Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Commons^™

Comparing Mindfulness-Enriched Weight Management To Current Standard Practices, Teresa M. Lee

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Mindfulness-based interventions have been shown to be effective for numerous diet-related conditions. Mindfulness skills have been theorized to be helpful in improving eating behaviors, and thereby weight management. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a mindfulness-enriched weight management program to a standard weight loss program over the course of a 12-week intervention, and weight maintenance over six months. This was a two-group randomized experimental design. One group received a standard weight loss program, while the other group received the same program with an additional mindfulness component. Follow up assessments were conducted twice at three-month intervals. …

Social Marketing Campaign At Farmers' Markets To Encourage Fruit And Vegetable Purchases In Rural Counties With A High Obesity Prevalence, Emily M. Dewitt

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Farmers’ markets are one food environment venue with the potential to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among rural residents in the United States. This study used the Plate It Up Kentucky Proud social marketing campaign in six rural communities over two years to determine the association between exposure to the campaign and fruit and vegetable purchasing decisions. The availability of recipe cards at the farmers’ market was associated with influencing the purchase of fruits and vegetables (p<0.001); the recipe sample was associated with buying the ingredients for the recipe (p<0.001); taking the PIUKP food sample was associated with a willingness to prepare the food item at home (p<0.001). Utilizing social marketing strategies at farmers’ markets may be an effective way to improve fruit and vegetable intakes in rural communities.

Changes Of Percent Body Fat, Waist Circumference And Fruit And Vegetable Intake Among Division I Collegiate Female Softball Players After Nutrition Curriculum Paired With Technology, Rachel Thomas

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Previous research has found that the quality and intake of collegiate athletes’ diets does not meet the recommended standards. Little research has been completed in regards to the diets of collegiate female softball players. The purpose of this research study was to determine if an 11-week nutrition curriculum paired with a technology could increase fruit and vegetable consumption while decreasing percent body fat and waist circumference. The sample included 14 female softball players. Paired t-test were preformed to compare fruit and vegetable intake, body fat percentage, and waist circumference pre- and post-intervention. Linear regression models were used to determine correlations …

Finding The Link Between Social Connectivity And Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents In North Carolina And Kentucky, Jordan Elizabeth Mcdonald

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Social networks play a significant role in adolescent decision making, specifically when it comes to dietary outcomes. This study, granted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), assessed the connectivity of these social networks and the impact they have on fruit and vegetable, added sugar and sugar sweetened beverage consumption. Additionally, the relationship between shopping companionship and dietary choices was studied. Positive and negative associations were found among adolescents who shop with parents or friends. It was also found that those adolescents with greater social network cohesion were found to have more negative dietary outcomes. Divulging further into the …

Connecting Self-Efficacy Of Dietary Choices And The Association With Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents In North Carolina And Kentucky, Rachel Gillespie

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Determining the level of belief one has in themselves, or their self-efficacy, can be a key factor to improve certain dietary patterns and choices in the rural youth population. Sugar sweetened food and beverage consumption continues to rise and fruit and vegetable intake remains a struggle in rural areas; addressing both the food environment and adolescents’ self-efficacy could have a lasting impact on changing the nature of a generation of rural student’s food and beverage choices. This study measured self-efficacy levels of (n=425) adolescents in rural Kentucky and North Carolina using the Youth Impact Questionnaire and dietary intake using the …

The Effects Of A 16-Week Introductory Nutrition Course On Dietary Habits And Body Composition Of College Students, Emily Ashton

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

As the rates of obesity continue to increase among adolescents and young adults, adopting healthy dietary and lifestyle habits is necessary in order to prevent obesity-related chronic disease later in life. Although several studies have addressed nutrition education and its effect on weight in college students, few studies have assessed percent fat as it relates to a semester-long nutrition course. As such, the effectiveness of a formal introductory nutrition course on lifestyle habits and percent fat of college students was examined. The current study aimed to address the relationship between percent body fat and nutrition education over the course of …

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 …

Perceived Stress, Caffeine Consumption, And Gpa Of Undergraduate Students At A Large Public University, Emma Simpson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Evidence suggests that college students may increase caffeine consumption to cope with the stress and demands of college. The relationships between perceived stress, caffeine consumption, and GPA were examined in students at a large public university. Students were surveyed to determine perceived stress (Cohen’s Perceived Stress Questionnaire), beliefs about caffeine, caffeine consumption, workload in and outside of the classroom, and GPA. Surveys were administered at the beginning of the semester and again at midterm. Based on Cohen’s 40-point scale, average stress scores increased from 15.95 ± 6.34 at the beginning of the semester to 18.89 ± 6.94 at midterms. Additionally, …

Evaluation Of Diet Composition Of Pediatric Cancer Survivors As A Need For Nutrition Counseling, Sean O'Nan

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Prior research has shown that pediatric cancer survivors face a multitude of longterm effects from treatment of their disease. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed through proper nutrition, however patients of the DanceBlue Kentucky Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Clinic do not see a registered dietitian. This study looked at food and drink consumption of the past 30 days by the patient using the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire to see if they met nutrition recommendations as outlined by the 2015‐2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Results from the study found that off‐treatment pediatric cancer survivors (n=21) failed to meet …

Evaluation Of A Diabetes Self-Management Program For Hispanics In Lexington Kentucky: A Pilot Study, Miguel A. Gamboa Oropeza

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Hispanics are more affected by diabetes than non-Hispanic whites and they tend to experience more severe complications. Research shows that although self-management is poor among ethnic minorities, it is even more so among Hispanics. The “Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes” (TOYD) program has been shown to be successful in helping individuals manage their diabetes. However, no work has been conducted with Hispanic audiences in Kentucky. TOYD program allows individuals to modify lifestyle risks and solve problems related to diabetes management. The program was translated from English to Spanish. Hispanics males and females between ages 19 to 75 years …

Linking The Home And Neighborhood Food Environments Regarding Dietary Intake Among Rural Adolescents, Matthew James Saulnier

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Home availability of both healthful and unhealthful foods may influence consumption among rural adolescent populations. In conjunction, the availability of food in an individual’s local food environment has the potential to significantly impact what is procured for the home and eaten away from the home. The purpose of this study was to determine how in-store food availability and parental purchases influences home availability and, ultimately, dietary intake among adolescents. This study measured perceived home availability, using the University of Minnesota Project EAT Survey, and dietary intake, using the NHANES Dietary Screener Questionnaire, of (n=28) adolescent participants in two Kentucky counties …

Nutritional Assessment Of Preschool Children In An Urban Ecuadorian Community, Elizabeth A. Bronner

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Objectives: The goal of this project was to determine the nutritional needs of preschool age children to help guide intervention development. The research aims were 1) to examine and describe young child (ages one to five) nutritional status as it relates to key nutrients associated with stunting and wasting; 2) to determine what key macro- and micro-nutrient deficiencies (primarily iron and zinc) are associated with wasting and stunting.

Methodology:

Study sample: Sixty-seven families with children ages one to five who participating in routine health care clinic visits during the UK Shoulder to Shoulder Global health brigade visits.

Study …

Fruit And Vegetable Consumption Of Division I Collegiate Football And Volleyball Players Pre- And Post-Deregulation Of Snacks By The Ncaa, Emily Ludwig

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The deregulation of snacks by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) permits institutions to provide enhanced snacks incidental to participation. Athletes may now have the opportunity to improve their diet quality. The purpose of this research was to assess the consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as body composition of Division I collegiate athletes. The sample included 19 American football players and 8 volleyball players. Paired t-tests were performed to compare fruit intake, vegetable intake, and body fat percentage pre- and post-deregulation of snacks. Linear regression models were used to determine correlations between change in fruit intake and change …

Servsafe® Exam: Student's Memory Retention Two Years Later, Laura E. Tincher

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

This study analyzed the memory retention of University of Kentucky Dietetic and Hospitality students as it relates to food safety and sanitation knowledge originally presented on the ServSafe® certification exam. Dietetic and hospitality students take the ServSafe® certification course during the sophomore year of their degree program, but they are responsible for the sanitation and food safety information throughout their entire program of undergraduate study. The final sample consisted of 25 participants, with 84% (n=21) in the Dietetics program and 16% (n=4) in the Hospitality, Management and Tourism program. The mean difference in total score, domain one, domain two, domain …

Food Security Factors Affect Growth In Young Children In An Ecuadorian Indigenous Community, Whitney Jeannine Asher

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Inadequate nutrition in preschool-aged children in an urban indigenous community outside of Santo Domingo, Ecuador has a negative impact on growth and development. Nutritional assessments have shown that children are underweight and that there are some effects of stunting and wasting in the population. This study was conducted to assess the extent of food security in this indigenous community in preparation for addressing two of the Millennium Development Goals for 2015: reducing the under-five child mortality rate by two-thirds and eradicating extreme poverty and hunger. An aim was to validate on-site assessment measures in this indigenous community regarding geographic circumstances, …

Impact Of The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act On Changes In The Phytochemical Content Of School Lunch Menus And Implications Of Science-Based Nutrition Education On Promoting Student Identification Of Foods High In Phytochemicals, Siddhi Lalit Shroff

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Concern that youth do not have enough fruit and vegetable intake lead to two strategies implemented to influence intake in the school environment: the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (HHFKA) and Fighting with Food: Battling Chemical Toxicity with Good Nutrition program (FF), which could influence phytochemical content and knowledge regarding phytochemicals, respectively. Individual food logs (n=468) were assessed upon completion of FF curriculum to determine whether students were able to correctly apply their nutrition knowledge regarding FF. Menus from one district were analyzed pre-HHFKA and post-HHFKA in elementary (n=156), middle (n=171), and high schools (n=171), for change in the frequency of …

Study Abroad Opportunities For Dietetics And Human Nutrition Students: Expectations, Benefits And Barriers, Kailey Marie Cunningham

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

This study analyzed the perceptions of University of Kentucky Dietetic and Human Nutrition students as they relate to the benefits and barriers of study abroad educational opportunities. The final sample consisted of 164 participants, with 18.9% (n=31) in the Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP), 32.3% (n=53) in the Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), 42.7% (n=70) in the Human Nutrition (HN) program and 5.5% (n=9) who identified their program as ‘other’. The primary barriers to participation in study abroad were cost and problems fitting education abroad into the current program of study. The primary benefits were identified as dietary and health …

Examining Reasons For Low Fidelity To Educational Programs In Patients With Gestational Diabetes: A Qualitative Study, Lauren Brinkman Roberson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an increasing problem in the U.S. Many comorbidities are associated with GDM: increased risk for type 2 diabetes, neonatal hypoglycemia and fetal malformation. Healthcare organizations develop GDM educational programs to provide women with knowledge and skills to manage GDM and reduce health risks. While there are significant benefits to attending GDM educational programs, attendance rates are low. Little research has been conducted to determine reasons for low attendance in GDM educational programs. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of women with GDM and to describe factors influencing GDM educational program attendance. …

Factors In Breastfeeding Initiation Among Central Kentucky Wic And Non-Wic Participants, Lila Nicole Farnsworth

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Vital statistics data were statistically analyzed to determine who is breastfeeding in central Kentucky and if factors differ between those in a WIC and non-WIC population. The sample consisted of 479 postpartum women aged 18-44 in central Kentucky. Participants in the study were analyzed as a whole, then divided by their participation in the WIC program (n=304) or non-participation in the WIC program (n=175). Variables recorded in the vital statistics form were analyzed. These variables included age, education level, marital status, and ethnicity of the mother, household income status, and gender, gestational age, and birth weight of the infant. In …

Promoting Healthy, Home-Cooked Meals: Formative Research For A Social Marketing Program Targeting Low-Income Mothers, Jean M. Najor

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

The purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamic of perceived benefits and barriers associated with cooking meals at home. The findings will be used to design a social marketing campaign promoting healthy home-cooked meals. Participants included 64 SNAP-eligible mothers throughout the state of Kentucky aged 21-49 years with young children. Eight focus groups were conducted in four metro and four non-metro counties. A mixed methods approach was used to examine behaviors such as where families purchase foods, the types of foods purchased, family cooking skills and habits, and family time management. Results from this …

The Effect Of A Nutrition Education Program On Nutrition Knowledge, Dietary Intake, Body Composition And Perceived Sport Performance Among High School Athletes, Aaron Kyle Schwartz

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, body composition and perceived sport performance were measured before and after an eight week nutrition intervention. The sample consisted of eleven male high school football athletes aged 14-18 years old. Baseline nutrition knowledge was higher than anticipated but fruit and vegetable intake was low. As a result of the nutrition intervention, vegetable intake improved from 0.94 servings per day to 2.02 servings per day (p=0.02). Of the eleven subjects in the study, eleven conceded to both performing and feeling better as a result of the nutrition intervention. The present study suggests that a nutrition intervention can …

Exploring The Relationship Between Emotional Brain Training, Stress, Depression, Food Addiction, And Weight, Bailey Regina Adams

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Obesity is a complex issue; stress, depression, and food addiction, are several psychological conditions that can accompany an obesity diagnosis. Emotional Brain Training (EBT) was evaluated as a new approach to these conditions. Stress, depression, food addiction, and weight were assessed at baseline, after a seven week active intervention, and after a seven week no contact period. The final sample consisted of 26 obese adults. At seven week assessments, EBT participants experienced significant weight loss (p-value = 0.05) and decreased perceived stress (p-value = 0.035). Food addiction also decreased from 50% to 8.3% (or one participant). At fourteen week assessments, …

Cortisol, Physical Activity, And Weight Loss In A Randomized Clinical Trial, Shawn S. Smith

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Abnormal cortisol levels may be an important factor in the ability of an individual to lose weight and maintain weight loss. This study examined overweight and obese individuals who participated in a weight loss program. Cortisol, physical activity, and weight loss were measured at regular intervals and examined for possible relationships

Exploring New Approaches For Weight Loss Maintenance: Intuitive Eating And Emotional Brain Training, Joy Ann Vaught

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

While traditional behavioral weight loss programs have been successful at producing weight loss, weight maintenance is difficult to achieve. Addressing stress, one major contributing factor in weight gain, may be a potential solution. The purpose of this study was to test a stress-management program (EBT) for changes in weight and blood pressure, and maintenance of those changes. Obese adults (N=33) were randomized to two weight loss groups for a seven-week intervention and a seven-week follow-up period: an intuitive eating group or a stress management group. The intuitive eating group did not have any statistically significant changes in weight or blood …

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

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

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

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

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

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

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

Overall Diet Quality Of Collegiate Athletes, Amanda N. Ireland

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

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

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

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

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

Perception And Usage Of Video Streaming/Electronic Media In Nutrition Education For Kentucky Individuals, Beth Ann Oldiges

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Nutrition Education Professionals (NEP) working for Extension Agents of Kentucky were surveyed to evaluate their use of a variety of tools in nutrition education in three areas: nutrition, food safety, and food preparation. The purpose of this research was to determine the perception and usage of video streaming/electronic media among community nutrition professionals as a means to better educate individuals in Kentucky and furthermore, to determine if demographics of NEP affect their utilization of this technology. The results concluded that regardless of demographics, NEP perceive video streaming/electronic media to be effective in nutrition education. However, age, employment length, and video …

Cross-Cultural Comparison Of Perceptions About School Feeding Programs From Ghanaian And U.S. Adults, Yolanda L. Jackson

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Because of an increase in food insecurity over the past decade, the U.S. and many developing countries are focusing efforts on issues relating to child hunger. School feeding programs have been in existence for roughly 220 years but modifications have been made over the years to improve the quality of food they serve. Little research has been conducted about adult perceptions of school feeding programs and the impact it has on the community in the U.S. as well as developing countries such as Ghana, West Africa. Because of the gap in literature on school feeding programs and adult perceptions about …