The purpose of this study was to determine food safety knowledge and practices of older adult participants in the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP) in Virginia. One hundred and sixty-five FSNEP participants were assigned to two possible intervention groups, group one received the food safety lesson from the Healthy Futures Series currently used in FSNEP, while group two received the food safety lesson plus an additional food safety video. FSNEP participants completed food safety knowledge and practices questionnaires at baseline and at the end of FSNEP program. Observations of some FSNEP participants were also made. Results of this study indicate the FSNEP program was effective in making positive changes in participants' food safety knowledge and practices. However, FSNEP participants have inadequate food safety practices in the areas of proper storage of leftovers and raw ground meat, maintenance of refrigerator temperatures and use of meat thermometers. These areas should be emphasized in future food safety lessons used in FSNEP. In addition, participants who received only the current food safety lesson used in FSNEP had higher gains in food safety knowledge and practices, than participants who received both the current lesson food safety lesson and the instructional food safety video. Also, no strong relationships between demographic variables and FSNEP participants' food safety knowledge and practices were found. / Master of Science

The incidence of type 2 diabetes has greatly increased in the U.S. population over the last decade and continues to increase each year. Over 90% of those with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, for which obesity, diet, and inadequate physical activity remain the strong nongenetic determinants. In Virginia between 1994 and 1996, the estimated number of people with diabetes was 220,000 and another 75,000 were estimated to have the disease, but did not know it (http://www.vahealth.org accessed 7/10/01). A study has been conducted that involves two separate surveys. The Community Diabetes Education Survey (CDES) was an interview questionnaire or mailed questionnaire for assessing community diabetes education resources and was completed by Extension Nutrition and Wellness Specialty Agents and five Area EFNEP/FSNEP coordinators located throughout Virginia. The Diabetes Patient Survey was a client interview questionnaire assessing the attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge of persons with diabetes. This survey was conducted by FSNEP Program Assistants. More than 150 low-income adults who have type 2 diabetes and were enrolled in FSNEP at the time of data collection were interviewed. The results from this study showed hospitals were the main health agency to fill out CDES-II. Most diabetes education done by extension is delivered through a combination of methods like group classes, individual counseling sessions, phone or e-mail, and providing handouts. Almost all of the health agencies offer diabetes diagnosis and treatment for adults. Results from this study showed on gender, age, and race, the study sample was similar to the total FSNEP population, except that the percentage of African Americans was higher among the diabetes patients than among the general FSNEP population. The African American subjects also had diabetes longer (12 years vs. 8 years), although their current mean age was the same as Caucasians. The study did not reveal substantial differences in African Americans and Caucasians regarding recommendations they had received on dietary practices. Forty-nine percent of study's participants were physically active. Most participants exercised two to three times per week, for only 15 to 30 minutes at a time. The purpose of this research was to assess the extent to which diabetes education is available and easily accessible to the low-income adult population in Virginia and to assess FSNEP clients regarding attitudes, behaviors, and knowledge that may affect their management of diabetes. / Master of Science

The feasibility and effectiveness of video instruction as an alternate means of delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers were examined in this study. Demographic and mediating variables that may affect the success of video instruction were also investigated. Consenting EFNEP and SCNEP homemakers (N=105) were randomly assigned to receive either video lessons with follow-up telephone discussions and intermittent home visits (Video Group) or face-to-face home visits/small group sessions (Traditional Group). Assessments of locus of control and cooking reinforcement values (RVs) were conducted at baseline. Dietary and food-behavior changes were assessed using 24-hr recalls and a 14-item behavior checklist questionnaire, respectively. Questionnaires were used to assess the Program Assistants' (PAs) and participants' perceptions of video instruction. Analytic measures included multivariate analyses of variance, analyses of variance, <I>t</I>-tests, chi-squared tests, and frequency calculations. Experiment-wise significance was set at <I>p</I> < 0.05 with correction using the Bonferroni method. Seventy-three participants completed the study. For both groups, significant improvements were seen from pre to post intervention in vitamin C intakes, the number of servings consumed from the Fruit Group, and food behavior checklist scores. The Traditional Group also increased their intakes of vitamin A, vitamin B₆, calcium, and fiber. There was no difference in the change of dietary intakes and behavior checklist scores between the two groups. No effects were found for race, age, residence, locus of control, or cooking RV. Video instruction was well received by most participants and PAs and was substantially less expensive than traditional instruction. Due to the effectiveness and acceptability of video instruction, it should be considered when delivering nutrition education to low-income homemakers. / Master of Science