Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Tips For Health Care Practitioners: A Guide For Adolescent Obesity, Regina Santana

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Adolescent obesity continues to be a significant public health concern that is associated with long term physical consequences. The purpose of this project was to develop an evidence based, user friendly guidebook that supports healthcare professionals in the education of adolescents with obesity and their families. A structured literature review development process was used to inform the current development of the guidebook. The guidebook includes components of obesity management such as nutrition and physical activity recommendations. The validity of the content was established through the evaluation of five healthcare professionals that include registered dietitians and licensed therapists. The guidebook was …

Easy Travel-Friendly Snack Recipes For College Students To Support Mental Well-Being, Lidia Vides

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

College is a pivotal period in life of a young adult, marked by newfound independence, increased responsibilities, heightened academic pressure, and significant changes in daily routine. While this transition can often be exciting for a young adult, it also presents many different challenges. As a result, many students experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Nutrition plays a powerful yet often overlooked role in supporting mental and physical health. Current research studies show that a balanced diet rich in whole food ingredients can help regulate mood and promote emotional well-being through multiple biological pathways. However, despite this knowledge, convenient, …

Glucagon-Like Peptide-1ra As A Public Health Interventions, Briana Sepeda

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications have become a prominent topic of interest both in clinical medicine and broader societal discussions. Although the medication are relatively new and expensive, ongoing research continues to explore pharmacologic modifications aimed at improving therapeutic effectiveness and prolonged drug half-life. GLP-1RAs have gained significant traction due to their ability to lower glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) and blood glucose levels in individuals who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (T2D). In addition to glycemic control, evidence suggests its associations with appetite suppression, weight loss, reducing cardiovascular disease, improved renal dysfunction, neuroprotective effects related to neurodegenerative disease …

How Are Women Dealing With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?, Adrianna A. Brown

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: PCOS is one of the leading multisystem conditions among women of reproductive age. Dietary changes may help improve outcomes associated with PCOS and its comorbidities. While a lower carbohydrate, moderate protein diet is often recommended, those with PCOS often use temporary diets or dietary supplements instead of or in addition to prescription medications due to dissatisfaction with their treatment options. Additionally, studies examining the usefulness of supplements and their effects on PCOS symptoms are lacking. This study explored the prevalence of use of temporary diets, prescription medications, and dietary supplements among women with PCOS.

Methods: An anonymous …

Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, And Beverage Consumption Among University Students, Mohammad A. Qazi

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Title: Associations Between Water Intake, Dietary Quality, and Beverage Consumption Among University Students

Background and Aims: Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) and ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption significantly contribute to chronic disease risk and is often more common in underserved and racially/ethnically diverse communities. Drinking water is a low-cost, calorie-free behavior that may support healthier beverage and dietary patterns. Previous studies show that increased daily water consumption positively correlates with better diet quality and is inversely correlated with SSB and UPF consumption. This study aims to examine whether (1) increased daily water intake is associated with self-reported diet quality and (2) self-reported hydration …

Knowledge And Perceptions Of Prebiotics And Probiotics Among University Students, Itzel Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Gut health gained significant attention in recent years, with prebiotics and probiotics widely promoted for their potential health benefits. However, misinformation about this topic was common, particularly among young adults who were heavily influenced by social media and advertising on health-related topics. Research studies had indicated that knowledge and perceptions of prebiotics and probiotics are based on factors such as age, gender, and academic background. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of university students on prebiotic and probiotic foods, identify commonly used resources for information, and analyze the impact of media and demographic variables on their …

Micronutrient Deficiencies In Celiac Disease: Systematic Review, Natalie A. Martinez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune disease triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals, leading to villous atrophy, nutrient malabsorption, and a range of systemic complications. Although adherence to a strict gluten-free diet (GFD) remains the only effective treatment, growing evidence suggests that the GFD alone may be insufficient in meeting the long-term nutritional and psychosocial needs of adults with CD. This systematic review evaluates the prevalence and persistence of micronutrient deficiencies—including iron, calcium, vitamin D, folate, vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc—in adult CD populations following a GFD. It also examines the psychological burden associated with …

Awareness And Attitudes Toward Diabetes Among Students In The California State University System, Cesar Fajardo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been increasing globally. Studies examining patient awareness and attitudes toward diabetes have been conducted and found that diabetes education does increase patient knowledge but has no effect on attitudes. Additionally, many of these studies did not assess university students’ views on type 2 diabetes. Given that type 2 diabetes incidence is increasing among young adults, more attention must be given to this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate CSUSB students' understanding and attitudes toward type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using electronic surveys with …

Development Of A Jamaican-Inspired Cookbook And Nutrition Resources For Prevention And Management Of Diabetes, Stacy Ann J. Cameron-Roberts

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background & Aims: Diabetes disproportionately affects minority populations, including Jamaicans affected by dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and socioeconomic factors. Culturally relevant interventions are essential for promoting sustainable health behaviors to prevent diabetes. This project developed a Jamaican-inspired cookbook with nutrition education to improve dietary habits among Jamaicans to avoid diabetes.

Methods: The project titled Authentic Flavors: Healthy Jamaican Dishes for People with Pre-Diabetes, a cookbook and resources featuring 34 modified Jamaican recipes with nutrient-dense, low-glycemic ingredients to prevent rapid spikes in blood glucose. Participants were recruited from Jamaican community; and they completed an online nutrition education with pre- and …

The Impact Of Social Media On Dietary Choices Among Young Adults, Celeste Martin

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and aims: For decades, the field of nutrition has been influenced by advertising, fad diets, and celebrity endorsements, often leading to confusion. Social media has introduced a new level of influence, potentially leading to more misinformation about health and nutrition. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook may serve as a primary source of news and information for young adults, drastically changing how nutrition advice is shared. Research suggests that social media can positively and negatively impact people’s views on health and nutrition, such as a poor relationship with food and a negative body image. This study aimed to …

Impact Of Water Quality On The Nutritional And Phytochemical Properties Of Culinary Herbs, Genesis Arroyo

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Water quality significantly affected food safety, especially since contaminated water impacted crop growth and the nutrient composition of foods. Nitrates occur naturally in vegetables. However, when introduced into the food supply through water contamination, excessive levels disrupted the natural physiological processes of vegetables and other agricultural plants. These excessive levels eventually led to nutrient imbalances, decreased phytochemical concentrations, and potential health risks such as the formation of carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in humans. This study evaluated the effects of nitrates on the nutritional outcomes of food crops, focusing on commonly used culinary herbs. While synthesizing findings from relevant peer-reviewed articles, I …

Functional Mocktails, Amber Barrer

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background and Aims: Mocktails are alcohol-free beverages that emulate alcohol-containing cocktails. Americans are increasingly seeking these non-alcoholic beverage alternatives. As mocktails have increased in popularity, so have anecdotal health claims. Research has shown that the consumption of teas, herbs, roots, and juices provide health benefits. However, these have not been studied as a mocktail beverage. Functional mocktails may provide various health benefits due to their antioxidant properties, serving as an enjoyable alternative to alcoholic beverages.

Methods: A recipe book of 20 functional mocktails were created. The recipe book includes referenced research on the health benefits, antioxidative properties, recommended dosing, and …

Emotional Eating In Adolescents With Obesity: Case Series, Paula Dayan

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Childhood obesity remains a significant public health concern, with substantial implications for physical and mental well-being. This thesis aims to explore the intricate relationship between emotional eating and obesity among adolescents, with a focus on identifying emotional triggers and assessing their psychological impact. Utilizing a cross-sectional study design at a university in southern California, data were collected from two adolescents aged 13-18 years. Through surveys and body composition measurements, participants' emotional barriers to weight loss and readiness for change were assessed. The findings underscore the presence of varying degrees of emotional hurdles among adolescents with obesity, including depression, frustration, and …

Development Of A Cookbook To Increase Calcium Intake In Black Women, Janai Yvonne-Aubrey Johnson

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background:

Black women face considerable challenges in maintaining adequate calcium intake due to limited access to nutrition education and calcium-rich foods. This issue is compounded by the global prevalence of lactose intolerance, affecting 75% of the population (Isoa & Sarkar, 2022). Given the significance of calcium for overall health, it is imperative to ascertain the optimal daily intake for adults and assess the shortfall in consumption compared to recommended guidelines. Additionally, it underscores the importance of investigating current calcium consumption levels among diverse populations to identify deficiencies and potential health implications. By addressing these gaps in knowledge, policymakers, healthcare professionals, …

Assessments Of Thickeners For Home Cooked Pureed Diets Meals For Patients With Dysphagia On Pureed Diets, Amy Rosales

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Managing dysphagia can help prevent adverse outcomes for patients with swallowing issues. This project aims to identify the best thickener that holds food texture and to identify which thickener is most palatable and acceptable by evaluators. A Spoon Tilt test was used to as one of the objective tests to determine the best thickener that holds food texture. The three thickening agents used were: apple pectin powder, tapioca starch, and a commercial thickener. The three pureed food items used to test the thickening agents were baked chicken, broccoli, and rice. An audit tool by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative …

University Students’ Perspectives Of Public High School Nutrition Education And Current Dietary Habits, Selena Gomez

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Background: Understanding the roles of food and nutrition during adolescence is critical, given they support physical growth and prevent, manage, and treat chronic disease as adolescents reach adulthood. Food and nutrition education interventions in schools may modify adolescent eating patterns and encourage the selection of healthier options among adolescents. Students attending public schools in the U.S. receive less than eight hours of nutrition education each year and high school students receive an average of seven hours. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perspectives, exposures, and attitudes towards nutrition education and dietary habits during and after public high …

Mexican Cookbook For People On Dialysis Treatment, Abigail Guadalupe Ellenich

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Dialysis is a treatment for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with nonfunctioning kidneys. Managing nutrition during dialysis is crucial for improving patients’ quality of life and involves moderate consumption of protein, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, sodium, and fluids. The objective of this project was to develop a cookbook that used traditional recipes from Mexican culture and modify the ingredients to meet the unique dietary needs of persons receiving dialysis. A qualitative assessment was performed to ensure that traditional flavors were retained. The recipes were obtained from various internet sources and ingredients were modified to meet and ensure compliance with the …

Factors Affecting The Use Of Food Pantries By California State University Students, Beyza Aktepe

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Food insecurity is one of the major public health issues world-wide including the United States. A significant proportion of students within the California State University (CSU) system, approximately 41.6%, experience food insecurity. The purposes of this study was 1) to determine the factors and barriers that affect the use of campus food pantries by university students on seven CSU campuses, 2) to determine the improvements that can be implemented in the on-campus food pantries, 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the management of food pantries, and 4) to evaluate the effectiveness and utilization of nutrition education services provided in conjunction …

Writing Intensive Project In The Dietetic Program, Dorothy Chen-Maynard

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

As a member of Faculty Learning Community Writing Intensive Project, we developed a project for the course that allow students to write where instructor provides a scaffolding process for students to write a review manuscript for a professional journal.

Writing Intensive Assignment In Dietetics, Dorothy Chen-Maynard

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

Development of a review manuscript as writing intensive assignment in an advanced nutrition course.

Influence Of Gut Microbiome On Obesity In Western-Style Dietary Practices Versus Other Diets: A Systematic Review, Keely A. Niemeyer, Doris I. Buezo, Loren Landeros, Karina Corral

OSRI Journal of Student Research and Innovation

BACKGROUND: The human gut is home to a microbiome that has a complex relationship to human health. Like the human genome project, microbiome is catching the attention of researchers who seek new methods to combat obesity and negative health outcomes associated with it.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to distinguish the impact of a Western diet on gut health verses a plant-based diet.

DATA SOURCES: EBSCOHost library databases inclusive of CINAHL plus, ScienceDirect, and PubMed using keywords to better understand the correlation of dietary practices and microbiome balance.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY: Criteria that include diet, current research, and scholarly peer reviewed …

Sports Nutrition Project Based Learning Assignment Reflection, Guillermo Escalante

Q2S Enhancing Pedagogy

This is a reflection paper of a Sports Nutrition Project Based Learning Assignment that was developed at the 2018 Project Based Learning Workshop and implemented in the Winter 2019 session of KINE 382- Sports Nutrition.