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FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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Full-Text Articles in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition

Effect Of Using The Snackability Smartphone Application To Improve The Quality Of Snack Intake, General Diet Quality, And Weight Among College Students, Lukkamol Prapkree Jun 2022

Effect Of Using The Snackability Smartphone Application To Improve The Quality Of Snack Intake, General Diet Quality, And Weight Among College Students, Lukkamol Prapkree

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College is a challenging period to make healthy food and snack choices and this could lead to poor diet quality and weight gain in the future. The Snackability application (app) was developed using the Social Cognitive Theory for behavior change to help students choose healthy snacks based on the USDA guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine whether the app improved snack, diet quality, and body weight in overweight and obese college students within a two-arm, 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT). A total of 139 participants completed all baseline measures and were randomized into the control or app …


The Effect Of Emotional State, Interoception, Intuitive Eating, And Self-Regulation On The Energy Intake Of College Students, Padideh Haddadian Lovan Nov 2020

The Effect Of Emotional State, Interoception, Intuitive Eating, And Self-Regulation On The Energy Intake Of College Students, Padideh Haddadian Lovan

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College students are known to be susceptible to weight gain. Transitioning to college brings new stresses and challenges which may lead to unhealthy eating behaviors and weight gain. There are multiple factors which have been attributed to exacerbating determinants for college weight gain including eating in the absence of hunger, lack of self-regulation, and emotional eating. As researchers have become more aware of the disadvantages of dieting and restricted eating, cognitive related behaviors, as a way to control weight, have gained more attention recently.

The aim of this study is to examine the association between internal bodily signals of hunger …


Gut Integrity, Microbial Translocation, Immune Activation, Inflammation And Vitamin D In Drug Users Living With Hiv, Jacqueline S. Hernandez Mar 2020

Gut Integrity, Microbial Translocation, Immune Activation, Inflammation And Vitamin D In Drug Users Living With Hiv, Jacqueline S. Hernandez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine associations between MT, immune activation, inflammation, gut integrity and vitamin D status in the context of cocaine use among People Living with HIV (PLWH). One hundred cocaine and non-cocaine users living with HIV were selected from the Miami Adult Studies in HIV cohort. Blood samples were collected to assess MT (LPS), immune activation (sCD163 and sCD27), inflammation (IL-6, TNF-a, hs-CRP, IL-17 and IL-22), gut integrity damage (I-FABP) and vitamin D status. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometrics, diet and disease progression were collected. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, multiple linear and logistic regressions were …


Effectiveness Of A 6-Month Nutrition Intervention Targeting Prediabetes In People Living With Hiv (Plwh) And Prediabetes, Alicia Sneij Nov 2019

Effectiveness Of A 6-Month Nutrition Intervention Targeting Prediabetes In People Living With Hiv (Plwh) And Prediabetes, Alicia Sneij

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a 6-month randomized, controlled nutrition intervention targeting prediabetes in people living with HIV (PLWH) and have prediabetes. Participants (n=38) were randomized into the intervention group (n=20) or the control group (n=18). Participants randomized into the intervention group met once a month for approximately 1 hour to receive medical nutrition therapy, nutrition counseling and nutrition education; participants randomized into the control group received educational material at baseline. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) for the 6-month follow-up for the intervention group was significantly reduced compared to baseline (p=0.03). No significant difference was …


The Impact Of Socioeconomic Factors On Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees In Florida, Racha Sankar Nov 2019

The Impact Of Socioeconomic Factors On Food Insecurity Among Syrian Refugees In Florida, Racha Sankar

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Syrian refugees settled in the United States may experience food insecurity due to different socioeconomic factors that may include nutrition knowledge, language proficiency, women’s education, and perceived stress. The structure and the type of households may also contribute to food insecurity in this population.

The objective of this study was to measure food security among Syrian refugees residing in Florida. It also aimed to determine the socioeconomic factors that may attribute to food insecurity at household level.

A comprehensive 228-item questionnaire was administered to N=80 households (n=43 in rural areas, n=37 in urban areas). Families with and without children were …


A Nutrition Education Intervention With Maternal Support Among Children Participating In Summer Camps To Prevent Overweight And Obesity In Kuwait, Mashael Huwaikem Oct 2019

A Nutrition Education Intervention With Maternal Support Among Children Participating In Summer Camps To Prevent Overweight And Obesity In Kuwait, Mashael Huwaikem

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Kuwait has the highest prevalence of obesity within Arab countries at 37.8%. The prevalence of childhood obesity, believed to be a reliable measure of future obesity, is increasing in there year after year. However, the potential effect of any type of preventive measures has not been adequately studied. Therefore, this dissertation aimed to increase awareness of long-term risks of childhood obesity among children and their mothers. Additionally, to assess the impact of the Healthy Habits (HH) program on changing eating behaviors among 6 to10 year-old children participating in summer camps.

Seventy-nine children participated in two summer camps for 8 weeks …


A Mobile-Based Intervention For Obesity Prevention Among Female College Students In Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Abeer Hussain Alssafi Nov 2018

A Mobile-Based Intervention For Obesity Prevention Among Female College Students In Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Abeer Hussain Alssafi

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

College students transitioning from adolescence into early adulthood may encounter new stresses, which may lead to unhealthy weight-related behaviors and weight gain. Students gain approximately 4-9 pounds during their first 2 years in college. Health behaviors in this population pose an increased risk because they tend to persist into adulthood. In Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, student obesity is on the rise. About 24% of female college students were overweight or obese in Saudi Arabia in 2015. This dissertation describes the development of a mobile intervention program using Instagram and a self-tracking app to minimize the risk of overweight/obesity …


Impact Of A Nutrition And Yoga Intervention In Breast Cancer Suvivors' Quality Of Life, Tammy C. Fogarty Jun 2018

Impact Of A Nutrition And Yoga Intervention In Breast Cancer Suvivors' Quality Of Life, Tammy C. Fogarty

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the present study was to determine if a nutrition and yoga intervention will improve quality of life (QoL) in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Using the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping as a guide to lead the intervention, the intervention assessed potential barriers, self-efficacy, diet quality, and physical activity as it relates to quality of life. Twenty-seven women were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to the control or intervention group. The intervention consisted of 6-weeks of yoga classes and 6-weeks of online nutrition education. The control group received a nutrition consultation and nutrition guidelines from …


Eating Frequency And The Role Of Snacking On Body Weight Of Wic Preschool Children, Andrea Charvet Jun 2018

Eating Frequency And The Role Of Snacking On Body Weight Of Wic Preschool Children, Andrea Charvet

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to understand the influence of eating episodes and snack quality on body weight of children ages 3-4.9 years participating in the Broward County Special Supplementation Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).Additional objectives were to evaluate obesity risk factors and to examine the effect of childcare arrangements on body weight. Data was collected from 7 Broward County Health Department WIC clinics over 4 months via a researcher-administered questionnaire. Additional data was extracted from the WIC data system. BMI-for-age percentiles were used to categorize children by weight according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) …


The Effect Of Vitamin D3 Supplementation On Kidney Function And Cardiovascular Disease Markers Among Hispanics And African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes, Gustavo G. Zarini Jun 2017

The Effect Of Vitamin D3 Supplementation On Kidney Function And Cardiovascular Disease Markers Among Hispanics And African Americans With Type 2 Diabetes, Gustavo G. Zarini

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Serum vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and elevated blood pressure are important health concerns especially among minorities with type 2 diabetes. The effect of vitamin D3 supplementation (cholecalciferol) at 6,000 IU/day (d) vs. 4,000 IU/d on kidney function and cardiovascular disease markers among Hispanics and African Americans with type 2 diabetes and hypovitaminosis D (/ml) was evaluated. Subjects (n=63) were recruited from two clinics in Miami-Dade County, FL. Fasting venous blood and fresh, single-voided first morning urine samples were collected from each participant by a certified phlebotomist and analyzed by Solstas Lab Partners, Davie, FL. Linear mixed …


Carotenoids And Fatty Acids In Early Lactation: A Study Of A Peruvian Population, Vanesa Mendez Nov 2016

Carotenoids And Fatty Acids In Early Lactation: A Study Of A Peruvian Population, Vanesa Mendez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lipid soluble carotenoids are micronutrients present in human milk that serve as precursors of vitamin A and also play an important role protecting cells from damage arising from photooxidative processes and reactive oxygen species. Fatty acids comprise about 3-5% of human milk and are mainly present as triglycerides. They are a major energy source for the infant and are necessary to support cell growth required for normal development and maturation of critical organs. Transport of carotenoids into milk has been little studied and there has been no previous investigation of the relationship of carotenoid transport with that of individual fatty …


The Effect Of Project Proheart- Promoting Healthy Eating And Activity Using Robot-Assisted Training- On Healthy Eating Habits And Physical Activity In School-Aged Children, Nadine Mikati May 2016

The Effect Of Project Proheart- Promoting Healthy Eating And Activity Using Robot-Assisted Training- On Healthy Eating Habits And Physical Activity In School-Aged Children, Nadine Mikati

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 6 week afterschool nutrition and physical activity intervention administered by a registered dietitian with the help of a humanoid robot targeting elementary school aged children aged 6-12 years. The study was conducted across four Young Men’s Christian’s Association (YMCA) sites in Miami-Dade County, Florida (N= 114, Mean age: 8.16 ±1.57 years) using a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design via randomly assigned intervention (two sites; n=63) and comparison groups (two sites; n=51). The validated Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) kids club questionnaire and the validated Previous Day Physical Activity Recall …


Lifestyle And Biological Risk Factors For Liver Fibrosis In The Miami Adult Studies On Hiv (Mash) Cohort: An Hiv Infected And Hiv/Hcv Co-Infected Population, Tiffanie S. Stewart Apr 2016

Lifestyle And Biological Risk Factors For Liver Fibrosis In The Miami Adult Studies On Hiv (Mash) Cohort: An Hiv Infected And Hiv/Hcv Co-Infected Population, Tiffanie S. Stewart

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Liver disease is now a leading cause of non-AIDS related morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH). The present study investigated the interplay between adverse lifestyle factors that are prevalent in PLWH, biological mediators of liver pathogenesis, and a non-invasive measure of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 index) in HIV mono- and HIV/HCV co-infected individuals.

The results of this investigation in the Miami Adult Studies of HIV (MASH) cohort show that the odds of liver fibrosis progression significantly increased over two years for HIV mono-infected participants who drank alcohol hazardously (OR 3.038, P=0.048), and had BMI ≥ 28kg/m2 …


The Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Minorities With Type 2 Diabetes, Joel Exebio Nov 2015

The Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Minorities With Type 2 Diabetes, Joel Exebio

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation (4000 IU or 6000 IU of cholecalciferol daily for 6 months) on fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile in a sample of African-Americans and Hispanics with T2D and vitamin D insufficiency. Seventy five participants were recruited by community outreach. Plasma glucose concentration was measured by hexokinase enzymatic method. Glycated hemoglobin was measured by the DCA2000+ system. Insulin in fasting blood was determined by radioimmunoassay. Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were assayed by enzymatic methods. Serum vitamin …


Correlates Of Vitamin D Status In Healthy Older Adults Living In Miami-Dade And Its Association With Non-Skeletal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study, Johanna Lopez Nov 2015

Correlates Of Vitamin D Status In Healthy Older Adults Living In Miami-Dade And Its Association With Non-Skeletal Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study, Johanna Lopez

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Examining factors that affect vitamin D status in the fast-growing elderly population of Miami-Dade, Florida, is needed. Vitamin D deficiency in older adults has been linked to correlates of disability, including falls and fractures, and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of vitamin D insufficient individuals and their relationship with vitamin D insufficiency in older adults (n=97) living in Miami-Dade. We evaluated the association between vitamin D status and 1) dual task physical performance to understand the link between vitamin D and cognition in the context of mobility; and 2) cardiometabolic risk, measured by …


Barriers To Nutrition Counseling With A Registered Dietitian (Rd) And Its Association With Dietary Intake, Nutrition Status, Disease Outcomes And Substance Abuse In People Living With Hiv (Plwh)., Christina D. Fleetwood Jun 2015

Barriers To Nutrition Counseling With A Registered Dietitian (Rd) And Its Association With Dietary Intake, Nutrition Status, Disease Outcomes And Substance Abuse In People Living With Hiv (Plwh)., Christina D. Fleetwood

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between nutrition and HIV is multifactorial. Nutrition counseling provided by a Registered Dietitian (RD) has the potential for improving disease risk outcomes for PLWH. To determine barriers to access nutritional counseling with an RD in PLWH, and evaluate the relationship of this counseling on dietary intake, nutritional status, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and HIV-disease outcomes.

This is a cross-sectional study of a consecutive convenience sample of 130 PLWH on stable ART from the MASH cohort. After consenting, participants completed a survey on types and frequency of nutritional services received in the last 12 months, and on barriers to access …


Defining Fluid Restriction In The Management Of Infants Following Cardiac Surgery And Understanding The Subsequent Impact On Nutrient Delivery And Growth Outcomes, Melissa Li Mar 2015

Defining Fluid Restriction In The Management Of Infants Following Cardiac Surgery And Understanding The Subsequent Impact On Nutrient Delivery And Growth Outcomes, Melissa Li

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Adequacy of nutritional intake during the postoperative period, as measured by a change in weight-for-age z-scores from surgery to the time of discharge, was evaluated in infants (n = 58) diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and admitted for surgical intervention at Miami Children’s Hospital using a prospective observational study design. Parental consent was obtained for all infants who participated in the study.

Forty patients had a weight available at hospital discharge. The mean preoperative weight-for-age z-score was -1.3 ±1.43 and the mean weight-for-age z-score at hospital discharge was -1.89 ±1.35 with a mean difference of 0.58 ±0.5 (P

Nutritional …


Factors Of Inflammation In Haitian Americans And African Americans With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Janet Antwi Nov 2014

Factors Of Inflammation In Haitian Americans And African Americans With And Without Type 2 Diabetes, Janet Antwi

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been implicated in the processes leading to the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its progression. Non-Hispanic Blacks bear a disproportionate burden of T2D and are highly susceptible to inflammation. This cross-sectional study assessed and compared the serum levels of established adipocytokines; interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin, and novel adipocytokines; chemerin and omentin in Haitian and African Americans with and without T2D. The relationships of these adipocytokines with metabolic syndrome (MetS), anthropometric and HOMA2 measures by ethnicity and diabetes status were also assessed. Serum levels of IL-6, CRP, leptin, chemerin and omentin were determined …


Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Γ Coactivator 1-Α (Ppargc1a) Genetic Associations With Type 2 Diabetes In Three Ethnicities, Amanpreet K. Cheema Oct 2014

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Γ Coactivator 1-Α (Ppargc1a) Genetic Associations With Type 2 Diabetes In Three Ethnicities, Amanpreet K. Cheema

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Genetic heterogeneity, lifestyle factors, gene-gene or gene-environment interactions are the determinants of T2D which puts Hispanics and populations with African ancestry at higher risk of developing T2D. In this dissertation, the genetic associations of PPARGC1A polymorphisms with T2D and its related phenotypes (metabolic markers) in Haitian Americans (cases=110, controls=116), African Americans (cases=120, controls=124) and Cuban Americans (cases=160, controls=181) of South Florida were explored. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms of gene PPARGC1A were evaluated in each ethnicity for their disease association. In Haitian Americans, rs7656250 (OR= 0.22, pp=0.03) had significant protective association with T2D but had risk association in African Americans …


The Relationship Among Serum Levels Of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase And Mtdna 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine, And Dietary Antioxidants Intake In Type 2 Diabetes, Michael Andrew Mclean Oct 2014

The Relationship Among Serum Levels Of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase And Mtdna 8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosine, And Dietary Antioxidants Intake In Type 2 Diabetes, Michael Andrew Mclean

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the development of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). This cross-sectional study examined the relationship among serum levels of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG), dietary antioxidant intakes and glycemic control in African Americans (n=209) and Haitian Americans (n=234) with and without T2D.

African Americans had higher BMI (32.8 vs. 29.3 kg/m2), higher energy intake (2148 vs. 1770 kcal), and were more educated as compared to Haitian Americans; all variables were significant at p < .001. Serum levels of 8OHdG and MnSOD for African Americans (1691.0 ± 225.1 pg/ml, 2538.0 ± 1091.8 pg/ml; respectively) were significantly higher than for Haitian Americans (1626.2 ± 222.9, 2015.8 ± 656.3 pg/ml; respectively). 8OHdG was negatively correlated with MnSOD (r = -.167, p < .001) in T2D. Having T2D was negatively correlated with MnSOD (r = -.337; p < .01) and positively correlated with 8OHdG (r = .500; p < .01). African Americans and Haitian Americans with T2D had fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels of 143.0 ± 61.0 mg/dl and 157.6 ± 65.5 mg/dl, and A1C of 7.5 ± 1.8 % and 8.4 ± 2.4 %, respectively. African Americans and Haitian Americans without T2D had FPG levels of 95.8 ± 13.2 mg/dl and 98.7 ± 16.9 mg/dl, and A1C of 5.9 ± 0.4% and 6.0 ± 0.5%, respectively. Dietary intakes of vitamin C and vitamin D were negatively correlated with FPG (r = -.21; r = -.19, p …


Knowledge, Behaviors, And Beliefs Of Nannies Regarding Nutrition For Children In Their Care, Melody Garza Nov 2010

Knowledge, Behaviors, And Beliefs Of Nannies Regarding Nutrition For Children In Their Care, Melody Garza

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nannies impact the development of children; however, research is nonexistent regarding their influence on children’s eating habits. The purpose of this study was to examine nannies’ nutrition knowledge, feeding behaviors, and beliefs about children and eating. In a descriptive, cross-sectional study, 83 nannies responded to an electronic survey. Respondents were White (94%, n=78), females (100%, n=83) and full-time employees (73.2%, n=60) of one family (82.1%, n=64). Nannies’ mean raw score was 24 out of 32 points resulting In 75% correct in nutrition knowledge. No significant correlations were found between scores and age (p=.51), education (/?=.73), or employment years (/?=.47). Responses …


A Comparison Of Job Responsibility And Activities Between Registered Dietitians With A Bachelor's Degree And Those With A Master's Degree, Stephanie M. Pillow Nov 2010

A Comparison Of Job Responsibility And Activities Between Registered Dietitians With A Bachelor's Degree And Those With A Master's Degree, Stephanie M. Pillow

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Minimal educational requirements for Registered Dietitians (RDs) include a bachelor’s degree and practice program. Recently, a master’s degree was recommended. Studies have not established whether education affects employment. A secondary analysis of 2005 Dietetics Practice Audit data determined whether job responsibility, individuals supervised, and activities differed between 1,626 bachelor’s RDs (B-RDs) and 767 master’s (M-RDs) RDs, registered ≤5 years. Chi-square and ANOVA analyzed differences between B-RDs and M-RDs, at entry-level (0-3 years experience) and beyond-entry-level (3+-5 years experience). Beyond-entry-level B-RDs (31.8%) and entry-level M-RDs (31.9%) reported “supervisor/executive” responsibility more than entry-level B-RDs (26.5%; p=0.01). A higher percentage of M-RDs supervised …


Impact Of A Comprehensive Nutrition And Lifestyle Education Intervention On Body Weight And Health-Related Outcomes In Morbidly-Obese Hispanic-Americans Following Laparoscopic Roux-En Y Gastric Bypass, Monica Petasne Nijamkin Oct 2010

Impact Of A Comprehensive Nutrition And Lifestyle Education Intervention On Body Weight And Health-Related Outcomes In Morbidly-Obese Hispanic-Americans Following Laparoscopic Roux-En Y Gastric Bypass, Monica Petasne Nijamkin

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As morbid obesity increasingly affects Hispanic-Americans, the incidence of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures (RYGB) among this population rises. Prospective research on the impact of postoperative educational interventions focused on Hispanic-Americans is needed to prevent premature weight loss plateau, weight regain, nutritional deficiencies, and relapse of obesity-related comorbidities. This randomized-controlled study evaluated the impact of a comprehensive nutrition and lifestyle education intervention (6 biweekly postoperative sessions that incorporated motivational strategies for behavioral change) as compared to a non-comprehensive approach (printed guidelines for healthy lifestyle). The variables to consider are body weight, obesity-related comorbidities (depression, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and others), nutrient status, physical …


Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Patients On Hemodilaysis: A Single Center Study From Jeddah, Saudi Arabia., Khadija A. Alharbi Mar 2010

Assessment Of Nutritional Status Of Patients On Hemodilaysis: A Single Center Study From Jeddah, Saudi Arabia., Khadija A. Alharbi

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Malnutrition (MN) is prevalent worldwide in hemodialysis patients (HDP); however it has not been assessed in HDP living in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of MN in HDP at the Jeddah Kidney Center as well as to determine if the 7-point subjective global assessment (SGA) correlates with anthropometric [Body Mass Index (BMI), Tricep Skinfold Thickness (TSF), Mid-Arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC)], or biochemical (albumin) measurements. In a cross sectional, descriptive study, 270 HDP were assessed for MN. Over half of the HDP were malnourished, with 47.8% moderately and 6.3% severely malnourished. Fifty-eight percent …


Risk Factors Of Type 2 Diabetes And Cardiovascular Diseases Among Jamaican Adolescents, Sheila C. Barrett Jul 2009

Risk Factors Of Type 2 Diabetes And Cardiovascular Diseases Among Jamaican Adolescents, Sheila C. Barrett

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine Jamaican adolescents in a school setting, for risk factors of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Methods: A descriptive epidemiological cross-sectional study of 276 Jamaican adolescents (112 males and 164 females) ages 14-19 years (15.6±1.2), randomly selected from grades 9-12 from ten high schools on the island. Thirteen risk factors were examined. Risk factors were compared with BMI levels and demographics. A sub-study validated finger prick testing of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and HbAlc versus venous testing in 59 subjects.

Results: Prevalence of overweight was 33.0% (n=91) …


A Computer Based Approach To Improve The Dietary And Physical Activity Patterns Of A Diverse Group Of Adolescents, Krista Casazza Mar 2006

A Computer Based Approach To Improve The Dietary And Physical Activity Patterns Of A Diverse Group Of Adolescents, Krista Casazza

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diet and physical activity patterns have been implicated as major factors in the increasing prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity. It is estimated that between 16 and 33 percent of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight (CDC, 2000). Moreover, the CDC estimates that less than 50% of adolescents are physically active on a regular basis (CDC, 2003). Interventions must be focused to modify these behaviors. Facilitating the understanding of proper nutrition and need for physical activity among adolescents is the first step in preventing overweight and obesity and delaying the development of chronic diseases later in life …


Perceived Energy Expenditure For Physical Activity In Male And Female Adults, Su-Nui Escobar Jul 2005

Perceived Energy Expenditure For Physical Activity In Male And Female Adults, Su-Nui Escobar

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to gain further insight into the relationship between perceived energy expenditure (EE) for physical activity (PA) and age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), education, and leisure time PA (LTPA) levels. A 19-item interviewer administered questionnaire was completed by 798 individuals to assess accuracy of perception of EE (in calories) for various types of PA (sedentary, moderate and vigorous). Participants, age 21 to 64 years, were recruited from ten sites of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Miami, Florida. Only 30% were able to accurately assess EE for PA. Higher education and age were associated …


Comparison Of Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors In Foreign-Born And United States-Born Afro Caribbean Americans And African Americans In South Florida, Errol Earl Davis Nov 2004

Comparison Of Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors In Foreign-Born And United States-Born Afro Caribbean Americans And African Americans In South Florida, Errol Earl Davis

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In a cross-sectional study design, risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) were evaluated in three groups: 66 Afro Caribbeans (FBCA) living in the US for less than 10 years, 62 US-born Afro Caribbean (USBCA) and 61 African American (AA) adults (18-40 years), with equal numbers of males and females in each group. Socio-demographic, dietary, anthropometric and blood pressure data were collected. Fasting blood glucose, blood lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were determined.

The USBCA and AA participants compared to the FBCA participants consumed significantly (p< 0.05) more mean total fat (g) (66.3 ± 41.7 and 73.0± 47.8 vs. 52.8± 32.3), saturated fat (g) (23.1± 14.9 and 24.9± 15.8 vs. 18.6 11.5), percent energy from fat (%) (33.1 ± 6.5 and 31.4 ± 6.4 vs. 29.3 ± 6.8), fat servings (1.8 ± 1.2 and 1.5 ± 1.0 vs. 1.2 ± 0.9), dietary cholesterol (mg) (220.4 ± 161.9 and 244.1 ± 155.0 vs. 168.8 ± 114.0) and sodium (mg) (2245.2 ± 1238.3 and 2402.6 ± 1359.3 vs.1838.0 ± 983.4) and less than 2 servings of fruits per day (%) (86.9 and 94.9 vs. 78.5). These differences were more pronounced in males compared to females and remained after correcting for age. Also, the percentages of USBCA and AA participants who were obese (17.1% and 23.0%, respectively) were significantly (p< 0.05) higher compared to FBCA (7.6%) participants. More USBCA and AA than FBCA individuals smoked cigarettes (4.8% and 6.6% vs. 0.0%) and consumed alcoholic beverages (29.0% and 50.8% vs. 24.2%). The mean hs- CRP level of the AA participants (2.2 ± 2.7 mg/L) was significantly (p< 0.01) higher compared to the FBCA (1.1 1.3 mg/L) and USBCA (1.3 ± 1.6 mg/L) participants.

The FBCA participants had a better CHD risk profile than the USBCA and …


Rainbow Diet : A New Nutrition Education Tool, Maribel Cedillo Jun 2004

Rainbow Diet : A New Nutrition Education Tool, Maribel Cedillo

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a developmentally appropriate new nutrition education tool, the Rainbow Diet for Children (RDFC), to encourage and aid parents in feeding their children according to current national recommendations. In phase I of the study, the RDFC was developed. Foods were grouped based on color. This grouping provided 11 food groups and foods that provide adequate nutrition for children ages 3-6 years. Using a focus group theoretical diets/foods selections in the RDFC were tested for nutrition adequacy.

Phase II of the study consisted of actual testing of the RDFC with children. Nutrition intervention was …


Hospital Discharge Planning In The Provision Of Food And Nutrition Services For Older Adults Post Discharge, Etty B. Baker Jul 2003

Hospital Discharge Planning In The Provision Of Food And Nutrition Services For Older Adults Post Discharge, Etty B. Baker

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This descriptive study examined whether discharge planning ensures that food and nutrition services are provided to older adults following hospital discharge. The questionnaire was distributed to discharge planning professionals in 11 South Florida hospitals. Of the 84 respondents (88% response rate), most were female nurse case managers. Almost all reported job barriers including excessive patient loads, too many responsibilities, and limited community services. While physicians, registered nurses, social workers, physical therapists, were deemed "very important" in discharge planning,
registered dietitians were not, and almost half consulted them infrequently, if at all. Over 84% said nutrition-related medical conditions/factors, "strongly influenced" discharge …