Nutrition Commons^™

Comparison Of Nutrition Education Approaches On Fruit And Vegetable Intake In Older Adults, Noelle R. Blasch

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Most Americans do not consume recommended intakes of fruits and vegetables (F/Vs). Hands-on nutrition education applies social cognitive theory as participants practice preparing F/Vs. This study compared a four-week hands-on nutrition education program (L+HO) with lecture only (L) in older adults with assessments at baseline and weeks four and eight. Twenty-three women over the age of 50 participated in either four, 90-minute weekly L+HO classes (n = 14) or four, 40-minute weekly L nutrition education classes (n = 9). Vegetable intake significantly increased at four weeks compared to baseline for both intervention groups. Vegetable intake increased at eight weeks compared …

Examining The Credentials Of Food Bloggers And The Online Environment Of Food Blogs, Jessica Coburn

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This study evaluated characteristics of food blogs and food bloggers that potentially affect food choices. It was hypothesized that most food bloggers would not have a nutrition-related degree and food blog environments wouldn’t be supportive of health-conscious food choices. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a novel evaluation tool on 187 blogs, out of which 100 blogs met inclusion criteria. Because some blogs had multiple bloggers, two samples were investigated: 111 bloggers (n1 = 111) and 100 food blogs (n2 = 100). Data were gathered from a randomized list of blogs taken from americanfoodbloggers.com. Results showed that 6% of bloggers …

Foodservice Employees Behaviors And The Presence Of Foodborne-Illness Responsible Microorganisms On Smart Phones, Louise Louise De Gracia, R.D.

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

As technology advances, smart phone (SP) use is on the rise, including in foodservice establishments. Likewise, the incidence of foodborne-illness in the United States remains high. The presence of disease-responsible microorganisms on health care employees’ mobile phones is well-documented, but little research has examined this relationship concerning foodservice employees’ SPs. Employees (n=50) from a Michigan foodservice establishment were surveyed for their SP use behaviors, and their SPs were swabbed to detect Salmonella, coliforms, and norovirus. Poor hygienic behaviors, such as SP use in the bathroom (75.5%, n=37) were widespread. ServSafe®-certified employees (46%, n=23) were significantly (p=0.041) less likely to use …

Influence Of Sports Drink Taste Preference On Consumption In Adult Recreational Soccer Players, Kiarash Molavi

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Sports drinks provide nutrients that improve athletic performance. This study investigated whether a preference in taste leads to an increased consumption of a sports drink prior to and after an endurance event in athletes. Male amateur soccer players (n=16) first participated in a blind sensory evaluation to determine their taste preference for two (designated as Drink A and Drink B) similarly flavored sports drinks. Subjects were divided into two groups based on their taste preference for either drink. They then participated in 9 soccer matches and were presented with either Drink A, Drink B, or water (3 trials each) before …

Sources Of Calcium, Vitamin D, Fiber, And Potassium In American Fast Food, Meghan Pearson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and potassium are widely underconsumed in the U.S. This study analyzes nutrition information from quick service restaurants to determine the fast-food industry⁰́₉s contribution of these nutrients to the American diet. The menu offerings of top-grossing quick-service restaurants in each of seven categories, McDonald's℗ʼ (burger), Subway℗ʼ (sandwich), Taco Bell℗ʼ (Mexican), Pizza Hut℗ʼ (pizza), Chick-fil-A℗ʼ (chicken), Panda Express℗ʼ (Asian), and Long John Silver's℗ʼ (seafood), were analyzed for calcium, vitamin D, fiber, potassium, and calories. The highest mean values of key nutrients were found at Pizza Hut (256.4 mg calcium), McDonald⁰́₉s (0.509 mcg vitamin D), Taco Bell (4.4 g …

Study Of Intuitive Eating Ratings And Self-Efficacy Differences In Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (Pcos), Meaghan Ormsby Schillinger

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, which if left untreated can lead to infertility and diabetes.

Objective: To determine whether women with PCOS who practice intuitive eating skills are more confident in sustaining healthy lifestyle changes.

Methods: A web-based survey was completed by 120 women with PCOS. Bivariate associations between the self-efficacy and intuitive eating scales was investigated using scatterplots, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a simple linear regression model. Ratings on the intuitive eating scale were dichotomized as high or low and self-efficacy ratings were compared.

Results: Of the 120 responses, 89% of …

Theory Of Planned Behavior To Predict Multivitamin/Mineral Use, Heather Petraszko

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This health behavior research study utilizes the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to explore female collegiate lightweight rowers' (FCLR) decision to use multivitamin/mineral supplements (MVS). This study aimed to determine the relationship between FCLR salient beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control (PBC) towards MVS, intention to use MVS, and use of MVS. Subjects were recruited from sixteen collegiate lightweight women's rowing programs within the United States and Canada and asked to complete an online survey. Results confirmed that the subjects' attitudes and PBC, but not subjective norms, were associated with intention to use MVS. In agreement with TPB …

A Comparison Of The Impact Of A Heart-Healthy Diet Versus Paleolithic Nutrition On Hyperlipidemia In Adults, Robert Pastore

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Paleolithic nutrition can optimize serum lipids in adults with hyperlipidemia who have been on a heart-healthy diet based on the current recommendations by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) or the American Heart Association (AHA). Twenty subjects (10 male and 10 female) age 40 to 62 were selected based on the criteria of a diagnosis of hypercholesterolemia. Subjects were not taking any cholesterol lowering medication and had followed a calorie-controlled diet, based on either the dietary principles of the Academy or the AHA, for at least four months followed by a Paleolithic diet for four months. Multivariate analysis …

Nutrient Intakes Of Healthy Adults On A Gluten-Free Diet, Julie Devlin

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Gluten-free diets have gained popularity in recent years among healthy individuals. However, gluten-free foods are typically lower in essential nutrients. It was hypothesized that the average intakes of fiber and the selected B vitamins and minerals would be lower in the gluten-free group than in the regular diet group. Fifty-eight adults, aged 25-35, participated in the study. Participants completed a five-day food record and questionnaire. FoodWorks℗ʼ nutrient analysis software was used to evaluate intake of macronutrients and selected micronutrients. Gluten-free males consumed significantly lower amounts of carbohydrates, fiber, niacin, folate, and calcium but significantly higher amounts of fat and sodium …

Influence Of The Home Environment On Preschoolers’ Dietary Intake In Middle Class Families Enrolled In A Preschool Program In Metropolitan Seattle, Jessica M. Macintyre

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Obesity in the United States has become a major health issue, affecting not only adults, but children as well. The increase among preschool children is of major concern, with 2 out of 10 children in 2008 being overweight or obese. It is important to start obesity prevention at a young age in order to avoid the development of obesity and its detrimental health conditions. Children begin to develop eating habits at a young age, and the home eating environment may have an influence on the development of eating habits.
Purpose: To assess the influence of both a positive and …

Clinical Use Of Probiotics: A Survey Of Physicians’ Beliefs And Practice Patterns, Anastasia Ensminger

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Probiotics have the potential to be used as a preventive agent or adjuvant therapy for various medical conditions, and recent research is beginning to illuminate some of the associated benefits. Some clinicians currently prescribe probiotics in practice. Understanding physicians’ beliefs and practice patterns regarding the use of probiotics will help identify current practices, barriers preventing their acceptance, and the sources of information that impact clinical practice.

Objective: To identify and describe physicians’ beliefs and practice patterns regarding the use of probiotics.

Methods: A cross-sectional online questionnaire was administered to 130 physicians employed by or affiliated with Danville …

Factors Associated With Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Among Caribbean Immigrants In The United States, Claudia Martin-Ayoade

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: There are limited data available on the fruit and vegetable consumption of Caribbean immigrants in the United States.

Purpose: To assess changes in intakes of fruits and vegetables in Caribbean immigrants while assessing knowledge of the recommended servings and barriers to intake.

Method: A cross sectional Internet questionnaire was conducted for Caribbean-born members of the social network website Cariblifecentral.com. Data were analyzed using descriptive frequencies, Pearson’s chi-square, and the Student’s t-test.

Results: Of 113 respondents, 37 reported consuming less vegetables since emigrating (p<0.10) while 29 reported eating more. However, 10.8% of respondents did not know the recommended servings for vegetables. Access to fresh produce was no barrier to consumption.

Conclusions: As this population continues to grow, it becomes necessary to tailor nutrition and disease prevention …

Health Impact Of Brief Interventions By A Registered Dietitian During Exercise Sessions In A Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Setting, Terrie Holewinski

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Weight management is integral to cardiovascular risk reduction. However, minimal weight loss is achieved during participation in many cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. The objective of the present study was to establish if brief interventions by a registered dietitian (RD) during cardiac rehabilitation sessions improved the health status of patients with cardiovascular disease. An RD provided individualized nutrition counseling, answered nutrition questions, and reviewed weekly progress in a CR program for a four-month period. At baseline and upon completion of 19 CR sessions, nutrition knowledge was assessed using a 38-question test, and body weight was measured. Upon completing CR, patients rated …

Current Perceptions Regarding The Importance And Safety Of Fish Consumption And Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Among Pregnant Women, Jessica L. Ess

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Previous studies suggest many pregnant women are under-consuming fatty fish and are deficient in omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids.

Background: Previous studies suggest many pregnant women are under-consuming fatty fish and are deficient in omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids.

Methods: A 10-question survey distributed to expectant mothers via an online survey and via paper form through 3 obstetric clinics over a 2-month period.

Results: Of the 104 participants, 82% consumed less than 2-3 servings of fish per week, and at least 30% were confused about mercury content. Over 60% of doctors did not provide recommendations regarding ω-3 intake. One-third of participants …

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption In Four Elementary Schools After Implementation Of Nutrition Education Programs, Lori Nelson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Nutrition education programs in schools often promote fruits and vegetables with the goal of increasing consumption among children. This study determined whether nutrition education programs increased fruit and vegetable intake in four elementary schools in Florida from October 2008 to October 2009. School A offered the U.S.D.A. Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program; School B had a Student Wellness Advisory Council, OrganWise Guys and CATCH; School C had OrganWise Guys and CATCH; School D had no nutrition education programs. Students’ favorite fruits and vegetables at breakfast and lunch were compiled. An increase in fruit intake was observed in three out of …

Nutrition-Related Knowledge And Behaviors Of Healthcare Professionals: A Pilot Study, Sarah Dale Zeola

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Healthcare consumers have a plethora of resources of nutrition guidance available, yet many sources provide unreliable information. Healthcare professionals are expected to be the expert source of nutrition information and dietary guidance for their clients and patients.

Purpose: To determine the nutrition knowledge, behaviors, and beliefs of healthcare professionals to identify which, if any, professional group are experts in nutrition and which professionals are the best resource for nutrition information and guidance for healthcare consumers.

Research Design: A self-reported online survey gathered information on participants’ (n=201) BMI, knowledge of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, dietary intake, and beliefs about …

Prevalence Of Vitamin D Insufficiency Among Breast Cancer Survivors, Kristen Poole Trukova

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine if vitamin D deficiency is a prevalent problem for female breast cancer survivors (BCS) who have completed treatment for breast cancer. Ninetynine breast cancer survivors and a control population of fifty-five women with no history of breast cancer participated in this study. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations were measured throughout 2007. Dietary and supplement intake of vitamin D was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. Zip code of residence was used to evaluate potential for skin production of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency (<32ng/mL) was observed in 76 of 99 (77%) of BCS, and 51 of 55 (93%) of controls. Women taking vitamin D supplements were less likely to exhibit vitamin D deficiency, but supplementation did not guarantee sufficiency. Vitamin D deficiency appears to be prevalent among both groups. Vitamin D status should be routinely evaluated for all women as part of regular preventive care.

A Determination Of Vitamin D Status And Intake Of Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Saudi Arabian Women In Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Wedad Azhar

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The objective of the present study was to determine serum 25(OH)D and PTH concentrations as well as vitamin D and Ca dietary intake in healthy pregnant (P) (n=48) and non-pregnant (NP) (n=70) Saudi Arabian women who reside in Mecca- Saudi Arabia. Age, occupation, skin color, smoking status, use of sunscreen, use of supplements, and sun exposure were correlated to vitamin D status. Dietary and supplement intake was assessed. Among the participants, 50.8% (35% P, 65% NP) women had 25(OH)D concentration that were ≤ 11 ng/mL. PTH concentrations were normal in 60.2% and high in 37% of the participants. Dietary vitamin …

Congregate Mealsite Participants’ Self-Reported And Functional Health, Participation In Activities And Attitudes Toward Aging In Wisconsin, Amy Ramsey

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The number of older Americans is increasing. Participation in activities is essential for maintaining health and functional independence, preventing or delaying chronic diseases and improving quality of life. Generally, as older adults age, prevalence of regular activity declines. Many older adults are not engaging in activities and are not receiving the health benefits that these offer.

This cross-sectional study used a self-administered survey to examine whether there is an association between attitudes toward aging, self-reported and functional health, and participation in activities among older adults aged 55 and older who attend congregate mealsites in Wisconsin. It was hypothesized that older …

Differences In Food Intake, Nutrition Knowledge, And Fitness Assessment Measurements In High School Students Who Have Completed The Nutricise 4 Life Program And Students Who Have Not, Malorie Blake

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The Nutricise 4 Life Program (N4L) is a school-based physical activity and nutrition education program for adolescents. It was hypothesized that dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, fitness assessment measurements and motivation/confidence to make healthier lifestyle choices would be improved in students participating in the N4L group compared to a control group. Twenty-eight students in 10th to 12th grade from 2 high schools in Pennsylvania participated. This quasi-experimental trial collected data over 19 weeks to assess program impact on dietary intake, nutrition knowledge, fitness assessment measurements, and motivation/confidence levels. The N4L group saw no improvements in dietary intake. Students in the intervention …

A Survey Of Registered Dietitians' Perceptions Of Constructivist And Behaviorist Instructional Approaches And Delivery Methods In Accredited Dietetics Programs, Martha A. Smith

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

This purpose of this research study was to test learning theories and models of teaching (constructivist vs. behaviorist) used in dietetic education programs. Additionally, the focus of accreditation for dietetics education is the quality and integrity of a program regardless of its instructional delivery method. Therefore, this study examined the variations between on-line and on-campus delivery methods.

Research questions that guided this study included:

1) To what extent do educators use constructivist or behaviorist theoretical approaches during instructional delivery?

2) What are the differences in learning between on-line education and oncampus delivery methods?

3) As far as constructivist and behaviorist …

Comparison Of Body Fat Reduction In Overweight And Obese Subjects Utilizing Personalized Low-Fat Meal Plans And Non-Personalized Low-Fat Meal Plans, Stacy Dawn Buzan

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Obesity is an epidemic and studies are needed to provide recommendations for more effective strategies to increase self-efficacy and long-term adoption of healthy nutritional habits in individuals who are obese.

Objective: To compare the use of personalized low-fat meal plans vs. non-personalized low-fat meal plans and body fat reduction in overweight and obese subjects 25 to 45 years of age.

Design: A 2-month comparative randomized block experimental study, in which subjects were randomly assigned to either Treatment 1 Group, receiving non-personalized low-fat meal plans, or Treatment 2 Group, receiving personalized low-fat meal plans with two 30-minute dietetic consultations.

Subjects/Setting: …

A School-Based Approach To Increasing Fruit And Vegetable Intake Of High School Students, Rebecca Larson

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of the study was to establish whether nutrition education would increase high school student consumption of fruits and vegetables, increase knowledge and self-efficacy, and advance students through the stages of change. Additionally, factors that influence intake were studied.

Students (n=260) enrolled in Health and Nutrition & Wellness classes were randomly assigned to intervention or control by class. Intervention consisted of 1 ½ hours for five days of fruit and vegetable focused education. Students completed pre- and post-surveys.

Results showed that fruit and vegetable intake did not change in intervention classes but significantly decreased (p<0.0484) in control classes. Knowledge significantly increased (p<0.0151) in intervention classes. No changes in self-efficacy or stage of change were observed.

Nutrition education must be …

Comparison Of Long-Term Care Residents' Food Intake, Body Weight, And Food Costs Between Two Meal Service Styles, Dee Murphy

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if residents (n = 26) living in an Iowa long-term care facility had differences in food intake at their noon meal and body weight when served traditional tray meal service for 10 weeks compared to being served restaurant-style meal service for 10 weeks. The study also evaluated the facility’s raw food costs of the two meal service styles.

Mean meal intake scale scores improved when residents were served restaurant-style meal service (0.4±0.3) compared to traditional tray meal service. Residents did not show a significant percent weight (1.1%±3.7%) change or percent BMI (0.9%±3.7%) …

Comparison Of Quality Of Life In Diabetics Using Insulin Injection Therapy Versus Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion Therapy, Katie Michele Reynolds

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

The goal of this study was to determine the effectiveness of insulin delivered via multiple injections or by infusion via a pump on the quality of life in adult insulin-dependent diabetics. Four parameters, namely hemoglobin A1C (3 month average blood sugar levels), self-reported healthy eating habits demonstrated by consumption of 3 meals/3 snacks everyday, frequency of exercise of daily 30 min or longer duration and opinion of quality of life, were evaluated in patients receiving either insulin injections or infusion.

Pump users reported enhanced eating and exercise behaviors and feeling in good health, compared with patients receiving injections. In contrast, …

The Association Of Whole Grain Ontakes With The Metabolic Syndrome: The Baltimore Longitudinal Study Of Aging (Blsa), Janice Eileen Maras

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Whole grains and their nutrient components have an important protective effect on the metabolic syndrome. Studies are needed to examine their bioactive components in relation to diet and the metabolic syndrome.

Objective: Our objective was to examine the associations between dietary intakes of whole grains and the metabolic syndrome.

Design: The study subjects were 1516 healthy men and women participating in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Dietary information was collected with 7-day food records, and estimates of whole grain intake were obtained from a newly developed database.

Results: A total of 17% (n = 251) of subjects met …

Student Perceptions Of The Shift From Soft Drink Vending Machines To Milk Vending Machines In Schools, Jillian B. Trapini

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Soft drink vending machines are available in many schools across the nation. Some schools have recently removed soft drink vending machines and replaced them with milk vending machines. The purpose of this study was to investigate high school students’ (n = 84) perceptions of the shift from soft drink vending machines to milk vending machines in schools.

Students in this survey had an understanding of the importance of drinking milk, and students generally felt that purchasing milk from the lunch line was more convenient than from the vending machine. Students felt that the vending machine might contain warm, out of …