Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effects Of Green Smoothie Consumption On Blood Pressure And Health-Related Quality Of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Emiko Maeda

Dissertations and Theses

Chronic diseases are among the leading causes of death globally, and as much as 80% of these deaths are reported to be preventable with proper diet and lifestyle. Although extensive research has demonstrated that the increased consumption of fruits and vegetables offers protective health effects from many chronic illnesses, populations in both developed and developing nations consistently fall short of the recommended intake of 5 or more servings a day. This study investigated the effects of daily consumption of Green Smoothies for 4 consecutive weeks on blood pressure and health-related quality of life. Green Smoothies are a blended drink consisting …

A Review Of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels In Alaska Native And Non-Natives In Southwest Alaska, Melanee Tiura

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Background: Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency have been documented throughout the world, correlating with disease processes including: cancers, bone disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease. Factors affecting people of Southwest Alaska, such as northern latitude (above 34ºN), low dietary intake of vitamin D, reduced sun exposure, high body mass index, and darker skin pigmentation increase risk for Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] deficiency and insufficiency.

Purposes of the Study: To evaluate the incidence of 25(OH)D insufficiency and deficiency in Southwest Alaska, differences in deficiency rates between Alaska Natives and non-Natives, and seasonal trends in 25(OH)D levels.

Subjects: Forty-nine adults with 25(OH)D …

Associations Between Alcohol Consumption And Fasting Blood Glucose In Young Adults, Julie Ann Lucca

Master's Theses

Current research shows moderate alcohol consumption is associated with decreased risk of diabetes and excessive consumption or binge drinking can cause insulin resistance and diabetes. In 2010, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United Statesand was responsible for significant health complications: blindness, kidney failure, and limb amputations, and is a large national economic burden. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a tool used to help diagnose diabetes. Abnormally high FBG, ≥100 mg/dl, is indicative of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Few studies have observed diabetic prevalence among young adults or college students. Studying young adults can help provide added …

Evaluating The Efficacy Of A Hybrid Nutrition Course Offered To On-Campus And Distance Education Students, Mary Anne Dimmick

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A record high number of students enrolled in The Science and Application of Human Nutrition (NDFS 1020), during the Spring semester of 2010. With enrollment rates projected to continue to rise, NDFS 1020 faculty recognized that the existing traditional, lecture-based course structure did not allow for further growth of the program if academic integrity was to be upheld. NDFS 1020 was, consequently, transitioned to a hybrid format presenting 2/3 of the course experience online, and the remaining 1/3 in a face-to-face format. Hybrid NDFS 1020 was offered to distance education and on-campus students alike beginning in the Fall semester of …

Effect Of Lipid Source On The Physical And Sensory Quality Of Baked Products, Haoyuan Zhong

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effect of commercial shortenings (butter, lard, margarine, all-purpose shortenings, soybean oil, and interesterified soybean oil) on the physical and sensory characteristics of baked products was evaluated. Results showed that lipid viscoelastic character, melting point, onset melting temperature (T_on), and melting enthalpy (ΔH) affect the physical qualities of baked products, such as batter density of cake, spread of cookies, and breaking strength of pie crust. With a larger 𝛿 value (less plastic character), less crystal structure is present in the lipid and fewer air bubbles were incorporated into cake batter, which results in a denser batter. With a …

Comparison Of Obesity Bias, Attitudes, And Beliefs Among Undergraduate Dietetic Students, Dietetic Interns, And Practicing Registered Dietitians, Sarah E. Welborn

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The obesity epidemic in the United States is increasing, and health concerns are also on the rise as they are directly related to obesity. Even though the majority of Americans are overweight or obese, prejudice and weight bias continue to be prevalent and socially accepted in a culture that tolerates discrimination towards these individuals. Health care providers, including registered dietitians, are not exempt from instigating bias towards obese patients causing a decrease in the level of care that they receive. The main purpose of this study was to compare attitudes, beliefs, and bias concerning obesity among undergraduate dietetic students, dietetic …

Patient Perspectives Of Nutrition In Healthcare: An Exploratory Study, Matthew Gary Petersen

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Healthcare is one of the most debated and controversial issues facing our nation and the world today. From availability to affordability, healthcare influences the lives of millions of people daily. For more than a decade the World Health Organization has called for an integrated approach to improve global health by improving patient adherence to prescribed treatments. Despite this, very little improvement has been made in adherence trends since the 1980's. Some current research has focused on improved adherence through an understanding of the patient's perspective of healthcare. By understanding how the patient sees healthcare, physicians are able to provide more …

Ebt At Farmer's Markets Is A Snap, Amanda Spackman

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Research Question: How can farmers' markets best implement the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to increase sales and provide low income individuals with access to fresh, local produce?

This paper will discuss the use of SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) at farmers' markets, with particular emphasis on the Cache Valley Gardener's Market as an example. Lack of access to adequate food is a major issue in the US. When farmers' markets work in conjunction with the federal SNAP program they can help individuals who struggle with food security to gain access to local food. There are many benefits …

Do Weight Status And The Level Of Dietary Restraint Moderate The Relationship Between Package Unit Size And Food Intake?, Chrystal Louisa Haire

Masters Theses

Background: Package unit size may influence consumption. Single-serving (SS) packages, as compared to larger, standard (ST) packages, may increase awareness of what a standard serving is and assist in reducing consumption. Individuals who may be concerned about the amount they consume, such as overweight (OW) and dietary restrained individuals, may be more influenced by SS packages. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine if weight and dietary restraint status moderate the influence of package size on consumption. It was hypothesized that SS packages would help to reduce intake in OW and/or restrained individuals as compared to normal weight …

Parenting Nutrition Skills Workshop: An Evaluation Of Facilitated Group Discussions To Enhance Parenting Nutrition Self Efficacy, Lisa A. Dawes

Master's Theses

Abstract

Parenting Nutrition Skills Workshops: An Evaluation of Facilitated Group Discussions to Enhance Parenting Nutrition Self-Efficacy

By: Lisa Dawes, RD, CDE

This research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of using facilitated group discussion (FGD), a less traditional method of nutrition education, for increasing parents’ feelings of self-efficacy in their ability to make nutrition-related decisions, and to set and enforce nutrition-related boundaries with their children.

Childhood obesity is on the rise; poor food choices, portion control, and inactivity are identified as contributing causes. Parents play a major role in creating healthy habits and providing a well-balanced diet for their …

Residential Treatment Of Adult Women With Eating Disorders, Chelsea Cook

Honors Theses

A qualitative-type study was done in which residents of a residential eating disorder facility were interviewed about their eating disorder and daily life in the treatment center. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics uses the Nutrition Care Process which includes Intervention amongst its four steps. This study will look at the intervention of nutrition education and counseling on these residents and relate it back to Social Learning theory.

Eight residents agreed to the study. All participants were female, and ages ranged from 18-38 with an average age of 24.75. The registered dietitian serving the residents was also interviewed. Interviews were …

The Gluten-Free Diet: An Effective Treatment For Autistic Spectrum Disorders?, Susanna Zammit

Honors Theses

In 2006, autism was recognized as a national problem due to a sharp increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Characteristics of autism include impairments in the areas of social interaction, communication, and play, while demonstrating restricted or repetitive interests and activities. Children diagnosed with ASDs may also develop angry outbursts or feeding difficulties. An estimated one-third of autistic children have a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder. Theories as to why GI distress is common with autism have resulted in the research of different therapeutic treatments. Most notably, researchers have completed studies on the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet as a …

A Comparison Of Daily Consumption Of Artificial Dye-Containing Foods By American Children And Adults, Carol Christine Bell

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Children with developing nervous systems might be at greater risk for any potential neurobehavioral effects of color additives widespread in many foods. This study thus examined whether children consumed foods containing color additives more frequently than adults. Twenty-one adults (aged 18-60) and parents of 14 children (aged 4-7) with regular eating patterns kept detailed food records for five days. Diets were analyzed for foods containing the dyes Red #3, Red #40, Yellow #5, Yellow #6, Blue #1, Blue #2 and Green #3 by comparing ingredient labels found in grocery stores and online. The number of daily dye exposures was significantly …

The Impact Of Protection Motivation Theory Grounded Messaging On Diabetes Prevention Behaviours Following Gestational Diabetes, Jennifer M. Jacob

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Women diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes (GDM) are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM). Despite this risk, few women are engaging in diabetes prevention behaviours. Methods: The Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) was employed to design and evaluate a post-GDM diabetes prevention information session. The utility of this theory in predicting intentions and diabetes prevention behaviours was assessed using regression analysis. Results: Two of the four PMT variables, response efficacy and self efficacy were found to be consistent predictors of intention across most of the recommended behaviours, accounting for between 25% and 77% of the variance in intention. Intention was …

Overall Diet Quality Of Collegiate Athletes, Amanda N. Ireland

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Athletes appear healthy according to weight for height and body fat standards. Though athletes appear to be healthy, little is known about their diets. Research states there is a connection between athletic performance and nutrition. The objective of this study was to determine the diet quality of 138 collegiate athletes. Data were collected in a laboratory. Demographics were collected via survey. Anthropometrics were assessed using a free standing stadiometer and the BodPod® for body fat assessment. Block 2005 Food Frequency Questionnaire© was used to assess diets. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) 2005 was used to calculate diet quality scores. The …

Energy Balance And Its Relationship To Disordered Eating, Injury, And Menstrual Dysfunction In Soccer Athletes, Emily Lynn Miller

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose of the Research: The purpose of this study is to examine the causes of negative energy balance in male and female collegiate soccer players who do not exhibit disordered eating. The study also looked at the prevalence of complications associated with disordered eating, injury and menstrual dysfunction to determine if these would be present in the participants in a negative or positive energy balance regardless of disordered eating status. A questionnaire will examine participants’ disordered eating risk, and a food and activity diary will examine energy balance. A third questionnaire regarding injury and menstrual history will determine their prevalence …

Students' Consumption Of Healthy Food Items Using A Social Marketing Intervention, Kayla Autumn Dalton

Masters Theses

This study was an analysis of student eating habits in an "all-you-care-to-eat" dining center at a mid-size, four year, Midwest residential institution. The present, quantitative study was replicated based off a study conducted in 2008 at a similar Midwest university by Diana Poovey Duncan. The present study examined college students' (n = 218) eating habits and consumption patterns over a nine-week study period. Participants were solicited to take the pre-intervention survey in person with incentives during the second week of the study while a post-intervention survey was sent electronically during the seventh week only to those whom provided an …

Low-Income Adults Food Management Practices And Nutrition Behaviors And The Association With Diet, Sarah Elizabeth Lewis

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Food insecurity and diet quality are concerns in low-income populations, contributing to high rates of obesity. Food management skills may enable low-income populations to obtain a healthy food supply rather than relying on less expensive and less nutritious foods to fill their diets. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between food management practices and diet quality in SNAP-ED/EFNEP participants. This study examines the association between food management behaviors and dietary outcomes (Healthy Eating Index totals, total calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber, and servings of fruits, vegetables, milk, and meats/beans) as measured by the Behavior Checklist …

Celiac Disease: A Gluten Free Diet And Diet Quality, Taylor M. Stauble

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The media has highlighted a proposed link between a gluten free diet (GFD) and weight loss. However, research related to weight gain and a GFD for persons with celiac disease (CD) has shown the opposite effect. A GFD is the only known treatment for persons with CD. If a patient with CD consumes a diet high in GF processed foods, weight management may be difficult to achieve.

Participants with self-reported CD completed a modified GF food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to assess typical dietary consumption of whole grains, sweets, fruits, vegetables and regular soda. Additionally, body mass index (BMI) and exercise …

Disordered Eating Habits And Behaviors Among Elite Collegiate Athletes, Ann M. Armes

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Eating disorders and disordered eating habits and behaviors were measured using the Eating Disorders Inventory-3 Referral Form (EDI-3 RF). The sample consisted of 159 elite, collegiate student athletes, males and females, aged 18 to 22. Five sports were represented, including basketball, gymnastics, soccer, swimming & diving, and volleyball. Overall, findings support the position that athletes, as a distinct population, and specifically female athletes and those that participate in lean sports, are at an increased risk for disordered eating behaviors and diagnosable eating disorders. Of the 159 total athletes that completed the questionnaire, 33% (n=53) of the athletes sampled met one …