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Probiotic Yoghourt For Health, Nutrition And Women's Empowerment In Kenya: A Community-Based Approach, Ellena Andoniou

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The dissertation aims to examine the impacts of probiotic yoghourt on health, nutrition and women’s empowerment within the context of HIV/AIDS in Kenya. Mixed methods that combine quantiative and qualitative approaches are used to understand the effects of probiotic yoghourt on the health, nutrition and quality of life for men and women. Results of the quantiative analysis (n=227) demonstrated that the probiotic yoghourt confers a variety of health benefits – physiological (fewer urogenital conditions and digestive problems; reduced dependence on medical treatment), and psychological (perceived improvements with bodily appearance, felt an increased meaningfulness with life). Results of the qualitative analysis …

The Impact Of Mindfulness-Based Interventions On Stress Eating, Emotional Eating, And Binge Eating: A Literature Review, Kira L. Minot

Food Science and Nutrition

This literature review examines the impact of various mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on the obesity-related eating behaviors of stress eating, emotional eating, and binge eating. With the inconsistency of the weight loss industry to provide long-term weight loss results, the United States is in need of alternative methods of weight loss and weight maintenance to combat the current overweight and obesity epidemic. MBIs are thought to be beneficial when targeted at behaviors of weight gain because mindfulness promotes an individual’s awareness of present physical and emotional sensations within the body, including hunger and satiety cues. Self-acceptance and stress reduction are also …

Oocyte Quality: Molecular Constituents Altered In The Oocyte Due To Various Environmental Factors, Lindsay Cox

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An estimated 1.6 million American couples struggle with infertility. Some causes for poor fertility can be clearly defined but in many instances, subfertility is unexplained. Poor oocyte quality is now considered to be a main contributing factor for many causes of infertility. Good oocyte quality is crucial for many processes including embryo development and maintaining pregnancy. There is a possibility that any alterations to the oocyte can have long lasting effects on embryo development and the health of the offspring. The oocyte is very sensitive to any perturbations to its surrounding environment. Transcripts for apoptosis inhibitors and epigenetic modifiers were …

The Response Of A Predatory Fish, Ophiodon Elongatus, To A Marine Protected Area: Variation In Diet, Catch Rates, And Size Composition, Eric S. Anderson

Master's Theses

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a management tool used to protect and sustain many ecologically and economically important fish species from overexploitation by recreational and commercial fishing. Lingcod (Ophiodon elongatus) and some of its prey species, such as rockfish (Sebastes spp.), are species that are protected from fishing in some California MPAs. Lingcod is an apex predator that consumes a variety of fish and invertebrate species. In this study, I sought to assess the effect of an MPA on the abundance, size and diet of Lingcod. I hypothesized that Lingcod in a no-take MPA would be more …

Medulloblastoma: Identifying High Risk Time Points During Treatment For Development Of Nutrition Deficits, Kimberly Afton Boone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Medulloblastoma is the most common type of pediatric bran cancer and accounts for 20% of all diagnosed brain tumors. The aims of this research were to describe the nutrition status patterns and nutrition related compications occuring during treatment of children diagnosed with medulloblastoma and to identify specific time points in treatment for the initation of proactive therapy. Design: A retrospective study of 60 patients who were treated on a one treatment protocol, Clinical and Molecular Risk-Directed Therapy for Newly Diagnosed Medulloblastoma (SJMB12). Nutrition assessments, nutrition-related adverse events and nutrition intervention strategies were recorded at the initiation and completion of …

Psychologically Healthy Eating And Nutritionally Healthy Eating: Exploring A Two-Factor Theory Of Healthy Eating, Katherine E. Belon

Psychology ETDs

Background: While much research has investigated disordered eating, obesity, and weight loss treatments, less work has focused on creating a positive definition of psychologically healthy eating. Such a definition could inform obesity and eating disorder treatments. While intuitive eating appears to approximate a definition of psychologically healthy eating, it was believed that adding concepts of moderation, flexibility, and food enjoyment would improve its construct validity, as previous research has supported these constructs as important for psychologically healthy eating. The current paper presents a two-factor model of healthy eating, one that incorporates both psychologically healthy and nutritionally healthy eating. Method: A …

Association Of The Dietary Inflammatory Index With Metabolic Syndrome In The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (2001-2006), Genevieve C. Caron

Master's Theses

Metabolic syndrome currently affects one third of adults in the U.S. and has been associated with a variety of chronic diseases that pose a burden to the nation. ^1,2 In the nationally representative NHANES dataset (2001-2006), dietary inflammatory index scores were found to significantly predict metabolic syndrome outcome among individuals above the age of 50 (OR=1.088; 95% CI=1.014-1.167; p=0.0184). Individuals older than 50 years of age who consume diets very high inflammatory properties were found to be 2.14 times more likely to have metabolic syndrome than those who consume a diet with very low inflammatory properties. This study supports the …

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 …

The Effects Of A Visually Appealing And Interactive Snack Activity On Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Preschool-Aged Children, Kristen Leigh Clay

Masters Theses

Background: Previous research has shown the potential of increasing vegetable intake by incorporating the senses into interventions. However, little to no research has specifically looked at the impact that the use of the senses can have on intake of vegetables among preschool-aged children.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to examine if mean intake of vegetable snacks and/or willingness to try the vegetable snacks would be significantly higher among preschool-age children who participated in a visually appealing and interactive snack activity compared to children who received control vegetable snacks.

Methods: Two preschools were selected to participate in the study. …

The Effect Of Television Watching And Portion Size On Intake During A Meal, Rachel Nicole Rosenthal

Masters Theses

Background: Several investigations have examined the influence of television and portion size on intake. Results have found that watching television while eating or being provided larger portions increases intake. However, no investigation has examined the combined effect of these variables on food intake, when these factors are combined they may enhance consumption.

Methods: To test the influence of television and portion size on intake during a meal in healthy weight adults, a 4X2X2 mixed factorial design was used, with a between-subject factor of order of conditions and within-subject factors of television (TV vs. NO TV) and portion size (SMALL vs. …

Moderation Analysis Of Bowel Function Among Nutrients And Physical Function Or Depression, As Well As Whether Bowel Function Is Related To Cognition In Older Adults, Jessie Alwerdt

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

As we age, the risk for gut issues, such as smooth muscle tone, may be an underlying indirect or direct cause or risk factor for many age-related issues, such as frailty. Consequences of decreased motility and depleted epithelial barrier may result in nutrient deficiencies that may increase the risk for malnutrition (Brownie, 2006). Further, there is increasing evidence that there is a gut-brain-axis relationship that may influence cognition and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. While there are relationships established, the interconnections of these factors have yet to be fully understood.

This dissertation examined several relationships specific to …

Essays In Health And Development Economics, John Bosco Oryema

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation examines three health and development issues in Sub-Saharan Africa. It analyzes the impact of policy changes and interventions on child mortality, household food consumption and cesarean section births. The study is motivated by the Millennium Development Goals and policies which could affect their achievement. In the first essay, I investigate the impact of debt relief on under-five mortality rate. A dynamic panel data estimator is employed in the analysis. The result shows that debt relief is associated with a statistically significant reduction in under-five mortality rate. I conclude that conditionality of debt relief or development aid can yield …

The Interrelations Between Work Factors, Family And Work Health Climate, Work Schedule, And Individual Behaviors, Jennifer C. Buden

Master's Theses

Background: The rates of obesity in the United States continue to rise, particularly with disparities in high stress, low job control occupations such as corrections. Employers are in a unique position to improve employee health through development of Total Worker Health interventions that integrate worker safety and health promotion to improve employee health and well-being.²⁵ Understanding influences on health behaviors in the workplace such as social support, and work schedules as well as family environment, may aide in developing worksite preventive strategies with the anticipation of chronic disease reduction and weight management. Purpose: The purpose of these studies was …

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. …

Nutritional Knowledge And Dietary Practices Among Division I Athletes: Do College Athletes Understand And Fulfill Sex Specific Nutritional And Metabolic Requirements?, Martina Loncarica Loncarica

Theses - ALL

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study evaluated and compared male and female college athletes’ dietary habits, their general nutrition knowledge, and understanding of their daily metabolic requirements during training and non-training days. The goal was to 1) determine whether a nutritional gender gap existed between male and female college athletes and 2) assess whether the level of nutritional knowledge of student athletes was generally sufficient to meet their sex- specific dietary needs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to gather dietary data from Syracuse University student athletes. Participants were asked to complete an online survey (Qualtrics Software, Qualtrics.com) approved by the …

Exploring The Effects Of Calorie Labeling Laws, Carmen Vargas

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the effects of Calorie labeling laws implemented in some counties in the United States on several health related variables. The findings show a small significant decreasing effect of the law on Limited activity and Poor health of 0.083 and 0.047 at 95% significant level respectively.

Eating For Environmental And Personal Health: Green Eating, Health Behavior And Environmental Perceptions At The University Of Maine, Moira E. Burke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if green eating (GE), defined as environmentally conscious eating, in college students had an impact on BMI, health behavior, fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and perceptions of the campus environment. This was a cross-sectional study of undergraduate and graduate students (n=190) at the University of Maine. The GE Survey was used to determine GE stage of change; participants were classified as either pre-action (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation) (n=113) or post-action (action, maintenance) (n=77). The GE Survey was also used to assess GE behavior, decisional balance, and self-efficacy. A de novo health behavior …

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 …

Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Response During Endurance Cycle Training: Impact Of Carbohydrate And Protein Supplementation, Jordan L. Parker

Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Purpose: Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is part of the superfamily of neurotrophins including: nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4). Recent evidence suggests that aerobic activity can increase BDNF levels both during and following exercise. Likewise, dietary habits have been shown to alter BDNF levels. However, nothing is known about the effect of BDNF levels during aerobic activity under specific dietary interventions. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of specific macronutrient supplementation on BDNF levels during aerobic exercise. Methods: We had the opportunity to determine BDNF levels in blood samples obtained from two …

Exploration Of Malnutrition Coding Practices At Nebraska Medicine, Frances C. Becker

Theses & Dissertations

Background: Malnutrition is present in 25-50% of hospitalized patients. Patients identified as malnourished are assigned a code based on the type and severity of malnutrition in order to gain the necessary reimbursement to care for the patients. There is a current gap in the research regarding the characteristics that define the difference between malnourished patients classified with a major complications and comorbidities (MCC) code versus a complications and comorbidities (CC) code.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine which malnutrition codes are being used at Nebraska Medicine. Additionally, this study obtained clinical factors that are associated with malnutrition …

Effects Of Prenatal Gestational Diabetes Nutrition Education Class And Individual Follow-Up On Maternal And Infant Outcomes, Samantha List

Theses & Dissertations

BACKGROUND: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is defined by glucose intolerance detected with the onset of pregnancy, and if gone undetected and untreated, can lead to morbidities for the mother and baby. Implementation of nutrition counseling can work to reduce the risk of complications through dietary modification promoted and adopted during pregnancy. Follow-up is important, as individual assessment is used to modify recommendations. GDM class and follow-up provided through the Diabetes Center of Nebraska Medicine covers and promotes proper management of blood glucose (BG) during pregnancy for women with GDM.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact …

Nutritional And Physical Activity Behaviors Of Certified Athletic Trainers In The Collegiate Setting, Danielle M. Scanlon

Masters Theses, 2010-2019

Abstract

Objective: To determine if collegiate athletic trainers meet the current national recommendations for a healthy weight, diet and physical activity.

Design: The research was a cross-sectional design consisting of a self-constructed survey formulated using the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and 2009 Academy of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Recommendations.

Subjects: One- thousand randomly selected athletic trainers were contacted to participate. One-hundred and five participants (10.5% return rate) completed the survey. All were District 3 members of the National Athletic Trainers Association.

Measurements: Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using participant self-reported height and weight data. Means and frequencies were computed for …

Comparison Of Commercial Gecko Food On Growth Of Rhacodactylus Geckos, Kaitlin Leigh Richard

Honors Projects

Available food sources can provide a different effect on the growth rates of Rhacodactylus auriculatus. In this study three food sources were compared, Repashy MRP, Pangea super foods, and GeckoPro New Caledonian blend. These are composed of similar nutrients but tend to have some points where they vary. Thirty-six gargoyle geckos were put through a trial over a 14 week period to determine which commercially available food source provides the best nutrients for growth, as measured by weight gain. Three groups of twelve were chosen based on a variety of ages and sizes to be given three different foods …

Systematic Review: Social Work School Interventions For Food Accessibility Among Impoverished Children, Rebecca Christensen

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

Mothers and children from impoverished families discuss the continuous sacrifices related to food insecurity. Sacrifices like trade-offs can lead to attention of a family’s immediate needs like food but these often come with the cost or sacrifice of other long term needs such as a means of income. Working with children and their families in attending to the underlying causes for their food insecurity may not only help to alleviate their immediate but also their long term needs in maintaining a standard of living. This systematic literature review was designed to investigate the research question: What interventions are being taken …

Stable Isotopes And The Ecology And Physiology Of Reptiles, Andrew M. Durso

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

When animals don’t have enough food, they have to “choose” between “spending” their limited energy on themselves or on their offspring. Biologists think that reptiles can make this choice quickly in response to different environments. But, it can be hard to study these choices because it is hard to convert between, for example, the number of eggs laid and the speed of healing a wound. By using stable isotope chemistry, we can collect more detailed and comparable information about how lizards and other animals spend their limited resources than with any other method. For example, lizards in the wild have …

Proteomic Characterization Of Eggshell Membranes And Their Effect On Poultry Physiology And Immunity, Sarbjeet Kaur Makkar

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The use of antibiotics in poultry growth and disease control has led to antibiotics resistant problem in human beings, which is a big concern among consumers. With the necessity for judicious use of antibiotics in poultry production, alternative strategies to improve disease resistance in poultry production are necessary. The research is more inclined towards using the natural products available to grow healthier and antibiotic free meat animals. In the context of exploring natural and sustainable resource of alternative to antibiotics, the biochemical milieu of eggshell membranes (ESM) were analyzed by using mass spectrometry techniques including matrix assisted laser desorption ionization …

The Influence Of Nutrition Education And Self-Efficacy On Fruit And Vegetable Consumption For Low-Income Women In Rural West Kentucky., Lewatis Darnell Mcneal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objective: To examine how participation in nutrition education programs, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables and predictor of behavior to eat health foods (POB) influences the consumption of fruit and vegetables for low-income women in west Kentucky eligible or participating in federal supplemental nutrition assistance programs. Methods: A comparative study was conducted between low-income women participating in Special Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program for Women and Children (WIC) and those eligible for SNAP but were not participating. The study examined consumption in six categories of fruit and vegetables, self-efficacy to consume fruit and vegetables, predictor of behavior to eat healthy foods …

Nutrition And Exercise: Best Of Both Worlds, Jacob Allen Burns, Lukas Swysgood, Trenton Antonaros

Senior Year Experience Student Projects

To teach the students of the Best of Both Worlds (BOBW) program how to live a healthy lifestyle by introducing simple nutrition and exercise methods that can be done at home. To offer a program that is understandable at all levels of education that introduces effective and easy ways to eat healthier and exercise simply. A PowerPoint that explains nutrition and exercise information. Hands on learning and visuals to help students capture positive health ideas. Interactive demonstration of exercises and introduction of banded exercises. A before and after survey to quiz students on knowledge prior to and after seminar. An …

Mhealth To Improve The Diet Among Low-Income Populations Enrolled In An Established U.S. Nutrition Program: Design And Rationale Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Lukas T. Ingersoll

Open Access Theses

Aim: To describe the theoretical basis, and implementation of a randomized controlled trial to improve the diet and nutrition of low-income families in Indiana.

Background: Changing difficult behaviors requires more than education. Beyond education, people benefit from counseling that focuses on increasing motivation and confidence, assistance with overcoming barriers, identifying social support, and creating specific action plans. Widespread use of short-message services (SMS), commonly known as text messaging, provides one potential tool for researchers to help individuals change difficult behaviors.

Although promising, one of the limitations with current SMS interventions is that most have relied on providing reminder texts at …

An Assessment Of Elementary School Children’S Diet And Physical Activity Levels, Karen Tamara Serrano Arce

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

With prevalence rates of obesity among children and adolescents steadily rising, childhood obesity and overweight has become a public health concern. Publically funded elementary schools are in a unique position to provide children with opportunities regarding the promotion of physical activity and healthy nutritional behaviors. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to conduct exploratory research to investigate the dietary habits of elementary school students enrolled in four Hillsborough County Out-of-School Time (HOST) care programs. Methods: The study utilized a quantitative, non-experimental study design. The instruments that were used in this research included a new questionnaire that was titled “All …