rural Kentucky counties using focus groups. From these discussions, two major themes arose: barriers to good nutrition and physical activity, and desired web‐app features. From this assessment, FitFaceoff was developed and released into the same counties. Usage and user interaction were assessed using GoogleAnalytics™ software. Analysis revealed poor user liking and unsuccessful implementation of FitFaceoff, however further qualitative research is needed to evaluate poor user reception of FitFaceoff and possible future directions.

Assessing Malnutrition In Liver Disease Patients Being Evaluated For Transplant Using The Nutrition Focused Physical Exam, Madison Hilgendorf

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Patients with liver disease have an increased risk for malnutrition because of side effects of the disease. The Nutrition Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) was developed for nutrition professionals to aid physicians in a nutrition-based diagnosis of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to examine the NFPE for its validity in liver disease patients being evaluated for transplant. In addition, the NFPE was used to assess incidence and severity of malnutrition in end stage liver disease patients and compare these results to already developed malnutrition tools such as the Patient Generated-Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), Triceps Skinfolds (TSF), Mid-Arm Circumference (MAC), …

Consumer Preference Of Vanilla Ice Cream, Julie Anne Martin

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Consumers have a variety of ice cream available for purchase through retail stores, including: standard commercial, specialty store, organic, and premium commercial options. This study used a sensory analysis to solicit responses from a group of adults to determine consumer preference and acceptance of four vanilla ice creams based on taste. Consumers preferred (i) organic ice cream to standard, commercial ice cream and (ii) specialty store ice cream to standard, commercial ice cream. Additionally, consumers could identify (i) the organic ice cream when compared to the standard, commercial ice cream and (ii) the premium, commercial ice cream had more overrun …

Finding The Link Between Social Connectivity And Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents In North Carolina And Kentucky, Jordan Elizabeth Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Social networks play a significant role in adolescent decision making, specifically when it comes to dietary outcomes. This study, granted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), assessed the connectivity of these social networks and the impact they have on fruit and vegetable, added sugar and sugar sweetened beverage consumption. Additionally, the relationship between shopping companionship and dietary choices was studied. Positive and negative associations were found among adolescents who shop with parents or friends. It was also found that those adolescents with greater social network cohesion were found to have more negative dietary outcomes. Divulging further into the …

The School Food Environment And Its Association With Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents, Hannah F. Hickey

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The school food environment has the ability to increase the consumption of fruit and vegetables in rural adolescents. This study used a survey to allow adolescents in seven rural counties to self-report their fruit and vegetable intake as well as utilizing the USDA Mathematica tool and the School Nutrition and Meal Cost Study audits to evaluate what food and beverage products were actually available to adolescents. By using these two measures, associations between fruit and vegetable intake and availability of healthy and unhealthy foods were determined. The availability of healthy snacks and beverages was found to be associated with sugar-sweetened …

Social Marketing Campaign At Farmers' Markets To Encourage Fruit And Vegetable Purchases In Rural Counties With A High Obesity Prevalence, Emily M. Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Farmers’ markets are one food environment venue with the potential to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among rural residents in the United States. This study used the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud social marketing campaign in six rural communities over two years to determine the association between exposure to the campaign and fruit and vegetable purchasing decisions. The availability of recipe cards at the farmers’ market was associated with influencing the purchase of fruits and vegetables (p<0.001); the recipe sample was associated with buying the ingredients for the recipe (p<0.001); taking the PIUKP food sample was associated with a willingness to prepare the food item at home (p<0.001). Utilizing social marketing strategies at farmers’ markets may be an effective way to improve fruit and vegetable intakes in rural communities.

Changes Of Percent Body Fat, Waist Circumference And Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Division I Collegiate Female Softball Players After Nutrition Curriculum Paired With Technology, Rachel Thomas

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Previous research has found that the quality and intake of collegiate athletes’ diets does not meet the recommended standards. Little research has been completed in regards to the diets of collegiate female softball players. The purpose of this research study was to determine if an 11-week nutrition curriculum paired with a technology could increase fruit and vegetable consumption while decreasing percent body fat and waist circumference. The sample included 14 female softball players. Paired t-test were preformed to compare fruit and vegetable intake, body fat percentage, and waist circumference pre- and post-intervention. Linear regression models were used to determine correlations …

Connecting Self-Efficacy Of Dietary Choices And The Association With Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents In North Carolina And Kentucky, Rachel Gillespie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Determining the level of belief one has in themselves, or their self-efficacy, can be a key factor to improve certain dietary patterns and choices in the rural youth population. Sugar sweetened food and beverage consumption continues to rise and fruit and vegetable intake remains a struggle in rural areas; addressing both the food environment and adolescents’ self-efficacy could have a lasting impact on changing the nature of a generation of rural student’s food and beverage choices. This study measured self-efficacy levels of (n=425) adolescents in rural Kentucky and North Carolina using the Youth Impact Questionnaire and dietary intake using the …

Adolescent Food Purchasing Patterns And The Association With Dietary Intake And Body Mass Index In Rural Communities In Kentucky And North Carolina, Paige M. Connelly

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The local food environment plays an important role in the health of adolescents, especially in rural areas. Often, rural areas lack the accessibility and availability of healthy food choices, making a healthy lifestyle difficult to achieve. This study presents a cross-sectional survey of rural adolescents in 8 counties in Kentucky and North Carolina to determine the association between food store choice, body mass index (BMI), and key dietary outcomes. Although BMI had no association with food store choice, those who infrequently shopped at gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food restaurants consumed significantly less added sugar (p < 0.05) than those who shopped at those stores more regularly. Increasing the availability and accessibility of food venues with healthy food options such as supermarkets may decrease added sugar intake among rural adolescents.

The Effects Of A 16-Week Introductory Nutrition Course On Dietary Habits And Body Composition Of College Students, Emily Ashton

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

As the rates of obesity continue to increase among adolescents and young adults, adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits is necessary in order to prevent obesity-related chronic disease later in life. Although several studies have addressed nutrition education and its effect on weight in college students, few studies have assessed percent fat as it relates to a semester-long nutrition course. As such, the effectiveness of a formal introductory nutrition course on lifestyle habits and percent fat of college students was examined. The current study aimed to address the relationship between percent body fat and nutrition education over the course of …

Comparison Of Quick Methods For Determining Body Composition In Female Collegiate Athletes And Obese Females, Mandee E. Martin

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a tool used broadly by public health agencies to assess weight in populations. However, when differentiating between fat mass and fat free mass the formula (BMI = weight in kilograms/height in meters2) is not applicable. Research suggests that evaluating body fat percentage and adipose tissue deposition may provide a nuanced indication of overall health, making it more accurate on an individual basis. This study evaluated four methods (Body Mass Index, waist circumference, A Body Shape Index, and Waist to Stature Index) that assess body composition and their ability to predict body fat percentage in …

Perceived Stress, Caffeine Consumption, And Gpa Of Undergraduate Students At A Large Public University, Emma Simpson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Evidence suggests that college students may increase caffeine consumption to cope with the stress and demands of college. The relationships between perceived stress, caffeine consumption, and GPA were examined in students at a large public university. Students were surveyed to determine perceived stress (Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire), beliefs about caffeine, caffeine consumption, workload in and outside of the classroom, and GPA. Surveys were administered at the beginning of the semester and again at midterm. Based on Cohen’s 40-point scale, average stress scores increased from 15.95 ± 6.34 at the beginning of the semester to 18.89 ± 6.94 at midterms. Additionally, …

Evaluation Of Diet Composition Of Pediatric Cancer Survivors As A Need For Nutrition Counseling, Sean O'Nan

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Prior research has shown that pediatric cancer survivors face a multitude of longterm effects from treatment of their disease. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed through proper nutrition, however patients of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic do not see a registered dietitian. This study looked at food and drink consumption of the past 30 days by the patient using the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire to see if they met nutrition recommendations as outlined by the 2015‐2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results from the study found that off‐treatment pediatric cancer survivors (n=21) failed to meet …

Color Your Plate: A Pilot Nutrition Education Intervention To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Older Adults Participating In The Congregate Meal Site Program In Kentucky Senior Centers, Emily Dickens

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount and variety of fruit and vegetable intake increased among community-dwelling older adults participating in Kentucky’s congregate meal site program following a series of educational nutrition lessons. A convenience sample (n=35) of community-dwelling older adults at two intervention (n=19) and two control (n=16) senior centers in central Kentucky participated in this quasi-experimental pre-post pilot study. Following the intervention there was a trend towards increased self-reported intake in the variety of fruit and vegetables among the intervention group (range:0.03±3.31 to 1.32±2.75 servings per week); a significant increase in the number of …

Promoting Healthy Home-Cooked Family Meals: Evaluation Of A Social Marketing Program Targeting Low-Income Mothers, Mollie Y. Dawahare

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objective: Evaluate how a social marketing approach compares to traditional nutrition education curriculum for promoting behavioral changes related to eating and food.

Design: Nonequivalent comparison group, entry-exit design. Participants from 12 Kentucky counties assigned either comparison or pilot group. Comparison group received traditional nutrition education curriculum and pilot group received the social marketing program, Cook Together, Eat Together (CTET) curriculum. EFNEP’s Behavior Checklist and 24-Hour Dietary Recall were administered at entry and exit of the 8-week programs.

Participants: Females (18-72 years of age) from families eligible to receive SNAP benefits (n=64 comparison group participants, n=60 pilot group participants).

Intervention: …

Evaluation Of A Diabetes Self-Management Program For Hispanics In Lexington Kentucky: A Pilot Study, Miguel A. Gamboa Oropeza

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Hispanics are more affected by diabetes than non-Hispanic whites and they tend to experience more severe complications. Research shows that although self-management is poor among ethnic minorities, it is even more so among Hispanics. The “Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes” (TOYD) program has been shown to be successful in helping individuals manage their diabetes. However, no work has been conducted with Hispanic audiences in Kentucky. TOYD program allows individuals to modify lifestyle risks and solve problems related to diabetes management. The program was translated from English to Spanish. Hispanics males and females between ages 19 to 75 years …