Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Assessment Of Factors That Impact Hydration Status Of Professional And Collegiate Mascots, Caroline Atwell

Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

Mascots have unique physical demands and nutrition needs. They exert themselves tremendously on a variety of game days and at practices throughout the week. Hydration is as significant for mascots as it is for any other athlete, yet there is little to no known research available to help this population achieve a good hydration status. Studying similar populations such as cheerleaders, band members, football players, and firefighters provided a better understanding of mascot hydration. The purpose of this study was to examine the level of hydration knowledge in mascots performing at the collegiate and professional levels and determine the different …

Prevalence Of Low-Energy Availabilty Amongst Female Paralympic Athletes, Alicia Difolco

All Master's Theses

The prevalence of low-energy availability (LEA) in able-bodied female athletes has been extensively examined; however, research has yet to examine LEA in Paralympic athletes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the risk of LEA and related symptoms including menstrual health, hormonal profiles, and bone mineral density (BMD) in female para-athletes. Female national para-athletes (n = 9) completed 7-day food and activity logs, Low Energy Availability in Females Questionnaire (LEAF-Q) and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Dual energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and hormonal profile blood spot testing. LEAF-Q results suggested that 78% of athletes were considered …

The Effects Of Parenting Style And Feeding Style On Child Weight Status: A Systematic Review, Rahaf A. Alahmadi

Masters Theses

Childhood obesity is a global health concern. According to the World Health, prevalence of obesity decupled in the last four decades, where 124 million children and adolescents are now considered obese (“Commission on Ending Childhood Obesity”, 2019). Organization Interactions between parenting styles and feeding styles play a critical role in the development of a child's lifestyle habits, which may impact their weight status. The purpose of this study was to identify how parenting and feeding styles impact a child’s weight status. A systematic review of the literature, guided by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Evidence Analysis Manual protocol, was …

Factors That Influence Maternal Feeding Decisions For Toddlers: Extending The Theory Of Planned Behavior, Elizabeth Lucas Combs

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Establishing healthy eating behaviors is vital in the early years to help combat the development of obesity and other chronic diseases. Mothers play an invaluable role in shaping their children's eating habits through controlling what and when children eat as well as the overall food environment, which is why a better understanding of what influences mothers’ decisions about these behaviors is important.

The purpose of the dissertation was to gain a better understanding of what impacts maternal feeding decisions regarding toddler nutrition behaviors. This was a two-phased mixed methods study. The aim of the initial study was to explore, using …

Comparison Of Calculated Energy Expenditure To Measured Energy Expenditure In Overweight And Obese Burn Patients In An Icu Setting: A Retrospective Study, Elle Maree Skinner, Deborah A. Cohen, Orrin B. Myers, Diana Gonzales-Pacheco

Individual, Family, and Community Education ETDs

Burns cause massive dermal wounds. Wound healing elicits a significant catabolic response and increase in energy expenditure, and thus, calorie needs. Overfeeding and/or underfeeding the overweight and obese critically ill patient can increase complications. Indirect Calorimetry (IC) is considered the ‘gold standard” for the measurement of Energy Expenditure (EE). Predictive equations are calculated to estimate EE instead. This study is a retrospective chart review. The difference between predictive energy expenditure (via Curreri formula) and measured IC were analyzed via non-parametric Wilcoxon signed rank match paired tests. Curreri equation prediction was analyzed on the ability to match IC (0% over or …

Adherence Of Collegiate Level, Recreational/Intramural And Non-Athlete College Students To The Mediterranean Diet, Amber E. Ugbo

Honors College Theses

The Mediterranean Diet, which is rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based foods, may be beneficial to athletic performance. To date, no one has examined adherence of collegiate athletes to a Mediterranean Diet. This study compared how closely collegiate, recreational/intramural, and non-athletes in college followed a Mediterranean Diet. Surveys and validated Mediterranean Diet score questionnaires were completed by 933 undergraduates in HLTH 1520: Healthful Living at Georgia Southern University. Participants self-reported following various diets including decreased or increased carbohydrate, increased protein, and increased water intake. No one specifically reported following a Mediterranean Diet and total calculated Mediterranean Diet scores were low …

Utilization Of Web‐Based App To Target Obesogenic Factors In Rural Kentucky Counties With High Rates Of Obesity, Erin M. Casey

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Due to socioeconomic disparities and geographic isolation, rural Kentucky residents bear a greater burden of poor health compared to national averages. Specifically, rural Kentucky residents are at greater risk of becoming obese and suffering from comorbidities of obesity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of the present study was two-fold. First, we the barriers to nutrition and physical activity unique to rural Kentucky counties which high proportions of obese adults (< 40%) were examined and extrapolated. Second, this information was used to develop a health and wellness app tailored to rural Kentucky counties. The objective was met via a formative assessment regarding causes for obesity in three rural Kentucky counties using focus groups. From these discussions, two major themes arose: barriers to good nutrition and physical activity, and desired web‐app features. From this assessment, FitFaceoff was developed and released into the same counties. Usage and user interaction were assessed using GoogleAnalytics™ software. Analysis revealed poor user liking and unsuccessful implementation of FitFaceoff, however further qualitative research is needed to evaluate poor user reception of FitFaceoff and possible future directions.

Consumer Preference Of Vanilla Ice Cream, Julie Anne Martin

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Consumers have a variety of ice cream available for purchase through retail stores, including: standard commercial, specialty store, organic, and premium commercial options. This study used a sensory analysis to solicit responses from a group of adults to determine consumer preference and acceptance of four vanilla ice creams based on taste. Consumers preferred (i) organic ice cream to standard, commercial ice cream and (ii) specialty store ice cream to standard, commercial ice cream. Additionally, consumers could identify (i) the organic ice cream when compared to the standard, commercial ice cream and (ii) the premium, commercial ice cream had more overrun …

Farmers Market Education With Supplemental Voucher Improves Farmers Market Awareness In Elementary Children, Ali Papendick

All Master's Theses

Purpose:The purpose of this pilot intervention study was to provide farmers market (FM) education coupled with FM voucher to assess FM awareness, attendance, and voucher use. Methods:Kindergarten through 3^rdgrade students attending a summer school program participated in this three-week FM pilot intervention study. A pre/post intervention questionnaire was distributed to students to assess FM awareness and attendance. In addition, an $8 FM voucher was provided to children for purchases of fruit and vegetables at the local FM. The voucher was valid for two weeks and fruit and vegetable purchases were recorded each week. Results:This study …

Role Of Race/Ethniciy, Pre-Pregnancy Bmi, And Socioeconomic Status On Risk For Large-For-Gestational (Lga) Infants Born To Women With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (Gdm), Anna M. Kiefer

Masters Theses

Background Fetal macrosomia occurs in approximately 10% of all pregnancies taking place in the United States. Babies born LGA are placed at a greater risk for shoulder dystocia, perinatal trauma, cesarean section, jaundice, hypoglycemia, and neonatal intensive care admission. Even more, the long-term impacts are severe and include increased risk of becoming overweight or obese and developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have higher rates of delivering macrosomic offspring due to insulin resistance taking place beyond what is normal during a pregnancy. Additionally, maternal obesity, socioeconomic status, and race/ethnicity have been associated with …

Design And Validation Of A Scale For Preschoolers: Measuring Nutrition Knowledge, Beliefs, And Behaviors, Michelle E. Johnson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The literature indicates a lack of validated scales to measure nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviors in preschool-aged children. Reliable and valid assessment tools are critical in the development of nutritional interventions for young children; careful design, including psychometric evaluation of reliability and validity, is the best approach to scale development. Best practice points to an efficient, yet comprehensive look at the constructs of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. This multi-phase study included 298 preschool children ages 2-6 years (151 girls, 147 boys; mean age 3.936). A 45-item scale was created, with 4 subscales to measure the nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors …

The Development And Evaluation Of A Smartphone Nutrition Intervention For Adolescents, Sarah A. Cappuccitti

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

A diet high in fruit and vegetables is associated with the prevention of many chronic diseases; however, only one in ten Canadian students in grades 6 to 12 consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. Using smartphones to deliver nutrition interventions is an emerging area of research, although to-date these interventions typically limit their focus to weight loss. The overarching purpose of this research is to redevelop and evaluate an existing smartphone application for an adolescent population. This thesis used a mixed-methods approach to gain adolescent perspectives on how to redevelop the app and to evaluate its use …

Micronutrients, Inflammation And Depression Among Women Of Reproductive Age From The National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2008, Joycelyn M. Faraj

Doctoral Dissertations

Depression is the leading cause of disease burden among women. Recent evidence indicates that inflammation is associated with depression, and factors that contribute to inflammation can be addressed through nutritional and lifestyle interventions. Vitamins B₆ and D have been linked with depression and have established roles in inflammation, yet their associations with depression in the presence of low-grade inflammation remain unknown. The purpose of this research was to investigate how high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, contributes to different dimensions of depression and to determine to what degree inflammation affects the association between vitamins B_{6 …}

Nutrient Content Of Human Breast Milk From Overweight And Normal Weight Caucasian Women Of Northeast Tennessee, Megan R. Kwon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many factors influence the nutrient composition of breast milk (BRM) particularly within the fatty acids composition. In this study BRM between 2-14 weeks of lactation was collected from 44 Caucasian women (24 normal weight (NW, BMI 18.5-24.9kg/m²) and 20 overweight (OW, BMI >25.0kg/m²). BRM was subjected to proximate analysis and participants completed food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to estimate fruit, vegetable, and fat intake. BMI differed between NW and OW groups, 22.03 vs 33.86kg/m² (p0.10) were identified for total calories (5,581.8 vs 5562.9cal/g), %fat (39.6 vs 43.9), or %protein (9.8 vs 8.9) for BRM in NW …

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 …

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. …

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 …

Nutrition Resources For Football Players In Division I Institutions: The Athletic Trainer's Perspective And Role, Giovanna Marie Giannini

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Background: The importance of nutrition on athletic performance is evident. Athletic trainers (ATs), nutritionists/RDs, strength and conditioning specialists (SCSs), and other athletic department personnel may be available to student-athletes and can be solicited for nutrition advice. Multiple studies have found that although some universities have a sports nutritionist on staff, student-athletes approached an AT most often for nutrition advice rather than an SCS, nutritionist or other person. ATs have the necessary education to provide proper nutrition information to student-athletes; however, it is not the primary role of an AT.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the quantity, …

Color Your Plate: A Pilot Nutrition Education Intervention To Increase Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Older Adults Participating In The Congregate Meal Site Program In Kentucky Senior Centers, Emily Dickens

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The purpose of this study was to determine if the amount and variety of fruit and vegetable intake increased among community-dwelling older adults participating in Kentucky’s congregate meal site program following a series of educational nutrition lessons. A convenience sample (n=35) of community-dwelling older adults at two intervention (n=19) and two control (n=16) senior centers in central Kentucky participated in this quasi-experimental pre-post pilot study. Following the intervention there was a trend towards increased self-reported intake in the variety of fruit and vegetables among the intervention group (range:0.03±3.31 to 1.32±2.75 servings per week); a significant increase in the number of …

Knowledge, Confidence, Intention, And Motivation: Hegemonic Masculinity's Influence Upon Nutritional Habits Of Males, Sara Chizmar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

With the increasing incidence of chronic diseases such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and cardiovascular disease and the growing obesity epidemic, the need to increase nutritional literacy amongst the general public is paramount. Men tend to lack a strong base of nutritional knowledge. Masculinity is one of the factors preventing many men from making good nutritional choices.

The aim of this study was to investigate hegemonic masculinity in relation to current level of nutritional knowledge as well as perceptions and attitudes regarding dietary behaviors and intention to eat a healthy diet among a sample of males. A convenience sample of …

Getting Back To Our Roots, Emily J. Jacobs

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Completing this senior honors project afforded the opportunity to develop activities around the topics of basic gardening skills, cooking skills, and the importance of quality nutrition for the students from the Center for Child Development Day Camp. Seven lesson plans were developed in collaboration with Mrs. Kathy Schupp, the director of the Nutrition Center. At the beginning of summer, discussion took place regarding the types of nutrition information that could be learned from working in the Schrank Hall South teaching garden. The Great Garden Detective Adventure was used as a resource in planning lessons for the students. This book was …

Associations Of Cooking Self-Efficacy And Frequency Of Icook-4h Youth Participants With Dietary Quality And Bmi At Baseline, Amber Donaldson Ford

Masters Theses

Background: With increased obesity has come increased ready-made and fast food consumption and decreased homemade food consumption. Previous studies have shown associations between cooking self-efficacy (SE) and cooking frequency (CF) with dietary quality and weight status. Cooking interventions have shown positive associations with dietary outcomes, such as increased fruit and vegetable intake and decreased fast food consumption. There is still much unknown about SE and CF, especially among youth.

Objective: The objective of this project was to determine baseline SE and CF and the associations with dietary quality and body mass index (BMI) of youth enrolled in iCook 4-H.

Methods: …

Assessing The Nutrition Knowledge And Body Image Perceptions Of Minority Freshman At East Tennessee State University, Michele L. Becerra

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The health status of African American and Hispanic communities is in need of intervention. These minority groups have a health disparity gap from other races. The incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are greater in the African American and Hispanic communities. There is a need to continue addressing the specific health issues, along with ideas of body perception, plaguing the African American and Hispanic populations in the United States. Such disparities typically include those who follow “western” diets, have a lack of exercise, are predisposed to chronic illness, as well as have a need for continuous education of the subject …

Beverage Selections And Presence Affect Healthy Eating Index Scores In Lunches Of Elementary Age Children, Whether From Home Or School, Mary K. Barbee

All Master's Theses

Objectives: Examined differences in school lunch meals (served and consumed) brought from home (LBFH) versus National School Lunch Program (NSLP) using Healthy Eating Index 2010 scores for assessment of Meal Quality by component food groups. Influence of beverage selections on HEI-2010 scores were examined for each meal origin. Methods: Digital plate waste estimations were analyzed for 509 NSLP meals and 524 LBFH from 2nd-5th-grade students in four elementary schools during the 2011-2012 academic year. Nutrient Data Software for Research (NDSR) determined food groups and nutrients for calculations. Independent t-tests compared NSLP and LBFH meal components. Two one-way ANOVA tests compared …

Project Spraoi: A Strategy To Improve Nutrition And Increase Physical Activity In Primary School Children, Lisa Delaney

Masters

Introduction: Paediatric obesity has become a global epidemic with many countries developing strategies to help tackle its prevalence. School based physical activity (PA) and nutrition interventions have proven to play a promising role in tackling childhood obesity.

Background: Project Spraoi is an Irish primary school based intervention. The intervention was delivered to an intervention school to help enhance PA and nutritional behaviour amongst pupils. The intervention school was assigned an ‘Energizer’; a trained PA and nutrition change agent who worked with the school to achieve the objectives. For evaluation purposes a control school was recruited.

Methodology: Pupils from the intervention …

The Examination Of Healthy Eating Across Cultures: An Existential Phenomenological Approach, Sarah K. Simpson

Honors College Theses

Adhering to a healthy eating plan has been a topic of discussion across World regions. Moreover, Americans often attempt to mimic the eating habits of other regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean or Eastern Asia, in an attempt to live a long and healthy life. Satia et al., (2000) suggest that healthy eating perceptions can be influenced by food and beverage exposure, family norms, preparation methods, and geographic locations. Although this is the case, little research has been found which has examined healthy eating perceptions across regions from a qualitative perspective. Thus, the purpose of this study is …

Evaluation Of A Theory-Based Farm To School Program, Rebecca Kent Bishop

Master's Theses

Fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes in MS children remain lower than recommended. Theory-based, multi-component nutrition education interventions like Farm to School (F2S) target FV consumption and utilize such interventions to improve children’s dietary behaviors by incorporating nutrition and agriculture education. The current study was designed with Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as its framework. An intervention was implemented to enhance beliefs, norms, and self-efficacy regarding FV, thus potentially increasing the intention to consume more FV. The research objectives of this study are to describe changes over the course of the intervention in (1) nutrition knowledge; (2) norms, beliefs, and self-efficacy …

Portion Size Selection In Relation To Hemoglobin A1cs, Brian L. Dixon

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Obesity has been recognized as an increasing issue within our country. Obesity contributes to many health related issues, including type 2 diabetes mellitus. Portion size is a factor that has generated clinical research interest. The aim of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between management of diabetes measured by hemoglobin A1c and portion size selection for type 2 diabetics. In this study, subjects selected portion sizes of four different foods. Data were compared to recent A1c levels. Due to the small sample size, nonparametric statistical analysis was used. The relationship of grain portion weight selection and …

Extent Of Bgsu Student Food Insecurity And Community Resource Use, Kathryn Koller

Honors Projects

This research examines student food insecurity at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) and available resources in Bowling Green, Ohio. Seven classes from BGSU’s main campus were randomly chosen to complete a survey regarding participant background information, details concerning food attainment, food security level, and use of community resources to allow for food acquisition. These classes included undergraduate classes and ranged from 15 to 272 students per class. Less than one quarter of student participants had food insecurity (19%), and food insecurity was significantly associated with financial dependence (P=0.04). There was a significant relationship between not utilizing community food resources and …