Digital Commons Network^™

High School Nutrition Education Modules For Homeschooling, Miranda J. Baker

Nutrition Masters Projects

The increasing prevalence of obesity is increasing in the adolescent population. Many preventable diseases that may manifest later in life are associated with modifiable risk factors established during this time. Adolescents are at risk for chronic diseases related to diets consisting of increased fat, sodium, and sugars combined with decreased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and high fiber or calcium-containing foods. General nutrition knowledge questionnaires demonstrate that students receive inadequate nutrition education. Homeschooling is growing in popularity in the United States, which allows the opportunity to integrate nutrition education because the instructor or parent accompanies their students during cooking, tasting, and …

Raspberry Polyphenols Target Molecular Pathways Of Heart Failure, Rami Najjar

Chemistry Dissertations

Approximately 650,000 new cases of heart failure (HF) are diagnosed annually with a 50% five-year mortality rate. HF is characterized by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and hypertrophy of the left ventricular wall. The pathophysiological remodeling of the heart is mediated by increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) derived from NADPH-oxidases (NOX), xanthine oxidase (XO), and mitochondria are the primary drivers of oxidative stress. In addition, damage associate molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from apoptotic cells can trigger toll-like receptor (TLR)4 activation, leading to an inflammatory response. Raspberries are rich in polyphenols which may favorably impact enzymes …

Nutrition Care And Cultural Humility For Healthcare Professionals, Poutheavy Tep-Rutkowski, Dominique Miller, Mayra Patino

Nutrition Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a module using the Health Meets Food platform that will teach students how to offer appropriate diet and nutrition counseling to patients identifying as African American, African immigrant, Asian, or Hispanic. The module will include a lesson about the common foods, cultural aspects of food, and attitudes and behaviors associated with food in prominent African American, African immigrant, Asian, and Hispanic cultures present in the United States. Students will be able to apply their learned skills with a nutrition-focused case study at the end of the lesson. Their skills and knowledge will …

Our Food Is Healthy Too!, Destiney Mcdaniel

Nutrition Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to create a children’s book titled, Our Food is Healthy Too!, about healthy eating that includes cultural foods, specifically the southern African American and Mexican American cultures. I will use illustrations and characters that will appeal to the targeted audience. My targeted audience are elementary school-age children, particularly second and third-graders. The book will address the main food groups and the different cultural foods or meals that consist of those food groups. The book will educate children on having a healthy, balanced diet with the foods they typically eat.

The Efficacy Of Group Nutrition Education Within A Virtual Setting, Deja Ivy

Nutrition Masters Projects

The purpose of this project is to assist in creating an online nutrition academy designed for group education with Perfectly Portioned Wellness (PPW) and research the efficacy of the method of education. The project will include creating content, modules, and demonstrate the mini course prototype for the month-long online nutrition and wellness program focused on the PPW Four Pillars of Health: Nutrition and Digestion, Sleep, Stress Management, and Physical Activity.

Nutrition Program Survey For Outpatient Oncology Population, Emily Gardner, Kate Wiley, Mary Forbus, Anita Nucci

Nutrition Masters Projects

Objective: To evaluate patient opinions on nutrition's role in cancer treatment and attitudes towards healthy eating before and after working with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using a convenience sample of patients in an urban safety net hospital cancer center. Patients completed electronic surveys before and after their 3-month nutrition counseling program, which included 3 thirty minutes sessions with an RDN. Data collection occurred from August 2019 to March 2020.

Results: Pre- and post-intervention surveys were completed by 25 patients. The only statistically significant change was in patients’ report trying to make healthier food …

Dietary Intake, Nutrition Knowledge, And Body Composition Of Collegiate Athletes: A Pilot Study, Jessica-Kim Danh, J. Andrew Doyle Phd, Facsm, Anita M. Nucci Phd, Rd, Ld, Rafaela G. Feresin Phd

Nutrition Theses

Background: Studies examining the dietary intake of collegiate athletes agree that common nutritional problems exists that put this population at high risk for nutrient and energy deficiencies. Additionally, nutrition knowledge deficit has been associated with improper dietary fueling in collegiate athletes. Furthermore, collegiate athletes often rely on coaches and athletic trainers for nutrition information, yet studies have shown that 64.1% of coaches and 28.6% of athletic trainers have inadequate nutrition knowledge.

Objectives: To assess nutritional intake, body composition, sports nutrition knowledge, and nutrition sources knowledge of NCAA Division I female volleyball players.

Methods: Nutritional intake was assessed using three-day food …

Employment Opportunities For Nutrition Science Graduates With A Focus On The Food And Beverage Industry, Ansley Fowler

Nutrition Masters Projects

The transition from student to professional is a stressful and daunting time. Navigating the options (dietetic internship, graduate degree or workforce) that are available is one of the contributing factors of stress. The attached literature review analyzed current literature on the options available with an emphasis on the opportunities in the food and beverage industry.

Given the potential in the food and beverage industry, it would be beneficial to develop a curriculum as part of core competency in nutrition science or dietetics coursework. The purpose of developing this curriculum is to equip students to understand the opportunities that are in …

Development Of A Modified-Atkins Ketogenic Diet Educational Handbook For Children With Epilepsy, Sydney Kayler

Nutrition Masters Projects

The ketogenic diet as a therapeutic intervention for epilepsy is usually indicated after a patient has tried a second antiepileptic medication without improvement in seizure activity. The diet is indicated for patients of any age, including infants, if drug treatment failure occurs and the epilepsy is classified as drug-resistant epilepsy. The Ketogenic Clinic at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) has prioritized the Modified-Atkins diet for its epilepsy patients due to its less stringent nature. However, the current educational materials for the Modified-Atkins diet are not as robust as those for the classic ketogenic diet. The student investigator has developed a …

Nutrition And The Gut Microbiome: General Recommendations For The Microbiota Enrichment Program Website, Karen Riggs

Nutrition Masters Projects

The gut microbiome represents trillions of microbes found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and has been the subject of much research and exploration, especially over the last 10 years. Researchers around the world seek to define a healthy microbiome and to determine the impact these bacteria have on long-term health and disease. The National Institutes of Health Common Fund Human Microbiome Project helped identify the microorganisms associated with the human body. The exact balance of the "good vs. bad" bacteria has not been determined definitively. However, many lifestyle factors including antibiotic use and diet have been shown to disrupt the …

The Effect Of A 4-Week Intervention On Glycated Hemoglobin Levels In Adults With Type 2 Diabetes By Food Security Status, Rachel Silva

Nutrition Theses

Abstract

Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) face many challenges in self-management of their current disease state. Nutrition education has been identified as a key component in managing metabolic control in individuals diagnosed with T2D. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a 4-week nutrition intervention on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and nutrition knowledge by food security status in individuals with T2D who attend the Family Health Centers of Georgia (FHCGA) located in West Atlanta.

Methods: Subjects enrolled in the study (n=6) completed a nutrition knowledge survey at the beginning of the intervention and …

Categorizing Vending Machine Snacks At Gsu For Metabolic Syndrome Dietary Recommendations, Allie Micheli

Public Health Capstone Projects

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic Syndrome is a group of disorders, abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and high fasting blood sugar, that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases which is currently the leading cause of death in the US. Healthy eating behaviors are one modifiable risk that can prevent and even reverse some metabolic disorders. In college settings, vending machines are a popular way for students to access snacks between classes. However, frequently, nutritional information is not visible to students who use vending machines to purchase snacks.

AIM: The purpose of this capstone was to identify snacks and …

Project Learning Garden: A Systematic Review Of The Effectiveness Of The Evaluation Techniques On School Gardens, Kasey Kavanaugh

Public Health Theses

Introduction: For decades, school gardens have been on the rise, globally. These programs are all-encompassing programs that provide hands-on activities, such as planting and harvesting fruit and vegetables, with preparing and cooking foods which grow in the garden. There are not many studies that have looked into these school gardens, let alone how these school gardens get evaluated. The aim of this systematic review is to examine how intensely school gardens get assessed and how useful their evaluation tools can be.

Methods: Studies chosen for this review included peer-reviewed journal articles, found on PubMed, assessing the impact of learning gardens …

A Qualitative Review Of The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Snap) And Recommendations For Improving Nutritional Output, Shefa F. Saulat

Public Health Capstone Projects

The Food Stamp Program (FSP) is a federal food assistance program for income-eligible individuals and households aimed at preventing hunger and improving nutrition (SNAP, 2016). Although immense growth in the program over the years has served millions of people, a growing body of research has found that program participants consume more calories, less fresh fruits and vegetables, and purchase more sugar-sweetened beverages than their non-participant counterparts (Leung, Blumenthal, Hoffnagle, Jensen, Foerster, Nestle, & Willett, 2013; Nguyen, Shuval, Njike, & Katz, 2014; Bleich, Vine, & Wolfson, 2013).

Additionally, other studies have found that SNAP participants consume more high-fat dairy and processed …

Differences In Nutritional Outcome Measures Between Preadolescents And Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa Who Received A Nasogastric Feeding Tube Versus Oral Diet Upon Hospital Admission, Paige E. Herring

Nutrition Theses

DIFFERENCES IN NUTRITIONAL OUTCOME MEASURES BETWEEN PREADOLESCENTS AND ADOLECENTS WITH ANOREXIA NERVOSA WHO RECEIVED A NASOGASTRIC FEEDING TUBE VERSUS ORAL DIET UPON HOSPITAL ADMISSION

by

Paige E. Herring

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disease defined by an extreme weight loss due to an intense fear of gaining weight, and it is the third most chronic disease in adolescent females. Hospitalizations are common among patients with AN due to the major consequences that can arise from this disease. Most of the complications can be resolved with significant weight gain, so hospitals have an implemented feeding protocols to optimize weight gain. …

Diet Technicians In Dialysis: A Rare Opportunity To Decrease Costs And Improve Quality Of Care, Lauren Clark

Public Health Capstone Projects

As healthcare costs continue to rise beyond sustainable levels, both payors and providers are seeking ways to reduce their costs without sacrificing quality. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) accounts for a significant portion of Medicare expenditures, despite efforts over the years to alter the reimbursement scheme to control costs. Providers must now find a way to deliver care that both meets CMS quality standards and doesn’t exceed reimbursement amounts. Time and resource constraints have lead to registered dietitians reporting difficulty with providing important medical nutrition therapy to patients. Hiring dietetic technicians may be a cost-effective way to help improve nutrition therapy …

Correlation Between Nutritional Indicators And Low Cd4 Count (<200 Cells/Mm3 ) Among Hiv Positive Adults In Kapiri, Zambia 2008-2009, Kadija C. Fofana

Public Health Theses

ABSTRACT

Correlation Between Nutritional Indicators and Low CD4 Count (<200 cells/mm³ ) among HIV Positive Adults in Kapiri, Zambia 2008-2009

By Kadija C. Fofana

Background

The co-morbidity of malnutrition and HIV is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to the pervasiveness of HIV/AIDS and food insecurity in this region. Limited research has been done to assess the association between nutritional indicators and CD4 count among ART-naïve populations in resource scarce settings. It was specifically of our interest to assess various nutritional indicators as factors correlated with low CD4 cell count (< 200 cells/mm³).

Methods

From 2008-2009, HIV positive adult males …

Relationship Of Energy Balance And Body Composition In Elite Female Gymnasts, Taylor E. Blake

Nutrition Theses

Title: Relationship of Energy Balance and Body Composition in Elite Female Gymnasts

Background: Studies suggest that athletes participating in weight-specific and appearance-based sports, including gymnasts, are at risk for developing negative energy balance both during and at the end of the day. A prolonged state of negative energy balance has been associated with lower fat-free mass, higher fat mass, and lower bone mineral density. Energy balance is defined as energy in minus energy out, and has been viewed in the past as a static, 24-hour system that begins anew each day. This study examined the relationship of energy balance …

The Relationship Between The Source Of Protein Intake And Obesity Risk In Children, Grace Stuhrman, Anita M. Nucci, Barbara Hopkins, Sarah T. Henes

Nutrition Theses

Background: Previous research has reported a relationship between high protein intake (>15% of energy) during early childhood and an increased risk of obesity later in life. However, few studies have investigated this relationship during middle childhood to early adolescence or examined the effects of different sources of protein.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the source of protein intake (animal vs. plant) and body mass index (BMI) in children between the ages 6-14 years.

Participants/setting: 285 healthy 6-14 year old (male n=154) Caucasian and African American (n=171) …

The Relationship Between Diet, Body Composition, And Grip Strength In Professional Cheerleaders, Moriah Bellissimo

Nutrition Theses

Background: Studies suggest that there is a relationship between 24-hour and within-day energy balance and body composition. In sports with value placed on weight and appearance, an increased prevalence of energy deficiency has been found, which has multiple health and performance implications. In particular, low energy availability is associated with higher body fat percent and lower muscle and bone mass, all of which negatively influence performance. This study assessed professional cheerleaders on dietary intake, within-day and 24-hour energy balance, protein consumption, body composition, and handgrip strength. Professional cheerleaders have not been previously studied on these factors.

Objective: To assess dietary …

Frequency Of Nutrition Counseling In An Overweight And Obese Adolescent Urban Population And Its Effect On Health Related Outcomes, Lisa M. Sakalik

Nutrition Theses

Background: Adolescent overweight and obesity is a condition affecting individuals locally and nationwide. Data from the Georgia State Department of Public Health indicate that 31% of high school students are overweight or obese. Contributing factors to this condition include lifestyle and environment, which influence diet and exercise. Through nutrition counseling, these decisions can be addressed and modified to promote a more healthful lifestyle. The purpose of this study is to describe outcomes related to multiple nutrition counseling sessions with an outpatient registered dietitian (RD) compared to only one visit with the RD and a follow up with a Primary Care …

Changes In Bmi And Dietary Behaviors In Overweight And Obese College Freshmen After Measuring Energy Needs, An Individualized Nutrition Consult, And An Eight Week Facebook Nutrition Intervention, Suzanne H. Saunders

Nutrition Theses

Background: A growing number of college students are classified as overweight or obese, increasing their likelihood of developing a chronic disease as an adult. Studies have shown social media platforms to be effective in increasing awareness and engagement, in combination with other components, to motivate nutrition and lifestyle behavior change. The purpose of this study was to determine if a nutrition consultation discussing energy needs and nutrition education about weight loss, combined with an 8 week Facebook nutrition intervention will 1) decrease BMI and 2) improve dietary habits of college freshman. Methods: A total of 20 participants were recruited from …

The Relationships Between Real Time Energy Balance, Hunger, And Body Composition, Ashley Delk

Nutrition Theses

The Relationships Between Real Time Energy Balance, Hunger, and Body Composition

Delk A, Benardot D, Nucci A, & Thompson WR.

Georgia State University

Introduction: Previous research has indicated that hunger is associated with the quantity, volume, and macronutrient composition of food intake. Hunger has never been assessed from the viewpoint of real time energy balance, although there is limited research on hunger and eating frequency.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationships between real time energy balance, hunger, and body composition in college students between the ages of 18-30.

Methods: Participants were assessed for body composition …

The Use Of Indirect Calorimetry To Accurately Assess Energy Needs In Members Of The Georgia State University Student Recreation Center And A Comparison Of Nutrition Services Available To Students On Urban College Campuses, Leslie S. Knapp

Nutrition Theses

Background: The greatest increase in obesity rates have been seen with young adults in college due to their unhealthy dietary habits and behaviors. Interventions at this life stage may reduce the development of obesity related health concerns. There is an evident need for nutrition and lifestyle interventions yet there is limited research on the implementation of comprehensive nutrition programs for college students.

Objective: This research study has a dual focus. We aim (1) to describe nutrition services offered through the Georgia State University Student Recreation Center to include nutrition assessment in a college population. Specifically, measured energy needs (Korr ReeVue™ …

The Relationship Between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Vitamin D And Calcium Intake, And Adiposity In Infants, Carolyn W. Morris

Nutrition Theses

Purpose: National prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity has plateaued in recent years, but rates remain high, with approximately 10% among children“high weight.” The relationship between adiposity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] status has been well-explored in older individuals, with inconsistent results. Furthermore, previous studies have suggested a relationship between adequate consumption of calcium and vitamin D and healthy weight status in older children and adults. However, in the infant population, there are few studies detailing the interaction between body composition and serum 25(OH)D or intake of calcium and vitamin D. Our study aims were to assess the association between …

Self-Reported Medical Conditions And Demographic, Behavioral And Dietary Factors Associated With Serum 25(Oh)-Vitamin D Concentration In The Us Adult Population, William E. Van Fleit Iii

Mathematics Theses

This research uses data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to determine dietary and other factors associated with serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D concentration for 5,474 adults age 20 years and older. After multivariate adjustment, we found that serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D concentration was positively associated with diets high in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats, while diets high in processed foods and high-fat meats were inversely associated with vitamin D level. Serum 25(OH)-Vitamin D concentration was also signifi-cantly associated with age, gender, race/ethnicity, BMI, physical activity, supplementation, and the season of survey administration. Self-reported cardiovascular and kidney disease were …

The Efficacy Of Short-Term Supplemental Nutrition Education On Nutrition Knowledge And Dietary Behaviors Of Urban Middle School Children, Julia E. Orr

Nutrition Theses

Background: Children and adolescents are not meeting the dietary guidelines and overweight and obesity related diseases are on the rise among youth in the United States. However, research is inconsistent with regard to the most effective method of educating urban youth.

Purpose: To determine the effect of a supplemental nutrition education on the knowledge and behaviors of urban school students.

Methods: Six nutrition lessons were provided to students attending the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) in Atlanta, GA. A pre- and posttest was administered to assess differences in students’ nutrition knowledge and behaviors. Chi-square analysis compared the …

New Urbanism And Brownfields Redevelopment: Complications And Public Health Benefits Of Brownfield Reuse As A Community Garden, Julia N. M. Campbell

Public Health Theses

Brownfields have an important impact on health. They can influence physical health by increasing risk for health hazards such as the potential for injury hazards, disease transmission, or exposure to chemicals. They can also influence social health determinants like neighborhood level social capital or behavioral risk factors. Reusing brownfields for community gardens reduces environmental hazards and associated health hazards. It further promotes public health, and sustainable quality environment. Community gardens increase nutrition access, especially for many in low income populations, and community aesthetic. They also strengthen social cohesion and create recreational or therapeutic opportunities for a community, becoming part of …

The Relationship Between Diet Quality And The Comorbidity Of Diabetes In Adults With Heart Failure, Jessica M. Hill

Nutrition Theses

Background: Heart failure and diabetes are common coexisting diseases. Elevated levels of glucose in the blood caused by insulin resistance can damage blood vessels and nerves, and eventually lead to heart disease. A poor diet and obesity can also contribute to the progression of diabetes and heart disease.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine if diet and lifestyle factors between adult heart failure patients with and without diabetes who are participating in the EducatioN, and Supportive Partners Improving Self-CaRE (ENSPIRE) study are associated with comorbidities such as diabetes, and if so then how current dietary …

A Lesson From The Urban Garden, Jamie Y. Hamblin

Nutrition Theses

ABSTRACT

A LESSON FROM THE URBAN GARDEN

Jamie Hamblin

Purpose: In 2008 the world’s urban population surpassed the rural population; furthermore, the United Nations estimates by 2025 the world’s urban population will increase by about one billion people. Given recent population shifts and the interconnectedness between food and health, this research examines the role of agriculture in addressing urban food insecurity by reviewing urban interventions with a goal of food production.

Methods: Using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, an adjusted theoretical framework was developed which accounted for negative implications of these interventions as well as sustainability. Ultimately, the framework generated a …