Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Malnutrition And Frailty Risk Among Community Dwelling Older Adults In Northeast Tennessee, Shreeyesha Pradhan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Frailty and malnutrition are prevalent conditions among community-dwelling older adults, affecting approximately 10% and 25% of this population, respectively. Despite overlapping symptoms such as functional decline, their relationship remains underexplored in community dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional feasibility study examined the association between frailty and nutritional status among 47 older adults in the East Tennessee Tri-Cities area using the Fried’s Frailty Phenotype (FFP) and the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Long Form (MNA-LF®). Results indicated 13% were pre-frail, 24% were frail, 21% were at risk for malnutrition, and 2% were malnourished. Regression analyses revealed that self-perceived nutritional status (37.6%), daily meal frequency (29.0%), …

Feasibility Of Assessing Dietary Patterns And Anxiety In College Students: A Pilot Study Using Nutrition Questionnaires, Gad-7, And Asq, Kylie Ford

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Anxiety is highly prevalent among college students representing a significant public health concern. Research indicates that dietary patterns may influence mental health outcomes; however, the practicality of collecting comprehensive dietary and psychological data in college populations remains unclear. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of evaluating dietary patterns and anxiety using self-report instruments. Participants completed the Nutrition and Eating Habit questionnaire, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Anxiety Sensitivity Questionnaire (ASQ). Although twenty-one students were recruited, survey completion rates were low, with only seven participants completing the nutrition questionnaire necessary to calculate the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII). Descriptive analyses …

Enriching The Pcos Lifestyle, Callie Coleman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder affecting approximately 4 – 20% of women worldwide. It is associated with insulin resistance, fertility problems, and an increased susceptibility to chronic conditions through multiple inflammatory pathways. Women with PCOS are also at increased risk for disordered eating. The Mediterranean diet is associated with decreased inflammation and risk of chronic conditions, and intuitive eating principles are associated with decreased disordered eating patterns. The purpose of this study was to determine if a six-week nutrition education workshop incorporating information and skills related to both the Mediterranean lifestyle and intuitive eating principles can improve …

Food Insecurity And Self-Rated Health Of Older Adults In Appalachia, Sarah Kelley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Food insecurity is prevalent in the United States. Although older adults experience food insecurity at lower-than-average rates, this population is vulnerable to the nutrition and health related implications. Food insecurity is tied to both a diminishment of diet quantity and quality, and is associated with incidence of chronic disease, loss of functional status, and quality of life. This survey seeks to fill a gap in research by looking into the prevalence of food insecurity among older adults in Northeast Tennessee, associations between food insecurity and self-rated health, and associations between food insecurity and geographical limitations.

The Greater Implications Of Self-Perceptions Of Aging Among Younger Adults: Results From The Socially Nutritious Volunteer Training Program, Ashlyn Cobble

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The rapidly growing rate of the older adult population has created a need to better understand younger adults’ self-perceptions of aging and current trends of ageism. The purpose of this secondary data analysis research project was to determine changes, if any, in participants’ self-perception of aging after the Socially Nutritious facilitator or nutrition ambassador volunteer training, which aims to develop knowledge and skills related to aging trends, older adult nutrition, preventing ageism, and communication and educational considerations when working with older adults. Findings indicate that participants with more frequent interactions with older adults had a more positive perception of their …

Changes In Young Adults’ Perspective On Ageism After Participating In A Virtual Nutrition Education Program With Older Adults, Julianne Hensley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The growing older adult population has led to increased ageist tendencies among younger generations. Previous research suggests that ageism is associated with cognitive and physical decline among older adults. This mixed-methods research project examined changes in ageist perceptions among graduate student facilitators and undergraduate nutrition ambassadors after participating in a training that included information about healthy aging, addressing ageism, and communicating with older adults. Results from a secondary data analysis of pre-test/post-test data and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with facilitators of Socially Nutritious, a virtual nutrition education program for older adults, indicate that ageist perceptions decreased after the …

Intestinal Microbiome, Fecal Fermentation Profile, And Health Indices In Hiv Infected Men Versus Non-Infected Controls, Mary Andreae, Mary C. Andreae Mrs

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Many HIV-positive (HIV+) males on Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) experience metabolic abnormalities, including Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and lipodystrophy. The intestinal microbiota and short chain fatty acids (SCFA), participate in bidirectional communication with their host. Dysbiosis in HIV+ males on HAART demonstrate a Prevotella-rich enterotype shaped by multiple factors including, medications, adiposity, diet, intestinal permeability, and lifestyle; our objective was to investigate these factors. 19 HIV+ and 21 HIV- males were enrolled. BMI and hip-to-waist ratio (H:W) were obtained, and FibroScan for liver health. Intestinal permeability markers Claudin-21, flagellin, and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (IFABP) in …

Development And Evaluation Of An Interprofessional Education Course On Integrated Health Care For Nutrition, Public Health, School Counseling, And Social Work Graduate Students, Nadine Bean, Patricia Davidson, Cheryl Neale-Mcfall

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Interprofessional education (IPE) is essential for enhancing students’ critical thinking skills and ability to integrate other professionals’ knowledge to ensure mutual respect and shared values for patient-centered care. The needs of medically underserved populations (MUPs) to receive behavioral health and nutritional care integrated with primary care services are significant. This research highlights the data outcomes from six offerings of a graduate IPE course on integrated health care. Funding from a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Behavioral Health Workforce and Education Training (BHWET) grant provided stipends for graduate social work and school counseling students in their final year of field …

The Fecal Fermentation Profile Of Infants With Different Feeding Modalities, Willow Lewis, Michelle E. Johnson, William A. Clark, Amy Wahlquist

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Introduction/Background

Research indicates nutrition and environment in the first year of a child's life are crucial in their development and growth and can contribute to lower chances of developing obesity and other health concerns. Key factors that can determine these outcomes include the bacteria and resulting short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) present in the gut. This composition may be affected by feeding modality (formula feeding vs breastfeeding), exposure to the mother’s microbiota, weight status of the child, and type of delivery. This research aims to identify the impact of infant feeding modality on toddlers' fecal fermentation profile, and if there …

An Assessment Evaluating The Possible Participation Of A Virtual Nutrition Education Program For Older Adults, Ashlyn Cobble

Undergraduate Honors Theses

The importance of proper nutrition education among older adults is crucial in promoting overall physical health and management of chronic health conditions. However, access to such education has been limited, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the current boom in social media popularity, as well as virtual communication portals such as Zoom, the question must be asked if nutrition education could be effectively implemented for the use of older adults through these electronic channels. The study design for this particular research was a cross sectional survey to inform development of an online nutrition education program for older adults in Northeast …

The Impact Of Dietary Fiber On Breast Cancer Incidence, Peyton North

Epsilon Sigma at-Large Research Conference

Abstract

Introduction & Background

The role of dietary fiber in breast cancer etiology remains unclear. A negative correlation may be due to fiber’s ability to stave off obesity and aid in the extraction of serum estrogen, two known risk factors for the disease. Effects may differ by source, and type, of fiber. Most of the data available is from research with non-Hispanic white women. However, fiber intake may vary significantly across cultures.

Purpose Statement & Question

The research sought to investigate whether an increased intake of dietary fiber was associated with a corresponding decrease in the incidence of breast cancer. …

Development And Implementation Of An Evaluation Tool For Measuring Cultural Competency Learning Activities In Health And Sport Science Undergraduate Students, Diana Cuy Castellanos, Haozhou Pu, Rachel Piero

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Due to the diversity within the healthcare system, it is important to promote cultural competency in healthcare providers. The integration of pedagogical approaches to cultural competency into health-related programs cannot be understated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop an instrument to examine the student engagement in cultural competency-related activities within health-related degree programs and determine the relationship between engagement and cultural competency. Participants of the study included first- and fourth-year undergraduate students studying within a health-related program at a mid-sized, private university in the Midwestern US. Participants completed a cultural competency inventory questionnaire which included activities identified …

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Fortification Of Marinara Sauce, Hannah Collie

Undergraduate Honors Theses

In westernized culture, there is a deficit of healthy fats in the average person’s diet. Decreased intake of omega-3 fatty acids has been correlated to many different conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic inflammatory issues. The “Mediterranean Diet” has been proposed as an ideal way to combat these issues. This diet promotes fish as a protein source and as a way to increase intake of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. Due to location and dietary trends, fish is less often the main component of Northeast Tennessee's diet. This study investigated ways to fortify a more commonly consumed food in …

How Nutrition Knowledge Of Coaches, Athletic Trainers, And Strength And Conditioning Specialists Translates To Their Athletes, Alexa Carbone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The basis of dietary habits is linked to an individuals’ nutrition knowledge; for collegiate athletes this is the difference between optimal performance and falling short. To understand how nutrition information is disseminated to student-athletes, this research surveyed the athletes themselves and their sports staff (coaches, athletic trainers, and strength and conditioning specialists) on their current knowledge. Sport staff and student-athletes at East Tennessee State University were given the opportunity to participate in a 52-question online survey that tested both their general and sports-related nutrition knowledge. While the study sample size did not allow for statistical analyses required to address all …

Sarcopenia Screening By Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (Rdns) In The United States (U.S.), Madison Marcom

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Sarcopenia is a disease of muscle wasting primarily seen in older adults. Although this term was first coined over three decades ago, there is a lack of consensus on a definition, screening criteria, and treatment protocol for sarcopenia. The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) in the United States (U.S.) screen for sarcopenia. Study participants were recruited through a randomized email list and included RDNs throughout the U.S. Respondents completed a survey questioning knowledge of sarcopenia, screening tools and company protocols in place, and the need and desire for sarcopenia education. Data revealed …

Relationship Satisfaction & Diet: Exploring The Mechanisms Through Which Intimate Relationships Influence Physical Health, Lindsey Robinson, Dylan Hillock, Dr. Josh Novak

Southeastern Council on Family Relations Conference [2018-2020]

Understanding how intimate relationships influence physical health has been an important topic of focus; however, research remains unclear on the mechanisms through which this influence occurs. The purpose of this study was to examine how relationship satisfaction relates to diet quality, through mental health (depression and anxiety) and diet self-efficacy. Using a dyadic mediation model with a sample of 234 heterosexual couples, researchers found that women's higher relationship satisfaction was associated with better diet through lower depression and higher diet self-efficacy. Results revealed the same association between women's relationship satisfaction and diet through lower anxiety. Interestingly, rather than mediation through …

Effect Of Prebiotic, Probiotic, And Enzyme Supplementation On Gut Fermentation, Markers Of Inflammation And Immune Response In Individuals With Gi Symptoms, Kaitlyn Webb

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Current practices support the use of probiotic and prebiotic supplementation to improve chronic gastrointestinal distress (GID). The aim of this study was to determine the tolerance and benefits of GlutenShield (GS), a prebiotic, probiotic, and enzyme supplement, on adults with GID. Subjects (n=20) took either GS or the placebo for 30 days and completed a pre-treatment FFQ as well as a pre- and post-treatment GID questionnaire, blood draw, and stool sample. Participants consumed more total and saturated fat, and less fiber and whole grains compared to the recommended intake. A significant reduction in IgG2 was observed in the GS group …

Interdisciplinary Knowledge Of Etsu Dental Hygiene And Nutrition Students, Jade Merritt

Undergraduate Honors Theses

There is a significant relationship between nutrition, systemic disease, and oral health. The integration of both nutrition and oral health information into educational programs for dental hygiene and nutrition students is vital for each profession. The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge levels of dental hygiene and nutrition students in regards to content material pertaining to each discipline. This study attempted to provide baseline data for those teaching in ETSU’s Dental Hygiene and Nutrition programs to determine if modifications in the curricula are needed to better prepare future students. Results indicated that there was not a significant …

Associations Between Family And Parental Factors And Childhood Obesity, Kido Uyamasi, Shimin Zheng, Sheryl M. Strasser

Appalachian Student Research Forum

Background: Obesity is a complex health issue, which results from the interaction between many determinants: genetics, physical environments, society, economy, and culture. Data indicate that about 19% of American children (2 to 19 years) have obesity, a condition that considerably affects physical and mental health and that usually continues into adulthood. Aside from its direct physical and mental effects, there is strong evidence that childhood obesity is strongly associated with early onset and adult cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Family and parental factors, which have both genetics and environmental components, have long been implicated in previous research as major forces in …

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 Effects Of A Supermarket Tour On Improvement Of Nutrition Knowledge And Eating Behavior, Elizabeth Hall

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if participation in a supermarket tour improves nutrition knowledge and eating behavior in adult participants. Participants were recruited in communities surrounding Food City stores, a local supermarket. Prior to completing a standardized tour, participants completed a survey to assess nutrition knowledge and eating behavior. This survey was given to participants again three months later. A program evaluation was given one time at the end of the tour. Data analysis revealed no significant findings, other than the behavior-based question: “How many meals or snacks on most days included vegetables”. Vegetable consumption appeared to …

Assessment Of Midwifery And Nursing Students’ Nutrition Competence In Ethiopia: A Cross Sectional Study, Endris Mekonnen Yimer, Firew Ayalew Desta, Kefyalew Muleta Akassa, Tadele Bogale Yitaferu, Mesfin Goji Abebe, Mebit Kebede Tariku, Hannah Gibson

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

Background: Malnutrition is a major public health problem in Ethiopia contributing to half of infant and child mortality. The 2014 mini Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey revealed that four out of ten children under five are stunted, nearly one out of ten are wasted, and a quarter are underweight. One of the factors that contributed to the high stunting rate is the shortage of capable providers who are competent to provide nutrition services. The purpose of this study was to assess graduating midwifery and nursing students’ nutrition competence and explore the factors that influence their competence.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey …

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 …

Awareness, Perception, And Self-Reported Purchasing Behaviors Of College Students Regarding Front-Of-Package Nutrition Labeling Systems And Symbols, Audrey L. Kessler

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Traditional students enroll in post-secondary institutions during emerging adulthood. College enrollment is increasing and adult weight gain occurs most rapidly during the college-age years, with poor food decisions as a potential contributing factor. The present study examined the awareness, perception, and self-reported purchasing behaviors of college students regarding four front-of-package (FOP) nutrition labeling systems and symbols. Students were sent a 24-question web-based survey, with 908 completed surveys that met the research criteria. There were 888 (98.3%) respondents who recognized at least one of the four presented FOP nutrition labels. There were no significant differences between the groups that recognized one …

The Combined Effects Of Leptin And Coenzyme Q10 In Ameliorating Obesity- Induced Infertility In Female Rats, Adekunle Adedeji

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Infertility is one of the major problems of obesity. Studies have shown that administration of leptin reversed obesity-induced infertility in rats and mice. Coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ₁₀) is an antioxidant and also supplies the energy needed for ovulation and embryo development. We hypothesized that leptin when combined with CoQ₁₀ could greatly improve obesity-induced infertility. The results showed a significant decrease in food intake, body weight, and the regular estrous cycle was restored after treatment with leptin+CoQ₁₀. There was a significant increase (p10 significantly (p10 can improve fertility in obese infertile female rats. This study could …

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 …

A Coordinated School Health Approach To Obesity Prevention Among Appalachian Youth: Middle School Student Outcomes From The Winning With Wellness Project, William T. Dalton Iii, Karen Schetzina, Elizabeth Conway-Williams

International Journal of Health Sciences Education

The Winning With Wellness (WWW) project was a school-based obesity prevention program that was developed to promote healthy eating and physical activity in youth residing in rural Appalachia. The project was based on the Coordinated School Health model (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2013a) and used a community-based participatory research approach with an emphasis on feasibility and sustainability. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported health outcomes for middle school students across the course of the intervention. Sixth grade middle school students (N = 149; 52% girls) from four schools in Northeast Tennessee completed a …

Dietary Counseling Practices And Perceived Barriers Among Utah Dental Hygienists, Natalie F. Carlson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet related factors are associated with the 2 most prevalent oral diseases- caries and periodontal disease. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of a synergistic link between nutrition, systemic health, and oral health. Regardless of this evidence and in spite of recommendations by dental associations, researchers have shown the majority of dental professionals are consistently excluding nutritional screenings and dietary counseling in their dental services. The purpose of this study was to examine the nutritional screening and dietary counseling practices of Utah dental hygienists and to evaluate possible associations between various factors influencing the implementation of nutritional services. Surveys were collected …

Assessment Of Red Blood Cell Membrane Fatty Acid Composition In Relation To Dietary Intake In Patients Undergoing Cardiac Catheterization, Nicole S. Litwin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Red blood cells (RBC) have been shown to mediate plaque development seen in coronary artery disease (CAD). This study determined whether differences in RBC fatty acid (FA) composition were related to CAD risk. FAs were extracted from RBCs of 38 individuals who have undergone cardiac catheterization, 9 of whom had obstructive CAD, and analyzed via gas chromatography. Ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay was used to determine oxidative stress. Food frequency questionnaires were used to correlate RBC omega-3 FA to daily intake of omega-3 FA. No correlation was found between RBC content and intake of omega-3 FA. FRAP values …

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 …