Nutrition Commons^™

Dietitians’ Self-Efficacy For Implementation Strategies And Evidence-Based Practice Guideline Implementation Behaviors: A Mixed Methods Study, Lisa Moloney

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Evidence-based practice (EBP) guidelines are valuable tools that can help promote the implementation of research into practice. Implementation of EBP guidelines can improve the standardization and quality of healthcare, but unfortunately, they are not routinely used in daily practice. Evidence-based practice is a core component of nutrition and dietetics practice, yet little is known about registered dietitian nutritionists’ (RDNs’) implementation of EBP guidelines. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate RDNs’ reported self-efficacy for using implementation strategies and their reported implementation behaviors for EBP guidelines. Methods: An explanatory mixed methods study guided by the Theory of Planned …

Food Security, Factors Influencing Food Acceptance, And Preferred Food Assistance Delivery Modalities: A Survey Of Students Attending A Medium Sized, Primarily Residential Emerging Research Institution, Amy Caroline Martin

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Food pantries are the most common form of food assistance provided on college campuses. However, there are several barriers that prevent college students from utilizing pantry resources, leading to low campus food pantry utilization and awareness. Barriers, poor pantry utilization, and awareness have been well documented. However, there is little information currently available regarding factors that facilitate college students’ acceptance of food assistance, and the food distribution modalities that food insecure college students prefer. The purpose of this study was to determine these factors and preferences so they may be used to improve food assistance programs on college campuses.To investigate …

Effects Of Weight Bias Internalization On Disordered Eating, Dieting, And Intuitive Eating In College Students, Stacia Tietje

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Weight bias internalization (WBI) is the tendency to blame oneself for negative weight-based stereotypes and external influences. WBI has been shown to have negative effects on both physical and mental health. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between WBI, disordered eating, and dieting and whether intuitive eating moderates these relationships in a sample of college students. This study utilized a cross-sectional survey design to gather quantitative data. College undergraduate students (N = 652) from a Midwestern university were recruited via email. Data were analyzed in SPSS, using descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, ordinal, and binary logistic …

Food Fan Academy: Boosting Informal Educators Abilities To Use Food As A Teaching Tool, Kelly Furr

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Food, fitness, and nutrition (FAN) professional development (PD) for informal educators can serve to impact science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and medicine (STEAM+M) learning environments. Using food as a teaching tool in shaping the development of informal educators and education of students offers a unique opportunity for the acquisition of scientific knowledge and essential skills. The purpose of this study was to develop a Food FAN Academy for informal educators and evaluate the effectiveness of the PD. Methods: Case study method was utilized for the research study and the Food FAN Academy PD was a two-hour session designed in …

Examination Of Food Allergy Accommodations, Barriers, Improvements, And Food Service On College Campus Dining Services, Krista Stawarz

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Food allergies are an increasingly prevalent medical concern in college age students who live on campus and rely on campus dining services to accommodate them. The purpose of this study was to identify barriers along with current dining accommodation services that were available to students with food allergies at Northern Illinois University (NIU).Methods: Twenty-six students who had at least one food allergy and utilized the dining facilities were recruited to complete a cross-sectional survey. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used in this study. Results: The two most common barriers faced were lack of information and communication. Additional barriers …

Effectiveness Of The Catch (Coordinated Approach To Child’S Health) Rainbow Program In Elementary Schools For Change In Fruit And Vegetable Intake, Ashley M. Valinskas

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: There is currently a lack of nutrition education programs that effectively increase fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among children. Not meeting the recommendations for fruits and vegetables increases the risk for poor academic achievement, obesity, and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, asthma, and more. Nutrition, cooking, and gardening lessons individually and together have shown to increase fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption in school-aged children.Methods: Two-Hundred Twenty-five 4th and 5th graders participated in six cooking and six gardening lessons between September 2021 and May 2022 at Genoa Elementary school. Each nutrition education session was 25-minutes long, …

Nutritional Considerations In The Care Of Transgender And Gender-Diverse Individuals: Exploring The Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, And Roles Of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists And Nutrition Professionals, Jennifer Madeleine Waters

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Within the past few years, various nutrition-relevant considerations related to the care of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals have been emphasized. However, the preparedness of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to provide nutrition care to this highly marginalized group with unique health concerns is unknown. Available research on the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of RDNs as it relates to the care of the TGD community is scarce. It is unknown how frequently transgender-specific health and nutrition topics are being taught to emerging RDNs and nutrition professionals. Further, the potential barriers that nutrition and dietetics educators perceive or face as it relates …

Comparing The Effectiveness And Appeal Of Delivering A Pilot Text Message And An In-Person Whole Body Approach (Wba) Program To Northern Illinois Food Bank Clients., Ashley Rae Werner

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: The Whole-Body Approach (WBA) is a program created by Northern Illinois Food Bank in partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU) Nutrition and Dietetics Graduate students and faculty. This program has been delivered over the course of six years to various food pantries around the Northern Illinois area and modified in response to participants’ feedback. The topics that are discussed throughout the program include stress management, relationship with food, mindful eating, healthy body image, and enjoyable movement. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the program was adapted to a delivered via text messages for Northern Illinois Food Bank My Pantry …

Teaching And Learning Numeracy In Health Sciences: A High School Health Classroom Case Study, Jasmina Mesic

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

High school health science teacher professional development (TPD) is one learning environment where emphasis on numeracy and nutritional health literacy can make lifelong positive impacts on the health and wellbeing of youth. It has been estimated that only 33% of United States adults have limited numeracy skills and that only 12% are health literate. The purpose of this study was to begin the development of a high school health science TPD focused on numeracy and nutritional health literacy and to assist the teacher in delivering subject matter using brain-based learning principles. An exploratory case study design was selected as the …

Validation Of Prmr Equations In A Non-Caucasian Sample – Ethnicity As A Variable In Predicting Resting Metabolic Rate, Erin N. Bannister

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This study intends to identify a predictive resting metabolic rate (pRMR) equation that is predictive of the measured resting metabolic rate (mRMR) in a sample that includes a group of Black Americans. The handful of commonly used pRMR equations, such as the Mifflin- St. Jeor or Harris-Benedict equations, were created without defining the demographics of their populations, while validation of these equations is typically done with almost exclusively Caucasian subjects. Black and brown Americans require the same evidence of precision in predictions of daily energy needs as Caucasian Americans. When applied to non-Caucasian samples, these equations appear in the literature …

Improvisation-Based Curriculum For Nutrition And Dietetics Undergraduate Students: An Examination In Alternative Education Methods, Megan Farris

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Introduction: Medical improvisation is the use of theatrical-based games to develop interpersonal communication skills (ICS), including those applicable to telehealth communication, among health care professionals.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if implementing a medical improvisation-based workshop via a virtual classroom within an upper-level undergraduate nutrition and dietetics counseling course improved students’ self-assessed perceived capability of the following characteristics required as ICS for telehealth communication: becoming a better listener, becoming more observant of nonverbal communication, responding in the moment, increasing self-confidence in presenting, and becoming a better team member/collaborator. This study also considered the feasibility of using …

Inulin-Containing Fructo-Oligosaccharides And Anxiety Scores In College Students, Spencer Herkes

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of inulin, in the form of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), on anxiety symptoms in college students. With a prevalence of 40 million adults in the United States, or 18.1% of the population, anxiety is the most common mental illness in the United States. Previous studies have viewed gut microbiota and its potential link to anxiety both in humans and in mice. However, no previous studies viewed college students. Thirteen subjects were assigned to receive either 4.9 g per day of inulin as a treatment (TX) or no supplement as a control (CON) …

Impact Of Acquiring Childhood Cooking Skills On Adults’ Dietary Behaviors, Suzanne Check

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The ability to cook and prepare foods from fresh ingredients is a necessary life skill to improve overall diet quality and to prevent or reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Limited research exists on the appropriate time to develop these skills to have a long-term impact on diet quality and health. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the age of learning cooking skills promotes higher cooking confidence and diet quality during adulthood. In addition, the study investigated the impact of learning cooking skills from various sources on diet quality and cooking confidence in adulthood. A cross-sectional …

Chemical Niche Divergence In Sympatric Lemurs: Understanding Species' Food Selection, Chloe Nicole Marie Gherardi

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The integration of nutritional ecology into primatology has provided considerable insight into the feeding strategies of primates, and the ecological factors limiting populations - critical knowledge in a world of rapidly changing habitats. The eastern rainforest of Madagascar is home to one of the world’s most diverse primate communities, often hosting over 12 sympatric lemur species; however, the ecological mechanisms by which these species are able to coexist are not well understood. Two species within this community that have been especially understudied are the nocturnal and folivorous Avahi laniger and Lepilemur mustelinus. My research team observed and collected feeding data …

High School Student-Athlete Sleep Habits Using Activity Monitoring, Corey Thomas Ungaro

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Sleep research is an area of scientific inquiry that impacts all individuals due to sleep's effects on health, well-being, and performance. Healthy sleep habits have been shown to improve academic and athletic performance in collegiate student-athletes. Surprisingly, no sleep research has been conducted on high school student-athletes during a semester. High school student-athletes can benefit from understanding their sleep habits and how sleep can affect the development of the adolescent brain and improve performance giving athletes the potential for a competitive advantage. This retrospective analysis aims to examine the sleep habits of student-athletes while balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities …

Mobile Apps For Type 2 Diabetes In A Low Socioeconomic Status Population, Kaitland Rae Woelky

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: Individuals of low socioeconomic status (SES) are disproportionately at risk for developing type 2 diabetes (T2DM) compared to their higher SES counterparts. Smartphone apps are increasingly used as a tool to compliment current diabetes education and have the ability to increase prevention and diabetes education in health disparate communities. The objective of this study was to identify the quality of nutrition and health related apps frequently recommended by diabetes educators to compliment current T2DM education programs for patient of low SES.

Methods: Clinicians (n=120) were recruited through two diabetes and dietetic professional groups to complete an online App Identification …

Evaluation Of The Coordinated Approach To Child Health (Catch) Program In Third Through Fifth Graders In Northern Illinois, Paulina Karecka

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Background: The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) is a school-based education program designed to improve dietary habits and increase physical activity among children and adolescents based on the Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CATCH program, delivered by dietetic interns and Northern Illinois University (NIU) students, to 3rd-5th graders in Northern Illinois, in increasing their nutrition knowledge and healthy choices behavior. Methods: In total, 167 elementary school children in grades 3-5 in Northern Illinois participated in a non-experimental program evaluation study. We delivered 6 CATCH lessons throughout the academic year …

Assessing The Impact Of Mother’S Perception Of Support On Breastfeeding Intensity Through Six Months, Kathryn Doyle Palomares

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

INTRODUCTION: Expert recommendations instruct mothers to exclusively breastfeed for infant’s first 6 months of life. While many mothers intend to breastfeed, mothers frequently cite early breastfeeding difficulties as a leading cause of breastfeeding cessation. The large discrepancy between a mother’s intentions for exclusive breastfeeding and the actual rates warrants further investigation. OBJECTIVES: The current research study utilized data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II to (1) to understand how the mother’s perception of breastfeeding support in the presence of breastfeeding difficulties affects breastfeeding intensity. METHODS: Multinomial logistic regression utilizing data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II. At each …

Understanding The Effects Of Food Security And Snap Participation On The Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of Older Adults, Alexandra Sarkisian

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

This thesis focuses on understanding what impact the barrier of food security has on the fruit and vegetable intake of older adults. Food insecurity - lacking consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle - is an issue that affects 1 in 9 Americans, and can have an impact on one’s diet and potentially overall health. Using secondary data collected through the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, this study assessed the intake of fruits, vegetables, as well as the variety of produce consumed. This was then analyzed in order determine how the intake of these foods …

Influence Of Maternal Eating Attitudes, Behaviors, And Fat Talk On Adolescent, Non-Elite, Competitive-Level Gymnasts, Madisyn Rozner

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Adverse eating attitudes and eating behaviors describe thoughts and actions related to food and body image that increase risk for development for an eating disorder. The term, “fat talk” was defined as, “cultural meanings of talk about weight” and has been used to assess preoccupation with the cultural stigma of weight. Understanding risk factors for the development of adverse thoughts and actions in adolescence is especially important, as disordered cognitions and behaviors often appear in early adolescence. Maternal modeling, children modeling their actions or attitudes based on their mothers, plays a role in the level of risk. Similarly, gymnastics, an …

Iron Deficiency Anemia And Difficulty Concentrating In A Nationally Representative Sample Of School-Aged Children In The United States., Elizabeth Jennifer Voyles

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The worldwide prevalence of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among school-aged children is estimated to be 40%. Anemia has been associated with varying degrees of impaired cognitive functioning due to iron’s role in maintaining the neurochemical environment of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). However, limited research is available related to the prevalence of IDA and its resulting adverse effects on cognitive functioning in school-aged children in the United States. Data from two National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2013-2016 were analyzed to assess the relationship between iron deficiency anemia and difficulty concentrating in 1758 children, ages 5-15 years old. Hemoglobin …

How Coping Process Relates To Eating Behaviors Among Military Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Debra Kimberlin

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition faced by many veterans, and veterans with PTSD have higher rates of poor health and obesity than civilians. Evidence suggests mental health issues such as PTSD may be associated with disordered eating behaviors. In addition, veterans with PTSD may select a variety of coping behaviors to manage stress and emotions, some of which may negatively impact their health. This study explored the relationships between coping process, emotion- and stress-related eating, and eating disorder risk among a sample of veterans with PTSD (n = 239) who were recruited through veteran service organizations …

Body Image Dissatisfaction And Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Niu Students, Sara Mattillion

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a significant difference in the presence of body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating among NIU college students.

The objectives of the study included: determining if there was a significant difference in the presence of body image dissatisfaction among NIU college students, determine if there was a significant difference in the presence of disordered eating among NIU college students, and to determine if there is a relationship between body image dissatisfaction and disordered eating among NIU college students.

The transition into college and graduate school is challenging and can induce …

Development Of The Adept Screening Tool To Identify Health And Fitness Apps That Pose Risk For Individuals Susceptible To Disordered Eating, Georgia Mcartney

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Popular health apps could contain risk factors for disordered eating such as restriction, weight stigma, harmful exercise, or compensation. Although previous studies have examined the connection between social media and disordered eating, data is lacking regarding risk factors from health apps. The purpose of this study is to develop a rating tool to detect, examine, and categorize app-based risk factors for disordered eating.

This study utilized a comprehensive review of literature regarding risk factors for disordered eating, connections between app use and disordered eating behaviors, and existing technology rating tools. Based on this framework, the Awareness of Disordered Eating

Promotion …

Prevalence Of Condensed Tannins In The Diet And Its Impact On Protein Intake Of Diademed Sifakas (Propithecus Diadema) At Tsinjoarivo, Madagascar, Emma Grace Thurau

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are compounds found in plant tissues designed to deter herbivores. Tannins, a type of PSM, can bind to proteins and reduce their availability to consumers. The detoxification limitation hypothesis suggests herbivores will prefer foods with lower amounts of PSMs and exhibit decreasing rates of feeding when PSM levels are high in order to stabilize the amount of PSMs ingested. Although this hypothesis has been supported by observations from other mammalian groups, it has not been tested in lemurs with regards to their consumption of tannins.

I observed diademed sifakas (Propithecus diadema) over a 2-month period (June-August …

Sensory And Experiential Characteristics Of Food Rejection By Adult Selective Eaters, Kim O. Milano

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Selective or picky eating in adults is an eating behavior that is characterized by the restriction of a significant number or variety of foods, particularly fruits and vegetables. It is also associated with poor appetite and fear of eating, and if severe enough may be classified as Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID). Research is limited regarding the differences in food preferences and reasons for food rejection by adult selective eaters, with and without other restrictive eating behaviors. Previous research suggests there may be differences in the types of food restricted due to selectivity, versus poor appetite and fear of …

The Risk For Developing Eating Disorders Among Indivdiuals With Diabetes, Nicole Havlik

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Objective: The objective and purpose of this research was to determine if individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at risk for developing eating disorders. Currently, there is a gap in literature on the topic of eating disorders and diabetes. Further, there is little research on those with type 2 diabetes and their risk for eating disorder development. Management of diabetes and eating disorder treatment contradict each other. Therefore, there is a need to understand the risk involved in the treatment of diabetes in order to prevent eating disorder development.

Methods: The current study used a Likert-type scale …

Food Insecurity, Depression, Disordered Eating Styles, And Body Mass Index Among University Students, Cristal Medina

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Food insecurity is higher among college students than in the general population. Food insecurity can lead to a variety of health outcomes. The present cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between food insecurity and body mass index (BMI), depression, and disordered eating among university students. The study was carried out at eight public universities in the Midwest.

Students at participating universities in the Midwest were recruited electronically. They were asked to complete an online survey which consisted of the U.S. Adult Food Security Scale, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire. Participants were also asked …

Risk Factors For The Female Athlete Triad In College Age Athletes Compared To Non-Athletes, Micaela Shirley Miller

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The Female Athlete Triad (Triad) is the three interrelated conditions of low energy availability with or without disordered eating, menstrual irregularity or amenorrhea, and osteoporosis, and is a health concern that affects active women of all ages who participate in physical activity. Although associations have been found between the individual components of the Triad, research is still limited on all Triad components occurring simultaneously in athletes. In addition, research on the college-age female population is currently limited. The purpose of this study was to examine Triad risk factors in the college-age female athlete population compared to the non-athlete population, specifically …

Factors Affecting Disordered Eating Among College Freshmen Upon Entering College, Libby Micaela Moser

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Purpose: There is a gap in literature on disordered eating among college freshmen since 2011. Research has shown that disordered eating manifests itself during adolescence and is likely to transcend into adulthood1,7,8,9,14,15. The freshmen year in college is likely to be challenging for many students. During this time, they may develop disordered eating or perpetuate an existing condition3,4,14,15. This research study investigated the prevalence of disordered eating among college freshmen and factors that may impact this development. A comparison of prior history of disordered eating was also examined.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted on college freshmen at Northern …